Greedy Consumerism

Usually when a blog starts with this kind of title, it's about someone else. Unfortunately, this one is about me.

When is Enough Enough?
I own a rather large collection of knit-related things. The collection includes, yarns, needles, knitting machines, books, patterns, magazines, software, CD's, notions and project bags. And yet, whenever someone recommends a new book, or a blog reader asks me to preview a new product for free, or I find a yarn that I must have, I will never hesitate in adding it to my collection.

For me, it's more about when will the joy of having and using these things run out.

Thaddeus, in one of his tri-weekly visits to the local flea market found this for me and paid a mere $5.



It's an unused ball winder that would typically sell for about $25.

Even though I already own two perfectly good ball winders, I was thrilled that he found this great deal. I figure I could just donate it as a gift to the next Men's Knitting Retreat or some other good cause.

Current Knitting
I have continued on with the front of the pullover vest, and made decent progress for mid-week knitting...especially given how busy I've been with work.



I've finished about 5 inches so far. Depending on how much I get done over the next couple of days will determine whether I can actually finish this garment by the weekend.

Readers' Comments/Questions
Thanks all for the nice words about my sewing experiment. In addition to your comments and recommendations for good sewing tip web sites, I got a few e-mails with supportive advice.

Admiring Friend Kathy writes, "Is there anything (besides the purported flower arranging) that you haven't just picked up and become reasonably good at?"

There are a lot of things I'm not naturally good at. I suck at sports, I can't play music on any instrument known to mankind, and even when I put my mind to learning to fly, it took me a lot longer than many folks that had a natural aptitude for it. I also took a course in American Sign Language and was so bad I gave it up after one course. But honestly, I think that if you put your mind and some effort to almost anything, you can get reasonably good at it.