I'm still jonesing after a trip to a yarn shop, even though I probably won't finish my sweater this weekend (though it is possible). I get these odd episodes of product lust, for yarn or books or shoes, which probably account for the bingeing nature of my spending patterns. Even when I've been relatively poor, I haven't stopped splurging; it's just that the splurges were much smaller, $6 worth of beads instead of $150 on clothes. I don't spend more than I can afford to, so it's not really a problem, but it is true that I'd have more freedom in some ways if I were better at saving money. To clarify, I do save 15% of my pay to my 401(k) plus another sum automatically transferred weekly to a savings account. I'm not fiscally irresponsible, but it would be possible to save more. For the last few months I've had a balance on my credit card, too, due to the flying lessons; once those are done I intend to go back to paying it off monthly, as I had done for several years. Spending less, or planning better would be a good thing, but it would also remove some excitement from my life.
Of the things I splurge on, books are the easiest to justify. Once the excitement of New Stuff! wears off, there's the acquisitive pleasure of cataloging it and the promise of pleasure in reading and rereading it. Yarn has its virtue too: there is the sensual joy of handling it and being surrounded by it in the store, the process of choosing what to buy, the enjoyment of knitting it, and finally either the pleasure of giving a present or the getting to use or wear the finished article. That only applies if I don't buy much more than I can knot, however, which restraint I understand is rare among knitters. I am coming to the end of the project I've been working on, and could finish it if I spend a large chunk of this weekend on it. On the other hand, since I bought books last week (some of which are due to arrive today via UPS, though the rest got shipped by the ^&%(*& Post Orifice) I ought to have enough entertainment value without buying yarn this week. The yarn-buying is complicated by the fact that we're planning to visit the property this Saturday, the only day local yarn stores are open this weekend.
Clearly what I need is more days off. And more money. Don't we all?
Posted by dichroic at May 26, 2005 01:22 PMYarn is a toughie for me. I've got baskets of yarn. A steamer trunk full of yarn too. Most of it is basic acrylic, but there's pricey angoras and fancy weaves as well. I overbuy for projects. Fortunately I'm good at granny squares and other coat of many colors projects which use up the leftovers quite nicely. When I get motivated to actually finish stuff, that is. // Sigh... looks like I'm not going to swing any time at all in AZ on the JournalCon trip. I was trying and trying to figure how to manage it, but funds and my inability to depend on my driving means no hopscotching around by plane, nor road trips. I hope I can get a visit out your way soon, but for now sign up for regattas and such without fear of unexpected company. I DO hope you're going to JC so we can meet in person. Giving you a big squeezy hug is definitely on my life list. :-) Sorry if you've turned anything down in anticipation of a confirmed visit from me. If you have I hope it's not too late to get back in. ~LA
Posted by: LA at May 26, 2005 04:23 PM
You know what I miss ? Working with wood, making something nice and putting all mind and muscle into creating something. Guess a man wants to work with something that does not change shape every time it is handled. I used to love to tie knots when teaching knot-tying to Boy Scouts. But yarn ? No way Hosey . . . . .
But as my project nears its perfect end, there is sensual satisfaction in passing my hands over the surface that came to life under my hands. Smooth, warm, and friendly.
Yeah I like sweaters and things, but don't knit them myself.
Posted by: Denver doug at May 26, 2005 11:23 PM