There comes a time in every crafter's life where you start to ponder your stash.
There's the yarn stash,
It's Yarn Pirate, in case you're wondering
the fabric stash,
and the button stash.
There's about another sandwich-sized ziploc bag full of these.
Let's not even get me started on my pattern and book stash. So as I started going through all my stash as I started to reorganize and declutter over the holidays, I had a realization. There's good stash and there's bad stash.
DISCLAIMER: Every crafter is different, has different needs and knows his/her own crafting habits best. Therefore, what follows only applies to me and only me (I had to make this statement before you start jumping all over me for what I'm about to say).
Yarn stash is bad stash. Fabric stash is good stash.
*waiting for tomatoes, a riot to ensue and a gang of lynchers to start beating down my door*
Okay, now time to explain. I've been actively crafting for over 4 years now, most of which I've spent knitting. And over these four years, I've accumulated a lot of stash, proceeded to decrease the stash, and then have realized a bit more of stash accumulation. I've tried to become a responsible stasher by only buying yarn with a specific project in mind or only buying yarn for projects I will start within a month. But really, none of this works out. Why? Because #1, most yarns I've purchased with a designated project more often than not, does not become it's intended project. Take for example my Rams Horn Jacket. I purchased that yarn at Stitches two years ago. It was supposed to be Rogue. Number 2, I'm a helluva busy person! I'd like to think that I can accomplish a lot crafting given all that I do outside of work. But I can't. And the likelihood of starting multiple knitting projects within a month of yarn purchase, considering that I have a new passion for sewing, is really low.
Now this doesn't mean knitting is going out the door. I'm just taking a new approach to stashing. And that new approach is not to stash. I've decided to buy yarn on a project by project basis now. When I want to knit something, I'll buy yarn for it and knit it. Simple as that. No more buying yarn in hopes of knitting something. I buy and I knit. And that's that. I need to start making room and clearing space and yarn stash just takes up space and money that could be better spent (or saved) in the meantime.
So why is fabric stash good? I've found that in sewing, more often than not, I'll come across a pattern and usually will have something appropriate in my stash for it, given that I have enough yardage. There are no gauge considerations. Fabric stash in my eyes is more versatile.
So is this my declaration that I will only buy fabric from now on? Uh, no. There is also a time in every person's life when they realize they have to start saving some dough! And for me, this is that time. So along the lines of stash management, I've given myself a craft allowance. Eh? Yes, a craft allowance, $30 a month.. to purchase whatever items I need, be it fabric, yarn, notions, patterns, etc. Rollovers are allowed.. so if there's something I really want, I've gotta save.. or find stash.. or be creative.
Ambitious, yes (especially given the fact that I can easily spend $40 at Joanns), but it will give me a good lesson in exercising self-control and patience. What's cute and pretty now, may really not be that cute and pretty if I've forgotten about it in a matter of days and hours. So really, if that's the case, I don't think it was really that cute and pretty in the first place. Ya' feel me? I hope so.
So now onto something more fun than stash self-control.. because I've had enough of this serious talk. It's time for pie!
What do you do with two bunches of over ripe bananas? No, not banana bread, but banana cream pie!
I took the liberty of making the Cooks Illustrated Fool Proof Pie dough again, this time following the instructions all the way through (the first time I added all the flour at once). I was originally going to make just one banana cream pie, but the recipe I used yielded so much custard, I decided to split the filling between the two shells. One recipe, two pies and hello! It was so yummy, I don't think I'll ever make banana bread from over ripe bananas again (not that I've ever made banana bread before).
Recipe: Banana Cream Pie, Martha Stewart Baking Handbook
Notes: There is nothing about this recipe that I would change except for making two pies from one filling recipe. Half the filling in each pie, to me, yielded the perfect ratio of custard, whipped cream and banana goodness in each bite. Granted a full recipe's worth of filling in one pie would make one beautiful, mountainous pie (my pies were pretty flat), I have a feeling that you'd be overwhelmed by the richness of the custard and cream and not get a really distinct banana flavor.
Don't let the flatness fool you. This is DAMN good pie!
The overall taste verdict was unanimous! Yums all around. This even beat out Nation's! They're known for their pies and I hadn't had one in years. Someone just happened to bring one of their banana cream pies to the baby shower this weekend. And of course, I had to have a control group right? Both B and I agreed it was down right gross! Fake banana flavor in the custard, and the custard wasn't even that great! The funny thing was, the custard in the Martha Stewart recipe had no banana flavor it in. It was all natural from the bananas themselves. I think the secret is in the layering. One layer of bananas on the bottom, followed by custard, cream, then another layer of bananas.
And the crust, c'est magnifique! Flakey, buttery, yummy! The three words you love to hear about pie crust!
The benefit of making two pies from one recipe was that I got to try out two different banana layouts. Tell me which you like more...
Martha's half banana slice stack
or
My banana slice spiral
Not too shabby for a second pie, yah? I'm beginning to like this Piehole Wednesday business!
Comments (27)
See, I was paying attention until you showed me pie pictures!!! That looks SO good!
Posted by adrienne | January 9, 2008 5:08 AM
I love the way you arranged it. Martha's way is a little too uhh banana-y for me. Is the fool proof crust the one that uses vodka? I used that for my apple pie, but I felt like it was so sticky when rolling it.
you already know how I feel about stashing, so no tomatoes from me. 2008- the year of minimalism!
Posted by yahaira | January 9, 2008 6:04 AM
Yum! Those pies look TASTY! And I totally totally totally agree with you about stash. My yarn stash is just sitting in my closet, where I constantly use my fabric stash. I'm still trying to decide what to do with my stash, but it is nice to have lots of sock yarn to choose from!
Posted by mari | January 9, 2008 6:27 AM
I like the sliced bananas look. Oh yeah, if you need to get rid of some yarn, I'll send you my address...Hee Hee Hee
Posted by lisa | January 9, 2008 6:41 AM
Hi Yaiann,
I feel ya on the crafting allowance. i need to start instituting one because the investment can easily outstrip the production.
Oh and that banana cream pie looks wonderful. Too bad I am also limiting that area too :O)
Posted by Peacock Chic | January 9, 2008 7:37 AM
I vote for you banana slice spiral. I had forgotten about the pie recipe in Martha's handbook. I think that will be my pie next week.
In reading your thoughts on stash issues, I felt like I was reading the things I thought last night!! That is so funny! I set a limit for myself too, but it's $50. Since I had to allow for roving every once in a while.
Posted by nova | January 9, 2008 7:45 AM
I admire your public declaration of self restraint. We should all be a on budget.
Thinking out loud for a moment: does that $30 a month include your BWOF subscription? ;)
Posted by loriz | January 9, 2008 7:54 AM
Oh my, that pie looks yummy! Your spiral is lovely.
I like your allowance idea. Good for you!
I made some stash rules last year, but for now, I'm not buying any more craft supplies until Stitches, and then we'll see...
Posted by Risa | January 9, 2008 8:13 AM
New to your blog but figured I'd weigh in...spiral bananas are definitely the way to go! And while I'm not sure I've ever had a banana cream pie, just looking at that one makes me want to make one!
I'd have to agree on your stash comments. Relatively new to knitting but already have found myself with enough yarn that I feel guilty (and my pile is so so much smaller than most!). I would add from my experience that I am starting to treat buying yarn for specific patterns the same way. I may see a pattern and want yarn to start it immediately, but it seems a few months later, my tastes have changed (mostly cuz I've found something similar I like even more). I've decided that I need to give it a month or so before I make that 'Yes, I will knit it' decision!
Posted by Rachel | January 9, 2008 9:49 AM
I'm right there with you! Though I'm having to really keep a lid on the fabric stash expansion for a bit, no more of that either until I sew some up.
Oh, and where is the line for pie tasting testers please? Spiral is the way to go.
Posted by Steph | January 9, 2008 9:59 AM
I love your arrangement. Honestly, Martha's creeps me out just a tiny bit.
Oh my. You've tapped into exactly what's on my mind today. Aspiration versus reality. Acquisition versus usage. You know, it's really about finding what works for you. Comparison comes into play so much, though. If I think I have too much stuff I can go on Ravelry and look at somebody else's and feel better. I have mixed feelings about this.
You have encouraged me, however, to set a monthly budget. I've done it before. It was challenging, but good.
Okay. Good times: That's some DAMN TASTY lookin' pie! (Even the creepy Martha version.)
Posted by sappmama | January 9, 2008 10:23 AM
Your spiral is definitely better in my opinion, and a craft allowance is a brilliant plan.
Posted by Sarah | January 9, 2008 10:35 AM
Ugh I need a craft budget too.
And, um, those pies? Drool. I like the spiral of banana slices!
Posted by Elizabeth | January 9, 2008 11:16 AM
Good declarations! I love banana and I love pie. Those pictures are looking mighty tasty.
Posted by loopylulu | January 9, 2008 11:22 AM
The spiral is way nicer looking! I think I have to make pie now... and maybe buy yarn too... :D
Posted by Liz | January 9, 2008 11:51 AM
OMG, the banana pies look fabulous! I like the spiral a lot better - so cute. I will have to try that recipe the next time I make a banana pie. Oh, and I'm with you on the stash. I bought some yarn to knit Travis a sweater and haven't started it, but other than that I haven't bought yarn for a really long time. I find that yarn stash stresses me out, so why have it!
Posted by Stephanie | January 9, 2008 12:20 PM
I like your version of the pie much better. I hate bananas, but your crust looks wonderful.
I think you are absolutely right about the yarn stash.
Posted by Brenda | January 9, 2008 4:38 PM
I'm with you on the "I buy and I knit" way to go for yarn. The stashing way isn't working too well for me either :)
Posted by erin | January 9, 2008 5:48 PM
Oh, the banana spiral for sure. It looks so heavenly.
Yum.
Posted by Veronica | January 9, 2008 6:07 PM
that isn't a stash: that is a little dabble of stashness. But that pie - that is a mighty fine thing!!
Posted by karen | January 9, 2008 10:35 PM
Wait a minute, does the $30 rule apply for trips to Purl Patchwork here in NYC? I hope not. Although the last time I went, I ended up spending $68. And I haven't used any of those fabrics yet! So, for me, both my yarn stash and my fabric stash are making me guilty...
Posted by Veronique | January 10, 2008 7:20 AM
oh yum yum yum! which issue of cooks illustrated is the delectable pie from??
Posted by carol | January 10, 2008 8:12 AM
I like the banana spiral! So cute and probably easier to eat with the little banana slices :)
I hear you about yarn vs. fabric stash. I am trying to exhibit some self control this year though I can't bring myself to lay out guidelines like you. I'll be cheering you on though from the sidelines!
Posted by Alice | January 10, 2008 5:05 PM
Hey now, this is actually the wisest post I've read in a long, long while. Your reasoning is sound and logical. And it's always good to exercise discipline and self-control, I believe. I have been negligent of that as of late (with yarn stash, no less). And you are *so* right on with respect to the differences between the two - yarn vs. fabric, of which I have plenty of both.
It is high time to exercise some will power and self-control. It really does feel good to do so, and I'm a firm believer that practice of good habits lends to better ones - whereas indulging oneself lends to waste and feeds yet more greed.
You go, girl!
And thanks for sharing that.
It's an inspiration.
Posted by Susan | January 10, 2008 5:20 PM
I'm not much of a yarn stasher, but sometimes it's hard to resist a good sale. I make it a rule that my entire stash must fit inside this rolling suitcase I own. I recently overfilled it a bit, so I de-stashed by selling some yarn on ebay.
Posted by betty | January 10, 2008 8:29 PM
i personally think that stash it stash whether it's yarn or fabric. it all takes up space in my apartment! :) getting it down to a manageable size is a real feat for sure.
love those banana pies! bananas never get too ripe in this house. they all go into the peanut's food!
Posted by gleek | January 11, 2008 7:39 AM
I find if I write a month ahead list of what I want to make and buy only for that list that it helps me focus on really good stuff.
Posted by wendy | January 14, 2008 7:45 AM