I love to knit. It's a treat to put on a pair of handknit socks. One day, I'll have a whole plethora of finished (!) projects---they may even include scary projects like sweaters (eek!) and perhaps a number of tote bags I've drooled over (and purchased patterns for).

I've always been a person who "swings" from one high to the next---from total immersion in designing the perfect hydroponics garden to searching for the perfect cage for the ferrets. From detailed analysis of properties in Maricopa and Pinal Counties, in Arizona, to detailed cataloguing of my Skeleton Key Games adventure tile sets. From an in-depth study of LaTeX to an in-depth re-design of our roleplaying character sheets (which look fan-damn-tastic, if I may say so myself!).

Those who live with me on a daily basis are used to these swings of my interests. They know that today I may have zero interest in a topic, but that doesn't mean I no longer like that activity.

So...

How do I know when it really is time to let a craft go?

For the longest time, I was "known" in the family as the Counted Cross-Stitcher. My mother thinks my pieces are the most beautiful and so wonderfully crafted. (Aww, gee, Mom, thanks! *smile*) And yet, I've never made a single design for me or my home---despite the numerous patterns and supplies I've purchased for that very reason. I'm very particular about how I cross-stitch (no food while working, must clean hands before working, et cetera) so I don't add any dirt to the project. It's been a very long time since I've really wanted to cross-stitch. The last time I considered it---I would *really* love to have several of these beautiful pieces done for my home---I really wasn't interested. In the final product, yes. In the threading, counting, stitching over and over and over and over.... No.

And yet...

I sit here and think about an image (especially one for me!) coming together and coming to life, to finally be framed and hung on my wall to share with my family. And that's why I'm not sure if I should rid myself of the supplies and patterns.

I'm seriously considering reducing my supplies to just what I need to complete the specific projects I most want for me and put the rest up for grabs. If you know a (counted) cross-stitcher who might be looking for DMC floss, for Aida-cloth in natural (of which I have several yards), of rolls of branded Aida-cloth, and so-forth, drop me a comment with a contact point and we can chat in email. If I decide to put it all up, I'll get together a list and link to it here.