This week I felt the call of my stash. I had grown somewhat tired of crocheting after making multiple Dragon Egg Dice Bags. They were a lot of fun, but I was ready to do something different.

I have been exploring some crochet patterns and am finishing a knitted scarf for myself but was feeling the urge to sew again. I have enjoyed using the yarn project bag (pictured below) that I made with a pattern I purchased off of Etsy (designer: @LoreleiJayne). It was not only fun to make, but it has been useful and handy in toting around my recent crochet and knitting projects.

I found some black fabric with cat drawings on it, and a complementary black fabric for the lining. I ended up working on my newest bag over a couple nights, and it turned out as lovely as my first one.

The satisfaction we get from finishing a small project gives us the same mental “boost” as shopping – a dopamine rush. It also gives us a sense of accomplishment, which reinforces a sense of well-being and self-respect. In addition, if we are working to dial back on our consumption behaviors, completing a project with materials from our stash adds another positive dimension to our fiber arts activities.

As much as I miss Joann stores, I have to admit that the absence of Joann’s as a destination has not impeded my crocheting, knitting or sewing activities. I realize that says a bit about my long-standing shopping habits, and that’s OK. It also has shown me that I can “make do” with things I already own, which is a great life lesson for things beyond fabric and yarn.

Here’s to shopping our stashes!

---

(C) 2026 Stitch ‘n Dish