on a tear

I've been ambitious in the projects I have in the pipeline (mostly gifts to be made) and, unfortunately, the money I've been spending to do so. And it doesn't help that I can't walk into a yarn/craft store without buying something, especially if I have a coupon.

For example, last weekend I explored the South Shore when we were playing house (house-sitting for my parents), and visited The Creative Stitch in Cohasset. I came out with some very sexy size 11/16" circular Addi Turbo knitting needles and 2 balls of Queensland Kathmandu yarn in a yummy plum. During the week I used a coupon from Newbury Yarns and in the space of 20 minutes had 2 hanks of wonderful Malabrigo wool, 1 hank of Manos del Uruguay, and 1 hank of Colinette chunky. Granted, I had a 20% off coupon, which always helps, but still. To make matters worse, I went to Windsor Button to (successfully) match the Manos, and picked up another Kathmandu and exchanged a roll of Lamb's Pride, followed by a trip to A Good Yarn in Brookline to check out the Susanne's knitting needles (they're made from reclaimed wood at a piano factory), but opted instead for a $15 sale kit of yarns and size 19 needles. Whatever will I make with all this stuff? (most likely hats, handwarmers, cell phone cases, wine charms, and probably a scarf.)

THEN I have Owen's Halloween costume to make. I don't like the polyester smock style Thomas the Tank Engine costumes, and many other small boys will have the same one. Luckily, that will be in felt. JoAnne's, here I come!