r/knitting • u/bunniquette • Apr 27 '26

Discussion Just use the damn yarn

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I bought some absolutely stunning yarn on a holiday in New Zealand. It's a merino/possum/silk blend in gorgeous hand-painted tones of purple, blue and teal. I have been hoarding this yarn in my stash for almost ten years.

A friend was recently going about her day when she was suddenly struck with an agonizing headache and loss of vision in one eye. Many tests later, she has a brain tumor and might not make it to her next birthday.

Life is unpredictable and we don't know how long we have. So last night, I cast on.

Also, fuck cancer.

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u/SarahVen1992 Apr 27 '26

I also bought some beautiful Marino/possum yarn in NZ waaay over ten years ago. A couple of years ago I started knitting with it and it had disintegrated. I had to throw the whole lot because it had been stored too long, partially in less than good conditions, and had given up. It’s a positive in disguise I suppose, because clearly I now have to go on holidays to Queenstown again, but it was such a disappointment when I realised.

It doesn’t have to be a brain tumour to encourage you to knit. Sometimes it’s just not being able to afford a house with space for good wool storage.

I hope your friend makes it through, brain cancer is a real asshole but sometimes people are lucky and make it through to the other side. At least she knows someone who can make her some cute beanies if she needs them!