Using Donated Yarn

This is the start of a patch work style afghan.  Truly only a start.  These blues are from my stash of donated yarn.  This will indeed be a long term project, as it's a learning project for me.  I've not knitted with multiple colors before so this grill stitch using 2 colors is a first for me.  It's always nice to learn new skills or techniques.  Sometimes I find I don't do that, I stick with what I know in order to move through the process faster.  So this got me thinking, wondering what your knitting and or crocheting style is with regard to donating?  Do you stick with the tried and true or do you venture out of your comfort zone?

As I age, I realize how important it is to keep learning, so am going to work...probably pretty slowly through this patchwork sampler style afghan learning new techniques as I go.  I ripped this out and started over after about 2.5 inches...but think I'm ok now with this beginning stage.  Will let you know how I progress...or not, as the case may be.

Tell me about your style in the comments below.  Tried and true or adventurous?  Neither is right or wrong, but I am interested.

**I should note mixing yarns like I did for this square, probably wasn't the best of ideas.  Been so long since I've used Caron Simply Soft I'd forgotten how untrue to gauge it is.  Wonder why they classify it as WW, seems like it should almost be in the sport weight class or perhaps DK?  Thank goodness this is a pretty stretchy stitch, otherwise using it with Red Heart WW would probably not work at all**

2015 Donations:
Hats: 55
Scarves:12
Mittens: 18
Slippers: 20
Rain Poncho's: 3
Cotton Washcloths:13
Afghans:1
Socks: 7
Fingerless gloves/wrist warmers:
Cowls/Infinity scarves: 11
Shawls: 1 (just realized it wasn't listed, don't think I missed any?)
Misc: personal care items and anything not listed above

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.