By Carolyn Hanson
Just a quick recap…. In February, I spoke about how to organize new and unfinished projects, and extra unassigned yarn into bins and project bags. We created a spreadsheet to document all projects. Lastly, we identified and purged unwanted yarn.
Now, let’s address patterns, books, needles, hooks, tools, and notions. [The volume at this step is shocking.]
Patterns and Books: Patterns published in magazines and books are often available at your local library. If the library carries your knitting and crochet magazines, consider recycling your collection. Magazine access is free through Flipster and can be printed at home. Patterns are also available through Ravelry.com. Do the same with books. Once you’ve made the pattern, ask yourself, “Will I be making this again?” If not, ask yourself if it can be sold or purged.
Needles and Hooks: Make a list of all your needles/hooks including size, length, and type (straight, cable, DP). Recycle duplicates. If you have multiple projects that use the same size needles, keep what’s necessary. I no longer use my 16” straight needles. They are useless when traveling (too long) and put too much pressure on my wrists. I still use DPs (double points) rather than 2 sets of circular needles for socks, sleeves, and gloves. Copy the list onto your phone. Then when shopping you’ll know what’s needed and what’s not. Crochet hooks tend to go missing. I’m sure I have 3 of each size in different locations and still can’t find what’s needed.
Tools: These specialty items have unique jobs, such as ball winder, swift, knittyknotty, I-cord maker, lace blocking wires, blocking board, looms, utility lights, etc. If they are no longer useful,
then purge them.
Notions: Stitch markers, bobbins, stitch counters, scissors, rulers, labels, needle protectors (those cute little caps for the ends of needles). Set up several project bags with a set and purge the rest.
Finally, “Project Bags.” Keep the best, and purge the rest. I may give some to my daughter, who is now a crocheter!!! So happy! [Now I know that my stash, etc, will carry on without me.]
Now that the area is organized, let’s set goals….
1. Complete Works in Progress (“WIP”) before starting a new project; and
2. Shop from your stash first
Reality: Seasonal changes, gifting desires, need for something new, the latest trend.…all of these things draw us to put aside the existing project and start another.
Solution: Split your time between a WIP and a new project.
- Pick a day or time of day to work only on WIPs. Working an hour or more per day/week on a WIP will move it to the completed list in time. Completing projects is a great feeling!
- Place a WIP project and a current project into separate project bags beside your favorite chair. Include the needles/hook, pattern, and notions needed. Now they’re ready for quick access or grab-and-go when traveling.
- When ready for a new project, consult your spreadsheet first (Part 1).
- Switch out patterns if you find something better suited for the yarn.
- Go to your yarn bins, and shop from your stash first. You’ve already purchased yarn that you love, so incorporate it into your next new project.
Revisit your project spreadsheet annually. If the same WIPs are still on the list, ask yourself…Is it time to start over, donate, sell, or toss? Do the same for bins. In a perfect world, we would work on one project at a time, finish each, and have zero stash. That used to be me. I need my stash now for creative inspiration. I consult my stash with every new project and get a rush when I’m successful in incorporating stash yarn. And a bigger rush when I complete a WIP!
FYI. The VNA Rummage Sale at the Far Hills Fairgrounds will be collecting unwanted items in April. This is the perfect time to find a landing place for what you no longer need. Then, go shopping the first week in May. If you have never attended, it’s an experience worth your time and money. Bring a friend, shopping bags and comfortable rain boots.