By Carolyn Hanson
Oh, we love to collect yarn. We impulse buy at shows, festivals, closeouts, vacations, new shops and sales in the hopes that the perfect project materializes. I have purchased a few skeins, “just because.” I refer to it as inspiration. Speaking for myself and the size of my stash, there is much waiting for the “perfect project” or let’s be honest, “any project”.
Recently, a dear friend, M, asked if I could help her organize her yarn closet. The space included bins, project bags, shopping bags and a closet organizer, all now emptied onto every surface in preparation for a true Marie Kondo culling and organization. Yarn in every color, fiber, and quantity lay in wait.
Here’s what we did.
M’s Objective:
– Organize by project (yarn with pattern)
– Label all projects and place them in bins
– Identify patterns for unassigned yarn bundles
– Identify One-Ball-Wonders (Odd Balls) and either keep, sell, donate, or toss
Supplies Needed:
– Bins (various sizes)
– Markers, pens
– Labels
– Note Book and/or Excel spreadsheet
Initial Step: Select a bag/skein and decide…Keep/Sell/Donate/Toss
Next: Add “kept” projects to the spreadsheet*, place single skeins into a Temporary Bin
Next: Place “kept” projects in a labeled bin
- With each project, make an entry into a notebook/spreadsheet. This provides an inventory of what is available and other details including Yarn Name, Fiber Type, Weight (DK, etc.), Grams/Yards, # of skeins, Color, Pattern name, Needle size(s) Needed, Status (Work in Progress, New Project).
Process
- Identify existing projects: those with yarn and pattern and add to the spreadsheet
- Identify yarn without patterns
– Use Ravelry, pattern books, etc. to locate possible patterns and add them to the spreadsheet
3. Collections
– Keep collections of the same yarn or manufacturer together
4. Odd Balls
– Create several labeled bins by needle size, such as: 1-4 (lace, baby, sock, fingering), 5-7 (sport, dk), 8-9 (worsted, aran), 10 +… (bulky, super bulky).
- Reorganize the yarn in the Temporary Bin by needle size. Find the needle size on the yarn’s ball band. Needle size roughly identifies the yarn’s weight. [Organizing by needle size allows you to easily match a pattern to available yarn.]
Once all is organized and labeled:
– Stack bins and place them in a dry area away from humidity and odors
– Keep a copy of the spreadsheet in the storage area for easy reference. Take a photo with your phone for reference during future shopping sprees
– Maintain the spreadsheet, adding and deleting entries as projects come and go
Sell/Donate/Toss:
– Sell yarn on eBay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, and Ravelry. Make sure the yarn is free of odors and damage. Sell for 1/2 – 3/4 of the purchase price plus shipping costs.
– Donate yarn to local groups that knit for charity, rummage, and garage sales.
– Toss damaged goods, bits and bobs.
This is Part 1 of a two-part article. Stay tuned for Part 2 in the April issue!