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Organizing Your Stash -- The Sequel
by Sandra Chambers

A couple of years ago, I wrote a piece about how I organized my stash in nice neat see through boxes with pull out drawers. Each drawer is numbered, labeled with an inventory of the yarn type and color in an Excel spreadsheet. It’s called cataloging for you non-Librarian types out there.

The yarn that I organized in 2005 is still in the boxes stacked neatly the closet. But where are my newish yarns--those that I bought post-2005? Come to think of it, why have I bought any new yarns seeing as how I have a hefty stash, stashed away? I don’t really have to answer that for you guys, do I? I didn’t think so. Let’s move on.

The trick to organizing yarns (or other crafts and collectibles) is not only to keep them contained in nice, labeled boxes or baskets; but to also keep them accessible --not out of sight and out mind. That’s not to say that I don’t visit my stash when I start a new project, well, mostly I do. But it is sort of a pain to go and find the step ladder, drag the boxes off of the top shelf and/or pull them from the bottom of the closet.

If you have the extra room in your home that you can turn into a mini-yarn shop, I’m jealous of you. But it does make sense that the closer you can mimic the ease of access (and beauty!) of a yarn shop, the more likely you will have an inspiring and organized space.

Now for those of us with limited space and resources, we must be creative when it comes to stash control and work the plan! And I know you have a plan, you just need a little encouragement. Here are a few things that I use to store my stash—even though you and I both know that the stash wants to be free:

The afore-mentioned plastic boxes --
These little pull out plastic drawers are great. They can be purchased any where from dollar stores to fancy smancy organization stores.

Baskets with or without lids --
I was able to find a set of 3 nested baskets, the larger one with a lid that has hinges on one side. I love the dark brown wicker, and I can keep them out in the open.

Suitcases --
Vintage cases can be found at flea markets and some high end stores. I received a set of 3 for Christmas a few years ago. I stacked them and used them as an end table. Then it dawned on me—hey, you can stash yarn in there!

A small chest of drawers --
You know, chest o’ drawers are not just for the bedroom anymore. I know people who use beautiful painted chests to decorate foyers, dinning rooms or just about anywhere. What a treat it would be to open the drawers and see all of your stash lined up by color and type of yarn.

Spring is already here folks so instead of your once a year garage or attic cleaning, take some time to “clean-up” and organize your stash. Unless of course you need room in the attic to store more yarn, if so, tackle the attic first.

Sandra is a Librarian who lives in NC with her husband, daughter, and chocolate lab.
She enjoys digital scrapbooking, reading, knitting, and collecting all types of yarn.
Her crafty goal is one day to knit a pair of socks without too much drama.

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