It's the ongoing conundrum of every knitter, crocheter, spinner, weaver and fiber artist: where to keep all the yarn and fibers once they've outgrown the storage bins or shelves where they started out. Here are a few creative suggestions on where to put the ever-multiplying stash so that it doesn't take over an entire living space.
Hide Yarn in Small Spaces
It might seem strange, but because most fibers tend to have an amazing memory, yarns or fibers can be placed into shrinkable storage bags (such as Space Bag) and vacuum out all the air. It will keep bugs and moisture away and hundreds of yards can be squeezed into a fraction of the space they currently take up. Once the yarns or fibers are taken back out of the shrinkable bags, they will fluff back up to their original size. This method is probably best for lofty animal fibers, however--it may crush silks or rayons.
Consider other items that are stored in closets or on shelves and whether they have available space in them, such as handbags, shoes, or suitcases. Again, because fibers can be squashed to a smaller size, skeins or yardage can be tucked into the empty handbags and shoes that are worn less often. If suitcases are rarely used for travel, pack them full of fibers before they get put back into the closet.
Hide Yarn Vertically
Fill a garment bag with yarn and hang it in a closet. Zip it almost all the way to the top and stuff it full (like a laundry bag). Multiple dozens of skeins can be stored in one garment bag.
Buy the kind of shower organizer that is a vertical tension rod with baskets on it and tuck it into the corner of a closet or room. Stuff the baskets full of yarn and then attach self-stick plastic hooks to the rod in between the baskets. Hang full baggies of fibers on the hooks.
If the kitchen cabinets do not go all the way to the ceiling, buy baskets to fit the space and fill them with fibers. Cover them with a piece of cloth or a small towel to keep away the dust.
Hide Yarn Under
If there are spaces under beds, sofas, dressers or other furniture, buy slim storage boxes that will slip underneath them and store fibers there. Pillowcases can also be used for storage under furniture. Just fill them to the top, fold over the opening and clip them shut with a clothespin or a chip clip. Then slide them underneath the furniture. If there is a large desk or table that is covered with a cloth or rarely used, attach cuphooks to the underside of it and hang bags of yarn underneath it.
Hide Yarn in Plain Sight
Another use for pillowcases as storage is inside decorative pillow shams on beds or furniture. Fill a pillowcase with fibers and slide it into the sham as the new "pillow." Replace the pillow forms in throw pillows with pillowcases stuffed full of yarn. As long these pillows are not being used for sleeping, putting yarn in pillow shams and throw pillows will keep fibers clean and dust-free. As a bonus, throw pillows will finally have a purpose!
Vases and other vessels that are on display in a home can also be used for yarn storage. No one will ever guess that the giant ceramic vase on the table in the foyer is full of yarn. Or if glass vases or bowls are displayed, fill them with "pretty" things, such as beaded or novelty yarns or hand-dyed fibers. Choose similar colors or multiple colors in the same texture to make it look deliberate and artistic. Stow the yarn labels somewhere or make note of details such as the yardage, gauge and fiber contents so this important information is available later if the yarn is used for a project.
Take Notes on Where Yarn is Hiding
By thinking creatively, knitters, crocheters, weavers, spinners and other fiber artists can find storage spaces all over a home--and, literally, outside of the box. Be clever, but remember to take notes on where stashes are stowed so they can be easily located for the next project.
To learn how to swap your stash, click here: knittingcrochet.suite101.com/article.cfm/swap_your_yarn_stash
 |
 |
