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Tidying my wool stash

(46 Posts)
Icyalittle Fri 12-Sep-14 11:43:31

I just discovered a great bag of different wools from when I used to knit in the 80's, to add to all my current lot. I NEED to tidy this to take up less space and help me find stuff. How do you all manage yours? Please?

penguinpaperback Fri 12-Sep-14 11:59:09

Hi, mine is in a large wicker basket, lined and with a lid. Trying not to buy more or at least much until I have used up some of this stash.

Elegran Fri 12-Sep-14 12:02:09

Clear poly bags in a lidded plastic crate under the bed in the spare room. There are eight crates under the bed (not all wool! some are other stashes) There is room on top if the crates for more stuff too, before hitting the bed base.

I still have a shelved wardrobe full of other sewing and crafting materials and tools, and a set of plastic drawers (oo-er missis!) for things which are not likely to attract moths - there are spaces between the drawers and the frame.

Icyalittle Fri 12-Sep-14 12:32:58

I like the clear plastic bags in a crate idea - I'm sad to say I have outgrown the wicker basket! Different sizes of ziplock?

Elegran Fri 12-Sep-14 13:18:46

Any bag if you can tie them closed completely to keep out the dreaded moths! Ziplocks are good because you can squeeze out extra air as you close them, and have room for more in the crate.

Soutra Fri 12-Sep-14 13:28:58

I love balls of wool - all those lovely colours and textures! My idea of heaven is to visit our local wool shop where the owner is a talented and very artistic Spanish lady who designs knitting patterns and makes the most amazing garments. My problem is getting out without serious damage to my wallet!

jinglbellsfrocks Fri 12-Sep-14 13:41:21

Does nobody actually throw anything away any more? Or take stuff to Oxfam? Someone could knit a blanket.

Elegran Fri 12-Sep-14 13:50:24

WE are going to knit blankets, Jings when we get a round tuit. We are the ones who buy the odd balls in charity shops. I have two throws for the beds crocheted from leftover wool, plus various cushion covers.

I would make more but I am currently finishing off a Bargello rectangle to go with a finished one, and after that I have to do the third in the tryptich.

All from left-over tapestry wool from other things, of course, at least they started that way. I have added some skeins from the charity shop, some that DD2 bought for a project that never materialised and finally some bought from John Lewis (only a few, I do try to avoid buying any more)

jinglbellsfrocks Fri 12-Sep-14 13:53:29

A Bargello rectangle sounds wonderful. And the tryptic thing. smile

(please don't tell me what they are #needtoknowbasis)

Elegran Fri 12-Sep-14 14:00:15

I'll give you a clue. There are three of them.

Elegran Fri 12-Sep-14 14:02:10

And there are photos on my profile of the finished one and the one which is now almost finished.

jinglbellsfrocks Fri 12-Sep-14 14:04:14

Ok. I've looked. Very nice. I'm sure they will look lovely hanging in your lounge. smile

Elegran Fri 12-Sep-14 14:06:47

The moths enjoyed the one that that stood around for too long.

jinglbellsfrocks Fri 12-Sep-14 14:25:38

Oh no! sad

Elegran Fri 12-Sep-14 14:30:02

Sixteen holes in the wool, and several more strands so thin they had to come out. All repaired now.

Elegran Fri 12-Sep-14 14:30:51

Just as well I had that stash of ends of skeins.

Gracesgran Fri 12-Sep-14 15:01:07

I have yet to meet a crafter of any type, paper, knitting, sewing and all the add-ons that come with each, whose stash isn't SABLE: Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy jinglebellsfrocks. It comes with the obsession hobby smile

Elegran Fri 12-Sep-14 15:32:32

There are so many things that a crafter means to do.
Ars longa, vita brevis.

Icyalittle Fri 12-Sep-14 15:33:26

It's true blush. I wish I could throw /give things like wool away, but I don't have it in me. I might need it (modal verb).

tiggypiro Fri 12-Sep-14 15:48:57

I have a list of '71 Reasons to Buy Fabric' which I am sure would transfer to the knitters too. I was given it in a Quilting shop in South Africa some years ago and it still makes me smile. It's a bit long to put on here especially as my typing is of the 2 fingers variety but I could put it on in a few separate parts if anyone would like me to.
Stamp collectors take their collections out just to look at them so why can't we crafters?

Elegran Fri 12-Sep-14 15:54:48

Here is a link to those 71 reasons.

www.quilt.com/MiscQuilting/ReasonsToBuy.html

I like number 28

I would add number 72 "Because I want to, so there"

rosequartz Fri 12-Sep-14 16:01:13

In sealed bags in two plastic crates with lids in a cupboard. Another lot in a nice box beside my chair (supposed to be for works in progress).
Odd balls saved for knitting squares for charity in a large bag under the stairs.
Current project in a very lovely knitting bag I bought from a lady who does wonderful sewing, appliqué and patchwork.

Really should get off here and get on with some of it!

Icyalittle Fri 12-Sep-14 16:15:27

That's brilliant, Elegran I like 35. 38 shock

Ros47 Fri 12-Sep-14 16:34:39

Mine is all in boxes - so far I am up to 6! I have lots of oddments which are eventually knitted into blankets and very small items for the prem baby unit at our local hospital. Ikea bags are the best for storage, I have found - and they are not too expensive! Currently knitting ducks for an organ donation charity and puppets for Operation Christmas Child UK (another way to use up oddments). Happy knitting

Ros47 Fri 12-Sep-14 16:35:37

Don't forget to add a bar of soap to your wool that is stored - that way it will smell nice and should keep any nasty bug away! (like moths)