new yarn storage

kacdragon wrote

on Jul 28, 2009 12:41 PM

In addition to using the shoe organizers, plastic bins and storage saver bags everyone else has mentioned, I use food vacuum bags in the one gallon size to organize many types of fibers. My personal favorite is the Reynolds wrap system. The battery operated vacuum works really well! By removing the air, I make them flat for easy storage. An added benefit is that they cannot be ruined by unforeseen disasters, such as bugs or water leaks!!!

To sort everything, I cleared my dining room table and used two bins. Things that I wanted to use soonest went into food bags and the shoe organizer. Things I had no immediate plans for went into vacuum food bags, then a vacuum sweater bag for storage in the bin. Each sweater bag holds different weight yarns, so that I can pull just one bag out of stoarge and know that everything is a certain weight. It is easy to see the many different types and I can pick one type without making a mess in all the rest! So far, it all seems to work and takes up a minimum amount of space. The bin and shoe organizer are both in my guest room closet. It took the better part of a Saturday afternoon, but I also got to play in all my stash! Now when I buy something new, I come home and put it up right away with a minimum of fuss.

And I like to use pretty glass vases and bowls for my needles and such... sort of abstract flower arrangements!

SunniS wrote

on Sep 3, 2009 9:08 AM

I like to use the 35-50 gallon plastic bins from Wally World :).  I organize my yarn inside using bags (much like the blanket/pillow/comforter bags) that have mesh up the sides.  Keeps the bugs out, lets the natural fibers breathe and they are see through so I can tell which one is sock yarn, worsted, etc.

I got them at cleanersupply.com they come in small, medium and large, i got the small ones.  They were something like $12 for a dozen.  They are also rectangular so they stack on top perfectly. I can fit 4 or 5 in one bin.  Great for people who don't have an extra closet or have limited space.  :)

http://www.cleanersupply.com/products/product.cfm?pID=3499

TrunkFullOYarn on Ravelry

Cyndy@13 wrote

on Sep 14, 2009 7:57 PM

I was wondering how the vacuum bags are working out for you.  I read somewhere else that it was not recommended. Something about the yarn not being able to breath.  I guess I could understand this about wool yarn.  Most of mine is not wool.  I also have been using clear bags to store my yarn and would really love to use the vacuum bags.  Anyone have any bad experiences? 

For the current projects I am working on or plan to work on, I use one of those hanging sweater shelf things.  I love it.  I can easily see all my projects and it's easy to grab.

GeriP wrote

on Sep 20, 2009 8:37 AM

Last summer the first moved out, roots and wings!  The youngest sews, so very excited we got a "knitting/craft room" for stash.  The room has one of those futon bunk beds.  I took clear tubs and sortted yarn and stacked them up above.  Then got two darling printed sweater organzers and hung those in the close for all my really pretty "scarf" yarns.  You know,  that soy merino blend that you only have two skeins of, but the colors were gorgeous and it was such a killery deal, that one day it may become a hat, or fingerless gloves, or..... so this way I can look at my pretty yarns when I am at the computer and there's a futon couch to sit on.  There were some bookshelves at the back of the closed so I have knitting book storage.  I took children's hangers and hung scarves on them, ones t hat need ends finished.  They are pretty to look at and I am motivated to finish as colder weather is coming (I really dislike finishing) .I also took all my ufo's and put them in a couple of tubs.  So I have a new mid-year resolution.  The first two week of the month I can knit/crochet/start anything I want...come the 15th i must finish at least one project and work on a ufo. 

This has been working really since July, I have finished two afghans, three hats and several scarves had their ends finally woven in!  Yay for Christmasgivingstash! Instead of my January resolution ,this will be my Christmas in July resolution.

Also I know the plastic tubs aren't the best, so I do air them out and am keeping my eye out for some of those large cardboard storage boxes. Having this room to even just sit and read/escape in has been so great and a long time coming, I still can't believe it and feel almost guilty sometimes!

ZassZ wrote

on Sep 29, 2009 12:53 AM

Organizing your room = the Key to getting so much accomplished.  It surely must be invigorating to see all your recently finished projects and that in turn gives you more incentive to keep it going.  Congratulations, enjoyed hearing your story!

milroygrams wrote

on Oct 3, 2009 8:17 AM

I have really been inspired by all the inovative ideas for stash storage.  I am lucky enough to have my own room for all my creating ideas.  I have over 30 years of stash yarns, fabrics, notions, etc and have started sorting and organizing more times than I can count.  Even moving across the country from Alaska to Indiana didn't work!  I plan on using many of the ideas I've read here asap.  I have numerous hat boxes, some were my mom's that she used for her current knitting projects. THanx for all the great ideas.  I'll be on this site a lot now that I know about it.

ZassZ wrote

on Oct 12, 2009 5:55 PM

Hi milrygrams!

Thanks for writing and glad you'll be using the site often. 

Barbmargo wrote

on Oct 13, 2009 12:43 AM

I just stumbled upon your organization site.  It's great.  A few people asked if vacuum bags were safe.  I didn't see your response.  Any hints at all on saving your back would be greatly appreciated.  Right now I have those big plastic drawers in the closet but my yarn is not in plastic bags in the drawers.  I think that would be helpful.  What kind of plastic bags do you recommend for separating the yarns within the drawers. I also have plastic bins on top of the closet but I have to reach for them.  Maybe lined baskets on the floor?  All in my son's room.  He is married with his own home.

ZassZ wrote

on Oct 19, 2009 1:21 PM

Hi Barbmango, so nice to "talk" to you. 

Pauline wrote that she uses citrus soap in her pillowcase bags to prevent a musty odor and to keep a fresh smell in her wool.  I use fresh sprigs of Lavender from my garden to hang in the actual zip up stand alone closet.  I notice that some plastic gives off a slight fume when it is closed up tight for a length of time so this neutralizes the gas.  Of course as soon as you unzip the bag the gas escapes. 

kacdragon wrote that she uses food vacuum bags and has no trouble and likes the space she saves because they store her yarns flat.  

 Cyndy@13 wrote asking how the vacuum bags were working for kacdragon and it seems so far, that she was pleased with them. 

If you notice thatt he manufacturers use clear plastic bags to ship yarns in packages of 12.  At the yarn shops I visit, those yarns are in the bags for any varying lenght of time with no harm done or they wouldn't use them to ship in.  

The reason I like using the stand alone zip up closet is that I hang the clear plastic bags on hangers, so they are visible without my having to bend down, thus saving my back.  Also the closet itself is "airtight" so I don't worry about the bags of yarn being vacuum airtight but I think those bags are a great idea as well  I also use the hanging shoe organizers inside the closet and put yarns in those slots and they can also be inside clear plastic as well, if I choose.  

For your ? about having to reach for your bins on top of the closet, may I suggest what I pictured.  A lower end table (or cabinet) on the floor of your closet, then stack your plastic drawers on top of the end table as high up as you are comfortable with.  Then you won't have to stoop down too low to access the lowest (first) drawer and the rest should be at hip height, then waist height, chest height.  I also use this arrangement inside one of my closets and I do love it.  The end table does not have to be new.  You could put a table cloth or cover over it with some fabric you love or want to make good use of.  That will save you from stretching your arms up, hurting your back or being tempted to stand on a chair to reach.   

I'd love to hear if you try any of these, how it works for your needs.  Great to hear from you!