I took a photo of my stash last night. I had planned to do some sorting and culling and I thought I’d make a start.
It took me a while to decide whether to post a picture or not. I’m scared my mother will see it and I’ll get into trouble.
So this is it. The stash. I also have a washing basket the same size as the one in the picture that has my UFOs in which I’m currently in the process of finishing or frogging.
After this photo I undertook step one of the sort and cull. I took out anything that I know I’ll never knit which was mostly superwash 8ply wool in frightening colours. I know the ladies at the Hospital Auxiliary will make use of it for their granny blankets and it’s better off having a life there than no life at the bottom of my stash.
Next step was to sort into different types. I have one full box of superwash 8ply wool in colours that I know I’ll use, one box of 4ply/sock yarn and a box of lace-weight and silk. Not a scientific classification system but it made things a lot tidier.
Now everything is in 7 boxes (no baskets). The next step is to label the boxes and then plan a reduction strategy.
I want to get down from seven to six boxes by the end of August. This is quite do-able as one box contains mostly the yarn packs for the winter jumpers currently on the needles for me and Geoff. These jumpers have deadlines so I should be able to do that by end of August.
I’d like to get it down by one more box by the end of the year.
So you know what this means – no more yarn shopping. This could be a problem.
Stay tuned for “Stash – Part II”
Any comments like “it’s not that big” or “my stash is so big that my sister went looking for some Cashmerino and we haven’t seen her since last Christmas” are most welcome.
Hi Jen
firstly thanks for the Knit Camp patterns (they’re lovely and also how i find myself here)
I will happily tell you that your stash neither shocks or surprises me.
Firstly, you are a designer. therefore you NEED stash.
Secondly, as long as you love (or at least LIKE) what’s in your stash and each individual skein (or project’s worth) doesn’t embarrass you then you know you made the right choice in purchasing your stash
Thirdly. And i am very firm on this. SOUVENIRS ARE NOT STASH. they are lovely and USEFUL reminders of where you’ve travelled.
and lastly, My official stash takes up 7 tubs (sorted into laceweight, sock – this is FULL – DK, 4/5ply, Aran, Bulky and Handspun). There is also a mini tub of leftovers that are too good to throw out. Then there is the overflow in the bottom of the cupboard containing mostly full projects worth. At least 7 jumpers worth at last count. And under my bed is 5 pillow/quilt bags (the plastic ones they come in) filled with not-yet-yarn, ie, Fibre.
Oh yeah. Spinning comes with all NEW stash.
So from my humble POV, it ain’t that big and certainly nothing to feel ashamed about. 😀
Unless you haven’t eaten in months or something, then you might want to think about destashing for food…
I feel better now – thanks!. I’m too scared to try spinning because as you say – it creates it’s own stash. That and the full time job thing that seems to get in the way of knitting quite a lot.
Jen, don’t fear your Ma’s reaction, my stash is much bigger, Iwon’t live long enough to use it up…. it will be your inheritance, and yes, I’m using mothballs!!. Mother-of-Jen.
Mum! I’m trying to have less stash not more….still, depends on what you have….
First I have to say that I wish my Mom had a stash I could inherit 🙂 I have recently organized my stash as well, it is a good reminder of what you have and how much of it. You have an inspiration in each batch, there is nothing wrong with that 🙂