Stash Storage

**Just because I have used this post to specifically address Yarn storage, doesn't mean that this same idea can't be used for other obsessive hoarding. Feel free to use this idea for your rubber stamp collection, scrap-booking supplies, crochet supplies, or any other craft that you are into.**

Awesome Mom has a delimma. She has what we Knitters call a "stash" of yarn. Now most of you non-Knitters aren't going to understand this, but Knitters like to hoard yarn. This has been attributed to several things--fiber fumes that we find irresistable, friends who want us to buy more yarn than they are, LYS owners who really know how to suck you into purchasing yarn you didn't even know you needed, etc. Whatever the reason, it is possible to build up a REALLY big stash of yarn without even realizing how large it has become until you go to get into your closet to get clothes and discover the door won't open because it is blocked with an avalanche of yarn that has fallen from the over-stuffed shelves, or you start finding yarn stuffed in the shirt and jacket sleeves of clothes on the hangers.

So what can be done about this? If you have an understanding Hubby--like Mr. Fixes-It--who sees that he is really benefitting from this yarn obsession because you no longer complain about his tool collection, then I recommend storing your yarn in 6 qt. clear tubs (like "Rubbermaid"). There are many advantages to storing yarn this way, but here are the main ones:

1. You can see what yarn you have and it's easier to locate what you are looking for.

2. Bugs, like moths, can't get into your yarn because it is protected by plastic. They can eat through cardboard! And believe me!! there is nothing more upsetting than getting into your yarn and discovering it full of bugs!!! Especially if it's your angora stash!!

3. The plastic containers stack up really nice! This eliminates the avalanche episode in the closet.

4. Storing in plastic protects your yarn from moisture. I have had yarn stored in cardboard boxes that got wet and my white yarn got stained from the brown box! Not Happy!

The small skeins and balls fit really well into the 6 qt boxes and so will the long skeins, but I like to use this size--which is a 12 qt or 18 qt--to store my 450 yard sock yarn skeins. They stack in there really nice and you can see what you have at a glance.

If you have had bug problems or store yarn that has not been moth-proofed then I recommend putting a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus oil onto a paper towel and laying it over to the top of the yarn in the bucket. This is a tried-and-true way to repell those nasty little bugs and protect your yarn.

If you do not have an understanding hubby then I recommend using those Under-the-Bed storage tubs. That way he is less likely to EVER see how much yarn you have. Don't limit yourself to just your bed either. Each child has a bed...and they need to keep their toys and clothes out from under there so what better way to help them than to use the space under their beds for your yarn stash (just be sure to get some nice bed skirts that reach the floor). Now your yarn is out of plain sight, but when you need to look for yarn it is easily accessable and in a shallow, plastic container so nothing is buried at the bottom of some box.

Yours Truly,
Mrs. Know-It