I love yarn! (No surprises there!) When I’m in a room with all those squishy bundles of colour, I find it hard to resist making spontaneous purchases, certain that I’ll put it to good use at some point. However, when the wool left over from projects gets added to the stash too, as well as wool from knitted garments that I’ve decided to recycle, it’s easy to find that my spare yarn starts to take over my living space and with two young sons, space is important to me too! Full disclosure – the pic below was part of my stash before I started Yarny Bees!
I know from chatting to other yarn crafters that I’m not alone with this.
Now that I have my own premises in Lichfield, stocking yarn for sale and teaching knitting and crocheting, I’m in my element! I get to be surrounded by yarn every day and I have what I need for all of my projects, without it taking over my home (or at least that’s the theory!). But what if you haven’t got that luxury? Saving space, is just one of the reasons for finding creative ways to use up your stash.
How can you save money, while still being able to knit and crochet?
Look for patterns that use a multitude of colours. When money is tighter, finding patterns to use up excess yarn can feel like a godsend. It’s extremely satisfying to create an item from left over bits, that you wouldn’t otherwise have used. It’s thrifty, good for the environment and a great space saver (leaving more living space – or space for more yarn purchases of course!)
I’ve created a range of patterns that are great for using up leftover wool and creating something totally original, with the combinations of colours that you’ve got left in your yarn stash. The bunting, in particular, is a beautiful way of showcasing the beautiful leftovers you couldn’t bear to part with. These items can then be given away to friends and family, giving them something that’s been created with love, that is also useful and durable. It saves you from having to spend more money on buying gifts and the time you would have spent trawling the internet or the shops to choose something, can be spent at home knitting or crocheting. It’s a win all round! In fact, any of my patterns can be adapted to use multiple colours.
How can using up old wool stores help the environment?
Whenever we use wool that we already have, whether that is using leftover balls of yarn from previous projects, or recycling wool from old or ill-fitting clothing, we are helping to protect the environment. While wool is a durable fibre, great for recycling and biodegradable, wool production is also harmful for the environment. So, making the best use of what we already have, is bound to be better environmentally.
‘The longer a garment or product is used, the more value is gained from the raw materials that went into making it. The same applies to recycling wool items. When the same wool fibres are put to further use, the environmental impact from those fibres is lessened.’ (IWTO)
Also, when we do eventually run out of our stored wool and buy new, we can choose brands such as Drops (which I use and stock) who have a reputation for being sustainable and fair and their yarn is made from natural fibres.
You can buy patterns and yarn from me online, at https://yarnybees.co.uk, from The Fabric Vault in Lichfield, or from my new premises at 69 Upper St John Street, Lichfield, where I also teach classes in knitting and crocheting for children and adults and I host sessions for like-minded crafters to get together. For the latest classes and groups available, see my website, or subscribe to my monthly newsletter at the bottom of the page.
References
‘Recycled Wool’ IWTO International Wool Textile Organisation