2KCBWDAY3: Tidy Mind, Tidy Stitches

Oh, Lordy.

Today's KCBW assignment is to reveal my organizational process, and/or lack thereof. In some ways, I think I am pretty organized, but in some ways I exhibit total chaos! I'll show you some peeks at how I store my yarn stash and other tools for being in the business of yarn play. Yes, this is my business, so I should be more organized, but it's definitely a WIP.


Let's start with the most untidy and then we'll clean it up from there.

Here are my two book cases almost completely devoted to knitting and crochet books and other references (shade card notebooks, pattern notebooks, etc.) You will also see a self-made needle case hung as a keeping place for lots of circular needles. Please do not look at the mountainous pile of papers waiting to be filed into the file cabinet on the left. And the errant receipt I now see on the floor in front of the left bookcase. I am usually more careful with my paperwork...really I am.
This is really scary--letting you into my planning room. You see my beloved swift and yarn baller table underneath which are various baskets holding yarn and WIP's. Indeed, every table has some of these stored underneath. I set up three tables in this room to try to divide up tasks. One is for nothing but glove and mitt projects, one is for freelance projects and the swatching yarns involved, and one is for having a place to sit and actually think and draw and plan. I'm trying to use this room, I really am. Most of the time it just sits here waiting for me to get back to it.
Boy, it looks even messier in these pictures. (Groan.) This is one organizational tool that is working for me...hook and needle cases. I made all of these out of various fabrics and I love how they keep my straight needles in one, dpn's in another, and crochet hooks in another, all neat and tidy. I can always find what I need in these.


And it was a very good day when I finally realized how great these sweater keepers are for keeping my yarn organized. I also have some in my clothes closet for actually keeping sweaters, but they are wonderful for yarn cubbies. Most of what you see in this one is Cascade. Yes, I use a lot of Cascade. They are our neighbors. Shop in your village. Not only that, but it's great quality yarn for the money and I like to design with it because you can find it almost everywhere...except big box stores, and I like that part, too. The boxes underneath the cubbies hold trunk show samples.


What you see above is what used to be a bathroom. I won't go into that long story, but we eradicated our pesky upstairs bathroom and had it turned into the most beautiful storage closet ever. I am still not using it to its full potential, which would involve putting in some shelves, but I'm doing pretty good with these cubbies. These all used to be sitting in the three-tabled room of mangledness seen in the pics above. Moving them into this closet allowed me to put that third table in the other room. One can never have enough surface space. Just ask my husband. It's a lucky day for him when he can actually find a place to sit, much less a place on any table or countertop to put his own stuff.


I have tried to organize the cubbies by yarn brand. What you see in front is some Schaefer, and next to it various farm yarns, then some Claudia, then some Pagewood Farm. On the top for the best viewing is part of my sock yarn stash. I like being able to see these the most easily. So pretty! There are other yarns in bins elsewhere, but I find that I can keep better track of what's there when I have it out where I can see it. If it's in a bin or box somewhere, it's practically invisible.


Well, now ya know. I'm a messy one! Maybe this will inspire me to clean up this stuff. Maybe.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I like the needle cases, it seems like a good idea... maybe I should put them on my christmas list XD
Kelly Monster said…
Such beautiful chaos! I also love the idea of needle cases. I've seen a lot of friends with them (bought, not made) and I've always wanted to make my own.

Did you follow any pattern for them or do it purely by imagination alone?
gluecksfisch said…
I like your creative chaos!
AC said…
Holy bejebus you have a lot of yarn!!
Mollyandollie said…
Wow, I thought I had a lot of yarn! Not even close! What decadence! And what messy genius! love the needle holders
Vanessa said…
Wow! I am totally jealous. I wish I had a craft room. Sadly, I am delegated to one bookcase full of stuff (books and yarn).

Someday I'll be living in something larger than a one bedroom apt.
Jen Hagan said…
Wow, thanks everyone! Yep, I have lots of yarn because it's my biz (and because, well, who can resist?) Kelly, I finagledly made those needle cases myself. They aren't perfect, but they work for me. :-)
La Rue said…
As usual, the pictures don't do it justice. It really is very well organized and the most important factor is that you know where to find what you need at any given time. It has come a long way and has grown exponentially. Congratulations!!!
Jen Hagan said…
{that was my mom} Thanks Mom!
Anonymous said…
Closets for yarn? *swoon* :)
josiekitten said…
Ooooh, loadsayarn! I bet you know where most things are!!
Natalie Goza said…
I am so much like you in that regard. I get a place all of set up for a particular task and most of the time end up doing the task in a complete other location (living room). Then that room just becomes more of a place to keep everything organized instead. :o)
I love you organized messiness!
Bonnie said…
Thanks for sharing this with us! I love seeing how people organize their knitting.
Anonymous said…
The sweater holders look so smart! I will have to try and remember those for when my stash grows too large for my current space.
Jen Hagan said…
Yes, Sally, closets. :-) Josie, actually, I do know where most of it is. I've always functioned with "organized stacks." Nat, of course, but we have good intentions. You're welcome, Bonnie! Mh&yadventure, the sweater holders are quite reasonably priced, too!
Ruth said…
Don't clean it up; you'll never find anything ever again!
Kota said…
OmG to have Central heating and a craft room in which to swing a cat and and more yarn than I can ever dream of..... I have a old coal bunker and no heating and I am limited to a couple of plastic boxes. I am working on the stash development but I think I would be overwhelmed by yarn fumes in your storage....
Jen Hagan said…
Ruth, you are probably correct. How many things have I lost by putting them "in a good place?" Kotaatok, it is a little overwhelming. I have trouble thinking straight when all the yarn is around. Intoxicating!
tishka said…
Im just getting around to reading everyones post. I love your massive chaos! These are rooms for inspiration!

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