Stashbusting part two – using the orphans and oddments

In our last post we talked about those stray balls of yarn and small amounts you uncover when you sort out your yarn stash. Here we have a few ideas on how to use them.

Stripe it
It can be really frustrating when you realise that you don’t quite have enough for a whole garment, hat or scarf. But stripes and colour blocks are very fashionable. So check through that orphan and oddments collection to if you have enough of  the same or similar yarn in two or three colours to make a whole garment. Then pick a pattern you like and work out how your stripes or colour blocks are going to work. This is a chance to be adventurous with colour.

Inspirations: Stripy Mitts by Sandra Paul; Rosee Woodland’s Stashbuster Sweater; Brooklyn Tweed Turn a Square hat 

You could also try other types of colourwork like fair isle or intrarsia. 

Añashúa Peruvian Fish Pillow by Erssie; Anniversary hat by Juliet Bernard 

Sock heels and toe
If you have odd amounts of sock yarns to use up you could go down the stripe route or you could make socks with contrasting cuff ribs, heels and toes. A great choice for contrast heels is to use a sock pattern with an afterthought heel

Rainbow by Michaela Richter;  Wicked Simple Socks by Ashley McCauley 

You can also take a similar approach to the bands and cuffs of a sweater, think vintage sweaters and cricket jumpers for inspiration. 

Granny squares
If you have a lot of the same weight of yarn – DK, aran, etc –crochet squares are a great use of stash yarn yet another way to be creative with colour. You could go all out with a blanket or try smaller projects such as cushions, tote bags, pencil cases, scarves and gadget covers. Remember that if you go for a lacy square pattern like the traditional granny square you may need to line your project.

Demelza by Catherine Bligh; Squares bag by Marinke Slump 

Toys
Toy patterns range from simple squares to elaborate families of costumed animals but in general they use smallish amounts of yarn And they are no reason not to have fun with colour – there are some very well loved multi-coloured teddies and dayglow dinosaurs out there.

Sherman the Square Dancing Stegosaurus by Rebecca Danger; Granny Square Kitty Cat Softie by Julie Harrison 

Time to bust that stash

The yarn cupboard door is groaning again so it is time to tackle the stash.

Step one is a good old stash toss. This is when you take it all out in one go – be proud of that yarn – spread it out and reorganise it.

Even if you have lists, sometimes looking at your stash can really make a difference. You will find a number of things happen:

• You will find the perfect yarn for a project (or several) you have been planning to make. If this is the case, put that yarn in a project bag with the pattern ready to start.
•  Two lots of almost identical yarn, possibly acquired for the same project.
  
• You will uncover a skein or two of truly beautiful yarn that you put in a safe place until the perfect pattern came along and then forgot about. Take a little time to find that perfect pattern right now.
•  You will fall in love with some yarn all over again. Place it in an accessible place in your stash, so you keep it in mind
• There will be some yarn that you are mystified as to why you ever acquired it. Don’t just put this back in the cupboard, put it aside to sell, swap or donate – someone else will appreciate it more than you.
• There will also be a project that only needs the neckband doing – finish it to free up the needles and project bag.
• There will be plenty of orphan balls, small amounts of yarn and leftover oddments. Sort these by yarn weight, fibre type, etc so you can see what you have got and put aside for our next blog.

As you put your yarn away again why not start an “in” list that you add to every time you acquire yarn and an “out” list to record what you use. This doesn’t stop you buying more yarn but just helps you see what’s available when you spot a new project.

Do give us your stash organising tips.