Out with the old and…actually using it.
The start of a new year can breathe a bit of new life into us all. Many people take the turning of a new leaf to put themselves forward for resolutions, others are happy to continue seeing the days in as they have been. However, for some, the promise of turning over a fresh calendar year pokes at the need to de-clutter; to look around our spaces and think “Do I really need that?”, and nine times out of ten, we don’t.
When it comes to us crafters, letting go of some of our precious stash is an absolute no-go zone when we’re having a cull. We’re too attached to that wool as we’ve got something extra special planned, we can’t use that fabric because we need to make sure we use it for the ‘right’ project. It’s either hoard or completely get rid. But we’re here to tell you there’s always a way to use up your stash.
Once we’ve got the our sorting heads on, there’s often that moment where you’re surrounded by chaos and question why you’ve even entertained the thought of sorting it in the first place. If your stash is a little ‘healthier’, shall we say, it might be best to start small and see where it takes you.
What A Liberty!
Our very own Customer Service Manager Adam used a small Liberty remnant to elevate his clear phone case!
Simply press and cut a piece of scrap fabric to the shape of the inside of your case, place it and pop your phone back in its rightful place.
It’s a quick way to rotate designs if you have a fair few remnants laying around, keeping you from spending unnecessary money in January. Answering the phone has never looked so good!
Let’s say you crochet; but you also knit, cross stitch and dress make, too. Sorting all of that out in one sitting would make anyone feel overwhelmed. Tackling one creative discipline at a time is not only a great way to remind you of what you’ve got, you’re also able to take your time with it.
It might be worth seeking out any patterns you’ve purchased along the way and seeing what calls to you. Whatever catches your eye and excites you the most is the best way to hit the ground running on a new project, and if the excitement is already there, you’re more likely to want to finish it – a win win!
For those smaller balls of yarn, scraps of fabric and spare skeins you may have, don’t just stick them in draw to be sorted for another day. Separate them and put the kettle on. Whilst it’s boiling, have a think of what you could do with it. Would some of those smaller scraps of fabric work for making a little patchwork bag? Having a play around with your scraps will really help conjure up that crafty, light bulb moment!
Read All About It
If you have something a little bigger, you could easily make a cover for your e-reader! There really are so many options if you sit with your stash for a little bit and see what comes to mind.
Could you crochet some little decorations for an upcoming holiday from your yarn scraps? Where shops and organisations may take them, you could consider donating. Although Christmas may seem a while away, some charities, hospices and churches often take part in community tree decorating – we even got around to accessorising a tree of our own in a local church alongside other crafters!
Donating is always a great way to re-home your unwanted crafting items. It’s always worth checking where will accept your items beforehand, but charity shops and charity bags are a wonderful way to make use of your items.
For cross stitchers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of keeping those little scraps of Aida that can usually be left over from a project. You’ll be surprised in just how many ideas there are out there for smaller projects. If you’ve got a thin width left over, consider making a bookmark for a friend.
Key chain fobs are also a thoughtful gift to make for a friend. You can personalise them, making them completely unique to the recipient. How about making some gift tags or cards for birthdays and other occasions? Not only will your scraps be well-used, but it will certainly bring an even bigger smile to a loved one’s face.
Whatever you’ll discover in your stash, we’re positive you’ll be able to make the perfect piece. And when you do, remember to tag us so we can see your small makes! Use #WoolWarehouseStashSearch when posting and we’ll share our favourite creations!