The Great Stash Reduction

I did some serious stash inspection this weekend. I opened all the cardboard boxes. I looked in all the project bags. I pulled it all off the shelves and sorted it by type. And I found that there’s a good bit of yarn here that I no longer love or need to knit. I also found that I have a lot of really fantastic yarn that I do love–enough that there’s no need to buy more for quite a while. The plan is to buy no yarn in 2006. Looking at my newly trimmed stash, I think I can do that pretty painlessly.

I have a lot of knitting to do before the stash gets reduced to my goal levels. Here is the stash as it now stands, after the weekend’s trimming. My initial goal was to have no more yarn than would fit on these two bookcases. I pulled that off. Yeah, it’s still a hell of a lot of yarn, but now it’s all yarn I love and definitely want to knit.
reduced stash.jpg

The basket on the right is full of extra warm stuff like Lopi and Lamb’s Pride Bulky to use for Dulaan knitting.

And here’s the stuff I’ll be selling:
sale stash.jpg

Amazing what you’ll find tucked into project bags. I thought some of these needles etc were gone for good. And I’d been blaming the animals, of course:
recovered notions.jpg

The fleece stash turned out to be more manageable than I expected–it all fits into one large-ish basket. I will be selling some roving, though. I found two bags that I no longer feel the need to spin. The fact that I forgot I had them was the first clue that they could go to a more loving home.

So now I’ve got to do some research to figure out how much the sale yarn is going for out in the world, and how much I’m going to charge for it. Then I’ve got to photograph it, make a stash sale page, etc… I’m hoping to have the sale yarn posted early next week. Go make some room on your yarn shelves!


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112 Comments on “The Great Stash Reduction

  1. The Buy More Yarn participants and I are ready! We’ve been shopping and we’re not planning to stop!
    Posted by: Carole

  2. Good lord woman, you could open a whole store.

    And I’m in trouble I think – I see something in a Jackie shade of green…
    Posted by: jackie

  3. woot woot- I see alpaca silk and other pretty yarns!!

    ps your place looks like a yarn store with those bookshelves type things 🙂 But the bags you are using to organise them look cool!
    Posted by: stinkerbell

  4. *gasp*

    Where did I put that paper bag I’ve been using for hyperventilating?
    Posted by: Steph VW

  5. Sweet Mary. Is that cashmerino? *squints at photo*
    Posted by: Kristen

  6. VERY impressive. But please stop reminding me how much I need to do this. Especially now that you’re having a de-stashing.
    Posted by: mindy

  7. I could make a crack about you nesting, but I won’t. I always take the high road. Except, of course, when I get into a hair-pulling fight with Jackie over who buys the green yarn.
    Posted by: Iris

  8. Now that is some formidable stash. Wow. My buddy Anton sayeth: “I’ve been in small yarn shops with less inventory.”
    Posted by: David

  9. The Buy More Yarn participants and I are ready! We’ve been shopping and we’re not planning to stop!
    Posted by: Carole

  10. Good lord woman, you could open a whole store.

    And I’m in trouble I think – I see something in a Jackie shade of green…
    Posted by: jackie

  11. woot woot- I see alpaca silk and other pretty yarns!!

    ps your place looks like a yarn store with those bookshelves type things 🙂 But the bags you are using to organise them look cool!
    Posted by: stinkerbell

  12. *gasp*

    Where did I put that paper bag I’ve been using for hyperventilating?
    Posted by: Steph VW

  13. Sweet Mary. Is that cashmerino? *squints at photo*
    Posted by: Kristen

  14. VERY impressive. But please stop reminding me how much I need to do this. Especially now that you’re having a de-stashing.
    Posted by: mindy

  15. I could make a crack about you nesting, but I won’t. I always take the high road. Except, of course, when I get into a hair-pulling fight with Jackie over who buys the green yarn.
    Posted by: Iris

  16. Now that is some formidable stash. Wow. My buddy Anton sayeth: “I’ve been in small yarn shops with less inventory.”
    Posted by: David

  17. You’re still small-stuff in the stash department by the standards of Chéz Lapin, however that’s impressive!

    I don’t dare try to de-stash. Every time I do I end up about 50 balls by the end of two months …
    Posted by: Rabbitch

  18. whoa – I will be ready when your sale page comes around! Did you say roving?…
    Posted by: Marie

  19. Oh my!!!!

    Does it count as increase to stash if I decrease my stash and add some of yours???? It’s really just the same stash but in a new location right?
    Posted by: Tracy

  20. Really … this is spectacular! Perhaps I should check again for my lost needles! I don’t have animals to blame in this house … except the spiders, maybe! hahaha …
    Posted by: Agnes

  21. I’m drooling over that soft green Debbie Bliss whatever on the right hand side in that picture.

    What is it? (I should probably find out before I sell my very soul to the devil to buy it, yes?)
    Posted by: Libby

  22. Good Lord, woman. I think you have more yarn than my LYS. Please put it up for sale soon. I covet so many things I see.
    Posted by: Jennifer

  23. The vultures are circling.

    😉

    Nice work.
    Posted by: claudia

  24. It feels great to get it organized doesn’t it!
    Posted by: stephanie

  25. I’m in the process of doing the same thing myself, I just need to take a day though and be as dedicated to it as you were, you really it seperated well.
    Posted by: Rebekah

  26. Oh now that is a pretty stash! I am making room as I type this…one hand to type, one to sweep yarn under the bed.
    Posted by: Karen

  27. I am tempted to use these pics as evidence in my next homefront battle over yarn acquisition. But in truth, I am impressed by and envious of this mega-stash.
    Posted by: anne

  28. Hmmmm I spy some pretty green yarn in the front. I am the Green Goddess, you know…
    Posted by: Gina

  29. Claudia!!! Hee. I must say, that is one imPRESSIVE stash. I feel a little bit better now, but not much, given that I’ve only been knitting (and therefore collecting) two years. I love the organization, and I want to do mine just like that!
    Posted by: Norma

  30. Love the BIRD statue on the smaller shelf…
    Nesting is a FABULOUS side benefit of pregnancy!
    Please email when the sale page is up…
    droooool.
    Posted by: greta

  31. You’re still small-stuff in the stash department by the standards of Chéz Lapin, however that’s impressive!

    I don’t dare try to de-stash. Every time I do I end up about 50 balls by the end of two months …
    Posted by: Rabbitch

  32. whoa – I will be ready when your sale page comes around! Did you say roving?…
    Posted by: Marie

  33. Oh my!!!!

    Does it count as increase to stash if I decrease my stash and add some of yours???? It’s really just the same stash but in a new location right?
    Posted by: Tracy

  34. Really … this is spectacular! Perhaps I should check again for my lost needles! I don’t have animals to blame in this house … except the spiders, maybe! hahaha …
    Posted by: Agnes

  35. I’m drooling over that soft green Debbie Bliss whatever on the right hand side in that picture.

    What is it? (I should probably find out before I sell my very soul to the devil to buy it, yes?)
    Posted by: Libby

  36. Good Lord, woman. I think you have more yarn than my LYS. Please put it up for sale soon. I covet so many things I see.
    Posted by: Jennifer

  37. The vultures are circling.

    😉

    Nice work.
    Posted by: claudia

  38. It feels great to get it organized doesn’t it!
    Posted by: stephanie

  39. I’m in the process of doing the same thing myself, I just need to take a day though and be as dedicated to it as you were, you really it seperated well.
    Posted by: Rebekah

  40. Oh now that is a pretty stash! I am making room as I type this…one hand to type, one to sweep yarn under the bed.
    Posted by: Karen

  41. I am tempted to use these pics as evidence in my next homefront battle over yarn acquisition. But in truth, I am impressed by and envious of this mega-stash.
    Posted by: anne

  42. Hmmmm I spy some pretty green yarn in the front. I am the Green Goddess, you know…
    Posted by: Gina

  43. Claudia!!! Hee. I must say, that is one imPRESSIVE stash. I feel a little bit better now, but not much, given that I’ve only been knitting (and therefore collecting) two years. I love the organization, and I want to do mine just like that!
    Posted by: Norma

  44. Love the BIRD statue on the smaller shelf…
    Nesting is a FABULOUS side benefit of pregnancy!
    Please email when the sale page is up…
    droooool.
    Posted by: greta

  45. The boy says I have too much yarn. I sent him this link. I bet you I don’t hear another word about how much yarn I have!

    Can’t wait for the destashing!
    Posted by: Risa

  46. If that is Fleece Artist sock yarn in the front there, its mine! Please?
    Posted by: puppymomma

  47. Very impressive collection you have there! I’m too ashamed to expose mine like that. Hidden in nooks and crannies, away from the hubbies judgmental eyes, is the best way to keep the stash.
    Posted by: Janet

  48. Holy Macinoli, lady! That’s a lot of yarn! Being a confirmed pack rat of not only the yarn kind, but also of the fabric and (most unfortunately) the wood kind (mama, don’t let your babies grow up to be carpenters)it causes ME anxiety to see you destashing! And really. What did you think your lovely puppies were doing with Addi Turbos?
    Posted by: karen

  49. Good for you — quite an accomplishment, all that trimming. Nice to find lots of needles, too! I think I have a wee empty corner somewhere. I might be able to help you out…
    Posted by: alison

  50. That is a beautiful sight! Sorting is SUCH a great thing. If there is any Rowan Magpie in there (that you want to part with- though I didn’t see any)I will HAPPILY take it ALL off your hands. Really! Can’t wait for the de-stashing sale. Also, I love the Pixie/Scarf picture. Beautiful.
    Posted by: KT

  51. You’re just an enabler! However, looking at your stash makes me realize that mine’s not so bad, so — I guess I need more yarn! 😉
    Posted by: janna

  52. Podrías abrir una tienda de lanas con lo que tienes en casa 😛
    Besos guapa!
    Posted by: Lia

  53. If that Debbie Bliss is Merino Aran I need some to finish a scarf that is set to be frogged because I don’t have enough yarn….It sounds like you will have a bidding war on your hands. lol
    Posted by: Meghan

  54. Ummm, you don’t have a lot of stash. I have 50+ clear plastic boxes of yarn. Pretty much high end, lovely stuff, but like you I have decided that it really is too much yarn. I have been going through all my yarn and giving it away to friends. I took magazines and delivered them to my local knit shop for new and beginning knitters. I have to tell you, getting rid of all this yarn was actually very easy and uplifting. I am still culling my stash.

    Patty
    Posted by: patty bolgiano

  55. The boy says I have too much yarn. I sent him this link. I bet you I don’t hear another word about how much yarn I have!

    Can’t wait for the destashing!
    Posted by: Risa

  56. If that is Fleece Artist sock yarn in the front there, its mine! Please?
    Posted by: puppymomma

  57. Very impressive collection you have there! I’m too ashamed to expose mine like that. Hidden in nooks and crannies, away from the hubbies judgmental eyes, is the best way to keep the stash.
    Posted by: Janet

  58. Holy Macinoli, lady! That’s a lot of yarn! Being a confirmed pack rat of not only the yarn kind, but also of the fabric and (most unfortunately) the wood kind (mama, don’t let your babies grow up to be carpenters)it causes ME anxiety to see you destashing! And really. What did you think your lovely puppies were doing with Addi Turbos?
    Posted by: karen

  59. Good for you — quite an accomplishment, all that trimming. Nice to find lots of needles, too! I think I have a wee empty corner somewhere. I might be able to help you out…
    Posted by: alison

  60. That is a beautiful sight! Sorting is SUCH a great thing. If there is any Rowan Magpie in there (that you want to part with- though I didn’t see any)I will HAPPILY take it ALL off your hands. Really! Can’t wait for the de-stashing sale. Also, I love the Pixie/Scarf picture. Beautiful.
    Posted by: KT

  61. You’re just an enabler! However, looking at your stash makes me realize that mine’s not so bad, so — I guess I need more yarn! 😉
    Posted by: janna

  62. Podrías abrir una tienda de lanas con lo que tienes en casa 😛
    Besos guapa!
    Posted by: Lia

  63. If that Debbie Bliss is Merino Aran I need some to finish a scarf that is set to be frogged because I don’t have enough yarn….It sounds like you will have a bidding war on your hands. lol
    Posted by: Meghan

  64. Ummm, you don’t have a lot of stash. I have 50+ clear plastic boxes of yarn. Pretty much high end, lovely stuff, but like you I have decided that it really is too much yarn. I have been going through all my yarn and giving it away to friends. I took magazines and delivered them to my local knit shop for new and beginning knitters. I have to tell you, getting rid of all this yarn was actually very easy and uplifting. I am still culling my stash.

    Patty
    Posted by: patty bolgiano

  65. That’s a lot of yarn to sell. And all the needles! Good luck with the no-buying resolution 🙂
    Posted by: Vicki

  66. Oh my, serious stash envy here………..
    what fun!
    Posted by: christine

  67. Sounds too much like work…

    I usually end up giving away all my extras when I do something like that. I go to a local spinning/knitting guild and there are always people there who are on a very tight budget… so I figure it’s some kind of good karma which means I can go out and buy new… 🙂

    Love your stash cabinet! The colors look so NICE when you can see them all like that.
    Posted by: Mia

  68. Is it weird that I’m jealous of your stash? Not that I want to feel overwhelmed by yarn, but I do think it’s pretty neat that no one in your house objects to so much space being taken up by fiber. Looking foreward to the sale!!
    Posted by: Sneaksleep

  69. I am impressed. And I am no longer mildly embarrassed about what’s in my Closet O’ Yarn.
    Posted by: Juno

  70. Drool…
    I can’t wait to see your sale!
    Looks like you still have plenty of stash that you love left over 🙂
    Posted by: emily

  71. I like the design that is under you new-found needles; floor? table? congrats on a well organized stash!

    Posted by: Kristen

  72. That’s a lot of yarn!!! Can imagine you feel great about doing that sorting out. Good luck in selling the left overs!

    And, I also wanted to let you know that I casted on for a Baby Yoda Sweater yesterday. I knitted my cousin’s son (born last Sunday) a set of matching hat and socks and had sp much yarn left over that I think I have enough for the sweater. I’m cheating though. Using baby yarn consisting of 50% cotton and 50% acrylic. I couldn’t find the sort of baby wool I was looking for and this yarn felt soft and nice. It has a totally different gauge than the yarn you used so I’ll have to do some calculaing when it comes to the decreases and increases…

    Thanks for the pattern!
    Posted by: Anna

  73. UUU! I will buy that green debbie bliss alpaca silk now =) is this color 25007? Let me know please =))
    Your yarn stash is amazing =) I have a way to go !!!
    Posted by: Olga

  74. Count me in for the roving!!!!! I need some desparately. (I’m already thinking about a new URL, you inspiring little creature, you)
    Posted by: john

  75. Congratulations on lightening your stash. It feels good to do it doesn’t it? I made a silent vow to not buy any more yarn in 2006 but already broke it–modestly.
    Posted by: monica

  76. *mouth drops to floor*

    If I ever feel like I have a lot of yarn I’m coming back to look at this picture! lol
    Posted by: Scout

  77. One womans stash reduction is another woman’s treasure.
    Posted by: Krysia

  78. Oh, I’m inspired! Been talking about doing the same thing, especially after going through the bins twice in search of missing Cashmerino. Once I seam up the other side of Gloria, I’m not going to let myself start another big project until I’ve followed your lead ~
    Posted by: maggi

  79. My guild recently had an auction. It was great fun. Everyone cleaned out their stash and brought their “I can part with this fiber”. They put a minimum price on it and the Guild President’s husband acted as auctioneer. It really was great fun.
    Posted by: Jacquie

  80. That’s a lot of yarn to sell. And all the needles! Good luck with the no-buying resolution 🙂
    Posted by: Vicki

  81. Oh my, serious stash envy here………..
    what fun!
    Posted by: christine

  82. Sounds too much like work…

    I usually end up giving away all my extras when I do something like that. I go to a local spinning/knitting guild and there are always people there who are on a very tight budget… so I figure it’s some kind of good karma which means I can go out and buy new… 🙂

    Love your stash cabinet! The colors look so NICE when you can see them all like that.
    Posted by: Mia

  83. Is it weird that I’m jealous of your stash? Not that I want to feel overwhelmed by yarn, but I do think it’s pretty neat that no one in your house objects to so much space being taken up by fiber. Looking foreward to the sale!!
    Posted by: Sneaksleep

  84. I am impressed. And I am no longer mildly embarrassed about what’s in my Closet O’ Yarn.
    Posted by: Juno

  85. Drool…
    I can’t wait to see your sale!
    Looks like you still have plenty of stash that you love left over 🙂
    Posted by: emily

  86. I like the design that is under you new-found needles; floor? table? congrats on a well organized stash!

    Posted by: Kristen

  87. That’s a lot of yarn!!! Can imagine you feel great about doing that sorting out. Good luck in selling the left overs!

    And, I also wanted to let you know that I casted on for a Baby Yoda Sweater yesterday. I knitted my cousin’s son (born last Sunday) a set of matching hat and socks and had sp much yarn left over that I think I have enough for the sweater. I’m cheating though. Using baby yarn consisting of 50% cotton and 50% acrylic. I couldn’t find the sort of baby wool I was looking for and this yarn felt soft and nice. It has a totally different gauge than the yarn you used so I’ll have to do some calculaing when it comes to the decreases and increases…

    Thanks for the pattern!
    Posted by: Anna

  88. UUU! I will buy that green debbie bliss alpaca silk now =) is this color 25007? Let me know please =))
    Your yarn stash is amazing =) I have a way to go !!!
    Posted by: Olga

  89. Count me in for the roving!!!!! I need some desparately. (I’m already thinking about a new URL, you inspiring little creature, you)
    Posted by: john

  90. Congratulations on lightening your stash. It feels good to do it doesn’t it? I made a silent vow to not buy any more yarn in 2006 but already broke it–modestly.
    Posted by: monica

  91. *mouth drops to floor*

    If I ever feel like I have a lot of yarn I’m coming back to look at this picture! lol
    Posted by: Scout

  92. One womans stash reduction is another woman’s treasure.
    Posted by: Krysia

  93. Oh, I’m inspired! Been talking about doing the same thing, especially after going through the bins twice in search of missing Cashmerino. Once I seam up the other side of Gloria, I’m not going to let myself start another big project until I’ve followed your lead ~
    Posted by: maggi

  94. My guild recently had an auction. It was great fun. Everyone cleaned out their stash and brought their “I can part with this fiber”. They put a minimum price on it and the Guild President’s husband acted as auctioneer. It really was great fun.
    Posted by: Jacquie

  95. That’s a lot of stash alright. Welcome to the club! 🙂
    Posted by: Emy

  96. yummmmmmmmmm you lucky ducky. Is that kid silk haze??? I see DB but not sure what but i”m loving that colour!!!
    Posted by: Kelly

  97. That’s a lot of stash alright. Welcome to the club! 🙂
    Posted by: Emy

  98. yummmmmmmmmm you lucky ducky. Is that kid silk haze??? I see DB but not sure what but i”m loving that colour!!!
    Posted by: Kelly