Am I the only one that thinks my stash really isn’t that excessive?
The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines stash (n.) as 1. hiding place, 2. something stored or hidden away. The example sentence given is “<a stash of narcotics>.” Urban Dictionary’s 10th definition of stash states: the “collection” of yarn kept by someone that knits, crochets, or uses yarn for some other purpose. The example sentence given is “My stash is taking over the house. I can’t stop buying yarn!”
Over time I’ve come to find that most people either have a stash that they’re constantly trying to use (often referred to as de-stashing or stash-busting) or they seem to outright refuse to have a stash for whatever personal reason. I came across a blogger who stated “I honestly don’t get it” when referring to stashed yarn. It’s interesting to me that there is this odd divide.
Personally I’ve never really felt bad about all the yarn I own. Having yarn hanging around my house doesn’t give me any anxiety or make me feel bad in any way. Actually, if I think about it, my yarn comforts me and makes me feel happy. I like knowing that I have yarn to start a project whenever I want, and I don’t have to make a special trip to the store. This is especially handy when I realize last minute that a specific birthday is coming up, and I can’t think of anything to gift.
The problem that I’ve been having is organizing my yarn into some sort of acceptable state. Before I got sick, I had most of my yarn in clear plastic containers scattered throughout my house. Once my mom moved in to help me, she felt the need to consolidate. She moved the yarn so that it was all in one room. The problem is that whenever I want a particular yarn from my stash, we have to pull out all the bins and search for it – despite the fact that the plastic bins are clear.
I went online and found a cube storage system that fits perfectly in the living room. The only thing I don’t like about it is that the yarn isn’t in airtight containers. I bought pull-out bins for each cube, but they don’t have lids. So, in order to make sure that the wool yarn I own isn’t eaten by wool loving insects like the moth, I put the wool ones in zip top bags before placing them in the bin. Tragic stories of finding yarn that’s been chewed up has sufficiently scared me into making sure my wool yarns aren’t exposed – even though I’ve never actually seen a moth fly into the house.
To Carol and mom’s surprise all my yarn easily fit in the unit with room to spare.