How I Organized My Giant Yarn Stash So It's Easy To Find What I Need

I can't wait to browse my yarn stash like it is a knitting shop again. It took a while, but it was well worth it to unpacking all my boxes and organize my yarn first after the move!
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Engineering knits is a place for people who enjoy all kinds of vintage and antique crafts - from sewing to knitting, crochet to embroidery I like to try it all. I definitely have a preference for historical fibre crafts, and it is my dream to one day make an entire outfit from sheep to sweater. I hope you enjoy watching me and my favorite companion, Nutella, struggle through some fascinating projects!

[@RetroClaude]

Me: Happily knitting away watching this video. Hears my name 😱 Look Mum! I'm an influencer! I hope you're all settled in to your new place and can't wait to see what you make 💚

[@Loki-and-Thor]

I am incredibly upset with KZbin for not recommending your channel to me when it fits perfectly with others that I subscribe to. I’m glad you’re name was mentioned here and you left a comment so I can subscribe to your channel now. Are you UK based? The use of “Mum” made me wonder.

[@RetroClaude]

@@Loki-and-Thor Yep! I'm a Brit in all the ways that matter ☺️

[@MrsBrit1]

You really are! I thoroughly enjoy your videos, so it was nice to hear you mentioned here!💗 two of my fave knitters on youtube!

[@christenagervais7303]

I am a fan/subscriber of yours too!

[@Aplusinskal]

I subbed :D You, Engineering Knits and Rosery Apparel are the best of the best

[@k.s.k.7721]

Re: the first batch of yarns you showed. Those would be called "marled" yarns, where 2 colors are twisted together. Often used for simple outdoor pullover sweaters that will be used in wet, cold weather. Traditionally the wool had a higher lanolin content, which kept them very warm and somewhat water resistant.

[@ildonoa3928]

Floofy-patooty = best angle. Always.

[@sagenelson527]

I don't typically comment, but I didn't see people asking for this yet. If you do end up making the hexi-puff blanket on your CSM, would you please make a video about it? I am seriously considering buying myself a CSM, and I love the way this blanket looks, but knowing myself, I would never have the stamina to make it all by hand lol.

[@pantherzrule1]

I also really want to see that!

[@omaeve]

Can I ask what you mean by a CSM?

[@pantherzrule1]

@@omaeve circular sock machine!

[@adrienneneufeld8804]

haha i spy a james turner video on the computer

[@aprilm4627]

Yay for semaj lol 😆

[@mokanger97]

I've moved recently too, and while my yarn stash is generally tucked away in one big bin (I've only been doing yarn crafts for two years), my fabric stash is absolutely out of control. I think I might have finally found the last miscellaneous bag of fabric that I never bothered to store properly before, but it certainly feels as if they just appear from nowhere!

[@joanahope3013]

Make cute drawstrings bags, everybody loves them and they are useful and easy to make... that's what doing to my stash fabric ...

[@lisascenic]

I think the yarn style mane you are looking for is “marled.” Also! Costumed cycling events!!!! You should attend!!! This is the season for them. It’s an amazingly welcoming community, and there’s no snobbery at all.

[@CasualKnitter]

I loved this video and I think Retro Claude has started a de-stashing trend because I see more and more such videos and I'm here for them! I love how the yarn collection looks at the end, so neat and colorful and inspirational!

[@violetcoleman6693]

First handspun yarns are always so full of the story of the learning, They're gorgeous and unique and a trip to find your hand. I still have mine and I like revisiting it sometimes to remind myself how far I've come.

[@LilyLewis771]

I always use yarn or fabric stash (or clothes if I run out) as padding for my china when I move. So you’re not alone :) it works and saves on buying paper and plastic that’ll just end up in the garbage!

[@denisegore1884]

A craft room with a balcony. That's special.

[@bylindalawrence5943]

If you truly want to spend be sure and check into a ladybug spinning wheel. It isn't the most expensive but it's an amazing little machine. I. I personally have one and when I have a hard time sleeping all I have to do is get up and start spinning and in no time I'm relaxed and ready for bed. It is a very comfortable comfortable and good feeling to feeling to see the yarn you've created.

[@patrician5215]

Best of luck in your new place. Now I don’t feel so guilty for all the yarn I’ve stashed ❤

[@mariebray9831]

I think the knee high socks I just started will ankle socks, like all the others, but this is my first pair with lace instead of stocking stich. I feel that I need to go make some x's for my wool stash, because it looks so good, like a mini-yarn store.

[@MercyGrrl15]

I spin as well as knit/crochet and I highly recommend! It's so cool being able to make your own yarn and then make it into something wearable.

[@maeveenroute]

*Every* angle is Nutella's best angle!

[@allonsyemily]

I can't wait to see how the hexipuffs go on the CSM! Good luck with the drop spindle - it's a heck of a learning curve but getting a consistent yarn out of it is pretty satisfying :)

[@viciousfrockery]

a hexipuff blanket using the CSM would change my life!!! i have always wanted to make one but stopped repeatedly, and then gave away all my puffs. i'd love to see you make one!

[@christineriley9044]

Spinning because knitting isn’t weird enough. Lol I fell down the spinning rabbit hole and it’s soooo addicting. I’m really looking forward to seeing your progress. ❤

[@e.millustration1759]

That is *absolutely* Nutellas best angle

[@spinni81]

I finished my third big crochet blanket this week and my stash is finally at a manageable size again. I think I have yarn for 5 other projects (all knitting) and I won't be buying any new yarn before all of them are done. At least that's the plan. 😁

[@transarchivist]

Nutella is the cutest dog in the world - I actually have to rewind to listen to what you said because I stopped paying attention just admiring how cute she is!! You're so lucky!

[@thizizliz]

Well hey new neighbor!! Keep an eye out for moths - after the wet of our last winter, I'm seeing more than I've seen in decades and we live in the desert, so it must be bad closer to the ocean.

[@Aussieloz1]

I'm learning to spin and knit. I got very excited when you pulled out the drop spindle! I have only gotten as far as plying, but I enjoy doing it as a way to zone out and relax rather than make an end product. Would love to see a knitting expert learn to spin. You know how the yarn should look so I'd love to see how you figure out the twist as you go. The expert spindlers have already got the techniques figured out so it's not the same as watching someone start from scratch. Blue faced Leicester is an excellent spinning fibre to start with if anyone wants to know.

[@amethystskeels3788]

Essence of autumn is one of the first channels I ever saw! She makes me want to dye my own!!!

[@brendam5591]

BTW, I love how you include your dog in the videos.🥰

[@darkdest6664]

omg Drop spindles. I used to have one but my ex stole mine. I made a new one with a paperclip, ducttape, foam, and a pencil and i use my scrap yarn to make it by brushing it with a 2 dog brushes. So much fun i have a few cakes of them but idk what to make yet. Trying to grow the stash 😂😂😂

[@ckettenhofen]

A) your dog, is so cute and I know exactly what you mean, about loving her pantalon moelleux aka leg feathers/fluffy pants! I had a black and white kitty, who’s nickname was signor pantoloni morbidi, because of his furry rear end… fluffy pants just sounds better, in foreign language. B) the use of tote bags, to hold your projects, is a genius idea and C) I am excited to see your spinning videos! My brother owns alpacas and is giving me their fur. Because I have my great - great grandmothers spinning wheel, from Sweden and I think she would be tickled, if learned to spin 😊

[@beyondtheatre]

Oooooo oooooo! Brilliant. I recently enough moved which culled some yarn. Soon I’m moving again and dreaming of building my “yarn library”.

[@StellaLeeThreads]

Your daisy top looks fantastic!

[@Kate-fz3rp]

As someone who just divided everything by weight and then by gallon ziplocks within weight, your categories are making my head spin. To each their own

[@amykathleen2]

Now that you are filming at a desk instead of on a couch, I’m beginning to suspect that Nutella might think she’s a cat instead of realizing that she’s… you know… just a *little* bit bigger.

[@allsubstance]

Thank you so much for that cross hatching idea! That is such a good use of what would be wasted space on my bookshelves.

[@MissMVintage]

Love this video! Love knitting vicariously through other people's stash and knits. :)

[@beglitchery]

hahah I used my spinning fiber to pack my ceramics 😂 I love that you used your yarn for shipping as well

[@RodneyNorris]

I'm also a Software Engineer and recently picked up knitting with my 9yo daughter. I was talking with another knitting engineer friend and said how I could envision knitting projects being comparable to coding side projects, as in having many projects in partial states while you just have to start a new one 😐

[@cha4onda]

I love how involved your dog is ❤

[@kaytiej8311]

Ohm those cubbies are sooooo satisfying!

[@sarahcaban5176]

Eeek!!! I’m so stoked for future content!!!!!! I’ve been toying with the idea of spinning for a while and this seems like just the motivation I need to start! Love your channel so much ❤️❤️❤️

[@BBMc107]

Re: drop spindle. I was told to spin it while firmly hold the yarn so the twist did not go into the spun yarn. Then park the spindle between your legs and slowly thin the wool while allowing some twist to enter it. I can not get a nice thick yarn to save my life. I get lace weight every time with a lot of breaks I have to redo. More more more practice for me. I am ok with a spinning wheel, but the drop spindle is hard.

[@marthamalej2051]

Love the James Turner video in the background! nothing better than Sims gameplay and crafting hehe :)

[@DeannaWillistonOFS]

My Aussie is always wondering whom I am talking to & comes to my videos as well.

[@connorshinn4050]

I am very happy to know that wips are in random tote bags cause I think I have 4 diffrent bags of "pattern" only yarn so that I can just grab a bag and go I don't have to worry about not having everything I need for that project including scissors, darning needles, and stitch markers

[@alexandra3804]

What breed is Nutella? She’s absolutely adorable 🥰

[@The-Vintage-Needlecrafter]

Definitely keep the drop spindle, for more even yarn try the park and draft method. I started spinning this last summer and started on the park and draft. Now I've moved on to the original way . Keep practicing. You'll get better .

[@amysmith7629]

Om goodness, your Aussie is so precious! I have one too and they are the absolute best!

[@claretrevor8111]

Home is where the yarn stash is! Have you heard about Dickens Fair? Victorian Christmas Magic. I think you’d love it. I used to go (when I lived in CA), because I have so many friends that work it. There’s a big crossover from Renaissance Faire performers. Happy Organizing!

[@sekaihatsu]

Good luck organizing! I need to pull out my winter clothes *sigh* but I like "tidying up" with company so I look forward to your next yarn room video.

[@sarag1158]

using the yarn is padding and boxes sounds like a great idea

[@constancetroutman6419]

I love all your yarn.....and you definitely need to make that hat for your mom.....winter is coming fast..

[@lyndasmith593]

Your pooch is absolutely fabulous... Such a character. I just really enjoyed him sitting there and looking adoringly into your eyes..., Got a great life going there girl !

[@mariaadeliafernandes6128]

success and flower.

[@kevinmoore6713]

omg the tote bags each with a WIP that’s what i do too lol

[@amberandrews6692]

I have ~10 pounds of alpaca fleece for spinning that I've never got around to. I'm trying to work on it, too. 😅

[@janisi9262]

This is some lovely inspiration for organizing my own stash - which is kind of all over the house. It WAS organized at one point, but I moved stuff around, used some up, stuffed some wherever it would fit because I was in a hurry... yeah. Your shelf looks like one of my local yarn shops and it's so so pretty! What yarn are you using for your biking ensemble? I have some Bare yarn and I'd be happy to send it to you!

[@jammyjammich]

Luckily when we just moved 600 miles, all I had so far is a daiper box full of yarn. I'm still fairly new and to broke to stock up on colors. I buy per project. If I run out while crocheting I have to wait for the next chance I can buy more 🙃

[@nataliamaliga]

Maike!!! Your yarn stash is amazing and also I can’t believe I didn’t know about this when I saw you last! Wish we could’ve talked about vintage fashion, I would’ve loved to pick your brain on all this!

[@jl7034]

Very enjoyable and informative video. This is the first I've seen of yours but I am now subscribed and intend to binge watch you! Organization is one of my weak areas but your video has inspired me to start the process. Please give Nutella a pet and a hug from me. She makes a wonderful mascot!

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Your area is really starting to look good.

[@mikko_makes]

Ah! New subscriber here :) I really like your voice and way of describing things, and I love love love Nutellaaaaa! Thank you for inspiring me to put out another (much overdue) video of my own too... I also just moved and have felt too overwhelmed (or distracted) by the hundreds of other things that need tending to in my freshly uprooted life, but thank you for reminding me that the process is valuable to document... not just the end result. What even is "the end" result anyway, especially as creatives who just keep creating 😂! Excited to watch more of your content!

[@CatKnipND]

You could do mosaic crochet for the smaller amts

[@mfg2324]

All of the yarn is so lovely, I'm looking forward to seeing it again in your projects! Also, I'd love to see some spinning, I've just started spinning a week ago and it's a challenge but so much fun!

[@hdknkdsl]

so helpful! glad you made it to your new home safely :)

[@brendam5591]

I love your videos! The tunic without sleeves is by PetiteKnit and it’s called the Terrazzo Pullover.

[@jessicacollins8049]

I LOVE your sweater.

[@reginafranklin9659]

I used an afghan I was working on as padding in my last move. I feel that.

[@Jess-nc4oy]

Love a good yarn stash :) and I like the fact you are watching James Turner, and in your last video I saw you watching Minecraft videos and spotted a Brambly Hedge book, these are some of my favourite things too. Do you play the sims 4? we need some more knitwear in game. :) ps Your dog is so lovely.

[@ruthannlee8507]

I am excited to see how you organize your fabric stash. I am struggling with how to handle mine and looking for ideas.

[@annh.8290]

Can't wait to see the finished room. Though I love the way yarn looks when it's out, I have a problem with wool moths, so alas it is not for me.

[@meganb225]

Um definitely Nutella's best angle 😆

[@coreygilles847]

It always gets worse while you are in the middle of organizing. I love how your yarn looks!

[@omaeve]

Marled yarn I do a lot of Indy dying with the marled yarn. I started by using only white yarns to dye with then I found no white yarn in the store one day and got gray and marled yarn.

[@shannanberry]

I got a six partitioned shelving thingy just like that for my cotton yarns.... And it doesnt include all the othe places i have put my stash.... I hate to brag but iv hundreds of skeins.... Wish i could show you pics of my organization system.... You did a good job

[@rebeccajones4617]

Hi I love your channel and brought the Victorian toilet cushion pattern. I like for you to look at it when you got time for two out three need to be fix. Thank you for all you do.

[@wildsheepc]

AUSSIEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!! 😍

[@user-rn6cb5tc6r]

I've just recently found your channel and I really enjoy it. I like seeing other people's WIPs, it makes me feel better about the number of my own. I think I'm going to subscribe on account of you watching James Turner play Sims...at least that's what I think I saw. I hope it was the BigWallet series.

[@brendam5591]

I believe it is called the Fireside Pullover.

[@MonaSkovJensen]

Loved this video! ❤ I need to sort through my yarn stash and ufo’s soon. It is a mess I wonder if the hexi puff blanket could be crocheted hexi’s 🤔 I have not yet learned to knit toe or heel… but I have some sock yarn… maybe I could practise toe and heel knitting making hexis as I try knitting socks for the first time? My list of “projects I want to make” just grew even longer …,. 🫣🤣

[@Rotten_Ralph]

I was the unfortunate beneficiary of a yarn club. I was getting random yarn in the mail. I’m going to make something from this yarn. I have sock yarn and some hand dyed yarns that I purchased patterns for. I’m overwhelmed by my yarn currently.

[@GuyG.KTalesOfAnimals]

Yeahhh you’re watching The Sims videos how awesome James Turner is an Icon

[@linr8260]

Ooooooh spinning, I'm excited for spinning! Also is that some kind of circular needle holder on the door?

[@loiscassels8966]

OMG, your dog!! ❤️🇨🇦

[@BernadetteSchmidt-p2p]

Love ur video!! Could u pls share the name of the pattern for the tunic that u & ur mom are knitting?

[@kayta84]

I love me a good organiser video ❤

[@GintareKnits]

She knits, she plays Sims4. I love her already!!!❤️

[@julieanderson4881]

Love your music! What is it?

[@Bri-ro4lf]

Ok but where did you get that cute lil felt sheep decoration on your wall to the right?

[@valtarrant6527]

I've just come across your channel and am in the same position. I am moving into a new home and will have to combine my knitting/ sewing stuff with my music stuff, so I am looking for inspiration. Your yarn display looks lovely but aren't you worried about moths?

[@irishawk2]

I noticed you use for each project a special bag. I also do this . I have been knitting and crocheting 53 years so I also have yarn stach. But for those that should need or want to get rid of yarn. I would suggest giving the yarn to groups that have prayer shawl, or Warm up America groups as these groups are usually nonprofit and use the articles for cancer patients,nursing homes dialysis.units.also for those who need a warm. Fussy.

[@kathleenhensley5951]

That is the prettiest dog! Do you really have only two bins? I must have misunderstood! Excellent that you tat and do lace. That maple leaf yarn!! I find I can't keep up with old projects. I've torn things out because i didn't have a clue what I intended. Sad. I found an old journal recently and I think I'll start keeping it., again. You are very like I am ... I keep experimenting and learning new things, even in old age.

[@ChickOnRadio]

My stash is huge, so this would not work for me. I get plastic tote boxes that are clear, so I can see my yarn. If my yarn needs to get wound into a ball, I separate the balls into small zip lock bags to keep them from getting tangled up with other yarn balls.

[@herleanderholeman-butcher4155]

Have you did a vintage Christmas stocking?

[@teresablackbeard1322]

What are you using as dividers in your yarn stash wall units? Are they cardboard or styrofoam or packing material?

[@kristalburns3490]

Yes! learn to spin!

[@lady_sir_knight3713]

Yarn arsenal. Yarsenal? Yarnsenal?

[@christenagervais7303]

I love it!

[@trishweber9695]

although your dog is beautiful and I love seeing her in most of your videos, in this video I think allowing her on the desk top was bothering me and she ended up being distracting. sorry just wanted to let you know but mostly your relationship with her is cute and sweet. Loved the green sweater you were working on. Love your channel

[@masz10676]

I think u should buy a POD for ur craft items. No more moving horrors. Go to POD and get what u need... ☺️

[@atelierbetula]

Oh I use yarn as padding packing things as well! Or at least, thats how I justified to my husband... No babe, I don't have a problem, I have a sollution.

[@Ngamergal]

I know this is an old video but you missing the end stuff for the videos.

[@jaineparr4773]

Wow! Can you say SABLE?