FINALLY Taming My Overwhelming Yarn Scrap Collection

My BIG GOAL for 2023 is to use or donate all of my scrap yarns and mini-skeins in the first six months of the year! This video is part one of the plan: GET ORGANIZED. Come back next week for part two! #scrapfree2023
| #scrapfree2023 JOURNEY |
Part 1 - (this video!): • FINALLY Taming My Over...
Part 2 - My Project Plans: • My Scrappy Project Pla...
Part 3 - Scrappy Pattern Ideas: • 10 Scrappy Project Ide...
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| 2022 STASH ELIMINATION JOURNEY |
January 2022 (the start): • My Plan to ELIMINATE S...
June 2022 (6 month update): • Halfway to Eliminating...
December 2022 (1 year stash update): • ONE YEAR of Stashing D...
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How I Plan my Projects: • How I Plan My Knitting...
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| CHRONOLOGICAL STASH VIDEOS |
November 2019 Pt. 1: bit.ly/YarnRoomTour1KN
November 2019 Pt. 2: bit.ly/YarnRoomTour2KN
January 2020: • Knitty Natty | Simplif...
July 2020: • *NEW* Yarn Room Tour |...
February 2021: • EPIC Yarn Room Declutt...
May 2021: • My NYC Yarn Room Tour!...
January 2022: • My Plan to ELIMINATE S...
May 2022: • EMERGENCY! Quick Yarn ...
June 2022: • Halfway to Eliminating...
December 2022: • ONE YEAR of Stashing D...
January 2023: • FINALLY Taming My Over...
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[@SharonCodyCowgirlCreations]

You and I must have different definitions of scrap yarn 🤣 To me the mini skeins and advent sets are not scraps...they were curated together in smaller hanks and intended to be used that way. Scraps are partially used skeins. No matter what you call them they are beautiful!

[@Lisa_Flowers]

I think she's probably going by weight, and how much a typical sized skein weighs (50g or 100g). Mini skeins are actual 'skeins' and not 'scraps' but for her purposes making the functional definition of a scrap be quantity-based and not semantics-based is probably more useful! That's my best guess.

[@Lisa-vb3gn]

I’m fairly certain that the dyers who created those advents don’t enjoy hearing their work referred to as scraps!

[@alwaysreadin163]

@@Lisa-vb3gn scrap yarn shouldn't be considered a bad thing, it's just a small amount of yarn you may have found that you have in your stash. It's still usable, whether it will be spun into a new art yarn with a carrying fiber or put into a stash buster yarn :)

[@Lisa-vb3gn]

@@alwaysreadin163 I love scrap yarn-use it all the time! I enjoy coming up with ways to use every last inch. But if I were an indie yarn dyer who spent a great deal of time and creativity putting together an advent and all the work that goes along with it, having someone refer to it as scrap yarn would not feel complimentary.

[@alwaysreadin163]

@@Lisa-vb3gn ..when you put it like that yes I can definitely see that now 😅

[@teressebirkett3387]

I knit blanket for the homeless with my scraps, they're pretty, warm and serve a function which helps people less fortunate than me.

[@Rednecksusan81]

I do the same and blankets for the animals in the shelter

[@t.l.patterson8497]

I've never understood why people "get rid of" scrap or unwanted yarns. I make pattern swatches, practice corner patterns, or even dolls/clothes. I like having samples of patterns on hand, guess im weird like that.

[@Rednecksusan81]

I make blankets out of the scrap yarn ❤🧶

[@ShortCircuitMom]

I made two advent calendars from my scraps/minis last year to give away. I packaged them up in numbered, decorative boxes. I included progress keepers and a project bag I was ready to let go. I also included a full skein from my stash I was ready to let go. I then added tea bags and candies randomly in the daily boxes. I mailed them out in early November so they would receive them at the same time as others were receiving their purchased advent calendars. The two ladies (randomly chosen from those who wanted one) who received them LOVED them. I highly recommend doing this. It was incredibly rewarding to be a blessing to others.

[@seimanchu]

I love this idea!!!

[@mrshore12345]

SO glad you're doing this project - I was so inspired by your last year's destash that I started doing that myself, and now I'm hoping this can be me in a couple year's time! A quick tip re: destashing -- you can also take any really small scraps or yarns you definitely won't find a home, cut them up, and send them to Hedgehog Fibers! They use all the scraps for their Tweedy yarn and will give you a discount for recycling :)

[@astridmeyer7812]

Oh, thank you for this useful tipp❤

[@barbarapetronio9419]

I love your "scraps"!!!! Beautiful yarn and definitely I think that aren't scraps for me.... Toaster is the best assistant ever!!!! Ciao from Como🇮🇹

[@jenknitwit8736]

Lol! Cracked me up to see Toaster in the middle of the bed as you and Kent removed yarn from packaging!😂

[@beckyreed]

SAME! I love how you can just tell what Toaster is thinking - like "I don't know what's going on but I'm definitely not gonna be left out"

[@tmw94777]

I use those teeny scraps to make Hug Monsters (shaggy, loose pompous with google eyes) that I give away with my Free Hugs at Pride festivals.

[@mogy6492]

Okayyyy 1. red wings shirt?! Fellow Michigander?!? 2. cutest dog ever!

[@LDaw_96]

I share the goal, however I have a large jar that I will keep small prices in to do a woven rug at the end. No scrap to small 😊

[@KnittyNatty]

That’s a smart idea!!

[@joycepastore3860]

Well, that was interesting! We thought you only had two skeins left and you had a whole bed full ha ha

[@dieSterbendeGiraffe]

What Toaster does is exactly what my dog Bean does every time I fold clothes. Laying in the middle of it, taking a nap, so I don't forget he's there 😂

[@mariafernandacaicedo9720]

My dog would jump and try to eat all the yarn 😅

[@swordNshield]

It's really nice of you to let go of some scraps and make an advent type collection for someone who cannot afford an advent. I enjoy advents vicariously through podcasters because they are really costly. I mean they're beautiful and the dyers really deserve getting paid but I personally don't have that kind of cash 😅Maybe one day!

[@rachelhoward3644]

I love your no pressure, no shame, no stress way of going through your yarn. You have a way of going through the process that is amazing.

[@jewelse1975]

Natalie! You had all that yarn!!! I feel betrayed lol

[@kendenta2207]

I think all this is a fabulous idea for yourself. But one thing keeps coming up in how my brain works. Yes, this is a lot of scrap yarn indeed. But within that small apartment, I can't seem to figure out where all of the finished objects are stored. The sweaters, hats, socks, shawls, cowls, and all the rest. I think you may have another hidden agenda for us Nat that you might be revealing to us all one day. I am extremely curious here. Ken

[@Lisa_Flowers]

She has a video on her channel where she shows where and how she organises/stores all her finished objects. Most of them seem to be stored in the very deep and wide drawers under her bed. In that video she also showed her decluttering process and got rid of quite a few. To me it makes perfect sense that most of them would fit there, especially when you consider the older things she isn't keeping. I don't think there's really any secret about it, as far as I can tell 🤷 They've also mentioned having external storage units for all the stuff that can't fit in their apartment, maybe some of it also goes there. Just a guess.

[@sharbear1968]

I love how you weighed your scraps! Excellent idea.

[@sarahferguson0]

I just went through my entire collection and donated a huge bag. I'm not necessarily a beginner, but over the past few years i was experimenting with brands and i definitely have my favorites so i gave away lots of yarn that i know i won't use. I'm very particular about how yarn feels in my hand and I'm also a minimalist so all that yarn had to go. I kept a lot of it for a while because i thought i would try to use it but because it didn't bring me joy, and in fact it was making me feel cluttered, i thought it best to just move past the money factor and give the darn stuff away. I'm back to about 10 whole skeins and a very small bag of random scrap balls and I'm only going to buy yarn that brings me joy AND it's for a specific project. I just can't justify having boxes of yarn and i hate scrap projects 🙂

[@annawilliamson4270]

Holy scrap pile, Batman! Mine currently fits in a medium project bag since I'm making a crocheted Corner-to-Corner with them. My problem is that I keep wanting to play with the shiny new yarn and not put in work on my scrappy project. Time to reinstate Scrappy Sunday!

[@heathertucker7056]

Natalie I will confess, I am green with envy! Seeing all your scraps and minis spread out like that, had me drooling! I have been looking for bits and pieces to put into a scrap blanket I’m making and really struggling to find enough! I am looking forward to the coming videos to see what you are planning for your keepers! Seeing Toaster snoozing in the middle of the yarn was great! XX

[@cerenity6378]

Give you a idea take all that scrap yarn and make a blanket with it for a child. Me and my mom did this years ago for when we were crochet granny square blanket. you never knew how far it would take you. But it made some beautiful blankets

[@fralou1]

I love leftovers especially when they start with the Y lol. I have app 7 scrap blankets but not enough minis to work on hem. I used to do swaps but he person seemed to stop doing it. Lucky you. Get scrap blankets lol

[@joyceford1301]

Love that Toaster didn't even move while you spread out your yarn; my cat would have been the same way 🙂

[@drasiella]

I would be happy to relieve you of those pretty tiny scraps!

[@maepixie1372]

Scraps are great for small items. I had so many boxes of scrap yarns to use up and was extremely happy when it was used up. I love to make hats, scarfs and lap blankets that i can give away to others in need. You will be surprised how many parents that seem to not buy winter items for their young children. It always upsets me to see parents in winter hats and jackets and their small children in nothing. I pull hats out of my trunk and ponchos that i have made with scraps to give to children without. My goal is to make items until i have no yarn left which is easier said than done. I also have granny squares in both baby yarn and regular yarn that has helped me to use up those tiny pieces of yarn. I am getting closer to having enough for the baby blanket but i still have a very long way for the regular ones.

[@Amy-tn3qv]

This is sooooooo much fun, and I love how Toaster slept through the whole sorting process with you and Kent working around him. I can't wait to see what you're going to do with the ones that you decided to keep 😊

[@HollyTriedIt]

I'm excited to see this next stage in your scrap collection. I love using scraps of 10g or less to make mini-sweaters. They are perfect for ornaments and holding gift cards. And it's satisfying to see all the different variations. Can't wait to see what your plans are.

[@ritabahlawan53]

❤❤ START MAKING RUGS!!! THEY WILL BE BEAUTIFUL!!? THAT'S WHAT I DO!!!

[@dianam4778]

I feel so deceived! I thought you literally only had 2skeins of yarn. Look at all this yarny happiness!

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

First time viewer. This is a wonderful idea. Thank you so much for sharing. ❤

[@calliewhite8742]

I personally use my scraps almost immediately after every project to remove the idea of a pile up. I also do not hesitate to start or finish my projects. My ocd will not let me keep scraps.😂I hate the thought of a pile of usable yarn 😂

[@angelajackson9488]

Wow. Well done unpacking Nat, Kent, and toaster.🧶💜🧶💜🇦🇺

[@maximumbees]

love the dog just sitting in the middle of it all.

[@janetd4862]

If you want to get rid of some of your fingering scraps, I would buy some from you. Last fall, I worked on 100 tiny socks (about 3 inches) to use up scraps. I put a garland around the bank of windows in my living room. I used some to make ornaments, and gave some to my daughter for her garland. Now, I’m thinking of making hearts for a garland, and maybe tiny mittens. I have a lot of scraps, but need more!

[@EcstaticTeaTime]

I love working with scraps. I had wondered where yours were. I buy the right amount of yarn for projects but the leftovers are where I get creative. Or it might be the rush of playing yarn chicken. Have fun!

[@michelleboland6424]

All these scraps are amazing and to be honest, I felt a tad jealous lol. I probably wouldn’t be able to part with yarn lol

[@chalexmoretz]

I'm also doing #scrapfree2023! It's kismet that I found this video today, this will be so helpful for my similar journey

[@SarahSmith-ve1ts]

Omg😮I thought I have a lot of yarn but you 50 tons more than I have

[@cozynaturegirl]

Wow, that’s quite a stash still. At least you have another year.

[@jeraldjaycamiling7914]

I always wanted to crochet a different stuff but i don't have that much yarn to use lol

[@seiryumiko]

I can't wait to see your project ideas! Scrappy projects are always so fun to me to see and work on. There's always so much color and gives a sense of fun. Right now I'm keeping my

[@kellycarter2497]

Last year I decided to get rid of a lot of my small yarn balls. I made 30 scarves for the kids on my school bus ( I drive kids k-6). I asked each child what their favorite color(s) were and crocheted scarves. When I ran out of 1 small ball, I added the next. I think these balls reproduce like bunnies, because I've been organizing lately and finding more small balls!

[@gavinl6774]

I am so excited for you Natalie! Because of what you did with destashing your yarn in 2022, you have created a trend for 2023. I love watching your yarn journey, wherever it takes you. Thank you for sharing it with the world. 🎉🎉🎉

[@knottygurlcrochet]

Love toaster just laying in the middle of the yarn😂

[@rebeccaenglish7962]

Tell Kent that as a Michigander I love that he's wearing a Red Wings t shirt!!

[@grandmasmagic3858]

this is something I SOOOOOO have to do myself....I'm a yarn hoarder/yarnoholic and I just can't help myself...in a few months I have to move house and I know I have to find all I have, work out what I know I won't use and keep what I will..also need to store it better, colour coordinate it so I'm more likely to choose projects to use it up in...THEN I need to sell what I make...once that is done, then I can buy more...

[@jo7127]

Very helpful ideas, thank you 😊

[@saraheskew9406]

I love leftovers and minis! They are so fun, and I do tend to use minis (especially sets) in projects. One of my favorites is to make socks out of a set of three mini skeins.

[@stacycharles9234]

I love Toaster just laying in the middle of it all!

[@gemmaf_]

I went a bit crazy with advents 3 or 4 years ago. As most of them are still around, my boyfriend made me an advent this year with some, so I could make Summer Lee's Thickmas socks, holding the minis with another skein. The only problem is it didn't use up much of each mini, so I'm going to make another pair holding each colour doubled. I'm hoping to make a Skrabucket or two from my scraps later in the year too.

[@Vivcatkemp]

As always excellent! I so enjoy your willingness to be open about your stash! I think stash is so much fun and I feel so encouraged after your videos that I can enjoy all of my yarn and get rid of those skeins that do not bring me joy. Also, your planning and organizing videos are the BEST! You are so thoughtful and intentional.

[@jodibadger]

I honestly don’t see the appeal of not having any stash yarns or scraps. Different strokes for different folks, I guess! You do you!

[@splibragirl]

You can use rubbing alcohol to remove sharpie from almost all surfaces. What a collection!

[@mariyatomyev]

You are so fortunate to be able to purchase the advent calendars. They are all so beautiful 😍

[@hanneblack353]

Omg I love your scraps🥰 a Pokemon calender - I’m so jalous🫣

[@ashikissick7825]

I really wish I could have been able to get the Pokémon set and the seats sets 😂 I missed both of them

[@kat22885]

Lol at the Toaster sized space after the first sort 😂

[@kierafinneke5828]

I have really loved your 2022 journey and I’m so excited to watch this one unfold! I only have one advent set and I’m not really sure what to do with it - it was a gift and I feel so stressed/bad about letting it go. But I think it’s going to happen! I can’t wait to see what you have planned for your projects!

[@angiemcdermid4845]

This is definitely my target. I have made hats and mittens and stuffed toys, but my fingering partials are the biggest part of my stuffed stash closet

[@khushbushukla3653]

Love seeing your organization and thought process. I am determined to mostly knit through my stash this year, saving yarn buying for when I travel. That being said, I am knitting that scrappy mitered square blanket you frogged in this video. Would love to have more fingering weight scraps for that, happy to pay for shipping if you still need to destash 10 g or under scraps 😊

[@leelee771000]

Oh I laughed at the hidden advent there. 😂 you’ve just given me a new hidey-hole idea

[@cimoirine]

Whew! So many scraps! I feel you. Just started a cozy memories blanket (previously I had tried the beekeepers quilt and had to give it up. Totally regret doing that) I’m so excited to get rid of scraps with you this year. I’ll take scraps you don’t want lol! I know that crazy sock lady did a sweater of scraps held double with the sea glass sweater, and that seemed to help her out a lot. If you’re looking for other scrap patterns.

[@lynnthomas7275]

I started the beekeeper quilt on Jan 1st. My plan is to do 1 hexi per day. I even stuff them with the tiny scraps cut up small

[@storyinternships9636]

OMG! what a delightful haul (which includes the cute doggo!) 😄

[@EmilyStraw]

That was really fun!! Thank you for walking us through your process!

[@reginarosa6961]

I really love this video!! Thank you so much for inspiring us with your yarn journey!

[@katpraeuner9794]

I used almost all my small quantity yarn in hats and cowls for Christmas gifts. So I have very little that I can find. I do however, have a multitude of full skeins and sweater quantity skeins. I spent 2 weeks logging my stash in December. With most of the scraps and 20 g skeins gone, I can't even tell the difference (it filled one cubbie container). I would really like to sort my yarn by weight - dk, worsted, fingering. It's almost that way now, but that's my project for this week. I've also been organizing one thing, drawer, container cupboard a day. Thanks Natalie for sharing your journey. It's so interesting to see what others do with their stash.

[@kristinahill3708]

I love watching this process. Thank you for sharing! Toaster plopping down in the middle of it all made my day 🥰🐾

[@CasualKnitter]

Can't wait to see the next part and the rest of the journey 💖

[@enjoyingmytimeathome9646]

You are always so inspiring Natalie. I’m inspired to go through my scraps.

[@CasualKnitter]

I loved this video and the continuation of the great de-stashing journey! Toasters sat in the middle and just chilled, just like my dog Remi, everytime I knit on something he comes to "help" and to chill

[@jocreativeplans8454]

Oh my! You should have plenty for several gorgeous fade projects! How lovely to find such beautiful yarn all around the house.

[@ASA-bl3hw]

Great idea i love this 🧶🧶

[@knittingiscool]

Love this video! I am currently at the point of saving up my scripts to one day make a scrappy sweater! I plan to hold two strands of fingering double and for it to have no rhyme or reason. Hah - we'll see!

[@cmyocum]

Can't wait, thanks!

[@jhaypennycuff2396]

Such an abundance! I’m envious!

[@craftypinkcreates]

Glad you’re finally answering the question I’ve had all last year ..

[@knitgirl.7676]

Oh Advent Yarns. Every time I am about to purchase, I step back and resist. Last thing I need are more little skeins of yarn..after 40 years of knitting I have ton! I donate these little bits of yarn to a senior center. Unless I have a sweater or shawl quantity, I don’t want it. Once in a while, I will grab a special skein for a hat.

[@AnnikenAllis]

Love Toaster in the middle of the bed

[@carly8193]

I love watching your thought processes Nat. Im embarking on a destash until mid this year when I go to a yarn festival here in Australia. And aiming to grow my mini stash as I’ve just learnt to knit and want to knit all the socks 😂. Can’t wait for part 2 of this 🎉 Carly x

[@elodi_rose]

Love the new hair color!

[@amysmillie7290]

Such a fun video! I love toaster on the bed in the middle of all the sorting!

[@evaelberg4544]

I’m drooling over your beautiful leftovers!!! 🤤😍

[@LindaSimpson]

Hi Natty I really enjoyed this video and your hints and tips. Looking forward to part 2. Have a great day ❤❤

[@pamsavanovic3004]

I’ll take some scraps if you have any left

[@memiyarns3910]

How exciting that you have multiple advents to work from! It can be like Christmastime all over again! I really enjoyed knitting the Cozy Comfort Throw and the Anthology Throw this advent season - those would be great projects for your advents!

[@ritaclarke7515]

Thanks for pushing me to sort my scraps and my yarn. I reorganized them all and ready to knit some projects. I plan on not buying any yarn this year. So far so good.

[@jlhmyers75]

This is an absolutely beautiful collection of yarn! The collections are so colorful and just make my fingers itch. The projects you come up with/ etc will be amazing. 😊

[@lavendercottagefibrearts]

i'll be keenly following this series! i have over 100 mini skeins that I've collected this past year (went a bit crazy on the minis). so far I am crocheting a wearable blanket/poncho with linen stitch squares but I'm sure i will get lots of inspiration for other projects to use them up from your series.

[@lizzie.nicole]

You’re making me want to do this too 😂

[@yukiandkanamekuran]

I was recommended this video, so I barely know any of these words. But damn, I felt about keeping things.

[@amyx231]

I just started crocheting, but I buy 30 gram (60 yard) skeins… I’m pretty sure some would call my entire skeins scrap. What I need is to become friends with people who do huge projects. Their scrap yarn would be more than enough for amigurumi 😂 Edit for typo

[@Bunchoeves]

Overwhelm. Now a noun. Very nice.

[@pamsavanovic3004]

I’m still working on my cozy memory blanket

[@krisk6011]

Great video! I've been looking at different projects to start that will use up my scrap yarn. Thanks for these organizing tips! Take care, Kris K from Connecticut 🧶👍

[@vickievenne3047]

Loved listening to your process. And the notification in 3 months to revisit. Here in Salt Lake City, a store called Clever Octopus accepts yarn (especially scraps) and repurposes - often for school or senior craft projects

[@mckenzieblank8265]

I'm gonna be making the All the Time Sweater from some of my more random minis and scraps that share a vibe

[@sandyenglund6732]

Love Toaster supervising

[@onesweetlife2469]

Did you wait til 2023 to do this since Scrap Free in 23 rhymes the best!??😅 Love this idea but as of now I’m working on my full skeins…all 142 of them!!😮

[@ericallerton809]

Fun organization!!,! Ahhhh,,,UR mitred blanket!!! Just started one at Christmas and loving it,,, Also want to make another granny stripe lap blanket,again,,,Loved it,,, So many plan,,,, Excited for next one,,, Elaine😍😍😍😍

[@edinacole6382]

I love this idea. I just started accumulating scraps and had decided to make scrappy socks. Only made one pair so far but I feel successful and plan on making more. Fortunately, I dont have "too many scraps" because I feel I started using them before I felt it got out of hand.

[@lisawierzbicki4994]

WOW, WOW, WOW, was this an amazing episode?! Thank you so very much for the inspiration to organize scraps! #question: What are your pattern plans for your scraps once you finish your Granny stripe blanket?