10 top storage ideas

Tame that wayward yarn stash.

1KNIT IT UP, BAG IT UP! !>"i#Þ%ÕÀ#>vw&'>Ì'%(Ã#V&i>À]#Ü'Ì)#Ì)'Ã#*('ÌÌ'(}# Squad tote bag (£13.95) for yarn and project storage on the go. Measuring 36x39cm, it’s crafted from sturdy canvas and comes ready gift-wrapped in tissue paper. Designer Kelly Connor has other slogans to choose from in her bag range, some rather cheeky, so they’re `iw('Ìi&Þ#Ü%ÀÌ)#>#LÀ%ÜÃi#'v#Þ%Õ½Ài#&%%"'(}#v%À# something with a statement! www.notonthehighstreet.com/ kellyconnordesigns

2TIME TO GO GEO-TASTIC Bring adorable design to your home with these decorative geometric wooden storage crates (from £22). They are ideal for holding needle holders and tape measures. Each hand-painted box has bold geometric shapes that have been created using non-toxic, water-based paint and sealed with non-toxic varnish (only patterns are varnished, the rest of the box is non-impregnated solid wood). Visit HappyLittleFolksShop on www. etsy.com for more details.

3THE PERFECT PACKAWAY Lakeland is a one-stop shop for sensible storage solutions, but how about something a little more quirky? These ‘knitted’ baskets (£5.49 for a 39.5x28x23.5cm tub) are made of tough, easy-clean polypropylene. The range includes everything from pencil pots to laundry baskets, so you can kit out your entire craft room if you’re lucky enough to have one. Visit www.lakeland.co.uk or call 015394 88100 for more details.

4BRIGHT IDEAS Rainbows are a trend we just can’t get enough of, and these handy drawers are the perfect excuse to indulge in a little colour therapy. There are eight drawers, giving you plenty of space to store yarn, needles and notions. Each drawer has a nine litre capacity and the handy rollers make it easy to move around too. They cost £50 for a 42x90.5x39.5cm unit with eight drawers. For details visit www.hobbycraft.co.uk or call 0330 026 1400.

5HOW ABOUT KNITTING YOUR OWN STORAGE? +H![QWoTG!JCXKPI!VTQWDNG!$PFKPI! exactly what you want, you could knit your own stash holdall with this fab design from indie designer Deja Joy (£3.65 for a PDF download). As the name suggests, you can get a generous helping of yarn in the Oodles basket. www.ravelry.com/patterns/ library/oodles-basket.

6 TOTALLY WIRED! Being able to see your stash can be hugely inspiring, and everything is very much on display in this stylish wire shelving unit (£145 for a 60x65x30cm unit). It’s not the cheapest choice, but the differently sized cubbies make it super-versatile and it’ll look good in any room. Visit www.loaf.com or call 0845 468 0698 for more details.

7 TREAT TRUNK Fancy splashing out on something special? This horse motif trunk from Milly Green is the kind of storage you won’t want to hide. With a 159-litre capacity and metal lock, it’s also the perfect place to tuck away your yarn from those who might, ahem, think you’ve got too much already! There are other designs in the range and a smaller version for your ‘spare’ stash too. Say no more... £180 for a 89.5x49.5x33cm trunk. For more visit www.notonthehighstreet.com/millygreen.

8 WHIP UP A BUBBLE POD… If you like a spot of sewing on the side, why not grab a couple of fat quarters and stitch yourself a Bubble Pod? This sweet idea from designer Beth Studley is a follow-on from her hanging pods – her RQF!XGTUK QP!JCU!C!"CV!DCUG!UQ!UKVU!EQOHQTVCDN[!QP!C!VCDNG!QT!UJGNH#!IKXKPI! you a perfect home for yarn. A PDF pattern costs £5 and a printed pattern costs £6. Find the pattern here www. lovefrom beth.com/ product/storage-pods.

9 AFRICAN INSPIRATION Bolga baskets come in a huge variety of sizes, shapes and colours and make an ideal spot for storing WIPs and yarns. The African Fabric Company sell fairly-traded Bolga baskets that are handmade in the weaving villages near Bolgatanga in northern Ghana. From £20 for a small basket (20cm diameter) to £44 for a large basket (40cm diameter), not only do they make great storage options, but they look so stylish nestled next to your sofa too! Why not buy two? Visit www.africanfabric.co.uk or call 01484 850629.

10 SIMPLE STYLE IKEA’s classic Kallax shelving range is popular with many yarn shops, but why not try it at home? The square shelves can take a generous amount of yarn and there are heaps of accessories, including drawers, solid doors, and fabric, pull-out boxes, making it a really versatile storage system all round. We love this yellow version, which comes in a À>!}i"#v"w!$Ã%iÃ">!`"Ã$âiÃ">!`" costs £73 for a 77x147x39cm unit with eight shelves and two doors. Call 020 3645 0000 or visit www.ikea.com/gb