Tuesdays with Dory: Unloved Yarn

 
 I have learned all I need to know about snow.

Dear Dory,

I've spent most of January organizing, and my crafting space looks great! But, I have a huge pile of yarn I want to get rid of. I certainly don't want to throw it out--what should I do with it?

Sincerely,

Overwhelmed in Oneonta

Dear Overwhelmed,

It would be a terrible waste to throw out perfectly good yarn, though with a nice, clean crafting space, I definitely understand your desire to get rid of it before it starts breeding.

If, for some odd reason, you don't want to wind it all into balls for your kittehs to play with, here are a few other ideas:

• Sell it! 

First, make sure you have all your unwanted yarn listed on your Ravelry Trade/Sell page. Be sure to give it a price, and specify whether that price includes any shipping fees. Then try posting a destash message in the ISO and Destash of Yarn Group.

You can also try selling it directly through your blog, on eBay, or through your existing Etsy shop.

Or, check out yarn-specific Ravelry groups like Knit Picks and Madelinetosh, and try selling relevant yarns there.

• Trade it!

In these uncertain economic times, people often don't have cash on-hand to buy new yarn, but might be interested in trading their own unloved yarns. Set up a fair trade, and you're both happy.

• Giveaway!

Put together a yarn grab bag or two, and host a giveaway on your blog. It can help attract new readers, and is a nice reward for current readers as well. Who wouldn't like to get a box full of mystery yarn in the mail?

• Charity!

If you browse Ravelry, you'll often find people hosting fundraisers, and looking for prizes. Donate your unloved yarn to their charity drives. 

Also, be on the lookout for a place that might accept yarn donations, like your local hospital. This yarn is often provided to volunteers who knit items for those in need.

I hope your yarn finds a good home!

Have a purrrrrrfect day!

Dory