Keeping ourselves organized as makers can be challenging, but it can also be critical for budgeting, useful when starting a new project, and beautiful if you think outside the box!

None of us have the exact same style, mental processes or physical space available, so don't try to put yourself into anyone else's organizational system. Pick and choose what works for you.

Let's chat about ideas for storing our finished handmade sweaters!

First Things First

Before we get into the fine details, it is important to know that folding your sweaters is much better for them than hanging! After you've done all the work of creating a beautiful garment, the last thing you want to happen is for your sweater to stretch and sag as the weight pulls the stitches down from the gravity of hanging. This is true for machine-made knitwear too. You've probably pulled a sweater off a hanger and noticed some misshaped shoulders, right?

Set the Stage

Now that we've established folding is essentially non-negotiable, let's discuss location. Closets, dresser drawers, under bed...all of these locations are fine as long as they are relatively cool, dark and dry. Direct sunlight, excessive heat or moisture can deteriorate fibers and encourage moths and other bugs.

Deter Unwanted Guests

If your sweaters - or other handmade goodies - will be stored for longer periods of time such as through the Spring, Summer, etc. use a breathable container such as cotton or linen so there is some air movement through the fibers. Including cedar blocks that give off a natural bug repelling scent and/or lavender sachets will make your garments smell good while also protecting your hard work from destructive guests.

Make it Pretty, Make it You

Now the fun stuff! You make garments to wear, so you want to be able to see and easily access your sweaters - at least during sweater weather!

📦  For open storage like shelves, consider options for creating different levels such as well-sanded wooden crates that create more surface area to set your folded sweaters on. Additional areas allow for more organization too! 

📦  Whether your space is large or small, think about visibility. Clear plastic or acrylic storage options will allow you to see your sweaters. Group by color, group by fiber content, group by style - whatever works best for you!

📦  Are your sweaters in drawers? Use adjustable dividers to avoid a lot of movement or bunching! (Motion equals pilling and pilling equals work and we are all about less work, more enjoying!) Find dividers that fit your space and your style. Color-coordinate or select a pop of color!

📦  If you're on a budget or don't want to invest in a storage revamp right now, taking a few minutes to refold and reorganize your sweaters can have a big impact! We all get busy and our sweaters may not remain neatly stacked. Straightening them out and/or choosing a new arrangement - think colors or weights together - will give a fresh new look that will inspire you to wear your handiwork even more frequently!

Your sweaters are works of art and deserve to be shown off in a way that makes you eager to show off your creations!

We would love to see how you store your sweaters and handmade items! Snap a photo and share it on social media using #michiganfineyarns and #youmakeweinspire and tag us @michiganfineyarns on Facebook or Instagram!