Hi friends,
Today, I’m bringing you along on a little journey that’s been a long time coming. You see, beside my favorite chair — where I do most of my knitting, spindle spinning, reading, and general life-living — there’s a humble little basket. And that basket has been… let’s just say, “collecting life” for quite some time. (scroll down for the full video)
So I sat down (iced coffee in hand) and decided it was time to dig in. Literally. If you’ve ever had a crafting corner or a cozy nook that gradually grows into a black hole of projects, odds and ends, and mystery items — you’ll understand. Today’s mission: declutter the basket.
Treasures, Tools & Thrift Box Tales
The first thing I pulled out was a lovely little bag I picked up at a church sale. Inside? All my short needles — the perfect sizes for socks and mittens. I’ve decided that anything belonging in that bag is going right back in, including a couple of needle sets. (Side note: nitpick shorties — not my thing!)
Then out came a purple pouch filled with crochet hooks, loom hooks, and some needles that honestly baffle me. There’s even a handy little guidebook, which I’ve left open to the first page… just in case.
A skein of yarn dyed with acorns was next. It already has a home, so off it goes. One lonely wooden needle that snags yarn? Off to the thrift box. (Goodbye and thank you.)
I even found a book I’m reading — How to Be a Craftivist — still in the basket. It’s going back in, along with some fiber that’s destined for spinning. Little tufts of leftover fiber went into my bits-and-pieces jar. Those tiny leftovers are great for my modular knitting projects, and they always make me smile.
Nick made me a beautiful homemade niddy noddy, and that’s a keeper. Into the basket it goes. I found pieces of another one too, so those are staying as well. Oh! And a sweet little note from a fiber gift — that’s being tucked in with its corresponding wool.
Yarn, Cords, and Questions
Bits and bobs of sock yarn turned up — those went into their designated bags (yes, I have a few). A random blue chunky yarn? Not my vibe anymore. Thrift store pile. A cracked old Zing needle? Tossed. And I found an ornament I thought might be a spindle in disguise… we’ll see.
Circular needles, cords for electronic gadgets of mysterious origin, a sock gauge ruler, and a pile of “maybe someday” things… all sorted, tested, and either re-homed or released.
I even rediscovered a one-row scarf knit in hand-dyed Lincoln wool. That’s officially a project again — spring seems like the perfect time to pick it back up.
The Deep End
As I neared the bottom of the basket, the real forgotten bits started appearing — tiny scraps of yarn, a lone slipper (I don’t enjoy making them — thank goodness for friends who do!), a defunct mini music player accessory, and a fabric basket that was literally falling apart. Into the garbage it all went.
And then I found it — an old pillowcase. I’ve had it for years. It never quite felt right for sleeping, but it’s perfect for fiber storage. So I tucked it inside my newly cleared basket, turned it into a soft liner, and started filling it back up: needles, niddy noddies, books, current projects, and a few well-loved tools.
The Reward
By the end, my basket was organized, intentional, and calm. I can see what I have, access what I need, and enjoy this cozy corner again. It’s amazing how something as simple as decluttering a basket can clear your mind and make space for inspiration to flow.
It’s funny — this basket has been beside me since we moved here in 2021, and yet I hadn’t reached the bottom until now. Sometimes it takes a moment (or three years!) to make space, but once you do… oh, what a difference it makes.
Life Lately
As I sipped the last of my (unsweetened!) iced coffee, I started mixing up a homemade electrolyte drink — pineapple juice, coconut water, a pinch of salt, and a bit of cream of tartar. Hydration, here I come.
I’m also realizing my clothes are all hanging off me now, so a wardrobe declutter may be next on the list. When nothing fits quite right, it’s hard to feel grounded — even in your own home.
And yes, for those who are kindly concerned — I am looking into dental work, probably this summer when I can properly heal. It’s a big thing for me, and your prayers and support mean the world.
Looking Ahead
Lent may officially end on Palm Sunday, but I’ll be continuing my Lenten knitting project through Good Friday. I’ll be writing a blog post on that project (and the reflections that came with it) soon after Easter.
In the meantime, I’ll be:
- Carding wool
- Spindle spinning
- Plying yarn
- Knitting socks, mittens, and a Lenten blanket
I like having a few projects on the go — the variation keeps me grounded and engaged.
Thank you for keeping me company during this decluttering journey. If you’re staring at your own version of “the basket,” maybe this is your sign to dig in, sort it out, and breathe a little easier.
With love, yarn, and the promise of a tidy corner,
Doll
