Andrea Fischer (she/her) is a midwestern yarn lady living in Denver, CO. She makes use of her BFA in photography from UWEC to take portraits of her yarn sculptures. By utilizing her experience with rug making and fine art, she transforms the existing shapes of household objects with her self taught tufting techniques. Andrea’s color pallet is constantly evolving alongside the use of recycled materials. She is constantly challenging herself to cover her house in yarn.
What system do you use to organize your yarn?
I separate my yarn by color and how difficult it is to find. I often switch up my organization methods depending on what tools I want to use.
What furniture/storage systems do you use to organize your yarn?
I use shelves, bins and baskets. All second hand, and spray painted black.
How do you like to de-stash?
I try to challenge myself to work with colors I don’t care for. Repurposing is important to me and I like to find new ways to use everything I have.
More often than not, what colors are always in your office/yarn corner?
Everything except blue and brown!
Do you like to work in the same space where your yarn is stored? Why or why not?
No. I have the yarn I use often feet away from my work space. I sometimes use 30 different colors a day, Its important to work strategically with my energy and not spend too much time walking back and forth. Unfortunately, I have limited storage space and not all of my yarn is under the same roof.
When you are working on a project, do you have a specific spot you put it when you aren't working on it, or does it follow you around beyond your space?
I enjoy working on multiple pieces at a time, my works in progress are spread all around my studio. I make sure to leave empty space for future projects.
Was the majority of your yarn bought with a project idea in mind?
No, I rarely know what I’m going to do with the yarn I buy. I find inspiration from my yarn storage, and buy yarn whenever I have room for it!
Do you or have you ever found it difficult to manage/organize your yarn?
Storing yarn takes up a lot of space! I find it relaxing to organize my materials, but I noticed I was spending too much energy putting colors back. I’ve since taken a more relaxed approach to storing my yarn in multiple places to free space in my studio.
How did you find an organization system that works for you?
I had to be realistic with my storage space and the amount of time I wanted to spend putting yarn away everyday. I kept trying different methods, until my organization routine mimicked my natural work flow.
How important is a well-organized yarn corner/office to your mental wellbeing?
A well organized studio space brings me joy, but I have learned to find peace in the chaos. I have moved my studio space many times over the past two years and have had to become flexible with my work space. As long as I’m not distracted by the mess and I can find my tools, I am happy.
Where did you purchase everything shown in your photos?
Most of my storage systems are second hand. My cart was purchased at Jo-Ann Fabrics.
Do you have any tips or advice you have for someone who is trying to reorganize their stash?
Try different methods when reorganizing your materials. I recommend using whatever system saves you the most time. Less time putting materials away means more time to create.
Are there any current projects or promotions you'd like to share?
I am currently working on opening an online shop. This is the beginning of selling my work, and I look forward to sharing my yarn with others. Unfortunately, upcoming installations and art shows have been canceled due to the coronavirus.
Photos courtesy of Andrea Fischer.