The Yarn Ball On Display

The handmade movement has given birth not only to a plethora of handicrafts, but also to a host of creative reinterpretations of how to use crafting supplies. While I haven't had much luck in the knitting department myself, thankfully that doesn't mean my stockpile of yarn has to go to waste. Here are a few fun ideas...

•1. I spotted these dangling balls of yarn on the Nie Nie Dialogues. It would be a great alternative to a mobile in a child's room or a lively addition to any empty corner that needs a fun splash of color.
•2. For the black thumbs among us, a bloom that's impossible to neglect.
•3. I love this simple tone on tone wreath idea from Dottie Angle.
•4. Ok, this one's a bit extremem, but too fun not to share. A room divider for the serious craftsters with a serious amount of spare yarn.

What other crafting items have you found new creative uses for?

(Images: 1: Nie Nie Dialogues, 2: Bella Dia, 3: Dottie Angel, 4: via Design Sprout)

Comments (10)

I can see my cat going completely manic with the first one lol.

How do you think they make sure the yarn doesn't completely unwind while hanging there?

posted by SJwashere on October 5th 2009 at 9:36pm
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For the wreath you probably don't need to waste all that yarn, just wind it around foam balls (or an eco-friendly alternative, ideas?).
I like the idea of the blooms! I have lots of very small balls of yarn.

Thx for the ideas Leah!

posted by Lizzykewl on October 5th 2009 at 9:39pm
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Those probably aren't full balls of yarn. Maybe some yarn wrapped and glued around foam balls.

You know, I think I may be the only person on AT that doesn't have any cats...

posted by triedthistwice on October 5th 2009 at 9:46pm
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Triedthistwice, I don't have a cat either. As for this, I hate it.

posted by luckypeach on October 5th 2009 at 9:51pm
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I could totally use branches instead of bought sticks for the "blooms"

I bet a hole is poked through the ball (foam?) and the yarn is just tied and then wound over with the other yarn. I bet it would make a neat cat playroom. I love cats :)

posted by Lizzykewl on October 5th 2009 at 10:00pm
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No cats here... but I really like the bloom idea!

The wreath, while neat, is a little too... grandma? for me? I think I'd adore it if it weren't for those giant knitting needles on it...

posted by CozyLittleCave on October 6th 2009 at 1:09am
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The last one is great, the rest remind of the adage "just because you can do something, doesn't mean you SHOULD do it".

posted by TheoJ on October 6th 2009 at 5:39am
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Love that first one. Like them all, but love that first one. And my three cats too.

posted by outonalimb_09 on October 6th 2009 at 12:44pm
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Starbucks' Christmas display last year or the year before used this idea, wrapping yarn around styrofoam or lightweight balls. They had wreaths and cute little yarn pyramid trees.

posted by Mlle Kate on October 6th 2009 at 4:52pm
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Ohhhh...I LOVE this idea! Another great way to use recycled yarn from sweaters!

posted by mishmashyarns on October 6th 2009 at 9:55pm
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