Storing wool and fibers

[lizd]

I looked all over and couldn't find this in the forum- hope I haven't missed it posted somewhere!
I'm just starting out and am looking for suggestions for storing my wool and fibers. Right now they're in the bags they were mailed to me, sitting in a box in a bedroom. I've heard you need to keep them in an area with light to deter moths? I've also heard suggestions of dried lavender, bug spray and sealed clear boxes. At this point I'm confused, but don't want to lose any wool to moths. 

I'm also interested in anything you do to finished projects to avoid moth damage?
thanks!

[zed]

I can't think of a particular thread off hand, I know we do talk about it occasionally. I use plastic tubs, and shoe boxes mostly: feltingandfiberstudio.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/p1010021.jpg

We don't really have a moth problem here, but I do have carpet beetles and caught the larvae eating a vessel once.

[felicity]

This is my storage:
gone-felting.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/my-new-storage-system.html
Now I have added another shelf with the same boxes though!

[Pandagirl]

Liz, I started out with hanging shoe holders, but I've outgrown it. I'm looking for a system that will fit in the area I have allotted for it. Right now I've got a mixture of plastic tubs, open cube storage and generally a big mess. Good luck! If you're like the rest of us, you'll have more fiber than furniture. :-)

I've never had a bug problem and I leave most everything open so I can see it  Plus I work in the basement.  If you're worried about it, I'd stick with plastic storage.

[elizabeth]

"a system that will fit in the area I have allotted for it"
Wow, Marilyn you must have a lot of self-control to stop acquiring when you've run out of room.!!

[Pandagirl]

Jun 25, 2015 18:46:06 GMT elizabeth said:

"a system that will fit in the area I have allotted for it"
Wow, Marilyn you must have a lot of self-control to stop acquiring when you've run out of room.!!

 Now Elizabeth I didn't say I stopped acquiring. :-). The reason I need more space is that I haven't stopped collecting fibers.  I just need to utilize the space I have in a more efficient manner in order to pack more in. :-0

[Teri Berry]

I upgraded to those plastic drawers most diy stores sell a year or so ago and that works well for me. I have 8 drawers that allow me to store my merino by colour. But I confess I also have bags of other breeds stacked up and cardboard boxes of fabrics and decorative fibres all over the house.

Touch wood, I've never had a moth problem (I think they are attracted to sweat and other bodily fluids, so as long as your wool is clean the risk should be low) but if you are concerned, keeping your wool sealed in plastic bags will prevent them getting to it. That said, i have found wool stored in plastic bags starts to felt over time (months to years).

[Shepherdess]

I have my large amounts in large clear bins. Then some in medium clear bins. and hand spun by colour in clear plastic shoeboxes. The stuff I use a lot and gets rummaged in, is out in the open. Make sure your storage bins d not have air holes. many do in the handle part for some reason. Moths do not like light or moving air. you can get pheromone traps. They will not stop an infestation but they will let you know when you have one. Making sure you do not bring them in is best. you can buy mothproofing. Mothballs are noxious and toxic.

[lyn]

I soon discovered that the tightly sealed plastic bags I bought my wool in were not a good way to keep the wool - it became matted quickly.

For a few years now I've used clear plastic, lidded storage boxes (not the air-tight ones - the lid is loose fitting) and they seem to work well.
My daughter stores her wool in large, open wire basket trays and gets on well with that method.

I think it's important that the storage area is kept at a stable temperature (to avoid condensation) and out of direct sunlight (to avoid fading and rapid temperature changes).

I have cubes of cedar wood in the boxes and I've never had a moth problem but that could be down to luck and nothing to do with the cedar.

[elizabeth]

Zed, what do you do for the carpet beetles. I think I have an infestation :-(

[zed]

I just try to kill them when I see them, elizabeth
One thing I do know is the beetles like to head for the front windowsill, so I try to get any that I see there. The only other thing is to check carpets, check in the corners, under flaps, places they could nest or hide, vacuum carpets and rugs often (I got rid of the carpet in my living room and never replaced it). I'm sure there are sprays, but I don't know how toxic they are or if there are eco friendly ones around.

[lizd]

Thanks everyone! I think I need to get my wool out of the plastic bags and into some plastic boxes, keep them labeled, and then wait and see how I end up using it in the future. Right now I'm messing around with it and figuring out what I like best about it. Most of my art supplies are in my dark, dungeon basement so I'll keep my wool upstairs at least.

[koffipot]

I use plastic boxes on shelving very similar to Felicity's. I also have several whole fleeces in sealed plastic boxes in the garage. They've been there for 3 years and are still OK. but I have never had a moth problem - says she with fingers crossed.

You could put those Rentokil moth repellent papers in your bags/boxes. I believe they are active for 6 months or so.

[sonia]

I have moths in my house, so I keep wool sealed up. Larger quantities are in the big zip lock bags you can vacuum down flat ( but i dont vacuum them as I dont know what that would do to the fibre long term). I havent had a problem with the wool matting yet, maybe because the bags are very big & not like the suppliers bags, (lots of air in mine). I get them from IKEA who have two sizes. Theirs are stronger than most & the zips last longer. Also, I have lots of tall plastic sweet jars with screw lids for all the colours, silks & other yarns. They look inspiring & make things easy to find. I get them from the Old Fashioned Sweet shops, who all throw them out when they are empty, so are glad to give them to be re-used. One woman gave me quite a few so I made her a nuno scarf, as she sd the shop was cold to work in !
I think someone on a post here, sd they had got mothy wool from a supplier ... anyway, I have my home bred moths to keep me on my toes !

[Pandagirl]

Sorry to hear that Sonia. Perhaps you should try a couple of the suggestions above to get rid of them. I'd certainly would be paranoid and checking my stash constantly. Your storage system sounds good, it's always nice to be able to recycle. Good for you.