Re: moths, I’d maybe freeze anything new coming into your stash, from stores or sellers or festivals. You never know how somebody else has stored their stuff
Couple other things I do for moths - I found these small square cedar blocks that I tuck into my wire basket of shawls and socks, apparently if the scent fades you can give them a light sand to restore them, then I got these cedar rings that slip over the hook of a coathanger where I hang sweaters and cardigans, and I have branches of bay leaves tucked into vases in my craft space - another scent they don't like. Pheromone traps that can sit/hang in closets are good for piece of mind too! Touch wood, no issues so far and I have everything out where I can see it on display 🤞
I’ve been storing my yarn in ziploc bags in plastic storage bins. I do this to keep things organized and often wondered if it is ok for the yarn to be kept this way. Happy to hear it is recommended for more than one reason!
Best way to take care of yarn or a sweater that has moths is to wash it. Freezing, and heating methods are good for things that can’t be washed. Then you need to vacuum or vigorously brush the item to remove the moth bodies, e.g. your wool rug., or a fragile wool toy. Washing both kills and removes the bodies, poop, and eggs, and, bonus- protects the yarn or sweater from getting more moths because moths eat dirty wool, not clean wool (your new yarn from an Indie dyer is clean). Do you want your knit with wool yarn that has dead moth larvae, or moth poop? No? Then skip freezing and just wash it. Any temp is fine because the water and soap kills them.
I saw sporadic moths for the first time in my house this spring. I immediately ordered some Dr. Killigans traps and put them everywhere I store wool and wool clothing. I only caught one moth in a trap, so I'm hoping that means my infestation was small (I also smooshed every moth I saw, and it was only 6 or 7 over several months). I now put all new wool coming into the house in the freezer and have made lavender sachets and have tucked them in everywhere. Fortunately I grow lavender in my garden, so I can make new ones every year. I also read that cloves work as a repellent, so I put a few cloves in some of the sachets. Thanks goodness we have alternatives to toxic moth balls - my grandmother used those and her entire house reeked, and I'm sure it wasn't good for anyone's health!
When using stitch markers I not only count as I cast on, but before I place the stitch marker I go back and re-count to make sure, as I get interrupted a ton around my house. For moths I use plastic bins and cedar blocks and wash before storing. No problems yet (thank God!). I recently plied some yarn that cam out way over spun and after watching this I am thinking I forgot which way I had plied the original and need to go back and re-ply it in the other direction (rolling my eyes at myself). Lastly I use duplicate stitches on all underarm holes.
Another tip re moths is putting your yarn in your car on a hot day, as I understand that the heat will kill any moth eggs. I don't own a car but when my sister was out of town earlier this summer, I took advantage of the car loan to give all my yarn bins a turn in the car for a day. It's cooler now where I live but maybe some people still have enough summery weather to try this as a precautionary treatment.
The opposite of catastrophizing -- I had an antique tribal rug stored in a plastic trash bag in my cellar that got INFESTED with moths before I discovered it. Of course I threw it out when I discovered the problem, and though I have other woolens stored in plastic bins in the cellar and unprotected in the house, the moths did not spread to other things and have not persisted since. I'm still quite careful, washing things before storage, using ziplock bags and plastic bins, rotating and airing everything, and using dryer sheets, and I've not had further problems.
I have a terrible fear of all bugs, and I apply a nontoxic organic spray to all closets/baseboards, entire basement, every spring and fall. I started doing this after a carpet beetle infestation ruined a wool cashmere long coat (it was tragic!!). Everybody always fears moths but I have to warn people in my area, mid-Atlantic USA, that there are other critters that can also ruin your yarn and knitwear. I also store in bins and plastic bags to provide extra protection.
Don't you know we are always happy to see you whenever you pop up. I got wool moths from a wool rug. I use Trap Pest moth triangles along with putting everything wool in a zip lock plastic bag. One reason to look at your stash periodically is to make sure the bags are still doing their job. I don't have room in my freezer to put wool. But I do live in California where it is warm/hot. Any yarn/roving entering my house spends time in my car. After a week or two of being baked in there, I feel it is safe to come inside.
I feel the need to share since I have had a moth problem. It is horrifying. I ended up calling a service and after many weeks of treatment they were gone. I have no idea how they got into the house. As much as I dislike plastic,all yarn is now stored in plastic, sealed bags (a few skeins per bag) and then in airtight bins. The same for sweaters. I keep traps in all closets to keep myself sane. It got so bad they were flying by my face while I read in bed at night. Errrr.
I’m so glad that all is well. I’m normally having coffee when your videos come out and I had coffee without your questions and answers 😢 The Frame Your Face Cowl is on the wish list of patterns.
I add vinegar when washing my knits. I’ve had the little critters eat a hole in a couple of shawls so I gave them a soak in vinegar and did a visible mend on them and they’ve been safe since 😊. I now have everything stored in bags and tubs too
Love this cowl and the idea of making it into a pillow! I’m from Michigan and wonder where you grew up. One of my favorite yarns is from the Traverse City area, Shepard’s Wool.
I have had moths and can't have smelly stuff so I use heat. I cook my sweaters and yarn moth eggs die at 50 °C so I line a roasting tray with a tea towel and fill it with either yarn or folded knits and put them in a low oven for 45mins. Way faster than freezing. You can also microwave them on full for 2mins. I microwave second hand yarn before it goes in my stash 😊.
Helpful as always! Thank you. I'm getting ready for a big yarn reorganization and have cedar and moth balls to put in with my yarn which will be in Ziploc bags in bins.
I do the same thing with the Ziploc bags and the crates really great and I actually did see a moth in one of the Ziploc bags and was able to just throw that one Ziploc bag out and not deal with any moth at all so super great thanks Andrea
I moved to an old house infested with moths... Or possibly they are just endemic to my area since I've definitely seen them outside. Then i took up spinning and knitting after! I've even started processing raw wool. Despite all this I've been pretty lucky so far. I use plastic bags, and the freezer trick and washing my knits, but i also have those pheromone sticky traps by Dr killigan. They are pretty amazing, I think I'll always have a few from now on.
We had a moth infestation a few years ago (thankfully before I got into knitting). But they destroyed a few sweaters I had and damaged some silk Persian rugs. We bombed the house twice in a 3 month period (the egg life cycle is about 90 days). The bombs we used are a plant based insecticide that is pet-safe (Mortein Naturguard, not sure if it's available outside Australia). You only have to vacate the space for a couple of hours so we did it while we were at work. That got rid of the moths. To prevent them coming back we use blocks of cedar wood, tie ribbons soaked with lavender oil around basket handles and railings in the wardrobe, lavender sachets in my yarn cupboard and regularly use lavender oil in a diffuser throughout the house and have not had any moth recurrence since we bombed the house.
Congratulations on your sweet niece, Kathryn. I'm about to have my first grand child, a girl. I'm curious to know what you knitted or are planning to knit for Kathryn.
Thank you! ❤ you always give great advice. I am finally starting the Weekender. Hopefully goes well. I just finished the Flax by Tincan and might of knit a few having to frog back to get it right.
Oh my goodness I LOVE your cowl 🥰 I have a question. I’m wanting to spin. I don’t think their can be anything better than using yarn that I’ve spun myself. My question is should I start with a drop spindle first or just jump in and get a wheel ( I know myself too well 😂) I want to start out whichever way will give me the best understanding of what I’m doing. Thank you Andrea for all you do for us knitters ❤
Moths, freak me out too so thank you thank you. I do all the things you suggest. The only addition I have is I keep moth traps (Dr. Killigans) near where I store yard so I can kill off the moths but more importantly it helps me know if they are present.
I'm a big fan of containment too with plastic bags. I'd use cotton bags if plastic wasn't an option. Yes, dry rotting is a thing and plastic makes that more a problem, but for something that is supposed to be taken out and used soonish (not like archival long term forever storage) then yes, I would rather not have moths.
I am curious to know if anyone has used or considered using those new UVC Sanitizer lights that are suppose to eliminate any living organism on wool destroying critters?
Re: moths, I’d maybe freeze anything new coming into your stash, from stores or sellers or festivals. You never know how somebody else has stored their stuff
Couple other things I do for moths - I found these small square cedar blocks that I tuck into my wire basket of shawls and socks, apparently if the scent fades you can give them a light sand to restore them, then I got these cedar rings that slip over the hook of a coathanger where I hang sweaters and cardigans, and I have branches of bay leaves tucked into vases in my craft space - another scent they don't like. Pheromone traps that can sit/hang in closets are good for piece of mind too! Touch wood, no issues so far and I have everything out where I can see it on display 🤞
I use the method from the video “picking up stitches for a gap free underarm” by the chilly dog for every pattern. Always perfect
I’ve been storing my yarn in ziploc bags in plastic storage bins. I do this to keep things organized and often wondered if it is ok for the yarn to be kept this way. Happy to hear it is recommended for more than one reason!
Best way to take care of yarn or a sweater that has moths is to wash it. Freezing, and heating methods are good for things that can’t be washed. Then you need to vacuum or vigorously brush the item to remove the moth bodies, e.g. your wool rug., or a fragile wool toy. Washing both kills and removes the bodies, poop, and eggs, and, bonus- protects the yarn or sweater from getting more moths because moths eat dirty wool, not clean wool (your new yarn from an Indie dyer is clean).
Do you want your knit with wool yarn that has dead moth larvae, or moth poop? No? Then skip freezing and just wash it. Any temp is fine because the water and soap kills them.
I saw sporadic moths for the first time in my house this spring. I immediately ordered some Dr. Killigans traps and put them everywhere I store wool and wool clothing. I only caught one moth in a trap, so I'm hoping that means my infestation was small (I also smooshed every moth I saw, and it was only 6 or 7 over several months). I now put all new wool coming into the house in the freezer and have made lavender sachets and have tucked them in everywhere. Fortunately I grow lavender in my garden, so I can make new ones every year. I also read that cloves work as a repellent, so I put a few cloves in some of the sachets. Thanks goodness we have alternatives to toxic moth balls - my grandmother used those and her entire house reeked, and I'm sure it wasn't good for anyone's health!
When using stitch markers I not only count as I cast on, but before I place the stitch marker I go back and re-count to make sure, as I get interrupted a ton around my house. For moths I use plastic bins and cedar blocks and wash before storing. No problems yet (thank God!). I recently plied some yarn that cam out way over spun and after watching this I am thinking I forgot which way I had plied the original and need to go back and re-ply it in the other direction (rolling my eyes at myself). Lastly I use duplicate stitches on all underarm holes.
A framed pillow would be fun! Or a framed quilt blanket. 🙂 Looking forward to your newest cowl design though. 🙂
Another tip re moths is putting your yarn in your car on a hot day, as I understand that the heat will kill any moth eggs. I don't own a car but when my sister was out of town earlier this summer, I took advantage of the car loan to give all my yarn bins a turn in the car for a day. It's cooler now where I live but maybe some people still have enough summery weather to try this as a precautionary treatment.
I love love the green clover row counter because it locks and has a very audible click
The opposite of catastrophizing -- I had an antique tribal rug stored in a plastic trash bag in my cellar that got INFESTED with moths before I discovered it. Of course I threw it out when I discovered the problem, and though I have other woolens stored in plastic bins in the cellar and unprotected in the house, the moths did not spread to other things and have not persisted since. I'm still quite careful, washing things before storage, using ziplock bags and plastic bins, rotating and airing everything, and using dryer sheets, and I've not had further problems.
I have a terrible fear of all bugs, and I apply a nontoxic organic spray to all closets/baseboards, entire basement, every spring and fall. I started doing this after a carpet beetle infestation ruined a wool cashmere long coat (it was tragic!!). Everybody always fears moths but I have to warn people in my area, mid-Atlantic USA, that there are other critters that can also ruin your yarn and knitwear. I also store in bins and plastic bags to provide extra protection.
Don't you know we are always happy to see you whenever you pop up. I got wool moths from a wool rug. I use Trap Pest moth triangles along with putting everything wool in a zip lock plastic bag. One reason to look at your stash periodically is to make sure the bags are still doing their job. I don't have room in my freezer to put wool. But I do live in California where it is warm/hot. Any yarn/roving entering my house spends time in my car. After a week or two of being baked in there, I feel it is safe to come inside.
I am from michigan, so hope you had a nice time here and that the weather was great. Love the new cowl 😊 looking forward to the pattern.
I feel the need to share since I have had a moth problem. It is horrifying. I ended up calling a service and after many weeks of treatment they were gone. I have no idea how they got into the house. As much as I dislike plastic,all yarn is now stored in plastic, sealed bags (a few skeins per bag) and then in airtight bins. The same for sweaters. I keep traps in all closets to keep myself sane. It got so bad they were flying by my face while I read in bed at night. Errrr.
I'm can't wait to cast on the cowl!!! Squeee❤
I’m so glad that all is well. I’m normally having coffee when your videos come out and I had coffee without your questions and answers 😢 The Frame Your Face Cowl is on the wish list of patterns.
I add vinegar when washing my knits. I’ve had the little critters eat a hole in a couple of shawls so I gave them a soak in vinegar and did a visible mend on them and they’ve been safe since 😊. I now have everything stored in bags and tubs too
Love this cowl and the idea of making it into a pillow! I’m from Michigan and wonder where you grew up. One of my favorite yarns is from the Traverse City area, Shepard’s Wool.
Beautiful Cowl can't wait picking colors now....
I have had moths and can't have smelly stuff so I use heat. I cook my sweaters and yarn moth eggs die at 50 °C so I line a roasting tray with a tea towel and fill it with either yarn or folded knits and put them in a low oven for 45mins. Way faster than freezing. You can also microwave them on full for 2mins. I microwave second hand yarn before it goes in my stash 😊.
Helpful as always! Thank you. I'm getting ready for a big yarn reorganization and have cedar and moth balls to put in with my yarn which will be in Ziploc bags in bins.
I do the same thing with the Ziploc bags and the crates really great and I actually did see a moth in one of the Ziploc bags and was able to just throw that one Ziploc bag out and not deal with any moth at all so super great thanks Andrea
Another beautiful episode! Thank you!
You are such a great inspiration!
I moved to an old house infested with moths... Or possibly they are just endemic to my area since I've definitely seen them outside. Then i took up spinning and knitting after! I've even started processing raw wool.
Despite all this I've been pretty lucky so far. I use plastic bags, and the freezer trick and washing my knits, but i also have those pheromone sticky traps by Dr killigan. They are pretty amazing, I think I'll always have a few from now on.
We had a moth infestation a few years ago (thankfully before I got into knitting). But they destroyed a few sweaters I had and damaged some silk Persian rugs. We bombed the house twice in a 3 month period (the egg life cycle is about 90 days). The bombs we used are a plant based insecticide that is pet-safe (Mortein Naturguard, not sure if it's available outside Australia). You only have to vacate the space for a couple of hours so we did it while we were at work. That got rid of the moths. To prevent them coming back we use blocks of cedar wood, tie ribbons soaked with lavender oil around basket handles and railings in the wardrobe, lavender sachets in my yarn cupboard and regularly use lavender oil in a diffuser throughout the house and have not had any moth recurrence since we bombed the house.
Darling cowl! I am knitting the sweater and I am loving the pattern and the making of it!! Sadly, I won't be coming to Rheinbeck.
Wow, love that sneak peak!!!!
Congratulations on your sweet niece, Kathryn. I'm about to have my first grand child, a girl. I'm curious to know what you knitted or are planning to knit for Kathryn.
Another great podcast. See you next time. 😊
Thank you! ❤ you always give great advice. I am finally starting the Weekender. Hopefully goes well. I just finished the Flax by Tincan and might of knit a few having to frog back to get it right.
aHA! Thank you for explaining that you use a row counter to count STITCHES! *lightbulb*
Oh my goodness I LOVE your cowl 🥰 I have a question. I’m wanting to spin. I don’t think their can be anything better than using yarn that I’ve spun myself. My question is should I start with a drop spindle first or just jump in and get a wheel ( I know myself too well 😂) I want to start out whichever way will give me the best understanding of what I’m doing. Thank you Andrea for all you do for us knitters ❤
Moths, freak me out too so thank you thank you. I do all the things you suggest. The only addition I have is I keep moth traps (Dr. Killigans) near where I store yard so I can kill off the moths but more importantly it helps me know if they are present.
What a beautiful cowl you wear 👏👏👏🥰
I'm a big fan of containment too with plastic bags. I'd use cotton bags if plastic wasn't an option. Yes, dry rotting is a thing and plastic makes that more a problem, but for something that is supposed to be taken out and used soonish (not like archival long term forever storage) then yes, I would rather not have moths.
Clover makes a locking row counter too
I was wondering what happened this morning when you did come on! 😂
Do you wash non superwash wool made sweaters after every use? I only use non superwash and certainly don’t.
I am curious to know if anyone has used or considered using those new UVC Sanitizer lights that are suppose to eliminate any living organism on wool destroying critters?
Looking forward to Frame Your Face.
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