How about just organizing first in categories, knitting, crochet, sewing, etc. then go with sorting after that? I used small tubs for my small scraps and put them in by colors - red in one, blue, black, greens, etc. It made it much easier just to have them in something and I can see through the clear tubs too. I don't blame you for not wanting to get rid of any of the things your mom liked to do. Sorry for the loss of your mom but good luck with getting organized. God Bless.