I also dream of a wardrobe I’ve made (not sure how that will happen since I don’t sew!), but it’s slow going. I abhor fast fashion and try to limit my purchase and then wear them as long as they will last.
I’ve knitted socks for years so we buy few socks. Even though I use mostly the brands you mentioned, it seems more sustainable than buying and tossing. When I use wool, I try to know where it’s sourced, especially merino which has unique issues.
I also use acrylic when necessary for those who can’t care for natural yarns. I don’t know if any of this makes a difference, but I’m still going to do what little I can.
So many lovely points here, Jane. I am sure it is making a whole lot of difference. I didn't think about how just sock knitting can go a long way like that. Store bought socks don't even last a month! 😱
For some reason, my like isn’t being counted. Substack has been glitchy for me today. I just went through all of my stash, reorganized and even destashed some. Compared to collecting many other things, my stash is sustainable- when I take it from the collection it becomes my hobby- knitting. It’s double the pleasure this way. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Also, when I want to show affection, I knit something, instead of buying something. Thank you for this discussion.
Substack can be glitchy like that, thank you for trying though. I like your story about the double hobby! And it is lovely that you choose to knit something instead of buying. 💗
You are so right about the limiting impulse buys! I am pretty good about not buying yarn until I’m ready to actually start a project, so for me it’s only positives ☺️
So many good points! I think of sustainability as a journey instead of a destination- there’s always room for improvement. Personally I prefer natural fibers so that is the majority of what I use. I also prioritize farm yarns or at least US-produced fibers since that’s where I live. But beyond materials, I think the most sustainable practice is to use what you make, so I’ve been really focused on that in the past few years.
Thank you Katie! That's a wonderful way of thinking about it - sustainability as a journey. Yes, most of sustainability lies in the practice rather than focusing on particular materials.
Over the past couple of years I've been trying to pick up more sewing skills to accompany my knitting, and have been intermittently trying to catalogue my yarn stash (it's taking the time to log all the useful information, trying to track missing details - I've become far more selective in acquisition). I've definitely stopped buying jumpers and knitwear generally - way too much sense of 'I could have a go at that!' regardless of likelihood of actually making it.
Which makes me all the more irked I haven't done any yarn work this month as I hit the ground 31st Jan and my arm and hand are still recovering 🤦♀️😔
Thank you for writing such a thoughtful and thought-provoking piece on sustainability in all its forms.
The fall was really unfortunate. Hope the worst is behind you and you are able to rest and recover. I am glad the post was a good distraction. That kind of cataloguing is tedious but also the only way we can understand our own habits, if we wish to do so. I love what you said - "become selective". I think it happened to me when we decided to move countries 9 years ago. 🧐
Nothing like a big move to shed material goods. Having said that Mother in Law moved from UK to NZ and then back to the UK 7 years later (earthquake effects drove family back to UK). She bought so much back to the UK that they'd taken to NZ in the first place!
And let's not forget the many MANY houseshare moves by a friend. With a large stereo system. Across 8 locations....
As a fiber producer I can’t love this enough! I love working with knitters, spinners, and weavers to get them the fiber they are looking for.
While I don’t sell hand spun yarns I love using the wool from my flock for my own garments. Hats, scarves, sweaters, mitts, socks, and shawls reside in my wardrobe.
What a wonderful piece of writing. My knitting journey has been a long, satisfying one. Over time, and with the benefit of age and knowledge, I’ve created an ethos for my crafts which includes everything you’ve mentioned. It’s taught me far more than any three second Instagram reel could ever do. Crafters are socially & environmentally conscious and caring people.
I also dream of a wardrobe I’ve made (not sure how that will happen since I don’t sew!), but it’s slow going. I abhor fast fashion and try to limit my purchase and then wear them as long as they will last.
I’ve knitted socks for years so we buy few socks. Even though I use mostly the brands you mentioned, it seems more sustainable than buying and tossing. When I use wool, I try to know where it’s sourced, especially merino which has unique issues.
I also use acrylic when necessary for those who can’t care for natural yarns. I don’t know if any of this makes a difference, but I’m still going to do what little I can.
So many lovely points here, Jane. I am sure it is making a whole lot of difference. I didn't think about how just sock knitting can go a long way like that. Store bought socks don't even last a month! 😱
For some reason, my like isn’t being counted. Substack has been glitchy for me today. I just went through all of my stash, reorganized and even destashed some. Compared to collecting many other things, my stash is sustainable- when I take it from the collection it becomes my hobby- knitting. It’s double the pleasure this way. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Also, when I want to show affection, I knit something, instead of buying something. Thank you for this discussion.
Substack can be glitchy like that, thank you for trying though. I like your story about the double hobby! And it is lovely that you choose to knit something instead of buying. 💗
You are so right about the limiting impulse buys! I am pretty good about not buying yarn until I’m ready to actually start a project, so for me it’s only positives ☺️
Good for you!! :) Chances of impulse buys are low when we already know what yarn is good for the project we have in mind.
So many good points! I think of sustainability as a journey instead of a destination- there’s always room for improvement. Personally I prefer natural fibers so that is the majority of what I use. I also prioritize farm yarns or at least US-produced fibers since that’s where I live. But beyond materials, I think the most sustainable practice is to use what you make, so I’ve been really focused on that in the past few years.
Thank you Katie! That's a wonderful way of thinking about it - sustainability as a journey. Yes, most of sustainability lies in the practice rather than focusing on particular materials.
Over the past couple of years I've been trying to pick up more sewing skills to accompany my knitting, and have been intermittently trying to catalogue my yarn stash (it's taking the time to log all the useful information, trying to track missing details - I've become far more selective in acquisition). I've definitely stopped buying jumpers and knitwear generally - way too much sense of 'I could have a go at that!' regardless of likelihood of actually making it.
Which makes me all the more irked I haven't done any yarn work this month as I hit the ground 31st Jan and my arm and hand are still recovering 🤦♀️😔
Thank you for writing such a thoughtful and thought-provoking piece on sustainability in all its forms.
The fall was really unfortunate. Hope the worst is behind you and you are able to rest and recover. I am glad the post was a good distraction. That kind of cataloguing is tedious but also the only way we can understand our own habits, if we wish to do so. I love what you said - "become selective". I think it happened to me when we decided to move countries 9 years ago. 🧐
Nothing like a big move to shed material goods. Having said that Mother in Law moved from UK to NZ and then back to the UK 7 years later (earthquake effects drove family back to UK). She bought so much back to the UK that they'd taken to NZ in the first place!
And let's not forget the many MANY houseshare moves by a friend. With a large stereo system. Across 8 locations....
"I've never seen that plugged in..."
"Yeah no, it broke about 6 years ago" 🤦♀️🤣
As a fiber producer I can’t love this enough! I love working with knitters, spinners, and weavers to get them the fiber they are looking for.
While I don’t sell hand spun yarns I love using the wool from my flock for my own garments. Hats, scarves, sweaters, mitts, socks, and shawls reside in my wardrobe.
Ps I have fleeces available!!
What a wonderful piece of writing. My knitting journey has been a long, satisfying one. Over time, and with the benefit of age and knowledge, I’ve created an ethos for my crafts which includes everything you’ve mentioned. It’s taught me far more than any three second Instagram reel could ever do. Crafters are socially & environmentally conscious and caring people.
Less scrolling, more crafting!