I always say I don't "do" New Year resolutions. Nope - I have - aspirations; hopes; themes; words; plans... whatever. In other words, I resolve to do or change something about my life. So in the spirit of the new year, new me sort of feeling that abounds at this time of year, I will share a couple of my resolutions here.
This year, I will...
Knit or crochet presents for my family's birthdays and Christmas using my current yarn stash. ( So - if you are a relative of mine, then it will be hand made this year!) To illustrate this, in part, I am, right now knitting a pair of socks for my husbands birthday (next week), using this wonderful handspun yarn that I bought in 2010. I say in part, because it has become clear that the two skeins are not going to be enough to finish the job. Therefore, a frantic email has gone off the the owner of the shop on the other side of the water to see if she has any left. No replies yet, as this is Scotland, and we are still on our public holidays. Fingers crossed - it is beautiful yarn to work with, and feels like a soft warm cloud - but after that - no more new yarn until the stash basket(s) are empty!
Read only books that I currently possess, or order from the library van. I have just so many books on shelves everywhere in the house - and the loft/attic is filled too. I am very extravagant with book spending - if I see a book recommended on a blog - this weekly carnival is a case in point - then off to Amazon I go. In the last year, I have place 130 orders there - and some of them had multiple items! (My name is Jacqui and I am an amazon addict.)
So from now on, if I like the sound of the book you are reading, then it goes on my library request list.
That said - I did receive a very nice gift certificate for that company (who shall no longer be named), from my daughter and son in law, so I have ordered a couple of books from my wish list (from marketplace sellers), and I downloaded one on the kindle app. It is Radical Homemakers: Reclaiming Domesticity from a Consumer Culture by Shannon Hayes. I love it. It had been popping up on my recommendations list for a long while now, but I resisted, thinking that it wouldn't contain anything that I didn't already know. I really like how the author weaves her critique of the cultural changes that have made the home a unit of consumption, instead of one of production, along with real life stories and interviews. So much food for thought, and I am still digesting it all. I have read it once through, and now I am reading it aloud to John. We sometimes do this with books that have had an impact on us. I read a section over breakfast, and we reflect on and discuss the issues over the rest of the day, as we meet up.
So - there we are - a new year of yarning along. I am so grateful to Ginny at Small Things for hosting this wonderful global get together every week, so do pop over. And come back again to see if I am keeping on track with my resolutions.
xxx
That book looks interesting, I'll have to add it to my a axon wish list! Well, perhaps after seeing if the library has even ever heard of it! The socks look snuggly, I hope you manage to get the extra yarn. Do you think you will then start to spin your own, once you have worked through your stash? That's my challenge, to only use stash yarn or spin it myself.
ReplyDeleteabsolutely with you on the stash busting! I even resisted my habitual trip to Loop while in London this holidays - NO NEW WOOL HERE!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
My name is Veronika and I'm an Amazon addict! I didn't realise how much so until I did my accounts and saw how many little purchases crept in here and there...my passion for hard to find, second-hand books, has taken hold! Happy birthday to John. What date is his birthday?
ReplyDeletelove, v
Hiya, just thought I would say, I managed to give each person I give gifts to at least one hand made item this Christmas and it felt really good to know that everyone had something made by me. I have 2 birthdays on the 26th of this month and Oscar's birthday next month so I have began again. There really is something very satisfying about making gifts.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, and my Aunt has been tracing our family tree and it turns out we have ancestors who were crofters on Skye, it made me think of you lol.
V
xxx
I hear you on the wool stash and the books! I too need to not pick up more of either, even if they are in charity shops or at least I need to move them on quickly.
ReplyDeleteLikewise I don't make resolutions, just aspirations and wishes.
Jacqui I'm with you on both of those! Yarn stash busting is a definate for 2012; I forsee a lot of stripey knits happening this year. Lovely socks, and you have now tempted me to have a look at yet another book (gah) although my wonderfully diverse library here might just have a copy... Happy New Year to you all! Love Carly xxx
ReplyDeleteSounds like you need to join "creating a family home" she's on ravelry as well as blogger and in my side bar under Waldorf. She's set herself a challenge of using all the wool in her stash before buying anymore!
ReplyDeleteLove your new profile picture you are for sure one beautifully stunning mama and grandma!
Hugs to you on a windy wintery day.
San xx
Can I join your support group? I have a feeling you will have a large support group!
ReplyDeleteOur goals seem to be the same for this year[as well as our knitting] so we can help each other when one of us has a 'moment'!
xx
I am so happy to be knitting again and I join you in using what I currently have on hand. I also like your resolution regarding books!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Denise and I too have an Amazon addiction.
ReplyDeleteBad isn't it, so easy to pop afew and then afew more into your basket.
Supporting librarys and library vans here too.
Loving the books you sent us btw, thanks darling.
hugs xx
I am also with the same addiction that I will be battling with this year! I read an article on the book radicle homemakers, I'll be interested to know what you think, as i'm planning to read more recommended books this year!
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem, but instead of yarn, mine is fabric. My stash keeps growing. As far as books, it seems every room in my home has a bookcase. When I received my kindle last year, I couldn't put it down. In the first year, I read 165 novels on the kindle. And, I still ordered the hardcovers. Instead of making too many resolutions, I just embrace myself.
ReplyDeleteFrom Texas,
Meggie
Good luck! I am cheering you on. I have a problem NOT buying books. I think I might try your goal!
ReplyDeleteI found I was fine once I discovered that my library system ALSO has ebooks I can order. So between the two libraries, I can get most (although, alas, not all) books I want to read :)
ReplyDeletethe socks are looking lovely :)
Had to giggle a little--those are always my "suggestions" (I try not to use the word resolution, either!). I didn't do stellar last year--maybe a tad better than the year before. Can I join your support group?
ReplyDeleteYes, the book purchasing thing is a problem. Interestingly, the library in the market town nearest my Dad, in the north east of Scotland, is better than the main Edinburgh city library.
ReplyDeleteI had a look at the Radical Homemakers reviews on Amazon and noticed that there was quite a bit of polarisation. In your view, does the book have anything to say to those of us living in cities whose spouses don't earn a big enough salary to allow us stay home? I am so fatigued at being told by women who don't have to make substantial financial sacrifices, that there is a simple answer to life's problems if they just give up work. I once wrote furiously to Good Housekeeping to complain about the number of features they ran on women who were 'devoting themselves' to their families, while in every case a doctor or city lawyer or corporate financier husband lurked in the background.
Those socks look so delightfully comfy! I also read parts to my husband that I find intriguing. It is a good book even if it just serves as a reminder.
ReplyDeleteI have a voucher for that online shop too, so I may spend it on your recommendation.
ReplyDeleteI've also found a new outlet for my book addiction, as Healthy Planet have just opened a Books for Free shop near us....that's right. BOOKS for FREE. You can have three per person, which means when we go we come home with eighteen books. I also bought a set of 1060's children's encyclopedias for five pounds. I've also donated a box of baby board books to try and repay them for the goodness that they've brought to us.
Good 'resolutions' for sure. Stash knitting can be difficult for me - I used to buy a skein or two without anything in mind, so I may run into the same problem as you if I just knit from stash. Great yarn for the socks!
ReplyDeletedear jacqui, it's so nice to see your pretty face, love the new photo.
ReplyDeletelove your wishes too, i could have written this post. right down to recieving gift cards to that place that shall not be mentioned.
i do buy used and sometimes the library, but i am greedy and love to own books. i think they are my favorite possesions.
i have purged stashes a few times in my life, swearing each time to not get out of control again. it was getting easier, until i found raverly and yarnalong and inspiring blogs! oh dear!
sign me up to the group!
xxx lori
Lovely blog. I too am working on my meagre yarn and fabric stash this year. I even started my first ripple afghan today. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLike Linda, I would like to hear your thoughts about the book. Sometimes I compare myself disparagingly to women who have more children than I do, and yet seem to have everything under control - and then I think, Oh yeah, they don't have a job! I have to be clear with myself that I'm not comparing like with like. I'm very interested in the consumer / producer idea and view of the household.
ReplyDeleteThe main library in my town, which I still visit every few weeks, often seems so hopeless to me that I almost never try to find things I'm looking for there. (I do still find things I wasn't looking for.) But you make me think that maybe I should engage a bit more and request things. I have a friend in a more rural area who seems to find amazing things (online no less) at her library.
My name is Janet and I have a book addiction (Amazon, Half Price Books, library sales and that wonderful resale book shop I found in Kerrville). I suppose I should resolve to only check out books from our library until I read all the books I have.
ReplyDeleteI love how you and your husband share what you are reading.
So nice to see a little suppport group forming - maybe we will have to just start up a book swap. my big issue is really that i have so many unread books - books that I bought, and i don't feel good about buying new ones until I have made some inroads to those. Stashwise - yes i can see a problem - like Ellen, I often pick up yarn with no particular project in mind, so we will see how it goes. Also - now I have pledged to knit presents for family - i can't really share them here, as my family read the blog (they telephone their comments - lol)So - future yarn along posts will need to be in code.
ReplyDeleteClaire - I hate to say this, but I have not enjoyed spinning as much as I thought I would:( It may happen later on.
Marjorie - so pleased to hear about your ripple. I have to say that my ripple stash is absolutely not included in any stash busting projects.
xxx
Linda - Lol -I remember writing to GH complaining about their Look for a Lifestyle feature. A very polished looking lady wearing a beautiful £250 cashmere tunic to potter around in the greenhouse! And that was many years ago.
ReplyDeleteBut to answer you and Christine - the book is not about housewives - or even stay at home mothers versus working mothers - not at all. It is a redefinition of what the homemaker role is, as a social, political and environmental act. It is quite a full on critique of feminism, economy, culture and society. The thesis is intertwined with excerpts from interviews people who have moved out of the 'extractive economy' to the 'life-serving economy' and they are a very diverse group of people. There are couples, families, single people, single mothers, old, young, male. Several live in cities - 2 in San Francisco, 1 in Chigaco - one woman lives in a trailer park. Some live in extended family groups. They are all doing this in a different way. very very interesting.
I read the reviews several times before i went for this book - it kept popping up and I kept looking at it and thinking the same as you, but I am glad i have read it now. it is extremely thought provoking and quite inspirational. Although I have it on the kindle, I am going to ask the library to order it, just so that others can read it too.
if anyone does read it, I would be interested to know what you think.
xx
love your new header. nice wooly knitting on your feet there and your picture of your chooky hens is great. my weakness is soap/candle stashing ... i am embarassed to admit i have a bag of things i picked up .. for a very sweet deal, i might add ... over the Christmas buying season. all potential gifts, you understand but somehow are still here. anything lemony smelling and i'm gone. i also confess to having a stack of books as yet unread. books are just so lovely though, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteSorry tooooooooooooooo much of an addict to even contemplate not buying any more yarn this year... especially as I'm hoping my brother's house will sale, and my share is quite a hefty sum..so I've put aside a goodly amount for extravagant yarn buying. **rubs hands in anticipation**
ReplyDeleteAnd really it's not that I have too many books.. cos I don't have that many really, I simply do not have enough book shelves. :D
Well, Joxy, I hope you have the most fabulous time on your yarn spree - looking forward to seeing that!!
ReplyDeleteJTS - thank you. You can never have too many candles - and I do love books so much,it is just so easy to slip another one in xxx
I love the book the Radical Homemaker. I made the same resolution this year to read only books I have on my shelf or from the library. It's amazing how many books catch my eye.
ReplyDeleteI'm casting on a few things from my stash as well. Love your resolutions.
hello, My name is Brooke and I am also a book buying/ amazon addict..LOL Love it! Please keep us posted on the books you are reading:)) ~~B
ReplyDeleteHi Valarie - glad you liked the book too.
ReplyDeleteBrooke - I am going to read books from the shelves and post about them in the yarn along slot - sort of shelf - along!
I was thinking mire about RH this morning and should say, that it is an American book, and there is a fairly big chapter on how to address healthcare cost, which is obviously an issue if you live there, but there are plenty occurred that could be applied elsewhere
xx
We're not related, are we? Lol! Now I have to pop over to amazon and ogle at the book you recommended!
ReplyDeleteHope you manage to get some more yarn, fab idea to make all the prezzies. I did that a couple of years ago, it was really nice. xx
Hi Jacqui
ReplyDeleteThis is my first visit to your lovely blog. I've read through a few posts and noticed sweet Mick your recent family addition ♥
Looking forward to stopping by again.
You can do it! My goals this year are to not buy a new piece of clothing and rewear and repurpose my clothes in my closet...dig out the stuff that hasn't seen the light of day in a while! Using my yarn stash won't be hard as I recently won a big basket of yarn as a door prize so I have lots of new yarns to choose from. ...but not buying any new clothing...now that is a lofty challenge!
ReplyDelete