Journal

What a beautiful scarf and how generous of you to make the download.
I watched your film over breakfast in the sunny not too sweltering yet garden. I really resonated with what you said about shopping culture/addiction. I am ashamed of my acquisitive nature but am so often entranced by another lovely ‘thing’. Your idea of the separate pot for things/experiences you have thought about and really want is an excellent one - will try it. I’m remembering standing next to an old lady in a queue to pay. I must have had something indulgent in my basket and she asked me if it was ‘an impulse buy’ - well of course it was and boy, did I feel guilty (though still went ahead and bought whatever it was). Thanks again for your words of wisdom

That is a another really interesting video Jane. I try to buy most things locally, ideally from an independent business, but even if it is from a chain store I am giving work to somebody - Amazon etc are my last resort! I buy a lot from charity shops and other second hand outlets. So far as knitting patterns are concerned I have been using patterns from books , either books I bought years ago when I had a bit more spare cash or from the library. But I have often been disappointed with the fit. So now I am trying to learn to design my own starting with simple rectangles and then how to introduce more fitted shaping. I have just bought 2 patterns from Natalie in Stitches because she gives instructions on how to adapt them to fit different body shapes. I reckon if I knit those it should help me learn. And I am experimenting with different stitch patterns so thank you for the download! We have all been trained to support GDP and it really isn't good for us or the planet!

Thank you for once again such a timely video, Jane.
A couple of years ago I had to make some major life changes due to some health issues. As a result, I've had a lot more free time and less contact with other people, and this has been a very difficult adjustment for me to make. I have found, sadly, that I turn to shopping to try to fill some of this void. It of course, doesn't work. Your video has really, once and for all, clarified that for me.
I too feel that it's important to "support" local businesses and entrepreneurs, and thus I justify a lot of this spending. I'm going to try your lovely suggestion of putting that money in a special place and when enough accumulates, I have a local animal charity that I support that would be very grateful for the contribution. And going out for a dog walk, texting a friend, or just sitting down and actually using some of the many art and craft supplies I have bought over the past two years is a far better use of my time that going out on yet one more errand because I'm bored or feeling lonely.
Once again, Jane, you've sent me just the message I needed to hear! Happy knitting!

I downloaded your pattern for the triangle scarf and wonder about the instructions first line "continue decreasing in this manner....". No instruction for "in this manner", am I not seeing something that really is there??

Read again instructions and now think I understand what "in this manner" is referring to!
Please ignore my last request for explanation!