What would normal people do?

[@pam3744]

I rarely even pay attention to the yarn used by designers except to check the fiber content, weight, etc. I rely on my knitting friends, LYS, and my own creativity and ingenuity to decide on what I want to use. I support designers using yarn produced by small business owners, even if its pricey. There was a great article in Taproot a few months back written by Tammy of the A Wing and a Prayer Farm (she’s on IG and has an Etsy shop) about the cost of producing farm yarn. It’s expensive and well worth it. I can’t imagine anyone feeling left out or less than by not being able to buy a particular yarn. It’s baffling to me how some think it’s someone else’s problem to,solve if they can’t afford something to pursue a particular hobby. Also, there are SO many good yarns sold by Knit Picks and other online sources. There’s a lot going on in the world right now and issues to be resolved - let’s please don’t make this one of them.

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Well you know I’m about to podcast bc I’m finally responding to last questions, lol. Sorry for the delayed response. I have the same thoughts, it’s almost a non-issue to me bc it’s so easily resolved and probably at least in Andrea Mowry’s case, didn’t require an Instagram campaign to get substitutions suggested. I don’t really think it’s about the lack of suggested budget yarns as much as a response to perceived elitism. To me, that’s a different problem in which the resolutions should be on all of us, not just a few successful designers.

[@IGAIAKNITS]

And about yarn and indie yarn and yarn substitution. I agree with the comment Pam wrote here. I mean I’m a designer, I choose yarn for every design, some might be budget or affordable (to many), some might not obviously, I write what yarn I used, I normally say “use any fingering weight” yarn or whatever weight I used. I normally substitute yarn when knitting someone else’s designs. Why? Because I live in the tropics and can’t wear a wool sweater for the whole day - and it’s not available here, I have to buy it in the US, or other countries and fly it here (not easy, not inexpensive). It’s a matter of what you can afford at any given time, personal preference, weather. It’s not the designers job to try and list yarn that will work for their design. It’s a recipe, you look at the ingredients, the portions, the tools you need, the prep time and you make your decisions. Any pattern can be adapted to any yarn composition or even weight if you have the skills to do so (if you use a different weight). If it works with sewing patterns, why wouldn’t it with knitting or crochet patterns? It’s mean to go after a designer saying they are not inclusive for this, please, let’s all make the world a better place. There are resources to learn how to substitute. That’s not rocket science. Grading is difficult, yarn substituting is not. I will talk about how to substitute on my next podcast. Thank you!!!! It helps to have a place where we can give our opinion and have conversations with you about different things. 💕

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Yes, there is little mystery left in knitting and crochet. A quick google brings up tons of ways to substitute or even specific alternate yarns to use for the very one suggested. Lack of funds required me to substitute most of my time knitting. I feel for those of you who can’t easily get wool yarn as it’s so pleasant to work with, but then, like you, I live in a warm climate and it doesn’t really make much sense to use it so...I realize this conversation is t a hot topic in the knitting world any longer but I’m just getting to my responses, lol. Thanks for your input.

[@aknitlife]

Good to see your new podcast Michelle and that you are doing well! I generally knit free patterns and use whatever yarn I have in stash. I’ve bought a few patterns and did matched yarn to the pattern twice. I have to knit and buy according to my means. I admire beautiful yarns, project bags, and stitch markers. However, I don’t buy them because I can’t afford them. I generally knit for myself or others as gifts so I have to go about it frugally. Yes, I think the monetizing via social media is a bit much. I realize that is their way of making a living. After a while, I don’t pay much attention to it. One or two ads on KZbin is ok, but excessive is bothersome and I lose interest. Have a wonderful rest of summer, stay safe, happy knitting/crocheting!

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Yeah, I have practiced living within my means in my knitting and my ability to indulge in anything extra would ebb and flow depending on my finances and stage of life. But I can honestly say I got more creative satisfaction in the early years when my yarn budget was almost non existent than I do now. Partly it was the learning, but also the innovation it required to live within my means. Thanks for your thought!

[@frankk3092]

I am a fan since your sweater special episode. I am from good old Germany an send you best wishes. You are so special to me. I like to listen to your thoughts. Thank you

[@frankk3092]

Oh, and Iam a woman. My name is @Franka.strickt on insta. My husband have this Googlename Frank.K.

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Ha! That’s funny. I jokingly said to my husband, “Well Frank says I’m special to him.” He’s like, “Who’s Frank?!” Lol. Thanks for letting me know you like the podcast. I took a break but am back and enjoy just being a knitting companion to you guys. Your comments are very much food for thought. It fills a place in my life. :)

[@juliecoffey4161]

I just discovered this KZbin channel, and I want to tell you how lovely I think you are. I notice this was posted 6 months ago. I hope you are happy and well. I think you must be because you accepted my Ravelry friend request last night. I watched your sweater try on video last night, and must have about 10 new sweaters in my mind’s queue thanks to your helpful commentary on the merits of each. But this video. Ok, now I really dig you. I can definitely relate to the Imposter Syndrome issue. And maybe I don’t know all the You tube folks, but WOW, you do a unique job engaging. I hope you start posting again, but if not, thank you for the rich amount of back videos I can look at while knitting. Currently, I’m making Petite Knits Ballon cardigan in chocolate brown. You have inspired me to pull out some plates of Plutolopi I bought in Iceland. It will require that gentle touch you speak about in this video.

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Julie, I’m so happy to have you here! You’ve commented at a good time as I’m just sort of “coming up for air” after big life changes. They’re all good changes but still took a lot of my energy. I miss interacting via the podcast and blog. I do plan to discuss the things people brought up about consumerism in the next episode. I value those comments so much. Please continue to share your thoughts and I hope you keep enjoying my super awkward videos😂

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Get ready, ep 50 is in the works, lol.

[@IGAIAKNITS]

About pattern prices, I also think it’s personal preference. If I love a design, and it’s priced at more than $8, and I can afford it at the time, I might get it! If I can’t afford to buy any patterns, I will look for free patterns, there are plenty out there. The “pay what you can” structure: don’t know if it works or if designers that use it see a lot of people going for the lowest price. I’ve seen some where that lowest price is what I charge for my patterns. Being that said, in my opinion, is a matter of perception. Also, and I plan to talk more about this on my next podcast, I believe a pattern is like a cooking recipe. You might not like it along the way, and it has nothing to do with the person who wrote the recipe, or it being well written, you might not have all the ingredients and you’ll need to substitute or change, you might not like the end result.

[@virginiasattler-reimer9554]

What a great surprise to see your podcast pop up! I always enjoy it, looking forward to hearing more on the topic of monetization! I have been trying out a pay-what-you-can model in another area of my life and it's been interesting. I'm learning a lot about myself, struggling with some ideas about fairness, accessibility, value, kindness, control, generosity etc. I haven't landed anywhere yet, I'm a WIP!

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

I'm not sure where I stand on all of it either. I mean, we live in the type of society we live in and sometimes monetizing your passions may be the only way you can justify spending the time on doing them. But I do feel like some aspect of the scrappy DIY ethos I loved when I first started knitting might be getting crowded out with sales and new releases. I'm going to spend some time looking around revelry and instagram and see if it's just me or maybe my feed is in a rut. Thanks for sharing that pay what you can is working for you. I often wonder how sellers like it, but have no one to ask. :)

[@aeastman59]

thank you for the podcast Michelle! I dont use Instagram but your Love your Neighbor idea is terrific, thank you for organizing that! I wonder if something metal in the canteen bag might work I googled 'metal purse frames' and a whole lot came up.... Im not sure I like the term Imposter syndrome, it sounds blaming or something....most of us at times in life have self doubt which is crippling and frustrating at times but once we are aware of it we just work on changing it and eventually it becomes less 'big' and feeling more sure increases, I think....being verbally abused and other trauma can set us back for sure.... I had a traumatic death event too and someone said "But, that which doesnt kill you makes you stronger"... I did not feel that way, I felt weaker like it totally knocked me over and it took several years to get up..... later someone said it differently " that which doesnt kill me, changes me"... that feels right... we are changed by life events... sometimes I wonder; if that trauma did not happen to me would I have become what I am now? .. ... monetizing crafts...all of the podcasts I watch are free and I like to give a podcaster Ko-fi if I am able to... Ko fi seems like a good way to help a podcaster without too much pressure on me to keep paying a certain price.... also, I dont mind paying a certain regular fee if I am learning something from podcast, it does take alot of time to make a podcast...OR if a podcast is doing something special I want to support, such as sheep breed conservancy... wow, those blue skeins are really gorgeous!! I am of two minds about prices of patterns on one hand I think some patterns did take alot of time and effort from the designer and should be priced accordingly... on the other hand there are some simple patterns that have a high price and that seems not right....so I just dont buy the patterns that dont seem priced appropriately. As far as yarn prices.. I will treat myself to getting what I consider good yarn so as a result I probably dont have quite as much as many people who stash....I figure, alot of people spend an astounding amount of money on cigarettes, so buying yarn is ok!!!😄

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Metal is an option another friend recommended plastic mesh sheets. I’m going to do some googling... Imposter is harsh, reflective of the harsh light people can see themselves in. I’m always amazed when I hear some wonderful, creative person say they’re dealing with this. So far it has all been women. Yes recognizing a little PTSD was key for me. I’ve had discussions with other people and it can be little things that set it off. For me I think I’m trying to avoid seeing something die while I just stand by. I know it’s natural and may happen again. When I realized why I was worried about this, I felt a sense of relief. I’m just taking it to God. He knows what I can handle and can help me handle it. So I think I’m going to be fine. But it does give me insight into what a panic attack feels like (had one on side of the road as I saw an animal die). and how dealing with abnormal fear can be for a person, much like your experience gave you empathy and changed you.

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Oh, I like your point about patterns that seem overly priced for very basic or even oft repeated designs.

[@aeastman59]

@@mysocalledhandmadelife 😀

[@talitharitter3176]

I encourage you to consider a couple of things. One: loving your neighbour as yourself means that you also need to make sure you’re loving and caring for yourself as much as you are focussing on others. Two: I am seeing a pattern of correlation between mental health struggles in people who have laser focus on social justice issues. I encourage you to do some study and research around this as part of your self care so you can see where the triggers or boundaries are for you. You cannot care for others if you aren’t caring for yourself. ❤️❤️❤️ I have some of that old Patons in my stash and I was saddened to see that it’s no longer made in Canada.

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Hmmm I did a quick search for where it is made now and can’t find the info. I was sad that they don’t sell tweed anymore. I really liked their tweed colors. I feel like it was as good as any other tweed wool out there and very affordable. Talitha you’re absolutely right about caring for myself. I’m feeling it and I’m not even diving into studying social justice reform and current events as much as a lot of other people do- yet it takes a toll. I’m seeing a weariness set in on people. I decided to do this MAL to bring all of this extra nervous energy to use in a positive way. If I’m going to see all this messed up stuff, I can at least do something good about. This includes sharing of charities and info and encouragement in giving, lockdown, self-care etc. You’re thoughts on loving self so that we can love others is right on! I think Day 12 will delve a little into that. So for me- I’m pacing myself, lol, and taking breaks from it all. I’m limiting media time and getting outside to walk or run daily. I think I caught the signs of extra anxious energy before I burned out but I figured other people must be feeling it in some way so I mentioned it. As I edited this episode I thought how bizarre my worry for the cats next door must sound. This is an issue particular to me bc of a trauma I experienced seeing a death happen in a wrong way. It would’ve been an issue regardless of world events and politics. Maybe I shouldn’t be so confessional here- good grief it is KZbin! I think this is an area I am healing in and one I am giving some extra care and attention to. I do appreciate your thoughts. They are affirming what I’ve felt I need to do and encouraging. Thank you. I hope you and yours are all well and taking things one day at a time too!

[@IGAIAKNITS]

Hi Michelle! I was missing your podcast as you already know! Everything you showed was beautiful. I have felt very much like you in the past weeks, even if I don’t live in the US. This is apparently an ongoing process. I like everything you talk about, will comment separately on each subject. Hugs! Elsye

[@IGAIAKNITS]

About impostor syndrome don’t think I have it or have had it. Certainly, sometimes I have doubts when trying something new professionally, but, I quickly talk myself into the fact I know I’ve put the best of me in whatever that is. I’ve not doubt myself in the personal arena though, more and more, I’m being aware if I have to let go people or situations that make me anxious, second guessing myself or others, I will. What some might call “unequal relationships”

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Thanks for your response, Els! That’s a healthy way to view things. Seeing ourselves as worthy of that protection should be second nature, shouldn’t it?

[@IGAIAKNITS]

On monetizing a blog, a podcast, etc. I think it’s personal preference. What I don’t like is excessive ads, or that the host might come across as pushy to get a membership, become a patron, etc. I do not believe in asking people to “buy a coffee” if the person doesn’t produce any content, but, it seems they feel people should contribute just because. I understand if I’m not a member or pay to get certain content, I will only have access to “standard” content or maybe I will have access to all content but members will receive it first, and it’s perfectly ok

[@therepublicofme]

Dear Michelle, Thank you for a beautiful 1.5 hours... I really enjoyed it. Hmmm..... monetization? The world would have missed out on a lot of great artists if they were not able to charge for their work! It took Michelangelo four years to paint Sistine Chapel.... imagine if he didn't get paid.... we probably wouldn't have that magnificent work of art. However, in my opinion, being able to charge for your time and energy is different from the never ending consumerism most of the western world is addicted to. That is something that I think everybody needs to resolve within themselves. I have stopped following certain people because of the adverts that appear every 2 minutes, but at the same time will gladly let the adverts play fully for those that I feel that deserve it, so they could generate that ad revenue. It was good seeing you again. Ivana

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Yes, this is what I mentioned to Little Kitten. I don’t mind all the crazy pop up ads on a designer’s site when they are offering their pattern free. I feel like they’re providing a means for everyone to enjoy their work. It figures into the conversation about accessibility. I can deal with ads for anything I like, really. Like you I want people to be able to afford producing their work. I’m not sure where I draw the line on healthy and unhealthy consumerism. It’s something I sense around me, but am only sure about when it’s in me, you know. I need to spend some time considering this.

[@catherineb.8284]

Hi Michelle It's so good to have you back. I have been thinking about you and all the people that I "know" in the USa, as well as other countries. So much to chat about! I'm sorry things have been tough. I have spent more time focused on #Blacklivesmatter than the pandemic to be honest and it has been hard especially witin the family where some just don't get it. Sometimes you just have to keep yourself strong and not mix with people a bit and then re-emerge. Have your heard Mrs M curiosity cupboard? She has a great audio podcast, I get so much out of it. I like the fact that she just podcasts, she has a Ko-Fi link in her blog , I have bought her a coffee but it's low key, she doesn't advertise out loud as it were. I have to say that I find the whole business of craft slightly deflating, whilst at the same time aware that people want to earn a living. I don't buy Ko-Fis for people every time I listen to a podcast but I do sometimes. I am quite a frugal craft person when I compare myself to others. I don't understand how people can afford to buy so many patterns and so much yarn. Especially indie yarn. I hope people are not getting into debt. I like my wool to be minimally processed and I consider any wool a treat, I don't think of things like Patons as budget, it soon adds up. And it serves a particular need. I also spin my wool but again, I don't buy indie dyed stuff. I live in New Zealand and it isn't as available. I did well in lockdown, I loved it, I did lots of natural dyeing and knitting spinning and quilting. Once we were allowed out, I took another week before arranging to have a coffee with a feiend. I am trying to remember not to have to many catch ups with people and to have enough recharge aone time. Post lockdown, I have made some decisions, I have applied go to part time next January, 4 days a week, we have bought a motor home to travel within New Zealand, we reckon we won't go abroad for at least 2 years now and I have signed up for a jewellery course, apart from my family my creativity is the most important thing for me so I want to invest time and money on that. Sorry about the loooong comment. I so enjoy your converaation. Take care. x

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

No, I love long comments!! I have heard of Mrs. M's Curiosity Cabinet and might have even subscribed but right about that time I switched to watching videos on youtube more and just sort of let my knitting audio podcasts go. I think it's due for a re-listen. I like the Ko-fi idea and the fact that anyone can access it, even if they can't pay. Fruity Knitting's Channel is like that. When it comes to Patreon accounts, I appreciate those who just charge one low fee for everyone. You're right, a sweater's quantity of any yarn isn't cheap, unless I found it at Goodwill. But per skein I think Paton's is way more affordable for the yardage than many brands. But spinning your own is the essence of DIY :) By mobile home do you mean the kind that stays put or a camper? Either way I hope that's a nice little adventure for you. Jewelry making sounds like a lot of fun. I have fiddled around with it, but not made anything too professional looking. One member of the MAL I'm hosting on instagram is actually making jewelry as her project and I'm excited to see what she comes up with. Thanks for your thoughts!

[@catherineb.8284]

@@mysocalledhandmadelife Ha! English gets tricky, we all mean different things. A motorhome or camper van so living quarters and driving in the same space. I hope that makes sense! Like a Winnebago, not sure how that's spelled. Anyway, take care, I hope you have a good week.

[@katiecanavan]

What WOULD normal people do?? Truly, we'll never know. I love your earrings!! I think your sleeves totally work being different dye lots, and you know I will never argue with Patons, and you should definitely add a zipper to your bag. As I was looking at it, I couldn't think of another closure that made sense and I agree, it will help give it shape. You could also try to put some wire in, but that seems cumbersome at this point? I've decided the new title for your biography is " Collecting Cats & Dressing In My Husband's Old Clothes" - charming! I, too, have had a ton of nervous energy and have found it very difficult to focus and feel VERY wishy washy. I feel like I cannot get anything done! I read something about how this was our brains' way of responding to the current, constantly-changing environment of the pandemic, so I'm trying to limit my news intake. I don't really need to know everything, every moment it's happening. Lastly: the monetization of crafts. This is so difficult. I believe people should be paid fairly for their time and talent, but I also think it gets sticky when we are talking about practical creative skills that used to be handed down in families. In some cases, they still are! But it seems like this was something everyone used to learn at one time or another from family members and communities, and instead we have a system that ignores the arts, and therefore brings arts and crafts into the capitalist system. Woof. It seems like people are angry at capitalism and not at one individual blogger or designer, and if they were to focus their energy a little more towards disrupting capitalism (and algorithms), then things could get better. (Gettin' political, here!)

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

I agree. It seems lazy to point at other people making use of a system we all perpetuate or to spend energy trying to hash out who is benefitting most when we all partake to a degree. Also, I think if we extracted crafting from capitalist mindset a lot of the fervor and participation would die out and some businesses too. Would we all be knitting a million sweaters we don’t need without that mindset? How many hand dyed skeins would actually be sold? How exciting would a KAL be with recycled yarn from a sweater we rarely wore in the past? Who would charge for patterns that are basically a fill in the blank yoke design? You’re right, it is complicated.

[@katiecanavan]

@@mysocalledhandmadelife That's an AMAZING idea for a KAL! I have done that, myself, at least two times, but I have rarely seen others do it (probably because there's no hashtag!!). I would be super fun to hype up that idea and have everyone leave with something they REALLY love!

[@aeastman59]

I just heard about a book called Quiet by Susan Cain... its great... and it does discuss the "Inferiority Complex" which sounds similar to the impostor syndrome... I am listening to the audiobook and its excellent it talks about being an Introvert and how in history that became something negative and how it actually is a strength... I love it so far

[@knitnkitten]

✨🌻🥰 Michelle🌹So good to see you🌞 Love your hair!💗 You are rocking that Wyeth😎😍Great colour (yup, u r totally right - did not notice the difference in the sleeves🙂) flattering scoop neckline, perfect amount of ease💫 re: 'internalized capitalism' ... well. I raised my children 'for free', but when I had a small day care, I raised other little tykes for good money. I regularly spend time doing activities with my octogenarian parents for free. But I used to get paid good money for being a companion to the elderly. The same for my bookkkeeping services & my legal assistant expertise. It just reveals the glaring inconsistencies in capitalism. The second wave of feminists in the 60's & 70's tried to fight this good fight, but got subsumed into the whole 'equal rights = equal job opportunity' which ended up devaluing domestic work🥺 imho

[@talitharitter3176]

I agree that it was an unfortunate side effect of their hard work that domestic labour is now not as valued (by women, even) and inaccessible or unrealistic for so many.

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Thank you, Anna. The Wyeth neckline is pretty great. I’m not very educated about feminism, honestly. I am pro- feminist movements like equal pay etc, but I haven’t studied up on the literature. I hadn’t really thought about the part we as women may have played in devaluing this very necessary part of family health. When I was caring for little people and aging people I never questioned the value of it, but after that was mostly over I felt depleted, and with the migraines, I just was not ready to “work” in a way that produces a paycheck. I have tried to resist that internalized value system since hitting adulthood but I do feel it’s push and pull. I also wonder if it robs some crafters of their joy when they decide to monetize their passion because it seems to be what we’re supposed to do to prove its value.

[@knitnkitten]

My So-Called Handmade Life ✨🌿❤️❤️I hear you, Michelle🕊❤️✨ Kind of ties into your question about monetizing your fabulous podcast. I'm afraid my input might not be very helpful because I would understand & support either choice you make. I value & cherish this creative work you so kindly & generously share💐 I also think you are an inherently valuable and beautiful being🥰

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

little.kitten Oh, I’m not monetizing my podcast. I mean if I had a ton of viewers I might turn on ads but I’m not doing a Patreon. Unless you guys want more Pain-treon😂😂. I had thought if I ever had something more to offer on my blog, I might would -to a degree. But I would have to be offering something more to feel good about that. Mostly I just want the blog for thinking out loud. I really dont mind when people have tons of ads if they’re offering a free product or information I find valuable. But if I’m trying to read their thoughts it is so distracting to have pop-ups everywhere. But that’s the nature of blogs now:/

[@adinasalmansohn9842]

Wow, Michelle, it’s been a time, hasn’t it! Great to see you again. I’m not sure where to find the photo prompts...IG? So I have a question for you. What constitutes a “normal” person? My normal may be your weird. I guess I’ve already pulled back in my life, being retired, so I’m not sure what I would change in my life, having changed already. I’m just afraid of becoming too much of a recluse...I find myself very reluctant to leave my cozy home. It’s almost a laziness. The less people expect of you, the less you feel like doing. Hmmm. Btw all your makes are gorgeous, congrats! I hate ads. I spin a lot of my own yarn,and I’m not always tempted by the next big thing. I do think a somewhat beneficial side effect of Covid is the pulling up short of the spending frenzy knitters have been in. It seems that some of the podcasters who were all about their acquisitions have been going down the social justice path, and seem to be pushing fewer products. Just my observation.

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Ha! What is normal? It's all going to be a little skewed by my mind, but I have a basic sense of when something is going too far for me and may seem out of the ordinary in my life. That's when I think it's time to back it down a notch. It could be negative thoughts, brooding over some occurrence, or things like that. I also could ask my family or friends for input, I suppose. I hadn't noticed that about podcasters because I have watched so few lately. It's been mostly news and or escape into eighties tv shows :/ Spending frenzy is a funny phrase but really kind of sad. I mean, at some point I have to ask myself, "What void am I trying to fill here and will this really do the trick?" lol. It's hard to have such harsh truths on your mind, like the experiences of black americans, or some new crazy news headline and then turn to a camera and say, "Look at the cute stuff I bought!" (I realize I showed yarn in this very episode, lol) That's a good point about a kind of benefit to the community in general. My husband and I are getting reclusive too. He still longs to go have a big brunch at a favorite restaurant, but we really like hanging out at home. And now he has me playing a video game with him, which I can't really play so there's even more reason to stay put. We also got a frisbee and ride bikes to a field and throw it. Glad to hear your doing good, Adina! Thanks for your feedback.