My Year* of not buying new clothes

In July 2017 I made a decision not to buy any new clothes for a whole year. I didn't think it through before making the announcement. I didn't check to see if I had all the basics or buy a few wardrobe essentials in advance. I simply read this article about fashion production and textile waste and immediately typed my Facebook post. I figured that making it public would hold me accountable, and I didn't want to change my mind.

I knew it was going to be a challenge, especially around special occasions, however I was optimistic. I felt I had a lot of clothes, though none of them were particularly coordinated and certainly none of them high quality (if they weren't H&M then they were Oxfam.) I said to myself, wouldn't it be fabulous to use my creative flair and customisation skills to use my clothes in a whole new way? I was excited.

Turns out, my excitement was not only naïve but very ill-informed. I was certainly not expecting the negative (and positive) effects that not buying new clothes would involve.

Positives:

• I was completely relieved of the act of buying new clothes
• no stopping at the shops while waiting for the train
• no spending money
• no obligation to make space in the wardrobe for new items
• no guilt about sporting a new item
• no stress about making a new item of clothing work with something I already own
• I began to understand that I'd been living with a low level anxiety about clothes, money and clutter, always feeling a strong compulsion to shop, renew, keep up

As birthdays, weekend breaks and anniversaries approached, I was reassured by knowing that I had at least one nice skirt and one fancy top which I could jazz up with a sparkly necklace.

At the same time I was applying some wisdom (read: Marie Kondo's Spark Joy) on minimalism to reduce the unnecessary clutter in all other areas of my life too.

In not buying new clothes, I didn't feel like buying new anything: no new tea towels, books, makeup, candle holders, Tupperware dishes – nothing seemed important anymore. Everything seemed superfluous and privileged. I began to feel disdain for all things new and indulgent.

Before I decided not to buy new clothes, I was already decluttering regularly by giving away one item per day, which in practice means filling a bag a bag for charity and donating it at the end of the week.  Sometimes this may be seven items, often more. I recommend this method, as it will probably have the same effect on you as it did on me: you begin to view your possessions differently. Your attachment to them weakens and as a result you begin to feel more free.

excerpt from Marie Kondo's Spark Joy

And so I began to feel less attached to the clothes I still had. Even though I was not replenishing my wardrobe, there were still plenty of items I was not going to wear under any circumstances. Before I made this decision, I had just been given many second hand clothes from people who know I'm a vintage junkie, and although they were nice quality and pretty, I knew I would never reach for them. So out they went. 

I had lost weight too (I became a vegetarian around the same time, more on that later), and so I was able to part with some clothes I'd been keeping just in case. Clothes which had been washed too many times went out, as did clothes which did not align with my new “minimal” personality, clothes requiring shoes to match the look for example, or clothes which were not, and maybe never had been, comfortable. Out, out, out!

During the summer I was very warm! I had only one t-shirt to my name, the one I use for sport (alas one is enough), and I was wearing the soft sweaters I enjoyed because they were comfortable. However they were long-sleeved and drab in colour. I also spent the summer in ankle boots. Maybe I had already taken the concept a bit too far, but I was comfy and had righteousness on my side.

The first crack appeared in later September when I spotted this cute little skirt in a charity shop. 

My partner paid for it, and because it was second hand I felt able to justify it. I felt bad though, as if I'd “broken”. Then at the end of October, I felt slightly embarrassed by my handbag, thinking it was too summery for rainy days. That lead to my buying a new handbag online. (This strap of this new handbag broke within a few weeks and now I'm back using the summery one. Perfectly serviceable as you see.)

By now, I'd been using and reusing my clothes for five months. My favourite clothes were wearing out, fading and misshapen. The negative aspects of not renewing my wardrobe were becoming very evident:

• my clothes were drab
• my cheap fast-fashion clothes were wearing out ever more quickly
• I felt unable to express myself or show creativity
• I wasn't able to dress warmly enough now that winter was approaching
• I felt I was beginning to look dowdy
• I was beginning to care less about how I looked. I wasn't going to the hairdresser's or even the dentist
• I felt invisible
• I stopped wanting to go out because I had “nothing to wear” which for a woman usually means nothing “new” to wear
• I felt older

I even began to feel that my general lack of newness was having a negative effect on my business, and so I began to look out for new clothes that I would be feel worthy of “breaking” for. Turns out, this wasn't so easy. When your whole wardrobe need a rethink, where do you start?

In not buying any new clothes, here are some of the lessons I learned:

• we have enough. Even if we discarded half the goods you own, we'd still have so much
• no one really notices what you are wearing
• poverty affects more than food and shelter. Self-esteem is born from our ability to express and make choices
• our society has a massive effect on us, whether we are conscious of it or not
• you can give too much away. I was looking for a book to read, even a book to re-read, but I realised I didn't have a single novel in the house
• it's very difficult to buy good quality clothes these days. It seems that fashion is fast, no matter what the brand
• starting a wardrobe from scratch is pricey! Probably better to maintain
• when you're options are limited, you become more discerning in your choices

I would love you to try giving up not buying new clothes for a period of time, even for one month, and then hear all about your experience. I'm back to buying new clothes again, but I confess there isn't the same pleasure in it for me. I aware of everything – from how long it will (won't) last, where I'm going to put it when I get home, which item I'll throw out in its place, how much I'm spending, what emotional need is it serving, who am I buying it for – me or those watching me?

I feel so privileged to have had this experience, and I'll certainly continue to be observant in my habits. I think I might try one month on, one month off, or buy seasonally. We'll see. Watch this space!

Jewels of Peru Crochet Shawl Pattern - FREE pattern

I based this pattern on a variation of Fortune's Shawlette pattern by MooglyBlog, so you can check out some video tutorials if you need to: 

• Tutorial for Fortune's Shawlette http://www.mooglyblog.com/fortunes-shawlette-tutorial/
• Tutorial for general Corner to Corner pattern https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5G9IM24LFU

The yarn is by Wool And The Gang, 100% Baby Alpaca so you can only imagine how extremely soft it is.  The photographs can only hint at the richness of the wool and the beautiful weight and drape it produced. I'm going to find it hard to part with this one!

This colour is called Quetzal Green, a deep jewel teal colour. I couldn't decide between this and the rich purple colour.  Parlour Yarns in The Courtyard, Carrickfergus is the only stockist in Northern Ireland so far.

Jewels of Peru Crochet Shawl Pattern

Materials:

• 3x Balls Sugar Baby Alpaca by Wool and the Gang (50g/127 yds/116m) in Colour Quetzal Green
• 4mm hook

Special Stitches:

• Block = (ss, ch4, 1dtr, 1ch, 1dtr) all into same 4ch-loop
• Dtr (Double Treble) = yo twice, insert hook in indicated stitch and draw up a loop, yo and draw through two loops) 3 times
• 5trCl (5tr Cluster) = (yo, insert hook in indicated stitch and draw up a loop, yo and draw through two loops) 5 times, yo and draw through all six loops on the hook

Notes to this pattern:

1. Pattern begins at one corner and grows to desired width – as per Corner to Corner pattern if you are familiar
2. To orientate your work, consider the beginning tail to hang down at the bottom while the working row is pointing upwards. The 'rounded top' is where you will find the 4ch-loop
3. Bobble edging requires almost a whole 50g ball of yarn – so be sure to space the bobbles out as indicated to avoid running out of yarn

BEGIN

Row 1: Ch7, 1dtr (see Special Stitches) into 5^th chain from hook, ch1, sk next chain, 1dtr in last ch. Turn (1 Block made)

Row 2: Ch7, 1dtr into 5^th chain from hook, ch1, sk next chain, 1dtr in next ch (increase made, see Note 1), Block (see Special Stitches) into 4ch-loop on previous row (see Note 2).Turn. (2 Blocks made)

Row 3: Ch7, 1dtr into 5^th chain from hook, ch1, sk next chain, 1dtr in next ch (increase made), Block into first 4ch-loop on previous row, Block into next 4ch-loop on previous row. Turn (3 Blocks made)

Row 4: Ch7, 1dtr into 5^th chain from hook, ch1, sk next chain, 1dtr in next ch (increase made), Block into first 4ch-loop on previous row, *Block into next 4ch-loop on previous row; rep from * across the row up to and including the 4ch-loop. Turn (4 Blocks made)

Row 5: Ch7, 1dtr into 5^th chain from hook, ch1, sk next chain, 1dtr in next ch (increase made), Block into first 4ch-loop on previous row, *Block into next 4ch-loop on previous row; rep from * across the row up to and including the 4ch-loop. Turn (5 Blocks made)

Keep increasing in this way until 35 Blocks have been made or until maximum 100g of yarn has been used (see Note 3). DO NOT fasten off.

Bobble Fringe Edging

Now working across the two pointed sides of the work, Ch1, 1dc in top of first st, *ch8, 5trCl (see Special Stitches) in 3^rd ch from hook, ch3, 5trCl in 3^rd ch from hook (i.e. in top of first Cluster just made), ss to root of first Cluster to form a Bobble (cupping each Cluster into shape), ss again into first chain beneath bobble, ch5, skip approx 1.25” or 3cm on row edge (see Note 3) and work 1dc into edge of work; rep from * across the row to Centre Point.

At Centre Point, do not skip 3cm on row edge but instead start and finish the Bobble in same place, closing with 1dc into same place as stem; skip approx 1.25” or 3cm on row edge, rep from * to edge of work.

Fasten off and sew in ends.

Thanks for checking in!  I hope you’ve enjoyed this pattern as much as I do.

For the full range of easy-to-read crochet patterns visit my Etsy Shop at Nancy Said https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/nancysaid 

 

Happy Crocheting!

Nina

Nancy Said 

Happy crocheting from me!

Crochet Girl vs Programmer Geek: a love story

Every evening after dinner my partner and I sit on the sofa for hours, well past midnight and often into the wee small hours.  But we're not watching television. No.
I'm crocheting of course, while Mr N is programming, or watching lectures about programming, gaming or viewing game analysis.  Mr N sits on the right.  I sit on the left.  Complete opposites you would think.
And yet.
As we crochet/program respectively we sometimes glance over and smile.  We remark on how similar our two professions are, and Mr N, because he loves me and only imagines the best, tells me I'd make a great programmer.  Looking down at my patterns and charts, you know I think he might be right.

Example of tessellation

Motifs vs Modular Design
Programmers use motifs the same way we crocheters do except in a programmer's world they're known as modules.  I love using motifs because you can build them individually, then work out how best to join them later.  You can be creative using small amounts of yarn.  Or you can make them when you're short on time.  They're also very portable.
Programmers can create small modules which can be shared all around the world for other programmers to hack on while the rest of the program remains intact.  Or they can change one part of the program without having to do a complete rewrite.  Like taking out a couple of squares to set in a sleeve.

Tension Squares vs Prototyping
As much as we crocheters claim never to do a tension square, in my case this is not strictly true.  When I'm looking at a pattern for the first time, I try to get a feel for the stitches in a small swatch before getting jiggy with Ch294.  I do this because I might not like the end result, or find it too difficult, find a mistake in the pattern or decide my choice of yarn is not right for this pattern.
Programmers also begin with a swatch which they call a prototype.  They do this to identify potential problems, to test the workability of an idea and to be able to share initial ideas with their team, to be clear on what they envisage as the end result and how best to proceed.
Can you imagine if a programmer was given a brief, spent six months developing it, only to discover it was not what the client had in mind or that it couldn't function?  That'd be like spending £80 and two months of your life crocheting a sweater that would only really fit the family horse.

Pattern Design vs Program Design
When designing a pattern you have to take into consideration things like size, function, final customer.  The pattern has to be clear and easy to read and it's best if the resulting product is simple and easy to wear/use without the customer having to open an instruction manual to figure out where the sleeves are.

Programmers have to make sure their code is readable and properly documented so that other programmers can understand it and work with it.

Repetition
While he's typing, Mr N's hands stretch out over the keyboard like a master pianist, CTRL F9 (I made that up) and SHIFT-ALT-CTRL F9 (I made that up too).  He doesn't look down.  Lines of code gallop across the screen while he plays the board, error free.
He says the same of me.  He looks across at my hands, a blur of steel and flesh and colour as a perfect strip of intricate lace is formed on my lap.
When we wonder how we can bear to repeat ourselves over and over without much complaint about eye strain or backache, we only have to acknowledge that there is a definite satisfaction in the process.  We keep the final product in mind.  I can't wait to see the pattern form a star within a flower within a spiral, while he can't wait to press the RUN key and watch the universe kaleide into place.

Mistakes vs Debugging
As a crochet teacher, I spend quite a bit of time finding mistakes in people's work.  Sometimes we can gloss over it and fix it on the next row, but often it's a deal breaker for the student who feels it's pointless to go on as the work will now “never be right”.
It's a tough call for a beginner because there will inevitably be lots of mistakes but if you keep ripping out you'll never learn how to fix them or make good progress.  On the other hand, if you ignore mistakes completely the work will lose it's shape and structure and it may eventually hit the scrap heap.
The same with debugging.  A programmer may spend hours and hours looking for a colon where there should have been a semi-colon through a million lines of code.  When I hear Mr N say, “Found it!” I know it's like me getting to the end of the row after the tenth rip back and I'm finally ending on dc, yay!  Mr N says that at least he's got tools to help him search whereas I've only got my mince pies.

Community Game Jam vs Crochet-a-Long
We all know the fun to be had when you join a Crochet-a-Long (those Mystery ones were a blast).  You feel a sense of urgency because you're part of a group and you don't want to be the slow one, or the one who did it wrong.  You can't wait to see the end result, to raise your hand in the air for the last group photograph, to have taken part in something colossal.
In the coding world, they call it a Game Jam.  Mr N does it for fun with his work colleagues.  They'll come up with a sketchy plan for a game.  One will work out the game logic, one will produce the graphics while someone else (mainly my Mr N whose keyboard skills translate well onto other musical instruments) takes care of the audio.  They give themselves the weekend.  As an aside I should add that a coder's day has approx 39 hours in it when you take into account they don't seem to need to sleep or eat that much.  There are communities for the Game Jam as well as international events such as Ludum Dare video game competition.
As strange as this may sound, I've never actually partaken in a Crochet-a-long myself.  I suppose I don't like the idea of someone knowing something I don't!

Graphic Design
When I'm working on tapestry crochet, or cross stitching onto my work, Mr N will look over and say, “Pixel Art!” Calling it pixel art makes it sound easy, which is isn't always and it gives me a funny feeling to think that Mr N could probably write a program which could write me out of business.  Having said that, I know I should take his advice and work more with graph paper and colouring pencils to make life a bit simpler.
We recently searched online for “tessellations” and “fractals”, both of us enjoying the pattern formations and their potential application.  We talked about colour choices, using a limited palette and deciding and naming the colours in advance.

Example of fractals

I tend to work out the patterns as I go, creating designs which seem to manifest themselves.  This can lead to heavy sighs and ripping back, which at times unnerves Mr N who prefers to work more logically to lists and a highly detailed plan.

Exasperatingly tricky tapestry crochet (or simple Pixel Art as Mr N calls it)

Perhaps programmers and crocheters are slightly different after all, but the next time you see a geek seated opposite you on the train, look up from your crochet and smile.  He might have some thoughts on your current WIP.

5 Books I recommend for all crocheters

Five of my must-have favourite books for crochet!

1) Crochet Unravelled by Claire Bojczuk http://goo.gl/DHw49u
Brilliant for complete beginners, but I even learnt a few things from it myself!  Contains written and illustrated instructions for both left and right handers.  The book is small but really well written and super clear.  Charts, diagrams and patterns make this a great wee book to give as a gift for someone learning.  Parlour Yarns have just started selling these little gems at £6.99

Diana Patchwork Scarf by Nancy Said

2) Compendium of Crochet techniques by Jan Eaton http://goo.gl/2shi1D
Anything by Jan Eaton is a winner all round.  She is so accomplished and wise - having all her hints and tips in this fabulous book is like having a guru in your living room channelling crochet expertise through your fingertips.

Skye Multiway Scarf by Nancy Said

3) The Essential Handbook of Crochet Stitches by Betty Barnden http://goo.gl/T4EuTm
As you may already know by now I love charts and I bless the computer program which allows for them to be printed in abundance!  This book is beautiful, simple and yet detailed.  There isn't a stitch you won't want to try.  Even the broomstick lace appears easy in it.  Two well-thumbed pages in my copy are pages 112 and 113, Sea Stitch and Mophead Stitch - pretty addictive!

Cairo scarf by Nancy Said using Mophead stitch and Flower Fringe by Kristin Omdahl

4) 200 Crochet Blocks by Jan Eaton http://goo.gl/D2Csvc
One of the first books I ever bought for myself, and now I don't know where I would be without it.  Work your way through each of these blocks and you will become an expert.  There's no substitute for experience, and this book invites you to give it a go.  There are instructions for which styles to add together and recommended colour combinations.  At the back of the book are a few very useful border techniques to finish your blanket or project.  If you don't already have this book, order it immediately!

Midnight in Paris Waistcoat by Nancy Said

5) The Finer Edge by Kristin Omdahl http://goo.gl/4py
This book is a little more advanced and yet simple to follow.  The borders in it are beautiful enough to make alone and the patterns to apply them to are well worth doing.  Kristin Omdahl is my crochet twin (I like to believe anyway) as she loves all the fine and frilly works as I do.  I also love to make her Belize Wrap http://goo.gl/aVRbMn which is one of the most fun projects I've made to date.  You may only refer too this book occasionally, but I can assure you that when you add one of these borders to any of your projects, it will be instantly elevated from lovely to outstanding!

Jade Glovelets by Nancy Said

Eight things every crochet beginner should learn

Here are a few things I wished I learned sooner:

1. Fdc and Ftr (foundation double crochet and  foundation treble crochet): Gives stretch to your foundation chain, makes stitch-counting easy and allows you to work to the exact number of stitches without having to rip back.  What's not to love?

2. Magic Ring: creates a ring to work more easily around which you can then tighten completely in the centre.  No more unprofessional holes in the centre of your circles

3. How to join in yarn correctly.  There are a few good ways to do this.  My favourite is the 'flick over' method, which is quick and easy and not at all bulky.  You might have to come to a class for that one!

4. The difference between puff, popcorns and bobbles: A Puff uses 4 htrtog in the same stitch http://goo.gl/8zVye4; a Bobble is essentially a 5tr cluster in the same stitch http://goo.gl/IZ9ehP; a Popcorn is 5tr in the same stitch, then ss the 1st treble to the last treble http://goo.gl/LcEad4

5. Front post/back post: the core of all cables in crochet

6. How to read a chart: In crochet, a chart is exactly like the finished work, meaning you can see where you need to place each stitch, and what your finished work is meant to look like.  It's by far my favourite method of reading a pattern.

7. How to crochet motifs together (instead of sewing): Generally using a slip stitch meaning that you don't have to keep threading a needle and sewing in ends.  Also if you make a mistake you simply rib back the slip stitches, rather than having to unpick your seams.

8. How to thread a needle for sewing in ends – the QUICK way!  It pains me to watch some people thread a needle in perversely difficult ways when it could – and is – so easy, when you know how, of course!

When I was learning to crochet, I didn't know what I didn't know.  Some techniques were shown to me my my mum and my granny, although I'm not entirely sure they really knew either, at least not well enough to name and explain.
Experience has been my real teacher.  Reading books, reading patterns, watching YouTube videos (so many bad videos out there, I could scream) and making costly mistakes.  Every day is a school day in my crochet world.  I keep on making mistakes but crochet is about life-long-learning.  There is still so much to learn so my advice is to keep practising and trying new patterns!

Happy crocheting!

Cassidy Crocheted Headband - Free Pattern

Materials:

• 50g Dk yarn
• 4mm crochet hook

Special Stitches: Close shell stitch
Row 1: 3tr into 4th ch from hook, miss 2ch, 1dc into next ch, *miss 2ch, 4tr into next ch, miss 2ch, 1dc into next ch; rep from * to end, 3ch turn.
Row 2: 2tr into dc, *1dc between 2nd and 3rd tr, 4tr into dc; rep from * to end, 1dc between last tr and t-ch, 3ch, turn.
Repeat row 2.

To begin Main Headband: Ch 19.
Work in Close Shell Stitch until work measures 46cm/18” (approx 52 rows) or until desired length.
Turn outside in and join short edges with a slip stitch.  Fasten off.

Mock Bow: Ch 13
Work 10 rows in Close Shell stitch.  Fasten off, leaving a long tail to sew.

Using the picture as a guide, wrap the small piece around the headband seam and stitch into place.

I hope you enjoyed crocheting this headband.  I made mine in a beautiful silk and wool blend yarn but you could experiment with different textures and colours.  You might also like to add a statement button to the mock bow - a bit of bling works wonders!

Artist Review #5 Misha's Country Workshop

A few years ago, Mum and I heard there was a new shop opened at the side of Iceland in Carrickfergus and so we wandered along a very quiet street, truly believing we were in the wrong place.  We found the shop we were after - a card shop, quite disappointing - and were just about to head home when we caught a pretty hand painted sign on the opposite side of the street which said "Misha's Country Workshop".  Mum and I both looked at each other and headed over to investigate.

Misha's Country Workshop is one of those little treasure troves you wish you'd found earlier, a little gem of a craft shop you want to tell everyone about and yet keep to yourself.  From the moment you step over the threshold, you know you're in the company of someone who does nothing but eat, breathe and sleep crafts.  Decoupage, embroidery, clay craft, upholstery, furniture restoration, jewellery, bunting, hand made toys, wall hangings, baskets...you name it, Misha makes it.

Mum and I obviously in awe when we walked in for we stopped talking.  Misha popped her head up from behind the counter with a cheerful hello in a charming accent and her smile broke down any barriers we had to completely approving of her and her gorgeous little shop.

I truly hope you take the journey to meet Misha and see her magical store.  It's a place you'll want to revisit again and again and again and you'll never come away empty handed.  I made a friend that day, a fellow soul mate in craft, and I know you'll feel the same way.

Hi Misha, tell us a wee bit about yourself
Hi, I'm Michaela Jureckova and my shop is called Misha's Country Workshop, 34 Lancasterian Street, Carrickfergus. My website is www.mishascountryworkshop.co.uk

How did you get started?
With £1000 cash and loads of ideas.

How have your life experiences shaped your work?
A lot, I made some craft all my life, but never thought I will turn my hobby to work.

What pieces of your work are you particularly proud of?
All of them!  I still think they are unique and original.

How do you handle criticism? 
I am certainly thinking about it and try to improve in weak points.

How do you stay inspired?
Life is my inspiration, I don't need to spy other crafters' work, I don't need to buy magazines I just look around and ideas are coming – so many that I would need another five pairs of hands!

Which artists do you look up to?
None.

What are your hobbies?
My work is my big hobby.

Do you experiment with other art forms? 
Yes, I'm always trying something new.

In what way do you use the internet for your craft?
Mainly Facebook – just to show people latest pictures of my work and remind them about my shop.

What advice would you give anyone considering crafting full time?
Don’t do it unless you have somebody behind you who will support you in all ways (physically, mentally, financially)

Where do you see your craft taking you in the future?
Hoping to have still my little shop, gain thousands of regular customers and became very established business. That everybody will be saying, "Oh yes, go to Misha!  She can do it and it's something unique."
Hopefully with time and my hard work will also come a stable salary appropriate to this full time job.

Thanks for giving so much of yourself when you craft, Misha.  It really makes all the difference.  And thanks for being you!  You brighten up every little corner wherever you go.  We wish you every success and the time to express yourself!

You can visit Misha in person at Misha's Country Workshop, 34 Lancasterian Street, Carrickfergus.  And browse her beautiful collections on her website http://www.mishascountryworkshop.co.uk/
Telephone Misha 07933233155