Living Outside the Stacks

A few weeks ago, my friend, Mylynka from Finding Myself Fit by Forty, posted a picture of herself on Facebook wearing a scarf that I’d made for her so that I could see her in it, this led to a few of her other friends admiring the scarf  and asking about it. After getting some introductions, one of Mylynka’s friends and I worked out a trade ~ a scarf in exchange for some soy candles… I’ve never bartered before but I’m pretty stoked about the idea of exchanging handmade products with someone. There really is something so comforting and, I dunno, homey about knowing that someone used their time and skill to make something for me.  Which has started me thinking about Christmas…

My family and I are not big on the commercial aspects of Christmas because we don’t want the real message of Christmas to get lost behind all the gift giving. Besides, we’re one of those families who wait for special occasions to buy each other things, if we think someone’ll like it and we can afford it, we get it. Anyway, this year, I’m thinking about crocheting gifts for my kids.

I’ve seen other families who have articles of clothing and other memorabilia that has been passed down through the family and I just wonder if this is something that you’ve ever considered?

What are your thoughts on handmade gifts? What about bartering and trading, do you do it?

I’m joining up with Ginny from small things for Yarn Along.  To participate, all you have to do is take a picture of your current crocheting or knitting project along with the book you’re reading and hit the link.  Make sure you visit some of the other participants and share some comment love.

What about you?  What are you looking forward to this weekend?

I have the research skills of a librarian, the preservation skills of an archivist, the organizational skills of a mother and the domestic skills of a Stepford wife. I have the research skills of a librarian, the preservation skills of an archivist, the organizational skills of a mother and the domestic skills of a Stepford wife. Read more from this author