Socks For Supper - The Barter System

In my last post, I mentioned the children's storybook Socks For Supper by Jack Kent, first published in 1978.

This story was by far my favourite book as a child, and I still love it today. It's about a man and a woman who don't have much apart from a 'tumble-down house and a tiny turnip garden.' The neighbors have a cow and the couple would 'look at the cow and dream of milk and cheese'. One day they decide to trade something, and all they can find that 'isn't in pieces or tatters' is a pair of socks.

So it begins, the couple only have one pair of socks, so the wife knits more, and they continue to trade with the neighbours. It's a beautiful story, the illustrations are so sweet and it's all about being kind to one another. What's not to love?

I don't know if it's the knitting or the trading that makes this story so endearing to me. It's quite possibly that I can still hear my Dad reading the story to me when I read it to my children, lovely childhood memories.

I really like the concept of the barter system, and I think it probably works well amongst those of the handmade community. A good example is the Send a Little Love Swap I took part in February this year.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not about to throw off the chains of capitalism and take up my knitting needles in order to create my own Marxist utopian society, I somehow doubt the electricity company would be looking for hand knits. I just love the idea of helping someone by using your skills, and getting something handmade in return. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy like a pair of knitted socks.

I've not tried knitting socks before, but I'd be willing to give it a crack for a nice French Brie and perhaps a bottle of craft beer... Anyone??

Send a Little Love Swap

Happy Valentines Day! My first ever crafty swap has been completed with Melanie from The Patchwork Robin. The Send a Little Love Swap (in time for Valentines Day) was organised by Mad About Bags. Below is what I sent to Melanie, and what she sent in return. So much love!

The parameters were; Send a minimum of 5 things to include *Something heart shaped or themed *Something deliciously edible *Something handmade *Something red

The love I sent off to the UK

The facecloth I made from this free pattern
using two strands of contrasting cotton

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The love I received in return!

 

Thanks so much to Melanie for all the love, check out The Patchwork Robin for links to tutorials for the mug bag and crochet heart wreath Melanie made me. Thank you also to Mad About Bags for organising. I had fun with my first ever swap and am sure I am going to do more. Although perhaps I shouldn't commit myself just at the moment... the knitting needles are calling.

Crafty Little Distractions

Oh dear, it's happening already. I'm getting distracted off the main path. Yes I have one item down, but I shouldn't really be resting on my laurels. Although a rest does sound nice.

A hint for the little love swap

Instead of whipping out the patterns that are sitting in the drawer, or finding the fabric I need for one of the 11 projects left on my Handmade Challenge list. I am working on a little something for Melanie at The Patchwork Robin for my first ever swap! The send a little love swap organised by Mad About Bags.

The photograph shows a little preview, I don't want to give too much away!


My other crafty conundrum is that Felix's 4th birthday is coming up, and I would really like to make him something. I'm thinking he might like a little toy stethoscope as he is currently running around with a necklace trying to 'listen' to people's hearts.

The conundrum being, how on earth do I make one? I've found a pattern for a cute little crocheted one, which I am still not terribly good at, as well as a pattern for a sewn felt one, which likewise my skills are fairly poor. Could I possibly knit a toy stethoscope?! Hmmm...