Knitting in the Gulch

[knittyhorse]

I'm a knitter/crocheter (I also sew, but not as much as I'd like to). I've been thinking about stockpiling a small supply of handknit (of quality yarn) socks, gloves, mittens, hats, balaclavas, wool soakers (baby diaper/nappy covers), etc. to have on hand in case I'm in a bartering situation. For example, trading a pair of socks for a pullet.
Have any of you thought about this? I'd love to have some feedback on this issue.

[leera]

I don't think I'm good enough yet with my looms to produce something sellable/tradeable.......

It's an interesting thought though....trade ready made goods for things you need.......

[CarolAnn]

Knittyhorse - (cute screen name, by the way!) This is a great idea!

I heard a guy on talk radio just last week that said something I hadn't heard expressed so well: Gold is worthless when times get very, very bad. Why? You can't wear it or eat it. What is valuable during those times is something people need.

Something handmade like this will always be valuable and needed - and when the economy is robust, it's STILL true! ;D

[bookwormom]

good idea. I just cannot keep anything ahead. I just have to keep some yarn on hand and make things to order. a friend's mother is taking up spinning, we have sheep, and a hand cranked carding machine would be great.

[MNMOM]

I always have mittens and slippers knitted up of various sizes, they make good last minute Christmas presents. I never thought that I might have to use them for barter, but it's a good idea.

[dandy-candy]

I think this sounds like a great idea! Skill are always useful and while most men can do some form of DIY, sadly many of the traditional "woman's skills" such as knitting and sewing are less practised. I'm sure people would want these items. When I was little an old lady near to us used to visit the thrift shops and buy old woolen jumpers which she unravelled to re-knit into fingerless gloves for the local fisherman - very enterprising for a sweet old lady in her 80's!