Hi Norman! When I saw your email this morning about shopping, I had to laugh in the brilliant way you used "click bait" to give the message about focusing on what's important rather than sales. You are in my life on You Tube and in emails for your genuine, enthusiastic, joyful self. You make me smile and reinforce the love I have of knitting with each video. Thank you Norman, for making my day...again! Hugs from Canada.
5 months ago | 40
Totally agree. I've been on a buy stop for the past year. Don't have much of a stash, just too many projects pending and too little time to knit. Generally I have too much crap in my house and my efforts to reduce it will just be in vain if I jump on the Black Friday bandwagon. Remember just because someone else got a good bargain doesn't mean you lost anything, in fact you still got your money in your pocket.
5 months ago
| 4
So many people buy into the societal pressures and marketing, Norman. Lately, you can find great sales all year round, especially online, that this day is nothing special. Personally, I've lost enough loved ones during my entire lifetime (going back into my childhood), that I don't wait for any special holidays to give gifts, even to children. You never know what tomorrow holds, don't wait if you want to do something nice for someone or gift them.
5 months ago
| 8
I'm a new knitter and new to the online knitting community. I see so many people buying skeins here and there and building up a stash of beautiful yarn, but that seems overwhelming *to me*. I'm still learning the difference between the different types of yarn. I plan to only buy yarn with a specific project in mind, and I'm glad to know this isn't breaking any knitting "rules" :)
5 months ago
| 14
Norman you are so wise. So talented. And I'm so glad you're there! Happy sensible shopping 🛍 ☺️ great advic
5 months ago
| 5
hey norman ! while not about black friday i do want to let you know you taught me how to knit :-) ur video on knitting continental was a real boon in me finding something to help regulate my anxiety. while i'm not the best knitter, it's been so helpful with managing the stresses i feel day to day in a productive way. thank you so much ❤️
5 months ago | 5
Hi Norman, this made me smile but also reinforced why I think project first then buy yarn. Plus I’ve been decluttering my home and really don’t want a yarn stash. The small stash I have is left overs which I donate to knitting groups who knit for charity. I’m going to a yarn show near Christmas and already have a list of projects & quantities so I don’t make this mistake. So wish me luck that I don’t cave in and just buy a random skein because it’s squishy 😊
5 months ago
| 3
Yes Norman! Online communities are terrible for encouraging overconsumption. “Teehee, I got more squish, hubby doesn’t know.” No lady, you do not need all that yarn at the expense of your retirement fund.
5 months ago
| 4
Hallo Norman! I agree. Haven’t shopped Black Friday to giving Tuesday since the turn of the century. It makes no sense to force others to work so we can buy things we don’t need.
5 months ago
| 0
You're so practical. Hope there are more people like you. Happy sensible shopping to you and everyone!
5 months ago
| 1
Thank you, Norman! Yes, think of all the people who NEED knitted stuff...homeless, etc...I have tried to 'give away' knitted items, quilted items..seems like most of the people who need these sorts of things already have them as well. What I am trying to say is Yes, I agree...I have bought yarn on the 'fly' with no thought of what to do with it, and it is lanquishing in my 'store room'...I have knit my heart out trying to deal with it, and darn if some other yarn thing catchs my eye! Can I just knit what I planned on knitting and be done with it, three days later? Can I stop 'consuming'? these are good questions! thanks again!
5 months ago | 2
In the same way food you never cook and eat is a waste, yarn you never use is also a waste. I certainly don’t have 100% discipline, but I’ve been trying to “shop at home” and use up as much of my stash as I can for a while now, only buying supplemental yarn to go with things I already have for specific projects. It also helps cut down on how many projects I have on the needles at once!
5 months ago
| 0
So right Norman. I only buy yarn with a project in mind. I had seen some chunky weight yarn I liked in two colors. I’ve used this yarn before to make matching stripped cowl and hat. I knew the NYC yarn crawl was coming up so waited to get it. Got 10% off. I see people with yarn rooms stacked with yarn. Not me, I only buy when I need it for a project.
5 months ago
| 0
I just adore your funny no nonsense approach to everything to do with knitting. Whether it’s your informative knitting videos or which knitting needles are not worth the exorbitant price tag attached to them, you are guaranteed to put a smile on my face . Thank you so much for this much needed reminder about buying yarn without a project in mind. At least it shows that you care for your loyal fans like me. Hope you got a good deal on your cosmetics. 😊💕
5 months ago | 0
Absolutely! I gave some thought to what you said earlier in the week about this, and the fact that the yarn that you want with no particular project in mind will be there in the future. I have too much yarn as it is and the temptation to buy more when it is on sale is why I have too much. Anyway, I am using the revelry stash and pattern library in order to inventory and utilize what I have.
5 months ago
| 1
Wise words, thank you Norman! I have wisely decided to wait until tomorrow before completing an online yarn store purchase. I know that when I go back and review my shopping cart, I’ll likely decide I don’t need at least half of the items in it! 😁
5 months ago
| 0
A thousand time YES! I have been trying very hard over the last few years to only get things we need and will use. Items I have purchased my children this year fit that. My oldest, 15,has been needing new spurs, so yes will find that under the tree my other daughter, 12, is a dancer and likes a certain dance pant that are expensive, she will get a new pair of those. Both items they will love and use almost daily!
5 months ago
| 1
Excellent advice!!! So far, I've done really well. I've only purchased 2 things that I was going to get anyway and got them at a discount. Big win!! Xo
5 months ago | 1
NimbleNeedles
PSA: Overconsumption is a vice ;-)
Like in previous years, I'd like to remind you that Black Friday is a great day to find bargains and also a great day to waste money on things you never knew you didn't need.
Also, always remember: There are only so many single skein projects out there. If you'd like to shop for yarn, do it with a precise project in mind. Otherwise, they'll be tossed in the same box where all the other beautiful "look how soft it is but I have no idea what to do with it" skeins are gathering dust.
If you always wanted to buy a nice interchangeable knitting needle set, on the other hand, you might find a great bargain today. But if you already have one (or two), you probably are aware that another shiny new tool won't turn you into a better knitter, either.
Personally, I use this day to stock up on cosmetics for the full year. So day/night cream, hand lotions, these kind of things. I am going to buy them anyway, I know very well how much they cost (so there's no fooling me with hiked-up prices). So why not buy them at a discount of 10-40%, right?
And above all, apply common sense :)
Norman
5 months ago | [YT] | 1,106