will work for yarn...

wwfy take 2, a photo by gradschoolknitter on Flickr.

In these tough economic times, a knitter's gotta do what a knitter's gotta do....

But seriously, I found the will work for yarn swap group on ravelry almost a year ago, and have checked in from time to time to see what it was all about... and finally a couple of weeks ago signed up for my first swap. And then a second. But more on that in a minute.

The premise is simple. Someone who can't/doesn't want to make a project posts about it in the group. So, for example, if you are a crocheter but really want a pair of knitted socks, then you would ask for someone to volunteer to do this for you. You (or me in this case) would then metaphorically raise your hand and reply to the post. The requester usually states the pattern and yarn to be used in the original request. You knit/crochet/sew/spin the project in question and send it on to the requester. They then send you payment-in-kind. So, depending on what yarn you use to make the project, the requester will send the maker an equivalent amount of yarn/fleece/sewing material of your choosing. Sometimes from their personal stash, sometimes something else you agree upon.

So: I'm knitting hermione socks out of angora yarn's cotton rayon for someone who is a) a crocheter and b) allergic to animal fibres. I have requested some spinning fibre in return.

And then, as the bug bit me, I couldn't resist signing up for a second one... (fortunately the group limits you to two swaps at a time!) so I just received this:



to make a sweater for someone who has been afflicted with carpal tunnel. In return she also sent along this:


(4 50g skeins of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in "Blackwatch")

and this:



Knit Pick's Imagination in Mermaid Lagoon on the left; Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Pheasant on the right.

So far, so good, and hopefully my requesters will feel the same!