my main feedback for knitting videos in general is that i wish inspo/pattern pics were left on screen longer! but i love your videos so keep it up 🫶🏼

Also as nice as it is to see an influencer/content creator to acknowledge their responsibility to their audience, please remember that you are not responsible for other people's actions and choices. If someone wants to buy stuff, they will get inspired to do so even without any advertisements from you. Like your lamp in the background is very nice, now I want to have something similar. And you never said a word about it in the whole time😂😂 And to tell the truth small businesses need all the help they can get in this economy, so promoting those shouldn't be a bad thing, especially if you truly enjoy their products)

I love your knit and chats and this one in particular. You raised so many different and very thoughtful points - first let me say that I personally think there is a difference between buying yarn to make beautiful things via a hobby that brings you great joy, vs. rampant consumerism of things that we think we need in order to keep up with others, impress them , or fit in. And for myself, I love hearing you talk about the yarns you are using and I learn a lot, but it doesn’t make me want to go out and buy all of them - just maybe a few that I think I would like. One other thing regarding what happens if you keep knitting for the next 60 years - there are SO many possibilities with knitting and so many different project types that can fuel your inspiration. I was mainly an accessory and gift knitter for many years, but since watching podcasts I have been knitting more garments for myself and at some point I might find myself knitting more home decor, toys, bags, scrappy projects, the possibilities are endless. Plus knitting has brought community into my life in a non-threatening way, as I am an introverted person. Thank you so much again for your thoughtful podcasts and the inspiration you bring!

As from someone who embodies “old man yelling at cloud” about advertisements in general, I generally don’t have an issue with knitting podcasts showing acquisitions or mentioning relevant products or services. I totally understand the argument about needing a respite from being sold to, though. Filming content / editing is extremely labor intensive and I think there is a happy medium for ad spots that also allows creators to be compensated for their work. Personally, it boils down to how genuine the partnership feels (which I know can be completely scripted and manufactured lol). A discount code for yarn that a podcaster has used multiple times???? Yay! An ad for a mobile game filled with micro-transactions? Gimme a break! It can also be very satisfying to resist an ad, imo. And the more I practice this, the easier it becomes.

I have been watching a ton of knitting podcasts lately, and yours is a favorite. I have noticed that everyone has now started including what they spend on yarn. That is fine, but for me it just shows that some people have lost sight of what this is. You are not paying $75 for a sweater. You are paying for your hobby, aka entertainment, and the sweater at the end is the reward. I crochet more than I knit, and I make blankets more than garments. The current blanket I am working on will probably have a final cost of around $60. It will take me about 5-6 weeks to complete. That means I am spending about $1.50 a day to participate in a hobby I really enjoy. This blanket will be gifted, so I won’t keep the final product. This is not a criticism, but just something that has stood out to me a lot in recent videos and has really got me thinking.

I love how candid you are. Acquisitions sections always bore me and I personally don't have the funds or space to buy a lot so it's just not fun to watch. I like seeing people's stash only if they are organizing it or telling me all their plans for it..and then later they really do those plans! (I am also a completionist). So totally loving your approach!

The colour of your sweater suits you so well. ❤ In the beginning of your knit & chat I immediately had to think of a study that just came out about how knitting benefits our health. And one thing stood out for me. While you’re knitting your brain kind of goes into a similar state like day dreaming. Because of the repetitive movement you can just let your thoughts wonder. And for me Knit and Chats are just an outspoken version of that. Also while writing my master thesis I often took knitting breaks and my brain came up with the best passages and phrases for my thesis while knitting because I was able to just let my thoughts wonder while keeping my hands active. I mean a lot of knitters can confirm that they’re actually better listeners or can concentrate better when they’re knitting or doing sth with their hands. So you’re take on knit & chats just makes a lot of sense to me.

Fabulous knit and chat again thanks Vanissia! The fact that you get into deeper topics is wonderful and I appreciate your reflections. If we only talk superficially, LIFE is experienced only superficially. I feel knitting is productive consumerism with a definite positive benefit overall. Slow fashion - knitting garments out of sustainable material that usually will last - mainly wool. Providing warm garments for people in cold climates, to reduce down the "plastic" cheaper, throw away, mass produced garments that are non biodegradable. Expressing and sharing love for those whom we knit for - of which they feel and brings a smile and fond memory most likely, when they wear that item. Creating happiness through creative garments that cheer people up when they see it and like it. I put my garment knitting into the basic human needs category of providing warmth. We all need to clothe ourselves.....this is what I knit - warm garments and ABSOLUTELY love knitting for my family 🥰🥰. Thanks for your knitting reflections. Oh yes, I agree with you wrt acquisitions vs upcoming projects and swatches. 🙏

When I give things away, I always tell the person it’s fine to give it to someone you think might like it more than you. I tell them I will never be upset if they feel it won’t work for them. Sometimes they have a friend or family member it looks better on or they know another person wants it so bad and I don’t know them. Either way I am fine with it. After crocheting for 40 years I have more than what I need and don’t mind who it goes to. I make sure the person isn’t stuck with it for life just because I made it. I tell them Enjoy it if you want if not pass it on . The enjoyment of it I already received from doing it. And it’s always fun to say to someone I love your hat and find out you made it 5 years earlier, the person passed it on after a couple seasons and they tell me who gave it to them, makes me smile !! Then I realize I made it hahahaha, it’s all good.

I always appreciate you speaking honestly and thoughtfully about issues. I have realized that I personally prefer watching podcasts that don’t feel like an ad and more a sharing of process and crafting experience. About the yarn acquisitions, I personally do find that I can be “influenced” (but I think it’s a good influencing) when I see a podcaster explain how they chose a yarn and how it fit with a vision for a project, but not when it’s just shown as a yarn purchase…that I find boring and if it’s at the end I skip it.

I knit for family and friends probably more than for myself. I know them well, so I'm able to choose suitable yarn. If the product is a surprise, it's something small. For sweaters and such they get to choose the pattern and colours. I sometimes give "gift cards" that they can use later when they need and want something handmade. That works quite nicely. About real commercials on podcasts. I skip them. I like getting new info but I'm not easily influenced. When there's a pattern that "everybody" is making, I'm not interested in making it 😀 I don't want to produce items that won't be worn either. Who needs 10 beanies and 15 shawls? I've been knitting all my life but I will try to knit only what I need. Thanks for your videos! It's always a pleasure to watch them.

I agree with you about the acquisition section of podcasts. Unless there’s something unique that you get really excited about and you want to share.

I just thought I would mention I’ve been knitting over 50 years ! I made my first cardigan at approximately 7 years old and have been knitting daily since 😊 it’s just part of my daily routine and I’m still learning . Over the years I have parted with garments as either fashion has changed or my taste has changed.Children’s clothing has been passed on but my husband now won’t wear any other socks and prefers a jumper I’ve made. Yes I gift knits too . I’m in awe of all the amazing podcasts. Thank you 👏👏

I’ve been knooking (knitting with a crochet hook) for 15 or so years now and I reuse yarn soo much. I have this beautiful purple yarn which was a cardigan for a few years but I never wore it so I frogged it and it became a sweater. Then my style changed again so I frogged it and it became hat and scarf, which is its current state. This way I save on money and I get my full worth out of the yarn and I still get to knit new things. I think this will be the last cycle for that yarn, it started out as Aran weight but now it’s more DK 😂. Sometimes I just donate items as well, especially if I didn’t like the yarn. Once they are in my wardrobe I treat them just like store bought items, if it’s not my style or doesn’t fit then it has to go. I harvest the things I want to keep (zips, buttons, yarn etc.) and donate or toss the rest.

My one dislike about knitting is the repetitive motion causing pretty major at times shoulder pain. I’ve been knitting for about 5 - 6 years and I’ve had the pain in the past 6 months. “I can’t knit you a coat, you get a hat” 😂. Literally laughed out loud!

I wouldn’t suggest you worry that showing yarn you’ve bought is promoting overconsumption. Even if someone buys a yarn because you’ve shown it, that’s not going to necessarily mean they’re over consuming - they might purchase that yarn instead of a different one, so the net consumption is the more or less the same. I personally have bought yarns based on what I’ve seen podcasters use, but I bought those instead of other yarns and usually in a more intentional way.

I don’t think I could do a no buy year, but my New Year’s resolution was to make this year a “use up” year, in every aspect of my life. So my goal is to use yarn from my stash, knit the patterns I’ve already bought, but if I want to buy yarn for a project I can as well. I’m also trying to use up all the lotions and beauty products I’ve bought and then set aside for the new and shiny, and I’m trying to clear out my pantry of items I’ve had that need to be used up before they expire. It’s making me feel good because every time I use something up I feel like I didn’t waste my money on that item. 😊

Hi Vanissia, I love your knit and chat podcasts because I can knit something that requires more concentration without having to keep looking at the screen. Plus I enjoy listening to your insights on various topics. I have put myself on a yarn ban for this year except for any yarn I need for gift knitting. I have promised myself a reward at the end of the year if I stick to it like a lovely advent. I have more than enough yarn to keep me knitting for myself all year, probably two years! I have 3 little granddaughters and following your comments about gifting I discovered that 50% of what I’ve knitted in the past 2 or 3 years was gifted, I’m trying to redress the balance finding my wardrobe was really lacking in knitwear. I wouldn’t buy it ready made because I’d see something and think I could knit it myself in much nicer yarn and maybe buy a pattern and yarn but then not have the time to knit it. So yes, a thought provoking episode and one I could really relate to, thank you ❤

I think buying yarn is fine, and showing acquisitions is also fine. But i like when podcasters do it at the end and give people the option to opt out. The only stash videos that i find interesting is those where people, for example, compare the qualities of mohair that they have and talk about what they like and dislike about them. And don’t feel that you have to answer each comment. That’s a crazy expectation!

Love this Knit & Chat Vanissia. I love your approach, your authenticity comes through. For me, it’s the patterns that I find inspiring and lead to yarn purchases. I have a large stash, but all my yarn has a pattern associated with it. I just have 2 - 3 years of garments to knit, not to mention socks. 🙄 I prefer emphasis on the yarn via the swatches and patterns. I have never purchased via Amazon, Temu, etc, nor do I purchase fast fashion. I’m prefer to spend my money on fewer, nicer things that last a lifetime.

As for ways to knit without increasing your own wardrobe: sample knitting. Smaller yarn stores might need samples to bring to fairs and festivals, and need knitters to help out if they don't have the time to do so themselves.I am currently sample knitting a sweater for a small yarn store - they provide the yarn and a small gift card as a thank you. I'm not a fast knitter, so I took a good long think about whether I wanted to spent my time on things that I don't get to keep. I decided to do it exactly because I can see the wardrobe saturation coming down the line. I would only sample knit if it was either a pattern that I found interesting/challenging or yarn I'd really enjoy knitting with though

I like to knit for 40 plus family, extended family and friends. Their ages are new born to 96. That way I get to knit a lot of items that I wouldn’t wear myself. Now that I am not working I like to say knitting is my job, my hobby and my therapy. LOL. I also like to knit a few different projects at the same time. I find the different needle and yarn sizes are easier on the hands and prevent knitting injuries. I really like your podcasts and seeing your beautiful knits and the information you give us. I like being introduced to new yarns and patterns.

In terms of sweater accumulation, I have hit a saturation point of how many sweaters I need and yet sweaters are still my favorite. My solution has been to knit light fingering weight sweaters (stockinette, fair isle, cables) at tight gauges, such as Marie Wallin sweaters. It takes me 2-4 months to make a sweater, depending on the complexity, and I often layer these pieces with a cardigan. It’s definitely slowed down my pace and I actually much prefer these finer knits now. With everything else I knit in between the sweaters, I’m not too worried about accumulating sweaters too quickly anymore.

I think a lot about yarn consumption as I find trying yarns so exciting and sometimes I have some negative feelings about having more in stash than I can realistically knit in the short term. BUT I was thinking about other kinds of consumption before I picked knitting back up, and I used to buy clothes and other items that I would cycle quickly. I do feel that knitting is a more sustainable and longer term way to spend money, even if I take advantage of sales etc every so often, which is a positive change for me :)

I have been knitting for decades and have exactly four sweaters for myself. I do have lots of hand knit socks, though. I make prayer shawls, baby sweaters, sweaters for children in the family, and gifts for family. I also took years off while I did lots of quilting. But now I like to learn new techniques and see what interesting online folks are doing. You have influenced me and lots of others too. Thanks.

Vanissia you clearly are such a sweet and thoughtful person. I love how contemplative this was - you verbalized a lot of the debates, anxieties, and questions I have about my own knitting experiences. To answer your question about whether or not seeing something you acquire would directly result in a viewer buying that yarn/overconsuming - for me personally, I use the acquisitions and reflections more for comparing between yarns for when I make my next intentional purchase, rather than a direct antecedent to yarn buying - if that makes any sense at all. Thanks again for a great video!

I love your knit and chats! The conversation about consumerism and endorsing various yarns and knitting-related items was spot-on. Often, knitting podcasts will make me anxious and I think the reason why is because there is an undercurrent of pressure (maybe self-imposed??) to keep up with the latest and greatest items. It can also result in dissatisfaction with my current stash, which I assure you is lovely and full of beautiful yarn. This is so sad...the "never good enough" mentality. Thank you for these insightful and calming chats, you are a wonderful breath of fresh air on KZfaq! Regarding stranded colorwork, I just discovered De Rerum Natura Ulysses when making the Compass Cowl by Tin Can Knits. It completely changed my outlook on colorwork! It was incredible to work with and blocked out beautifully.

I have been knitting for two years. I think about all the knitting I am doing. My family likes my knits so they are always a lot of gift knitting. I have my gift knitting planned and I do it throughout the year. I am going to start more luxury yarn projects for myself and time consuming color work. I think it’s a treat for me. In general knitting brings me calmness. I have two autoimmune diseases so sometimes my activity is limited. Knitting is always doable.

I so enjoyed sitting and knitting and hearing your thoughts on consumerism! Phew, the spiral I can get into sometimes about "do I really need to make another pair of socks for myself?!" is a strong one, and I suppose the answer is always no, but I want to so I'm going to. And wow, I had never even gotten as far in that spiral as thinking about where I'm possibly going to store another twenty years' worth of knitted socks, so thanks for that anxiety I guess, hahaha!

I don’t mind advertising. It takes a lot of time and effort to make youtube videos and not everyone is doing this just as a side hustle or hobby. Some I’m sure rely on the income. If me watching them advertise something means they can continue producing content then im happy to support. We can just skip these sections xxx

Also can I just say how much I appreciate your detailed project notes on Ravelry! They are so helpful, along with lthe detailed info you share about your projects here on KZfaq! I really don't think the you realise just how appreciated you are here on you tube! You are a star In my eyes!

Lovely episode and enjoyed hearing you talk through your thoughts❤

I like your acquisition section because you have yarns that I don't get to encounter here in Alabama. You also have a different aesthetic than many American podcasts that highlight hand-dyed, usually busier yarn choices. You also tend to only buy yarn when it's on sale and then as watchers and potential consumers we can make the decision to purchase. I normally just browse, as I have more stash than I could ever knit.

Nice job with the knit and chat or as my friends call it a "knat"! Very thoughtful!!

I found your discussion on gifts super interesting! I wanted to make some quilts for my nieces and made them both identical so that there wouldn’t be any sibling jealousy - however I’m now second-guessing having two (large) identical quilts that my sister-in-law needs to deal with, and the last thing I want is for the gifts to become a burden. So I think I’m just going to ask her directly and see what she would prefer - definitely a lesson learned! I also really enjoyed your conversation on overconsumption and influence from social media since it’s something I think about a lot ❤I will also say, definitely keep doing the collaborations if they are brands you like since you absolutely deserve compensation for the effort you put into this space! I usually skip acquisition sections on podcasts since I’m not as motivated by special yarns or special brands, but I also totally get being excited about new purchases. I do enjoy hearing about acquisitions more if they are tied to specific, intentional plans.

I do enjoy the acquisition section of people's podcasts, but admit that sometimes I find myself feeling discouraged that my budget is limited. I think that it's a great idea to create a safe space for people who want to avoid the temptation of spending more than we ought on yarn.

Regarding influencing I'm not a fan of the craft to side hustle pipeline that seems to permeate the online space. I'd rather see someone be honest about their crafting journey and give the full scoop - about the pattern, the yarn, the knitting experience than always be going "this was great". It boils down to caring without caring - that is caring about the things that you value while caring less about what others may be doing. Ultimately people connect with authenticity. Oh and I really like the idea of having a swatch showcase/future plans discussion over a yarn haul. Though I don't mind yarn acquisitions as much when it comes from a yarn festival - maybe it has something to do with making a conscious decision when seeing the yarn in person versus purchasing online 🤔 I really enjoyed this knit & chat - lots of food for thought!

Thank you for the chat! I love seeing yarn and i do buy from this way as i can see what is knit with it, the quality etc. i have a very small pool of yarn that I knit from so it helps me find new yarns 😊 I have knit for 2 years now and I have only gift knitted, im finally making myself a vest and cardigan and im so excited. But i love the feeling to make someone so happy with a gift. What I do to make sure they love it is have them pick out the colours from the shop i will buy the yarn. Also if a sweater has a turtle neck or another feature that tends to be a personal preference i will ask while still keeping a mystery. My daughter who got me knitting is a "selfish knitter" as she calls herself, i think either is great because i think a lot of us knit for the process and for me it is a meditation and has helped with my mental health.

I find acquisition type videos helpful when I'm looking for general yarn properties but don't know the details of who makes what fiber. I live in the countryside and the nearest yarn store is a 3+ hour drive one way so I rely on reviews to get an idea of what certain yarns will feel like before I take the risk and order. But I have learned that this kind of video are not for entertainment no matter how much I enjoy the host because the side effect is wanting to buy things I'm not actually looking for. I appreciate that you talk about other topics related to knitting that are not touched on as often that I can enjoy as entertainment while I knit and also think about a bit deeper. Thank you!

I’ve been knitting over 3 years now (since COVID19) and I have slowly changed my wardrobe with handmade knits. I have about 6 handknit sweaters and 2 cardigans and few summer tops? (I stopped buying sweaters and knits!) I do have some items that need fixing or re-knitting because it looks bad. I see myself knitting forever as well. I am slowing down a bit over the years. Also knitting more accessories now. Want to make gift items to my mom and family members in the coming years. 200 projects!? Wow you have been prolific and productive! 👏👏👏 I’ve been crazy with knitting for a couple years as well 😅

I loved this knit and chat and your take on acquisitions / promotions in podcasts. I understand when it comes to paid partnerships people wanting to make some money for all the effort put into making the content, but I would much rather support a maker through patreon or similar means, than hear about the same basic jewellery brand everywhere I turn. That's just me. Yarn acquisitions... unnecessary. It suffices to show the yarn when it's being worked on or as part of project planning videos. But I don't consider myself a collector of anything, I want my yarn to get a life outside of the cupboard and financially, ethically, I can't justify overconsumption in this or other areas. There is a popular knitting podcast that features so much overconsumption when it comes to yarn, and they have recently done a series on de-stashig and mindful yarn buying. I couldn't believe my eyes! It made me think they are prioritising trendy content and are more focused on growing their channel than the craft itself. I immediately saw their content as less genuine because of that. So thank you for being authentic and sharing your voice on the matter.

I have thinking about your question on knitting for decades. I have been knitting about 45 years on and off, but more intensely over the last year. Knitting is wonderfully versatile and there are so many different areas you can explore. I expect your tastes and needs will change over the years, just as mine have. I knit mainly for myself with one special gift in tandem. I don't know if you watch Fruity Knitting, but Andrea knits really complex and challenging knits, often frogging last sections to get the perfect knit. Or maybe you will want to knit for family, friends, and of course yourself. There are no rules, as you say. Just knit what makes you happy.😍

This was an awesome knit and chat Vanissia! I loved your commentary and insight. I don't mind the acquisition parts of podcasts, I like to see all the different yarns that are out there. But I can see how someone would feel pressured to go out and buy the same thing. But your idea of introducing the yarn as you use it for a project is good too, it would feel more organic/natural(?) I think. I'm okay with sponsorships/ads if they're relevant to knitting/yarn, but sometimes I think people can overdo it and EVERY video feels like an ad. Keep up the great work, looking forward to your next video

Again a late second thing to your very nice chat. Love it, had to hear it over a few days because of my work and other hobbies. I collect yarn. I knit 50 years. I am in the middle of Europe/Germany. My beloved youtubers are everywhere from Europe to USA and Kanada and south America and Asia and so on. And now England is also a part of a world a little bit more away than in former times. A pity. The most presented yarns in Acquisitions I can not buy. I even dont want to buy them. But I am interessed in the ideas behind the Acquisitions. What do you combine with what and why and in what pattern. Then I can dive into my stash and look for inspirations. I dont have to buy your yarn. I have enough by myself. But that is the reason, I like the Acquisitions part of many podcasts. Just inspiration to look at what I have. And what I can do with the yarn I love. Yarn I don´t love, I offer friends or give it away to somebody loving it.

I just love your knit & chat videos! I have some thoughts and perspectives regarding stash and buying yarn. I have a relatively small budget on yarn, as I am a student and my husband is also a student and works part-time. So I always try to choose quality yarn that is not that expensive. Cropping my sweaters is a great way of lowering the price! 😀 So because of my financial situation, I generally don't have a large stash or even a medium stash? Or I don't know who determines what size one's stash is. 🤷‍♀ I usually buy yarn for one / two / three projects ahead, depending on the price. I have a strict financial plans for several months in the future, regarding yarn. And I mix it now and then and reconsider my future purchases. That also means I can't just do spontaneous purchases or just start knitting what I feel like immediately. So I was sometime jealous of other people that could buy a lot of yarn and had a vast selection at home. However, a few months ago, I unraveled a lot of my sweaters, like 6 or so, so I gained a lot of yarn in my stash. That was something unprecedented and I felt like now I am doing it right, now I have the stash, now I can dive into the yarns I own and choose what I want to knit. But it was very overwhelming! Now I have almost all of the reclaimed yarns used, so my stash is not very big again and contains mostly leftovers. I realised I like it somehow more, even though I am very looking forward to autumn when we'll have two full incomes and will able to feel less restricted, as I miss a bit of freedom. However, I think I will maintain similar approach to stash and buying yarn, as I could experience it a bit with the unraveled yarn.

Hey, I could listen to you chit chatting all day long while I am knitting! 😂 i would love for you to produce more of these videos as i just really love to hear your views on knitting/fibre arts or general life topics!

Thank you for an enjoyable, honest and thought provoking podcast. I think acquisition segments are largely dull. It’s much more useful to have feedback on how the yarn knits up, how it feels and looks in the finished fabric and how well it wears. A skein might look beautiful but it’s superficial. Regarding ‘gifting’ to a podcaster, I’d say it is nigh on impossible for the giftee to be even slightly critical of something that’s come to them free, but so long as one bears that in mind, it doesn’t hurt. Oh and as long as it doesn’t keep coming up in repeated podcasts. 🙄 I’ve accumulated a number of garments across a few years and am finding I’m frogging (or felting) ones I don’t wear and repurposing the yarn (or fabric). I’ve learnt so much over the years I get a creative buzz from turning something buried at the back of a drawer into something more beautiful and wearable, or useful. 😘

I like Acquisitions sections of podcasts because it helps me decide if I would also like the yarn, but imo they should be prefaced with what the yarn is for, or at least the idea. I think it’s a good way to introduce a potential project and try to garner inspiration. As for advertisements in knitting podcasts, I am more than happy to see them when I know the podcaster truly swears by the product. For example, if Jamieson’s started sponsoring you, it would make perfect sense to me and I know I can trust your opinion. I tend to dislike advertisements when it becomes apparent that if the product wasn’t gifted, the podcaster likely wouldn’t have spent their own money on it. Im not saying so much podcasters shouldn’t use yarn they were gifted, but that they shouldn’t recommend it or talk it up so much if they aren’t willing to ever pay their own money for the product. Thanks for the thought provoking knit and chat! Love these types of videos. For me, it’s no bother at all you’re not making eye contact, I’m also watching my knitting 😂

The acquisition discussion is interesting. For me, I enjoy watching acquisition parts of videos. And I realise that maybe I'm not reacting to it like the majority of watchers? Like I watch them talk about and share about it. And their energy, that excitement about it is infectious. Which makes me excited for them. And it also satisfies my own itch to buy. So instead of going out to buy some yarn or something, I can watch others haul parts of videos and when I'm done, I feel that same satisfaction as if I've bought it myself. Is that weird? Idk. But I like it anyway. I just wanted to put this different view of the topic here. But if you want to go forward with not having that 'ad' part of your podcast, then ofc you should. I fully respect that because I do feel the same... Frustration or anger (maybe too strong a word but yeah) towards the ad filled hellscape the world is becoming. And at the end of the day, I equally enjoy all the other segments of your videos. (Although I have to say these knit and chats are my favourite 💚)

I like how casual and non-edited these videos are, but since you did specifically ask for feedback on editing, I do find myself wishing you'd maybe put a photo on screen when you mention a pattern, even if it was nothing fancy and just popped it up in a corner real quick so if I don't know what pattern you're talking about I can see what it looks like. Obviously, no pressure, do with this what you will, I'm enjoying watching the video either way!

The perfect video for lying in bed with a stomach bug. I still struggle with doing Insta fotos... but I love doing the podcast, which I was so insecure about. I like seeing acquisitions, we should film what we feel like filming. I also shame no one for his/hers yarn collection. We are all grown ups and responsible for our purchases.

I love that you don’t say “so, yeah” constantly. Production quality is just great. ❤

When I an worried about the amount of things I create, I convince myself to make something very small gauge😊. Something that will keep me busy for a very long time.

I guess i use acquisition part of the videos to know what the talented knitters I respect and trust honestly thinks about yarn, to the point that they want to spend their money on it, so that WHEN I want to buy yarn, I kinda have their reviews to make a decision. I don't buy a new fridge, just because my favorite colleague bought a fridge she really likes? But if I need a new fridge, I might take her opinion into consideration 😄 idk. I don't like that influencers feel like they need to think on our behalf ❤️

Definitely, swatches and plans are waaaaaay better than an acquisition section. And I do find the knitosphere promotes overconsumption AND elitism (whereas the crochetsphere promotes overconsumption and a crazy productivity mentality). On the elitism thing, thanks for acknowledging that not everybody has access to the same yarns everywhere, by the way! That is something that often doesn't cross the minds of many podcasters. That knitters exist in all countries and the yarn conditions are different everywhere. As for the no buy, I definitely get what you mean with the restrictive mentality being able to trigger problems. But there are ways to avoid that. One would be not making an official no buy, just... Not buying. Going to one's stash for every new project. I have been doing that this year, but I did buy a couple skeins in two occasions. As the non-buy wasn't "official", I felt no guilt lol Other way would be to estipulate rules to occasions you might buy new yarn during the no buy. All no buy videos I've been following so far have such rules. The Balanced Skein and Isabelle Duchatelle have very nice ones. Retro Claude also has a stash down series which is nice to watch

I rarely knit for myself because I don’t get cold enough to wear animal fibers so I knit for other people. You did made me think about what they’re really thinking about the “gift” - ha! Acquisitions are my least favorite part of knitting podcasts and I especially don’t like when podcasters mention gifted yarns from yarn companies. I always imagine that they’re mentioning it because they feel they have to issue a public ‘thank-you’ to promote yarn sales for them and that makes me cringe. Gifted or swapped yarns from viewers is more interesting (and sweet!). I’ve only been knitting for about 3 years so personally, I’m always looking for yarn discussions that are informational for me. For instance, Rebecca Clow mentioned in her 8 favorite yarn video that when using cotton for spring knits, adding a lace weight non-wool or non-100% plant fiber (like a tencel or part acrylic) will add some stability and minimize the “grow”.. At least that’s what I interpreted what she said 🤣. I’m going to try it though. That was so helpful to me because I hear podcasters talk about yarns that grow - like superwash wool, and I like using superwash because my gift recipients aren’t enthusiastic about hand washing. I hesitate to mention the possibility of growing and I feel if I’m proactive about mitigating that problem for them, they might be more likely to enjoy wearing the garment. Diane

Hey Vanissia! I love your channel! My two cents on the last subject: I love seeing what you’re buying, what are you using and making with, followed by your impressions. That might influence me on my next purchase, but for me is not different of chatting with a friend about something they try and liked, like a purse, a shampoo, a perfume… I think is too much pressure to think that you have responsibility on what people will make with that information. Throwing in another unpopular opinion: I don’t think is fair to boycott a pattern designer for not producing designs that are size inclusive UNLESS, we do the same when we go to a store to buy some jeans or any garment for that matter. Just then, one can talk about size inclusive patterns, and they will have my admiration, because I believe is fair that any body type should be able to dress as they want. But if we are not consistent, it’s just double standards.

Plans with yarn options and swatches or patterns that caught your eye interests me far more than yarn that was purchased. Or a review on yarns you have used... also interesting.

Thanks for sharing your question about knitting ! I love knitting, it is a really important things in my life, but sometimes it is overwhelming for me, like when i see all design and patern on Instagram, like high price yarn. And i get really overwelmed when the designer don't like my photo on Instagram, i know it is stupid but it is really hard for me because we put so much time et sometimes money in our knits that it hurts. I really like your knit and cjat it is always nice. The color of your sweater is 🎉.

Also working full time, and I cook and work out, so I don’t find much time to knit but I try to knit 2 hours a day. A bit more in the weekends if I’m not going out. I have so many things I want to knit but not enough time! I have 3 active WIPS 😅

I like the acquisitions part of podcasts. I live in a different country so it's fun to discover different yarn brands and stores to potentially visit. I also like knowing why you bought it and what project you may have in mind for it. Great chat!

Hello! I’m a brand new knitter..just practice knitting for now. I enjoyed sitting and watching this and knitting!!

Yes I agree consumerism is everywhere and I take please in the occasional success when I avoid it. 😊

Thanks so much for sharing. Love everything including acquisitions 🧶🧶🧶

Regarding showing acquisitions in podcasts id say do whatever makes you happy. If i buy new yarn im dying to tell people and show them. Likewise i love watching what others have got but it’s your hobby and this channel is part of that. You do a hobby for enjoyment so do what makes you happy xxx

Thanks so much for this knit n chat! I completely agree about the issues with consumerism. I now buy yarn really purposefully and when my knits are no longer being worn, I donate them to charities. There are so many people in the world in need of good knits (gloves, hats, blankets, sweaters, baby knits) for 6 months every year that I'm sure I'll never run out of people to knit for or give second-hand knits to. I'm lucky to have a lot of charities nearby who actively seek homemade knits and distribute them to local people. In terms of podcast and KZfaq content, I personally don't understand Acquisitions or unboxing videos. I too feel like I'm being screamed at on KZfaq, Insta and in real life to constantly be buying things and it's just not necessary. I don't mind hearing about yarn in the context of how it will work for a specific project or purpose e.g when you're casting on a project or have finished a project, especially if I'm planning to knit the same thing. But I don't find it interesting in other contexts, and I'm never going to remember the content, except the message to buy more yarn (or a project bag! Or notions!) I recently went to an in-person yarn de-stash and I was so bored! I gave away a lot of yarn to good homes which made me happy, but seeing so much yarn spread out, probably bought for a good reason and no longer wanted, was so depressing. Everyone else was excited and took things home but I don't know, I just don't get it! It may be that I'm really fortunate to be able to buy the yarn I'd like, and I generally don't buy less than a sweater quantity. That's probably it actually, I couldn't bear the thought of taking home another single skein to sit on my shelf and make me feel guilty haha Anyway, I really appreciate podcasts that don't actively promote yarn through Acquisitions segments and gifts. It's so much more relaxing. I loved this knit n chat, quite thought-provoking and so great to sit and knit with you!

Yarn shopping is very addictive because we love fibers, colors, possibilities and we even try to belong through yarn possession to a specific group of people. I watch a lot of podcasters and I see them buying Noro yarns a lot. Its very expensive and completely out of my taste. After one year of people being obsessed about it, I started to think, maybe I dont get it and it is very nice? Maybe I should try it? And even though i hate consumerism affected by the FOMO effect, I almost bought noro yarn. But Then I deleted it from the chart thinking that I am going crazy. Many times I've heard podcasters say "I bought Noro yarns because everyone is knitting with it now", or similar. And This is when it gets sick. However, podcasters can and should do whatever they want, and the viewers are totally responsible for their wallets and choices. I am going to start a podcast soon as well, and I am still not sure if I will include yarn aquzitions section. Maybe as you said, showing swatches with yarn as a plan for a new project.. This sounds way more reasonable to me.

Thank you for another wonderful episode ☺️ I love these kinds of videos, so do feel free to make more of them if you feel like it. I get your point about buying yarn; I myself would never be able to have a yarn ban, because that will make me buy more yarn (if that makes sense?), so I’ve told myself I’m on a low buying ban and I’m focusing on knitting more from my stash this year xxx

Absolutely loved this episode and it was so thought provoking. Ive been thinking a lot about the influencer culture lately. Its frustrating to see some podcasters do so much advertising but clearly thats their choice so i just stop watching. Thanks for a lovely hour. Truly enjoyed! I got through my short rows while i watched. Yay🎉 working on the cozy classic light- thanks for the insights about that pattern! ❤

The acquisitions is my least favorite part of any knitting podcast, and sometimes I skip it entirely. I'd much rather see your swatches or hear about your upcoming plans :) I want to see the yarn in use. Although, I do like to see new tools and things as acquisitions.

Thank you for the fabulous knit & chat and your thoughts🤩

I really enjoyed this knit and chat type video - it was so chill! I'd love to see a behind the scenes on making podcasts or tips on recording and editing. I just published my first episode and it must have taken me 3 days of work - I'm convinced there has to be quicker and more efficient ways to do it! 😂 So if you have any tips or advice it would be great to hear!

Love your podcasts. I enjoy seeing yarn acquisitions because it means when I am looking for yarn for a particular project I feel more informed. Especially if I want information about the quality of the yarns I haven’t used before. I can buy new yarns with more confidence. Seeing the yarn knit up into garments is also very helpful. ❤

Thank you for sharing your thoughts so honestly on here, it all resonated to me so so much!!

Great knit and chat again, I always enjoy them a lot! And I'm completely with you regarding your thoughts on consumerism, I just have very poor impulse control (due to ADHD) but I'm working on it. I kind of enjoy "this is ms stash and these are my plans" videos because they motivate me to tidy up my own stash, remind myself what I have and what my plans are, and also do an occasional WIP round-up to decide which ones I will finish, frog, keep in the WIP pile for a bit longer, or just give up and throw out. I knit a lot for myself but also for friends, their kids, family, etc and I will often give sweaters that I made for myself but ended up not wearing much to friends who will get more use out of them. I'm 40 and a lot of my friends and family are having kids at the moment so I can always make kid stuff and THEN think about who to give it to 😂

Ive just started a podcast and you’ve been mentioned several times. I’d be excited to watch a behind the scenes of your podcast 😊

I’ve just started knitting the Birken. I look forward to seeing your colors. I’m doing the 2 color version.

I like to think about buying yarn(especially expensive and hand dyed yarn) in a way of comparing price to labor ratio. Like, how much I earn in an hour and how much my labor-hours it takes to buy specific yarn for a project. Am ready to work for six hours for this 3 skeins of yarn? If the answer is no I'm not buying it. I hope my explanation is cohesive enough. As for acquisition section, I like seing it just to discover new brands/small businesses/new collections etc. But I agree, it's more satisfying to see yarn in work. The main thing that bothers me about consumption in knitting/crocheting is that no yarn is truly eco friendly. Thank you for your video! You raise many interesting topics to think about.

Hi Vanissia. I enjoy your channel and content. I am not typically motivated by an influencer telling me about a new yarn, but appreciate channels that do not accept sponsorship or gifts and give there reviews more value. I would never give myself a purchasing ban, but i have a good amount of stash at this point and typically don't buy more yarn because it is pretty or I have wanted to try it. I normally have a project in mind and pattern in hand first.

Not sure where I stand on acquisitions. On the one hand I love seeing the options out there, but I also tend to buy more yarn than needed in a moment. I like best when yarn talk is centered around a newly cast on project, wip, or finished project.

I spend so much less money since I picked up knitting a year ago. I buy yarn but not much other crap. My savings has grown

My stash is too big and causing me anxiety….so….I’m on a yarn buying ban only because I can shop from my own stash for at least 2 years😳. Most of my stash is made up of “kits” I’ve either purchased or put together and I still want to make all the projects. Currently working to get my many WIPs down to just a few before starting something new because I realized that was also causing me anxiety 🤓

I love the 10 second advance button to quickly pass all of the promotional adds or gifted item sections. It gets a bit old. One of my biggest pet peeves is the going on and on about size inclusivity. We all have heard it enough.

Thoughtfully done knit and chat. I could do without the acquisitions sections in any knitting podcast because I enjoy seeing the yarn when it’s actively being used in a project. That being said I don’t mind collaboration with yarns and patterns for knit alongs. Sometimes I am interested in purchasing one or the other as an occasion treat or for something specific I was already thinking of making. Generally if creators are looking to monetize their podcasts for additional support then there’s paid membership on KZfaq or Patreon, etc. Nothing wrong with that either because it’s consumers choice.

You won’t have lots os sweaters after 40 years of knitting because your taste will change and your present knits you won’t love anymore. And when you are aging and your situation changes too. With a couple of children by the way your knitting will change from you to your children. And my experience is that the children will stay. Mine are very grown up, probably older then you are and they still love me knitting for them. So I really don’t have had a lot of time knitting for myself over the years.

Hello my Dear, thank you for your nice podcasts. What will happen to your well loved knitted items? Of cause it is a question, because you are so young. I am from Germany, inthe middle near Cologne. I started knitting before school, thanks to my grandma, she passed away when I was a teenager. She teached me to knit english, later I learned continental, so today I can knit colourwork with both hands. I knitted at school ( and crocheted), I knitted at university. I knitted when I went to further education. The patterns were by myself or from a journal, of cause in German. I wore all my items and some day, they died. You are so young and you are in a modern world. You startet knitting with ravelry and the internet. You startet mit yarns, sometimes very expensive because you can order it online. I startet with yarn ordered at the telefone and some yarns probes in my hand from sales brochure with yarn probes. Every package I received was very precious. I saved money, also from gifts to birthday or christmas, to buy the next yarn. Everything I knitted in this time had to fit, had to be nice, had to be wearable.. But if you wear an item very much, the wool gets thin and thinner, the fashion changes. My figure has changed and yours will. My style changed. And with ravelry I discovered english patterns, top down, drop shoulders, contiguous method and so on. Today I am not able to knit German patterns, I do not understand them at all. A lot of bottom up and sewing, I do not like this anymore. I still have some very old sweaters. But only few. I am still wearing nearly everything I knit to work. Thats my goal. Wearing nice very special and individual fashion made by me. I enjoy the process making it. If I dont enjoy it, I frog it or give it away. And if something is worn to death, it goes into waste, or if it is a natural biologic wool, it goes into the garden and covers my vegetables or vegetable patch. Keep on knitting and wearing your items. If you dont wear them, you have to change something. And some day, you will happily say goodbye. I am 61 years old, I´m allowed to write this.

I feel that some knitting podcasts are just unboxings, and seriously so boring. I inherited 20kg of yarn from my mom, who seriously didn't have the money to buy all that. As a consequence, I am on a yarn fast - for at leat a year. I currently have several sweaters quantities of really good yearn, and honetly at times, I can just go in my yarn stash and find inspiration for many many projects. I like to think of it as *all* the yarn stores in the world *can* be my yarn stash - and they will still be there when I have reduced my yarns significantly - if I don't buy it now, I also don't have to store it and manage it - make surre moth don't get in there etc.

Im afraid i sometimes cut back on groceries if i see yarn i want!!

Absolutely no need to feel guilty for buying too much yarn. If it makes you happy, why not? As a hobby, knitting is so much better than drinking or doing drugs or eating candies.

Consumerism can be a real problem; however capitalism is an economic system. I struggle at times with feeling like I have too much "stuff" . When that happens, I take a close look at a certain type of thing (yarn, fabric, clothing, etc) and "destash" if needed. Sometimes I find that those things only need tidying or reorganized.

This is just me, but I personally don't think there's much of a philosophical difference between the acquisitions sections of a knitting podcast and a shein/makeup haul video. To me it's a difference of degree, not kind. I always skip all acquisitions sections of all knitting podcasts, they're just not for me. Ultimately I think your perspective of "it would be really nice not to be sold to for an hour" is refreshing. Podcasters aren't responsible for their viewers' purchasing decisions, but they do belong to and add to a consumerist ecosystem, at the end of the day. It's inescapable, but I do think you could minimize it if it's something you care about.

Why do I see a creepy exorcist girl on the blanket on your chair peeking over your shoulder 😅😅😅

You are way too young to think too much about what the future holds for your knitting. DonMt overthink it!

LOL Vanissia I loved your "old man cloud rant" about yarn-buying/consumerism/acquisitions towards the end. I agree with a lot of what you said. I like to think I'm pretty good with only buying yarn that I need but it's so tempting to go online when KZfaqrs talk about their acquisitions... even if they don't mean to promote the purchasing of it. As a related note, I've recently started a knitting podcast on my other channel (@JordbaerKnits) and would love for you to check it out! I've only done two proper podcast episodes so far that both did have an acquisitions sections, but I'm thinking of leaving them out of future episodes since I don't plan on buying a lot of yarn in the next few months. Acquisitions are also the section of videos that I am interested in the least so I don't think I'd mind cutting them out of my own episodes going forward. I love the knit and chat videos that you do btw! Thinking of joining the discord... haven't yet since I don't love group texts, but maybe I'll just join to lurk :)