2022 Fashion On The Ration Challenge

CAFCGirl

I'll shall join in on the HRT today I think. It's market day here so maybe I shall find some colour to add in somewhere, or get the second planter in the garden filled.

Its a weird feeling, wanting to know and have compassion for fellow humans who are enduring such unbelievable heartache, maybe because it's Europe, it hits a little different? Other conflicts have always felt so far removed.... or maybe because its Russia - the powerhouse, the quiet but threatening schoolyard bully? It feels like impending doom and yet another notch in the 'life will never be the same again' marker.
Then there's the overwhelming urge to switch off, to fall into ignorance because you're so helpless against it. 

Laura_Elsewhere

If it helps anyone - there was quite a lot of research in multiple countries after 9/11 and they discovered that the very worst thing for your mental health is to watch news - it can actually cause PTSD; better for you is to listen to news on radio.

To protect yourself whilst still staying informed, the very best way, mental health wise, to get your news is to read it and look at still photographs, maps, etc. 

I use the BBC and Guardian websites, and never click on any videos, only read the articles. 

If anyone is feeling very overwhelmed but feeling they also want to know what is happening, then I definitely recommend reading it, and avoiding listening to it but above all avoid viewing it. 

CAFCGirl

That's an excellent tip.
Thankyou for sharing that @Laura_Elsewhere

PipneyJane

Thanks for the tip, @Laura_Elsewhere.  I know I can’t face more than a couple of minutes of television news right now.

@CAFCGirl, yes.  I agree.  This conflict feels very close to home.  Perhaps it is no surprise that I woke up in the middle of the night dreaming about what I’d pack if we had to leave home in a hurry.  I know the trigger for that dream was this article from the BBC, written by their Ukrainian editor.  (Yesterday, I couldn’t finish reading it.)

Turning back to our primary topic, clothes, I spent the first half of the week on a course in Harrow.  Had a swift wander around the charity shops on my way home on the last afternoon.  Perhaps it was my mood, perhaps it was the general doom-and-gloom we’ve all felt this month, but I felt quite disappointed - and I’d been looking forward to this shop all week.  At least two of the five shops I visited were disorganised and crowded. Not dirty, but they left me feeling that way.  I did manage to pick up two tops:  a burgundy red long-sleeved tee from the £1 rack at Sue Ryder; and a BNWT, blue, short sleeved, M&S tee for £2 from Mind.

- Pip

florianatwobob

This morning, to make myself feel better and like I was doing something to help the situation in Ukraine, I made a donation to a charity providing practical assistance to Ukrainian refugees and displaced people. I am also trying to make sure I use the Ukrainian (rather than the Russian) pronunciation of Kyiv. 

Small things but for me, recognition however small, matters. 

maddiemay

Caught up on posts this morning, please excuse me not mentioning folks individually, been foggy headed this week with blocked sinuses, but love the new yarns - so pretty, another sweater masterpiece, fab owl mitts and gorgeous crotched blanket amongst others.

My next Rowan tunic is underway, being knitted by the lady from our local yarn shop (coupons declared last year, but actual knitting delayed as told them mine not urgent).

CR shop yielded 2 lovely Scottish made button to neck wool cardies this week, I bought the Airforce Blue late one afternoon and then regretted not buying the Turquoise one, which amazingly was waiting there for me next morning, I shall now be cosy warm and quite smart to boot. I am wondering about changing the buttons from gold coloured metal ones as I rarely wear gold jewelry, may see what is in the shop (only 1 source here and wouldn't chance an on line purchase).

Laura - great advice regarding the news, for a few weeks not I have only been watching local TV news, relying on trusty radio for national/international updates. 

Nonnadiluca

I have to have a 'news fast' every so often; I haven't got enough life left to spend it angry/worried/scared. Just an accidental glimpse has told me Putin is turning his attention to Finland and Sweden, Dil is from Finland so that feels even closer to home. I know many people are going through hell and I feel desperate and helpless about the whole situation, but I suppose it's human nature for it to really hit home when we feel it will affect someone we know. 

nannygladys

Laura - sensible information, I too will follow what you say, someone on a facebook site said they couldn't see why we were worried as we'd all be eliminated in the end by a  nuclear bomb, this really upset me, and I've felt really down today, so no more tv news for me, or facebook.

I've been knitting quite a bit today and even have some embroidery on the go, I love to experiment with it but I'm not very good, I would love to be though!
Nannyg


.

Cherryfudge

Thanks for the suggestion @Laura_Elsewhere. I was a compulsive news checker early in the pandemic and it didn't help me. I made myself check the weather instead and that helped!

In better news, I have a tiny pink dianthus determinedly flowering by my front step.

Hopefuljoy

Hello and please may I join your group? I have moved into the village with my DD, three cats and little Yorkie (don't worry as he isn't a yappy one!). I have just got a job in the nearest local library and hope to see you all there! I can't knit or crochet but I have made some of my own clothes and I have enough material in my stash to make two pairs of summer trousers. I was also gifted £50 for Christmas and bought myself 4 cotton tops and a cotton cardigan with it. I sincerely hope I won't 'need to use many coupons during 1942. 

I read the advice about the news with keen interest and totally agree. I have both depression and complex PTSD and never watch the news as it is too much. We can only influence a small amount of things in life and you have all already done many wonderful things judging by your posts. You have certainly boosted me for example. 

Anyhow, I can make a good cup of tea if anyone would like one and I have saved my egg and butter rations to make a nice sponge cake if anyone would like a slice. My door is always open but don't take Bella cat's favourite chair!!