I think this is an excellent article Philip. Very thought provoking. As the price of food has increased dramatically here in the UK I've noticed that more and more of us are trying to increase the amount of food we grow. I also forage for fruit and nuts in the nearby countryside (this started as a bit of fun whilst out walking and fast turned into an obsession) and I've started making preserves and wine.

I loved the bit about your home made jumper. I've always been interested in crafts. I understand that it will cost as much to make a jumper as it will to buy one, but the bought jumper will never be as good as the hand made item produced with quality yarns. I once knitted myself an arran jumper using wool. I had it for about ten years, then my ex borrowed it. I haven't seen it since!

I can buy cakes, preserves, bread, clothes etc., but I know that if I make them myself I'll have quality items that far outshine the mass produced goods. Give me quality any day.