With the holidays around the corner, let’s talk about gifting. Do you give away the items you make? Do you make your Christmas gifts, baby gifts, etc.? Do you take requests to make items for family or friends?
I am what I call a selfish knitter. I very seldom give away anything that I knit. I very seldom knit for others. There are too many great patterns that I want to knit for myself, therefore I have no time or energy to knit for others. At last count, I have over 25 handknit sweaters, over 15 shawls, wraps, cowls, over 20 handknit pairs of socks, and numerous other assorted accessories.
I have crocheted baby blankets in the past for family and friends. It’s been a long time since I’ve made anything for gifts. I don’t take requests either. My thinking is that when I start taking request, my hobby will no longer be fun. I knit for fun and to relax. Knitting with specific requirements takes the fun out of knitting.
When fall comes around, I always see posts on social media of Christmas gifts others make for their loved ones. They are so beautiful, and I contemplate making something for my loved ones. Of course, this is normally a few weeks before the holidays. By then it’s way too late for me to finish anything and I have too many loved ones. I then think of starting gifts for next year. Unfortunately, I think I’d probably have to start in January and only work on those projects to complete them on time.
I do occasionally knit for my immediate family. I’ve made scarves and hats for my kids along with blankets. I’m currently working on a sweater for my husband. He was happy to pick out the pattern and yarn. It’s finally almost done. I started it last winter and put it down for a bit in the summer. Now that it’s sweater weather again, he’s been asking when it will be done. Just have the button bands to finish and then I can get back to my selfish knitting.
Let me know your thoughts on crafting for others.