Oh my gosh, I love your videos! I finally came to the realization that as much as I love to knit and gift, as professional as they may look, no one really wants it. If its a similar item and comes from the store with a brand name label its a different story. So now I only knit/crochet/sew for myself and charity organizations. 🤷😊
I knit lots of mittens, scarves, socks … all kinds of gifty items … throughout the year. Sometimes I have a specific recipient in mind, but for the other items I like to tie them with a little twine or ribbon or something and put them unwrapped into a big basket that sits near the Christmas tree (if we’ve put one up.) Then everyone knows they can take a gift from the basket if there’s something that catches their eye. That way I get the pleasure of doing the knitting and trying out new patterns and yarns, but people don’t feel guilty if they don’t care to have something handmade -- no harm, no foul. This has worked well for me for years.
I knit my very picky sister a wool shawl in her colors…. and it was returned to me a year later with the aded bonus of cat hair. 😂. I should have known better! I asked her to pick a pattern, which she did, and after I bought the wool yarn, she then told me she can’t wear wool around her neck… could I use cotton, could I make the shawl even bigger? She does wear the new shawl which makes me happy. I now consult with the recipient on colors or have them outright pick the pattern as well. Success! I also let the recipient know they can give the item away if they don’t want it - no need to feel bad about it. You have given good advice in this video - thanks!
My granddaughter has texture issues so I need to clear things with her first. What a surprise I had today when I saw she was wearing a pair of socks that her Mom took from the box of socks last Christmas. All smiles inside.
Great discussion! I knit my 5 yeas old granddaughter a cardigan, lots of lace, twisted stitches and cables. I loved it. Sh e did not. She touched the non-super wash beautiful yarn and declared "I'm not trying it on!!!" She never wore it. Five years later (now) I'm knitting her a hoodie that she wants. She picked out the yarn, colors and size. It's almost done and I think she'll love it.
This podcast is so timely! Just last night I gifted my son who turned 35 a Vertices Unite "shawl" (scarf) in the small size. I used Cardiff Classic Cashmere and did it all in greys and blacks with a hint of deep purple. It's gorgeous! I sure hoped he liked it and will actually wear it. It's so stressful to gift someone a hand knit and wonder if it's really their thing! This morning I can't stop thinking about it and so your reminder to "let it go" is just what I needed to hear 🤣🥰
I like the idea of the bucket or box where people can choose something they like. The wake up call for me was walking through a thrift shop that had a whole section of handmade goods...very veautiful and mainly baby sized. I guess regifting is good but my heart broke for the makers.
A box full of knitted items to pick from is a great suggestion! The only gift knits I make are the ones requested by the future recipients. They pick the pattern, color(s) and even the yarn (with my help). The items are tried on as they progress to ensure proper fit. No deadlines. No surprises. (I am mostly a monogamous knitter) We both love the finished product(s). I know because they wear them - and they make requests for more knits. For me, it's unreasonable to assume that my hand knitted gifts will be well received by other relatives or friends. I'm not being selfish. There are people that don't appreciate any 'handmade' gift and consider it a cheapskate option! 😶
I normally don’t do Christmas knitting but this year I feel inspired. The Musselburgh hat is definitely on the list. I made one for the first time for my step-grandson and now his brother wants one. So. Much. Stockinette. I’ve found socks to be universally well received but I’m also super careful over who I knit for.
So relatable! I gave my sister a lace crocheted scarf one year. I picked out a really expensive yarn in her colours and it was beautiful, but all she said when she opened the present was "what is it?". I have never seen her wear it. I now tend to just make things for myself or my kids and grandkids when they ask for something, and I make a lot of donation blankets to give away.
I try to only knit/crochet for those who I know truly appreciate it. I usually know which of my friends would want me to make something for them, and when in doubt, I scope it out. Why spend the time on something they don't want? But some really do love the effort and appreciate special pieces. I don't think it's weird at all to double check though just in case 💕
This was a great episode! I made an afghan made of many, many squares all sewn together for my niece’s wedding present. A few months later she showed me a picture of it on the couch with her dog on it and a huge hole that dog had made. She was asking if I could repair it… my silence was deafening
This applies to all gifts, a couple of years ago we gave our 8 year old granddaughter a mummy monster high doll. Now our son and daughter in law are archaeologists , and our granddaughter is crazy about Egypt mostly mummies so I thought the doll would be an appropriate gift. She opened the gift, looked at it and said “ she’s weird” and gave it to her cousin.😏😏
I had a friend who was the ultimate knit-worthy friend. Unfortunately she passed away some years ago at almost 90. If I was knitting and she was interested in it, she would say, "Oh, is that for me?" I even knit her "dressy" black merino/mohair socks to match her black cashmere sweater and black wool trousers. She indoctrinated well another friend. Today we went to a fiber festival here in Santa Fe and she saw three ounces of hand-dyed and carded batt. She told the vendor that she couldn't do anything with it, but said her friend (me) at the other end of the table would make something for her. There were some chuckles by all the people in the space. She is also knit-worthy and received socks, sweaters, scarves and ....
I love to knit baby sweaters, and sometimes make them for babies whose parents I know tangentially. Almost always, the parents seem happy and appreciative, though I'm not sure how they actually feel about the gift. Almost always, I get a thank you note or email, sometimes with pics of their wee ones in their handknit cardigans. However, one time I knitted and mailed a really cute sweater to someone I used to work with, and the damn gift was never even acknowledged! I'm still pretty steamed about that and have barely spoken to him again. .
I like to try new things in knitting and learning new techniques; so I started making smaller projects that I now need to give away. I really prefer selling them at a craft fair because then I know they’re wanted, but I don’t have access to one. I sometimes offer items to friends without pressure and they might take them. I might make something that I’m pretty sure someone will like and give it as a gift without worrying about if they like it. I just love to knit for the pleasure of it, not for others, so I have detachment. My sister, on the other hand, knit my son a gorgeous Scandinavian sweater with ravens and bears. Now that is an heirloom and he wears it often. He treasures it. 😊
I made a beautiful soft scarf out of hand dyed wool I had to buy on a trip. I had to buy it because it was in a tiny town in Colorado and I felt I had to support the shop. 😂 I sent it to a dear friend who has Alzheimer’s. She doesn’t remember me or understand much, but I thought that she might enjoy the color and the feel of this yarn.
Thanks so much, great fun! I have and do knit for friends and family, but now only when I have seen them wearing previous items! 🤣 love your podcasts, kind regards🙏 x
Been there, got the T shirt………! Now I ask my family what they would like if it’s anything bigger than hand knit socks - they all love those! This was a much needed video, I think, for those who suffer from rejected present syndrome 😊
I knit baby sweaters for my niece’s and nephew’s children-a quaint old custom. They never expressed much appreciation. I finally requested a picture of one baby in my sweater since it never occurred to them to send one. I wish people would try to improve their acting when given handmade gifts they don’t like. 😂 I also now realize that people with babies want things they can throw in the washer and dryer.
I’ve been knitting and crocheting (cross stitching, beading, macrame and polymer clay) for many, many years. I’ve FINALLY learned to stop making gifts for people unless they ask me first. The joy in making and giving is removed when they don’t use it or worse, give it away. Now I make for me and when done, I donate to animal charities.
I wear my knits and love them because I made them. Would I buy them or for that matter even want them if I had NOT made them? Maybe not. I knit hats and socks and fingerless gloves for my husband, dad and adult sons. They are gracious receivers but as with all gifts I know some are spot on and others a bust. Loved the episode this is an interesting topic.
I've only knit one gift so far, and it was a surprise... a poncho. However, I did a lot of "risk mitigation". She wears a *lot* of ponchos, and I know the colours she likes. With the help of her husband, I secretly got hold of her favourite poncho to see the shape and length she likes. When I gave it to her I specifically told her that if she wanted to give it to one of her daughters, that would be absolutely fine with me. Her daughters are adults. I showed them the poncho before I gave it to their mum, and they absolutely raved about how pretty it was. I have a feeling one of them may "steal" it, which would make me just as happy.
@@Knicoleknits Her husband also brought me her favourite sweater, and I took measurements from that. So I can some day surprise her with a new sweater.
I clicked this video with some trepidation! I don't knit a lot for other people but have done something hand knit for my work team for the past few years. Bulky sleep/house socks, mittens, and this year Christmas-themed socks, They talk about them long after giving them to them so I'm really hoping that they like them! Just in case, I also include some Godiva chocolates :) I've also done the "basket of goodies" and let them choose from socks, hats, mittens, and cowls. I think next year will be a hat/cowl.
I feel your pain. I have never seen anyone wear what I have knit them. I worked with a lady who wore a lot of animal print and faux fur. So I knit her a faux fur scarf one year for Christmas. A while later she brought it back to me with a big hole in it! Apparently she let her dog sleep on it and his scratching around (as dogs do) tore a hole in it. She asked me if I could fix it for her. At that time I hadn’t been knitting very long and couldn’t figure out how to repair it. So I just tied the strands in knots and told her I couldn’t do it. 😢 That was the end of my gifting. Now I just donate.
That was the most real thing I've seen in a while! Thanks for the straightforward commentary on the dilemma of gift giving. That throw is spectacular, and I would love to see it in real life. And did you make those bracelets from the last video as necklaces? This was one of your best!
Thanks so much! I forgot to mention the necklace - it's a kit from Laura Nelkin. It's beaded and made with an icord tool. I'll be featuring it in a video soon 😊
6 year olds, actually all kids, want toys not clothes for birthdays 🤷🏻♀️! Your stained glass blanket is beautiful! I don’t get fingerless mitts. I live in south eastern Saskatchewan and I need my fingers totally covered to be warm.
Great video Nicole. I actually feel a weight off my shoulder that some of my people requested not to send them knitted Christmas gifts this year. Knitting Christmas gifts was a bit stressful as I'm always stretched for time. I knit very happily for my grandson, one of my daughters and myself with no deadlines.
I used to make gifts exclusively. When I was younger, I had lots of friends who had babies. A baby bunting, blanket, booties and socks, or a sweater are always welcome. I still do charity knits, but rarely make gifts anymore. Relaxation is more important to me than gift deadlines. For 50 years of knitting, I had a few afghans in my possession to show for it. So, I started just knitting for myself until my husband started to beg me for things. Now, grand babies are coming. I made a pair of Christmas socks and am making a sweater now.
Gifting makes me crazy. My biggest issue is time i always run out! I have one friend with whom i do things properly , ie she askes for something specific or i suggest patterns, we pick colors and its perfect. People i dont know that well are harder. For example i would love to make lovely gifts for my kids teachers but would they want it? Do they hate the color pink? I guess i need to be bold enough to send people a questionnaire that says hey i am a knitter and when i really appreciate people i like to give them knitted things please take a moment to fill out the following form so that make you something you actually enjoy. If you would prefer not to recieve a gift please check the box labeled gift card. Please return by october 1st. Thank you I guess in my opinion gifts by definition should be thoughtful, bold and a little reckless but that also means we should be mindful of who is on that list. Gifts cost something esp handmade gifts because have the makers soul integrated. I wish they were all graciously recieved but you cant alway predict. I gues live learn and let go. Honestly always goes a long way from both sides of the gift. If the recipient knows how and why you want to give them a handmade gift and they then tell you what their preferences are and if they really want knitted items or not we can all move on without the anxiety. Wisdom to be learned from all angles.
I do a lot of sewing and I find Jalie patterns fit everyone well. My granddaughter who is very fussy about textures, and has OPINIONS, is very difficult to gift. But she loves the Charlie Bomber jackets especially if I also make one for her friend. I made a dress for her (she loved dresses at the time) and she threw it back at me. That was the last time I sewed for her unless she asks for something specific. I don't knit for her since she has texture issues. I don't make anything for her mother who has no interest in what I make, and has returned to me most gifts I have given her. Although it hurts, I know now where and to whom I give my handmade items. I do like the idea of the basket, but to be honest, with the price of yarn, I am returning to making things for myself and for those very close to me who love what I do.
I only knit for myself usually. Occasionally for the grandchildren and I have done for other people. But I find it a bit stressful and most people do not appreciate it as I do. My family would mostly prefer money to buy what they want with.
When I learned to make custom fit socks, I thought I had finally found the perfect gifts for my siblings who didn't need any more dustcatchers gifted to them. One brother gave me constructive criticisms on the first pair and was receptive to more, but the other three reacted with a big Nope. Back to gift cards.
I think socks are one of those things that _seem_ like a great gift, but in reality can be very hit or miss. I'm lucky that my mum likes the heavy weight ones - she's outdoors a lot 😊
I stopped knitting for a few years because my hands were hurting , then I went back to it but carefully so every item takes a long time to produce and I knit only for myself. I need more socks and more jumpers. I am 73, I feel the cold more and more and I love being able to wear luxurious mix of silk, alpaca, merino and mohair. I don’t think anyone else would appreciate , or know how to take care of or to hand wash a hand knitted jumper for example
In my family, handmade gifts are treasured, perhaps because we all do some sort of art and we know how much thought and time goes into making a gift. In my husband's family, handmade gifts are viewed as you were too cheap to buy them something so you made something instead. Urgh. I've actually had one of his family tell me that knit hats are not appropriate Christmas or birthday gifts. It's a struggle, but now that I know they are for the most part not knit-worthy, if I make a hat for one of his family, it's on a knitting machine, lol! And I still do gift them whether they like them or not. Or I'll buy ten dollars' worth of chocolate and gift that instead.
Excellent video. 😊 Working on my 6th Musselburgh hat as I'm watching your video. I LOVE this hat (obviously), and it actually fits me! And fingerless mitts - I wear them all winter long. Only wear full mittens, or gloves, if I'm shoveling snow. As far as knitting for others...yeah, as a rule I don't do that any more. 😏 Please tell Oscar hello for me! ❤️
Well funny this topic comes up! I am knitting a sweater for a sweet little great neice and I am not sure if the style will be to taste of the mom. I know the colors are what the 3 year old really likes so that good. I'll just have to 'let it go' and call it a good try on my part!! Oh my this gift knitting is hard isn't it? I have had good successes too but the family asked for something and or sent a picture of a style.
You’re so cute! I enjoyed this video and I thank you for your grace in accepting my feedback on the white overlay on the videos. This one was crisp and perfect 🤩 ❤🎉. Happy Holidays 😊
I have a giftgiving rule: Never give anything that has to be worn on a body or displayed in a house. Never. You might think they will like the style and color but most likely you’ll be wrong. This goes for all gifts, not just handmade ones. People who receive knit items , unless they are makers themselves, don’t have a clue about the time, effort and money that you put into it and that does not go into their thought process. It is simply a case of do they like it or not. It’s 100% ok. You can’t force someone to like a style or color that they don’t like. Make your hand knits for yourself. Make them only for someone who specifically requests something, who picks the pattern, picks the yarn, and will surely wash it correctly. That will save everyone a bunch of grief.
I’m sitting here knitting a cable hat(I don’t enjoy cabling 😂) for my 10 year old granddaughter while watching another of your funny entertaining videos. I fully expect the hat will not get much if any wear. At least I asked her favorite color. I’m so sorry about your cat sweater fiasco. But it makes for an excellent cautionary tale!!!❤
I made my dad an aran cabled cardigan a couple of years ago, and he's never one worn it 😢 I don't even know for sure it fits (I made it to his measurements + checked against his existing clothes, but that still doesn't guarantee it'll fit). He always says he's "saving it to wear somewhere special", so I'm not sure if he actually likes it, or if he's just saying that? It has definitely put me off making literally anything for anyone. Apart from my baby nephew, cus he's 2 and will wear anything he's put in right now lol.
He may indeed be saving it. Older generations often have a frugal approach to clothes. My Dad is only now wearing shirts he was gifted 20 years ago. He finally wore out the previous ones. They were so thin you could see through them.
True. I'm familiar with this phenomenon too. I have an older family member who likes to keep all his "nice" things new forever. I'm more of a life's-too-short kinda people 😜
Gifting my hand mades hasn’t been a big thing for me ……. Until I made quilted Christmas cushion covers for my family. One was a Christmas tree made entirely of 2.5” squares and the other was a more complicated pattern in christmassy fabrics - the recipient of the complicated pattern one admired the Christmas tree one more so I may need to get another of those on the go!! Currently knitting the latest Joji Locatelli beanie (toque) pattern in Aran weight for my grandsons girlfriend. I have a big hairy Pom Pom to put on it so hope she likes it…. Watch this space 🙋🏼🏴
I think another thing is be mindful of the size of the project, both it's actual size and also difficulty. Gift knit patterns that fly off the needles are not only good for making it in time... if the recipient doesn't like it, you'll only be looking back on a wasted couple of evenings, instead of a wasted couple of weeks or even months. Don't ask me how I know...
Oh my gosh, I love your videos! I finally came to the realization that as much as I love to knit and gift, as professional as they may look, no one really wants it. If its a similar item and comes from the store with a brand name label its a different story. So now I only knit/crochet/sew for myself and charity organizations. 🤷😊
💯‼️
I knit lots of mittens, scarves, socks … all kinds of gifty items … throughout the year. Sometimes I have a specific recipient in mind, but for the other items I like to tie them with a little twine or ribbon or something and put them unwrapped into a big basket that sits near the Christmas tree (if we’ve put one up.) Then everyone knows they can take a gift from the basket if there’s something that catches their eye. That way I get the pleasure of doing the knitting and trying out new patterns and yarns, but people don’t feel guilty if they don’t care to have something handmade -- no harm, no foul. This has worked well for me for years.
That's a great idea!
Brilliant! 😍
I knit my very picky sister a wool shawl in her colors…. and it was returned to me a year later with the aded bonus of cat hair. 😂. I should have known better! I asked her to pick a pattern, which she did, and after I bought the wool yarn, she then told me she can’t wear wool around her neck… could I use cotton, could I make the shawl even bigger? She does wear the new shawl which makes me happy. I now consult with the recipient on colors or have them outright pick the pattern as well. Success! I also let the recipient know they can give the item away if they don’t want it - no need to feel bad about it. You have given good advice in this video - thanks!
I'm glad the new shawl is working out! 💖
My granddaughter has texture issues so I need to clear things with her first. What a surprise I had today when I saw she was wearing a pair of socks that her Mom took from the box of socks last Christmas. All smiles inside.
Great discussion! I knit my 5 yeas old granddaughter a cardigan, lots of lace, twisted stitches and cables. I loved it. Sh e did not. She touched the non-super wash beautiful yarn and declared "I'm not trying it on!!!" She never wore it. Five years later (now) I'm knitting her a hoodie that she wants. She picked out the yarn, colors and size. It's almost done and I think she'll love it.
Oof. Kids are tough - and crazy honest! I too have learned that input is the only way to go 😋
This podcast is so timely! Just last night I gifted my son who turned 35 a Vertices Unite "shawl" (scarf) in the small size. I used Cardiff Classic Cashmere and did it all in greys and blacks with a hint of deep purple. It's gorgeous! I sure hoped he liked it and will actually wear it. It's so stressful to gift someone a hand knit and wonder if it's really their thing! This morning I can't stop thinking about it and so your reminder to "let it go" is just what I needed to hear 🤣🥰
It sounds amazing!!! I hope he likes it too 💖
I like the idea of the bucket or box where people can choose something they like. The wake up call for me was walking through a thrift shop that had a whole section of handmade goods...very veautiful and mainly baby sized. I guess regifting is good but my heart broke for the makers.
A box full of knitted items to pick from is a great suggestion! The only gift knits I make are the ones requested by the future recipients. They pick the pattern, color(s) and even the yarn (with my help). The items are tried on as they progress to ensure proper fit. No deadlines. No surprises. (I am mostly a monogamous knitter) We both love the finished product(s). I know because they wear them - and they make requests for more knits. For me, it's unreasonable to assume that my hand knitted gifts will be well received by other relatives or friends. I'm not being selfish. There are people that don't appreciate any 'handmade' gift and consider it a cheapskate option! 😶
I normally don’t do Christmas knitting but this year I feel inspired. The Musselburgh hat is definitely on the list. I made one for the first time for my step-grandson and now his brother wants one. So. Much. Stockinette.
I’ve found socks to be universally well received but I’m also super careful over who I knit for.
So relatable! I gave my sister a lace crocheted scarf one year. I picked out a really expensive yarn in her colours and it was beautiful, but all she said when she opened the present was "what is it?". I have never seen her wear it. I now tend to just make things for myself or my kids and grandkids when they ask for something, and I make a lot of donation blankets to give away.
I try to only knit/crochet for those who I know truly appreciate it. I usually know which of my friends would want me to make something for them, and when in doubt, I scope it out. Why spend the time on something they don't want? But some really do love the effort and appreciate special pieces. I don't think it's weird at all to double check though just in case 💕
The intarsia throw is stunning! Wow. Great story.
Thanks! 💖
This was a great episode! I made an afghan made of many, many squares all sewn together for my niece’s wedding present. A few months later she showed me a picture of it on the couch with her dog on it and a huge hole that dog had made. She was asking if I could repair it… my silence was deafening
Yup. I found a lovely throw I made for a family member scrunched up in a spare room covered in cat fur 🙄 I feel your pain 😋
This applies to all gifts, a couple of years ago we gave our 8 year old granddaughter a mummy monster high doll. Now our son and daughter in law are archaeologists , and our granddaughter is crazy about Egypt mostly mummies so I thought the doll would be an appropriate gift. She opened the gift, looked at it and said “ she’s weird” and gave it to her cousin.😏😏
I had a friend who was the ultimate knit-worthy friend. Unfortunately she passed away some years ago at almost 90. If I was knitting and she was interested in it, she would say, "Oh, is that for me?" I even knit her "dressy" black merino/mohair socks to match her black cashmere sweater and black wool trousers. She indoctrinated well another friend. Today we went to a fiber festival here in Santa Fe and she saw three ounces of hand-dyed and carded batt. She told the vendor that she couldn't do anything with it, but said her friend (me) at the other end of the table would make something for her. There were some chuckles by all the people in the space. She is also knit-worthy and received socks, sweaters, scarves and ....
I love to knit baby sweaters, and sometimes make them for babies whose parents I know tangentially. Almost always, the parents seem happy and appreciative, though I'm not sure how they actually feel about the gift. Almost always, I get a thank you note or email, sometimes with pics of their wee ones in their handknit cardigans. However, one time I knitted and mailed a really cute sweater to someone I used to work with, and the damn gift was never even acknowledged! I'm still pretty steamed about that and have barely spoken to him again. .
I like to try new things in knitting and learning new techniques; so I started making smaller projects that I now need to give away. I really prefer selling them at a craft fair because then I know they’re wanted, but I don’t have access to one. I sometimes offer items to friends without pressure and they might take them. I might make something that I’m pretty sure someone will like and give it as a gift without worrying about if they like it. I just love to knit for the pleasure of it, not for others, so I have detachment. My sister, on the other hand, knit my son a gorgeous Scandinavian sweater with ravens and bears. Now that is an heirloom and he wears it often. He treasures it. 😊
I made a beautiful soft scarf out of hand dyed wool I had to buy on a trip. I had to buy it because it was in a tiny town in Colorado and I felt I had to support the shop. 😂 I sent it to a dear friend who has Alzheimer’s. She doesn’t remember me or understand much, but I thought that she might enjoy the color and the feel of this yarn.
Thanks so much, great fun! I have and do knit for friends and family, but now only when I have seen them wearing previous items! 🤣 love your podcasts, kind regards🙏 x
Thanks so much! 💖
Been there, got the T shirt………! Now I ask my family what they would like if it’s anything bigger than hand knit socks - they all love those! This was a much needed video, I think, for those who suffer from rejected present syndrome 😊
Rejected Present Syndrome...RPS...I'm making that a thing 😂😋
Fantastic xxx
I only knit gifts to knit worthy people. 😊
No more scarves and hats! Socks always go over well, and of course sweaters are loved. I am going to knit a bucket hat for myself.
Hooray for bucket hats!! 💖
Oh Girl, your basket that you made for your friend it was amazing. Lucky person.
I knit baby sweaters for my niece’s and nephew’s children-a quaint old custom. They never expressed much appreciation. I finally requested a picture of one baby in my sweater since it never occurred to them to send one. I wish people would try to improve their acting when given handmade gifts they don’t like. 😂 I also now realize that people with babies want things they can throw in the washer and dryer.
I’ve been knitting and crocheting (cross stitching, beading, macrame and polymer clay) for many, many years. I’ve FINALLY learned to stop making gifts for people unless they ask me first. The joy in making and giving is removed when they don’t use it or worse, give it away. Now I make for me and when done, I donate to animal charities.
That's a great system! It's good to take the joy back for yourself! 💖
I wear my knits and love them because I made them. Would I buy them or for that matter even want them if I had NOT made them? Maybe not. I knit hats and socks and fingerless gloves for my husband, dad and adult sons. They are gracious receivers but as with all gifts I know some are spot on and others a bust. Loved the episode this is an interesting topic.
I've only knit one gift so far, and it was a surprise... a poncho. However, I did a lot of "risk mitigation". She wears a *lot* of ponchos, and I know the colours she likes. With the help of her husband, I secretly got hold of her favourite poncho to see the shape and length she likes. When I gave it to her I specifically told her that if she wanted to give it to one of her daughters, that would be absolutely fine with me. Her daughters are adults. I showed them the poncho before I gave it to their mum, and they absolutely raved about how pretty it was. I have a feeling one of them may "steal" it, which would make me just as happy.
Love this story! Did you use a pattern? I'm curious to know which one...😋
@@Knicoleknits Her husband also brought me her favourite sweater, and I took measurements from that. So I can some day surprise her with a new sweater.
I clicked this video with some trepidation! I don't knit a lot for other people but have done something hand knit for my work team for the past few years. Bulky sleep/house socks, mittens, and this year Christmas-themed socks, They talk about them long after giving them to them so I'm really hoping that they like them! Just in case, I also include some Godiva chocolates :)
I've also done the "basket of goodies" and let them choose from socks, hats, mittens, and cowls. I think next year will be a hat/cowl.
I feel your pain. I have never seen anyone wear what I have knit them. I worked with a lady who wore a lot of animal print and faux fur. So I knit her a faux fur scarf one year for Christmas. A while later she brought it back to me with a big hole in it! Apparently she let her dog sleep on it and his scratching around (as dogs do) tore a hole in it. She asked me if I could fix it for her. At that time I hadn’t been knitting very long and couldn’t figure out how to repair it. So I just tied the strands in knots and told her I couldn’t do it. 😢 That was the end of my gifting. Now I just donate.
Yikes! That could turn anyone off gifting handmades 🙄😋
Great video and soooo true. I could write a book on this.
I know, right?
That was the most real thing I've seen in a while! Thanks for the straightforward commentary on the dilemma of gift giving. That throw is spectacular, and I would love to see it in real life. And did you make those bracelets from the last video as necklaces? This was one of your best!
Thanks so much! I forgot to mention the necklace - it's a kit from Laura Nelkin. It's beaded and made with an icord tool. I'll be featuring it in a video soon 😊
@@KnicoleknitsI just made one and I love it!
6 year olds, actually all kids, want toys not clothes for birthdays 🤷🏻♀️! Your stained glass blanket is beautiful!
I don’t get fingerless mitts. I live in south eastern Saskatchewan and I need my fingers totally covered to be warm.
You're totally right about the kids...but I was much younger then and didn't understand that 🙄😋
Great video Nicole. I actually feel a weight off my shoulder that some of my people requested not to send them knitted Christmas gifts this year. Knitting Christmas gifts was a bit stressful as I'm always stretched for time. I knit very happily for my grandson, one of my daughters and myself with no deadlines.
It's a relief to not feel obligated, isn't it? I'm all for knitting for the joy of knitting. 😊
It’s important to knit a gift with “no strings attached” Lol
Great video and advice. Maybe we should add this video link to our home made gifts!! It is a coin toss many times on who will like our labors of love.
I used to make gifts exclusively. When I was younger, I had lots of friends who had babies. A baby bunting, blanket, booties and socks, or a sweater are always welcome.
I still do charity knits, but rarely make gifts anymore. Relaxation is more important to me than gift deadlines.
For 50 years of knitting, I had a few afghans in my possession to show for it. So, I started just knitting for myself until my husband started to beg me for things.
Now, grand babies are coming. I made a pair of Christmas socks and am making a sweater now.
I admit - I can't resist knitting for babies. The knits are just so dang cute! 😋
@@Knicoleknits and fast!
Gifting makes me crazy. My biggest issue is time i always run out! I have one friend with whom i do things properly , ie she askes for something specific or i suggest patterns, we pick colors and its perfect. People i dont know that well are harder. For example i would love to make lovely gifts for my kids teachers but would they want it? Do they hate the color pink? I guess i need to be bold enough to send people a questionnaire that says hey i am a knitter and when i really appreciate people i like to give them knitted things please take a moment to fill out the following form so that make you something you actually enjoy. If you would prefer not to recieve a gift please check the box labeled gift card. Please return by october 1st. Thank you
I guess in my opinion gifts by definition should be thoughtful, bold and a little reckless but that also means we should be mindful of who is on that list. Gifts cost something esp handmade gifts because have the makers soul integrated. I wish they were all graciously recieved but you cant alway predict. I gues live learn and let go. Honestly always goes a long way from both sides of the gift. If the recipient knows how and why you want to give them a handmade gift and they then tell you what their preferences are and if they really want knitted items or not we can all move on without the anxiety. Wisdom to be learned from all angles.
Indeed, indeed, indeed. Very thoughtful comments - thank you 💖
Here in the BC coastal region, fingerless mitts do make sense. We seldom get very cold weather and it mostly rains most of the winter months.
That's what my brain is screaming during those gift videos.
If they don't want it, it's not a gift. Gifts are for them not me.
I do a lot of sewing and I find Jalie patterns fit everyone well. My granddaughter who is very fussy about textures, and has OPINIONS, is very difficult to gift. But she loves the Charlie Bomber jackets especially if I also make one for her friend. I made a dress for her (she loved dresses at the time) and she threw it back at me. That was the last time I sewed for her unless she asks for something specific. I don't knit for her since she has texture issues. I don't make anything for her mother who has no interest in what I make, and has returned to me most gifts I have given her. Although it hurts, I know now where and to whom I give my handmade items. I do like the idea of the basket, but to be honest, with the price of yarn, I am returning to making things for myself and for those very close to me who love what I do.
I only knit for myself usually. Occasionally for the grandchildren and I have done for other people. But I find it a bit stressful and most people do not appreciate it as I do. My family would mostly prefer money to buy what they want with.
Right - good old gift cards 😜
When I learned to make custom fit socks, I thought I had finally found the perfect gifts for my siblings who didn't need any more dustcatchers gifted to them. One brother gave me constructive criticisms on the first pair and was receptive to more, but the other three reacted with a big Nope. Back to gift cards.
I think socks are one of those things that _seem_ like a great gift, but in reality can be very hit or miss. I'm lucky that my mum likes the heavy weight ones - she's outdoors a lot 😊
I stopped knitting for a few years because my hands were hurting , then I went back to it but carefully so every item takes a long time to produce and I knit only for myself. I need more socks and more jumpers. I am 73, I feel the cold more and more and I love being able to wear luxurious mix of silk, alpaca, merino and mohair. I don’t think anyone else would appreciate , or know how to take care of or to hand wash a hand knitted jumper for example
In my family, handmade gifts are treasured, perhaps because we all do some sort of art and we know how much thought and time goes into making a gift. In my husband's family, handmade gifts are viewed as you were too cheap to buy them something so you made something instead. Urgh. I've actually had one of his family tell me that knit hats are not appropriate Christmas or birthday gifts. It's a struggle, but now that I know they are for the most part not knit-worthy, if I make a hat for one of his family, it's on a knitting machine, lol! And I still do gift them whether they like them or not. Or I'll buy ten dollars' worth of chocolate and gift that instead.
That's so frustrating! But I love the way you're handling it. 💖
Excellent video. 😊 Working on my 6th Musselburgh hat as I'm watching your video. I LOVE this hat (obviously), and it actually fits me! And fingerless mitts - I wear them all winter long. Only wear full mittens, or gloves, if I'm shoveling snow. As far as knitting for others...yeah, as a rule I don't do that any more. 😏 Please tell Oscar hello for me! ❤️
Well funny this topic comes up! I am knitting a sweater for a sweet little great neice and I am not sure if the style will be to taste of the mom. I know the colors are what the 3 year old really likes so that good. I'll just have to 'let it go' and call it a good try on my part!! Oh my this gift knitting is hard isn't it? I have had good successes too but the family asked for something and or sent a picture of a style.
You’re so cute! I enjoyed this video and I thank you for your grace in accepting my feedback on the white overlay on the videos. This one was crisp and perfect 🤩 ❤🎉. Happy Holidays 😊
I was happy to fix that issue! Thanks so much for letting me know this one is better 💖💖💖
I have a giftgiving rule: Never give anything that has to be worn on a body or displayed in a house. Never. You might think they will like the style and color but most likely you’ll be wrong. This goes for all gifts, not just handmade ones. People who receive knit items , unless they are makers themselves, don’t have a clue about the time, effort and money that you put into it and that does not go into their thought process. It is simply a case of do they like it or not. It’s 100% ok. You can’t force someone to like a style or color that they don’t like. Make your hand knits for yourself. Make them only for someone who specifically requests something, who picks the pattern, picks the yarn, and will surely wash it correctly. That will save everyone a bunch of grief.
You've got great boundaries! 😃
I’m sitting here knitting a cable hat(I don’t enjoy cabling 😂) for my 10 year old granddaughter while watching another of your funny entertaining videos. I fully expect the hat will not get much if any wear. At least I asked her favorite color. I’m so sorry about your cat sweater fiasco. But it makes for an excellent cautionary tale!!!❤
I made a shawl for a friends 60th birthday...she was insulted..thought i was calling her OLD. YIKES
Oof. Brutal 😜
I made my dad an aran cabled cardigan a couple of years ago, and he's never one worn it 😢 I don't even know for sure it fits (I made it to his measurements + checked against his existing clothes, but that still doesn't guarantee it'll fit). He always says he's "saving it to wear somewhere special", so I'm not sure if he actually likes it, or if he's just saying that?
It has definitely put me off making literally anything for anyone.
Apart from my baby nephew, cus he's 2 and will wear anything he's put in right now lol.
He may indeed be saving it. Older generations often have a frugal approach to clothes. My Dad is only now wearing shirts he was gifted 20 years ago. He finally wore out the previous ones. They were so thin you could see through them.
True. I'm familiar with this phenomenon too. I have an older family member who likes to keep all his "nice" things new forever. I'm more of a life's-too-short kinda people 😜
Gifting my hand mades hasn’t been a big thing for me ……. Until I made quilted Christmas cushion covers for my family. One was a Christmas tree made entirely of 2.5” squares and the other was a more complicated pattern in christmassy fabrics - the recipient of the complicated pattern one admired the Christmas tree one more so I may need to get another of those on the go!!
Currently knitting the latest Joji Locatelli beanie (toque) pattern in Aran weight for my grandsons girlfriend. I have a big hairy Pom Pom to put on it so hope she likes it…. Watch this space 🙋🏼🏴
Be sure to make the Pom Pom detachable. Not everyone likes Pom Poms. Minimalist looks are popular these days.
Good tip! I have a great online source for those: Yarnboler 😊
The quilted cushions sound amazing! 😀
I think another thing is be mindful of the size of the project, both it's actual size and also difficulty. Gift knit patterns that fly off the needles are not only good for making it in time... if the recipient doesn't like it, you'll only be looking back on a wasted couple of evenings, instead of a wasted couple of weeks or even months. Don't ask me how I know...
Exactly why I made last week's video on quick last-minute gifts 😘
what made me sooo mad , she asked me for something specific to make her, loved it when she received it and then turned around and sold it.
What??? That's unforgivable 😑
Not so much successes for me. Especially older kids and adults.