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mtchen
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
564 Posts |
 Posted - 05/14/2003 : 11:14:48 AM
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I've given most of my knitting away as gifts, but sometimes the people I give them to get extremely picky...like "Can you add more length to this scarf" or "This hat is too big, too small, color's too weird, I don't wear these things...etc." Or else they say "Oh yes I love it" but they never wear it. Is this typical? Should I be mad??  Does anyone else have this problem??
Sometimes I think I should just donate everything to charity instead. At least the people who eventually get the items are more likely to appreciate it more...
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Milinda
Permanent Resident
USA
3816 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 11:39:37 AM
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I can relate completely to this, but I have weeded out the unappreciative from my gift-giving list. I'm with you, if someone can't appreciate the incredible love and time involved in handknitting, I would rather have a total stranger enjoy the item and wear it instead of it sitting, ignored in a closet. I'd appreciate anything you made if you gave it to me, LOL!
M L |
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Milinda
Permanent Resident
USA
3816 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 11:39:37 AM
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I can relate completely to this, but I have weeded out the unappreciative from my gift-giving list. I'm with you, if someone can't appreciate the incredible love and time involved in handknitting, I would rather have a total stranger enjoy the item and wear it instead of it sitting, ignored in a closet. I'd appreciate anything you made if you gave it to me, LOL!
M L |
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Milinda
Permanent Resident
USA
3816 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 11:39:37 AM
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I can relate completely to this, but I have weeded out the unappreciative from my gift-giving list. I'm with you, if someone can't appreciate the incredible love and time involved in handknitting, I would rather have a total stranger enjoy the item and wear it instead of it sitting, ignored in a closet. I'd appreciate anything you made if you gave it to me, LOL!
M L |
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achrisvet
Permanent Resident
USA
5986 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 11:51:41 AM
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I have not dealt witht his personally, but I've been told that some people think anything handmade is cheap. Like, you couldn't be bothered to go out and buy me something? Sheesh! Have they checked the price of yarn lately? And my time does not come cheap, either.
My handmade gifts were well received last Christmas. I even got a lovely thank you note from my 96 year old aunt, for whom I made a scarf. I think I would be really upset if someone disparaged my work. I admit I was a little nervous, but all went well.
Anita
See my completed projects!
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=977585&uid=619962&members=1 |
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achrisvet
Permanent Resident
USA
5986 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 11:51:41 AM
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I have not dealt witht his personally, but I've been told that some people think anything handmade is cheap. Like, you couldn't be bothered to go out and buy me something? Sheesh! Have they checked the price of yarn lately? And my time does not come cheap, either.
My handmade gifts were well received last Christmas. I even got a lovely thank you note from my 96 year old aunt, for whom I made a scarf. I think I would be really upset if someone disparaged my work. I admit I was a little nervous, but all went well.
Anita
See my completed projects!
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=977585&uid=619962&members=1 |
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Hello Knitty
Permanent Resident
1069 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 1:04:59 PM
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This is like the knitting for money thread! I'd say don't waste your time on a bunch of ingrates! Think of all the things you could have knit for yourself!
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Hello Knitty
Permanent Resident
1069 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 1:04:59 PM
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This is like the knitting for money thread! I'd say don't waste your time on a bunch of ingrates! Think of all the things you could have knit for yourself!
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Beckyh
Gabber Extraordinaire
471 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 1:07:17 PM
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Mark them off the A-list and get their next gift at Staples!
Becky
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Beckyh
Gabber Extraordinaire
471 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 1:07:17 PM
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Mark them off the A-list and get their next gift at Staples!
Becky
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moxie
Seriously Hooked
844 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 1:27:40 PM
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Don't be too hard on the people who thank you graciously but never wear the gift. What can they do if their taste differs or the item doesn't fit (except give it back or ask for a change, which would be rude)? Or, perhaps some might appreciate your handmade gift so much that they are afraid to wear it out! I personally have some favorite items of clothing (not gifts) that I never wear because I don't have any occasion or anything to match. But I love to see them hanging in the closet, and wait for the day when I grow three inches taller, find a copper-colored velvet skirt with matching amber jewelry, and get invited to a ball.
When DH and I got married we received a lot of decorative items, none of which matched: plaster gnomes, art deco, stainless steel modern, Arts&Crafts. Almost everything was nice in its own way but if I had put them all on display it would have looked like a flea market!
Since then I try not to give anything for display unless I am 100% sure it would fit in: for instance, if I know that the recipient is an avid collector of a certain plate pattern, etc. Same goes with clothing-- unless I'm willing to give the giftee matching skirt, bag, shoes, or jacket I'm not going to worry too much if it disappears. I'm satisfied just to see the giftee try on the item once, and then know that I did a nice job.
But thumbs down to the people who think a handmade gift is opportunity to treat you like their personal tailor!
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moxie
Seriously Hooked
844 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 1:27:40 PM
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Don't be too hard on the people who thank you graciously but never wear the gift. What can they do if their taste differs or the item doesn't fit (except give it back or ask for a change, which would be rude)? Or, perhaps some might appreciate your handmade gift so much that they are afraid to wear it out! I personally have some favorite items of clothing (not gifts) that I never wear because I don't have any occasion or anything to match. But I love to see them hanging in the closet, and wait for the day when I grow three inches taller, find a copper-colored velvet skirt with matching amber jewelry, and get invited to a ball.
When DH and I got married we received a lot of decorative items, none of which matched: plaster gnomes, art deco, stainless steel modern, Arts&Crafts. Almost everything was nice in its own way but if I had put them all on display it would have looked like a flea market!
Since then I try not to give anything for display unless I am 100% sure it would fit in: for instance, if I know that the recipient is an avid collector of a certain plate pattern, etc. Same goes with clothing-- unless I'm willing to give the giftee matching skirt, bag, shoes, or jacket I'm not going to worry too much if it disappears. I'm satisfied just to see the giftee try on the item once, and then know that I did a nice job.
But thumbs down to the people who think a handmade gift is opportunity to treat you like their personal tailor!
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moxie
Seriously Hooked
844 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 1:27:40 PM
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Don't be too hard on the people who thank you graciously but never wear the gift. What can they do if their taste differs or the item doesn't fit (except give it back or ask for a change, which would be rude)? Or, perhaps some might appreciate your handmade gift so much that they are afraid to wear it out! I personally have some favorite items of clothing (not gifts) that I never wear because I don't have any occasion or anything to match. But I love to see them hanging in the closet, and wait for the day when I grow three inches taller, find a copper-colored velvet skirt with matching amber jewelry, and get invited to a ball.
When DH and I got married we received a lot of decorative items, none of which matched: plaster gnomes, art deco, stainless steel modern, Arts&Crafts. Almost everything was nice in its own way but if I had put them all on display it would have looked like a flea market!
Since then I try not to give anything for display unless I am 100% sure it would fit in: for instance, if I know that the recipient is an avid collector of a certain plate pattern, etc. Same goes with clothing-- unless I'm willing to give the giftee matching skirt, bag, shoes, or jacket I'm not going to worry too much if it disappears. I'm satisfied just to see the giftee try on the item once, and then know that I did a nice job.
But thumbs down to the people who think a handmade gift is opportunity to treat you like their personal tailor!
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reelgrrrl
Chatty Knitter
USA
229 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 1:44:52 PM
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I agre about not being to hard about gracious people who never wear your gift. Havent we all recieved something like that? I know I've gotten things, and I've truely appreciated that someone thought of me, but it totally wasnt anything Id ever use. I too have things I like so much that I never wear them =) My own first pair of hand knit socks for example. I never wear them because I dont want them to wear out!
http://cherryduckie.blogspot.com/ |
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reelgrrrl
Chatty Knitter
USA
229 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 1:44:52 PM
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I agre about not being to hard about gracious people who never wear your gift. Havent we all recieved something like that? I know I've gotten things, and I've truely appreciated that someone thought of me, but it totally wasnt anything Id ever use. I too have things I like so much that I never wear them =) My own first pair of hand knit socks for example. I never wear them because I dont want them to wear out!
http://cherryduckie.blogspot.com/ |
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onestitchshort
Chatty Knitter
USA
106 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 2:10:06 PM
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I haven't had knitting gifts unappreciated, but then again I haven't made very many. I have, however, faced the assumption that knitting allows you to make things for people cheaper than you could buy them. I used to have that percption, too, until I began knitting. So, I can see people thinking that the gift was cheaper. I have slowly started to educate my friends on the cost of yarn, etc. before I give them gifts so that they understand that it is not only a gift of time but also a gift that isn't done so I can spend less money. That way they truly appreciate it when they get a knitted gift from me.
-sarah b.
Visit my little corner of the web http://www.onestitchshort.blogspot.com |
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onestitchshort
Chatty Knitter
USA
106 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 2:10:06 PM
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I haven't had knitting gifts unappreciated, but then again I haven't made very many. I have, however, faced the assumption that knitting allows you to make things for people cheaper than you could buy them. I used to have that percption, too, until I began knitting. So, I can see people thinking that the gift was cheaper. I have slowly started to educate my friends on the cost of yarn, etc. before I give them gifts so that they understand that it is not only a gift of time but also a gift that isn't done so I can spend less money. That way they truly appreciate it when they get a knitted gift from me.
-sarah b.
Visit my little corner of the web http://www.onestitchshort.blogspot.com |
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mtchen
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
564 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 2:22:51 PM
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So I guess the best thing to do is to give gifts to your knitting friends?? Only they understand your pain??  I'm wondering also if it's because a lot of people have gotten used to machine-perfect knitwear and a handknit item just looks kind of "frumpy" or something...
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mtchen
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
564 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 2:22:51 PM
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So I guess the best thing to do is to give gifts to your knitting friends?? Only they understand your pain?? I'm wondering also if it's because a lot of people have gotten used to machine-perfect knitwear and a handknit item just looks kind of "frumpy" or something...
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BLN3320
Permanent Resident
USA
3808 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 4:58:19 PM
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Hi, Mtchen: Its not so much that they have gotten use to machine knit garments as it is they haven't a clue the amount of work and time that goes into making something as they don't do it themselves. Wouldn't even know where to begin and because they don't know how they think its easy. I had an aunt who would knock anything I knit for her but she was an expert knitter. She would do the same to things I would cook and I can honestly tell you she couldn't boil a decent pot of water. Just keep on knitting but only for those who appreciate it. Actually the funny thing about my aunt, I might hear all about it and times want to strangle her with whatever I had spent time and money on she would wear whatever and tell her friends that I had made it for her. Go figure. Take care. Beverley
Bev |
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BLN3320
Permanent Resident
USA
3808 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 4:58:19 PM
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Hi, Mtchen: Its not so much that they have gotten use to machine knit garments as it is they haven't a clue the amount of work and time that goes into making something as they don't do it themselves. Wouldn't even know where to begin and because they don't know how they think its easy. I had an aunt who would knock anything I knit for her but she was an expert knitter. She would do the same to things I would cook and I can honestly tell you she couldn't boil a decent pot of water. Just keep on knitting but only for those who appreciate it. Actually the funny thing about my aunt, I might hear all about it and times want to strangle her with whatever I had spent time and money on she would wear whatever and tell her friends that I had made it for her. Go figure. Take care. Beverley
Bev |
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