| Author |
 Topic  |
|
Milinda
Permanent Resident
USA
3816 Posts |
 Posted - 04/13/2012 : 11:50:12 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by hillstreetmama
Someone made the comment that we often don't knit for other knitters. A wise older woman once told me that the most appreciative recipients of your handmade items are the people who COULD make them themselves, because they understand the labor and love that goes into them.
(If anyone wants to knit for ME, I'll be VERY appreciative...hint, hint.)
Jan
:: Gosh, NO KIDDING! I know, Jan, how about if we make something for each other? I'm game if you are.  
M L
|
 |
|
|
kkknitter
Seriously Hooked
641 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2012 : 05:04:49 AM
|
Milinda and Jan, count me in as long as it is socks.
Kristina |
|
|
|
ikkivan
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
429 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2012 : 11:17:50 AM
|
[quote]Originally posted by archdiva
***Do people think because someone's down on their luck or poor that they'll be grateful for whatever they get? These people deserve our best work and quality yarns.***
I must weigh in on this comment. While I do agree that any recipient (poor, homeless, family member, whoever) of my hand-knit items deserves my best (and I'm not a beginner), I rarely knit for charities because the local ones of which I'm aware will accept items made only of what I consider INFERIOR yarns ... yarns with which I do not like to knit. I realize we each have our own opinions about "good" yarn, but I'm a very touchy-feely person and handling luxury yarns is one thing I love about knitting.
I was very pleased to knit a military helmet liner several years ago because I could use really good wool for that.
Donna, with intentions always bigger than her available time. (OkieDokieKnitter on Ravelry) |
|
|
|
Milinda
Permanent Resident
USA
3816 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2012 : 4:06:11 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by kkknitter
Milinda and Jan, count me in as long as it is socks.
Kristina
:: I have a BEAUTIFUL pair of wonderful orange socks that Kristina made and sent to me. They are fantastic so I can vouch for Kristina's knitting skills!
M L
|
|
|
|
Milinda
Permanent Resident
USA
3816 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2012 : 10:19:33 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by archdiva
I'm going to say something not too many of you will want to hear. I've always hated receiving hand-made gifts because they are often poorly executed or more to the point they are simply not my taste. And when I say that about 'not my taste' when the giver has had ample opportunity to figure out what my taste is and does something completely opposite it's actually offensive and puts me in a terrible position. For example. I don't wear hats - ever and I wear mostly black or dark colors. Especially for my outer wear I wear black. When someone, knowing this makes me a hat in baby blue that is a form of criticism on their part. Or at the very least they are trying to impose their taste onto me. Are you seeing my point?
You all talk about people being knitworthy, which makes the people who might not like something you make less worthy. So not true. Knitting should be a gift of love not approval. When I make something for someone they know about it, they participate in the selection of pattern, yarn and color and if nothing seems to be clicking then I let it drop - that's the kind thing to do.
That you kept on knitting for people after the first couple of things didn't appear to be being used says a lot about you and your lack of awareness of other people. Did you ever watch Christmas Story when Ralphie gets that ridiculous Bunny suit? You could be the Aunt Clara of your step-son's family.
While we're on the subject my other pet peeve is charity knitting. So often charity knitting is done by beginners as a way to get their feet wet and as a result the knitting is often less then competent and the yarn donations of people's leftovers. Do people think because someone's down on their luck or poor that they'll be grateful for whatever they get? These people deserve our best work and quality yarns.
I know I'm being harsh here, and I understand how nice it is to knit something for someone who will appreciate it. So many people have said get a circle of people who enjoy your knitting, but make sure they participate in the pattern/yarn selection and that will go a long way to guaranteeing their true appreciation and your ultimate satisfaction.
Rebecca O'Brien
:: Rebecca O'Brien/Arcdiva:
I am going to say something now that you may find harsh. I find it interesting that your very first post here comes over at the very least to me, a long time member, as rather ungracious. This in particular:
"That you kept on knitting for people after the first couple of things didn't appear to be being used says a lot about you and your lack of awareness of other people. Did you ever watch Christmas Story when Ralphie gets that ridiculous Bunny suit? You could be the Aunt Clara of your step-son's family."
While this is an unmoderated part of the forums, we are encouraged to be civil and I find it rather disconcerting that you would make your very first posting one that is a lecture. You are of course entitled to your opinions and I support your right to them but perhaps it would be best spending some time getting to know us first prior to commenting on Lucybug's awareness of other people or telling us what we should knit, how we should knit and for whom and with what fibers.
M L
|
|
|
|
Atavistic
Permanent Resident
6604 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2012 : 07:14:04 AM
|
quote:
Originally posted by archdiva
When someone, knowing this makes me a hat in baby blue that is a form of criticism on their part. Or at the very least they are trying to impose their taste onto me. Are you seeing my point?
Or perhaps they think the color would really bring out your eyes and would be a nice contrast to all that black. Maybe you have been wearing the same thing for too long and skin and hair colors have changed a bit. Perhaps all that black you wear is too harsh and you and really need to update you hair and makeup? Perhaps the giver thinks that when you put on that hat, it'll really warm you up and you'll realize how great you look in it.
quote:
That you kept on knitting for people after the first couple of things didn't appear to be being used says a lot about you and your lack of awareness of other people. Did you ever watch Christmas Story when Ralphie gets that ridiculous Bunny suit? You could be the Aunt Clara of your step-son's family.
I think someone who comes to a long-time, well-established message board and posts this as their first post should not be casting stones about "lack of awareness of other people."
quote:
While we're on the subject my other pet peeve is charity knitting. So often charity knitting is done by beginners as a way to get their feet wet and as a result the knitting is often less then competent and the yarn donations of people's leftovers. Do people think because someone's down on their luck or poor that they'll be grateful for whatever they get? These people deserve our best work and quality yarns.
Which charities are you talking about? I knit a lot of blankets for animals. Pretty sure they don't care about the quality. And what do those shelters ask for? Acrylic.
I haven't checked in on Warm Up America! in a while, but when they started, they only wanted acrylic and they advertised heavily on acrylic yarns. They also had a big movement to teach new people how to knit by making a square for their afghans.
The beginner's work may be "less then [sic] competent" but that is their best work. Which means their knitting fits your prescribed rule. |
|
|
|
lucybug
Warming Up
USA
75 Posts |
Posted - 04/16/2012 : 07:32:06 AM
|
I do find it a bit insulting to assume that I have no awareness of what people want or like. I don't want to be the weird aunt and because I never see my brother's kids, unless I get a list they get gift cards. I made an afghan for my son-in-law and wife because I knew they wouldn't want sweaters, hats, etc. but an afghan on their couch in the cold winter might be useful. Their front door opens right into the living room so it gets pretty chilly. But I guess not - they'd rather have nothing. I had thought about making matching Einstein coats for the mother and daughter and showed her a picture and when there was little enthusiasm I changed my mind. That's WAY too much knitting for someone that doesn't want it. I do assume though that baby clothes and blankets would be welcome if not appreciated as there is really no "style" for babies and small children other than cute.
After reading everyone's comments, I have to say that I don't think the term "knitworthy" is derogatory. It's just saying that don't bother putting the time and money into something the person doesn't want. I don't want a fishing pole and if someone gave me one it would be put in the back of the garage or given away, but it doesn't make me a bad person or mean that I don't appreciate someone thinking enough of me to buy me a gift. I totally agree that we should only knit for people that will appreciate and use the items and if they prefer store-bought then so be it. I'm not knitting for the family any longer.
Along the same lines, I did knit a sweater for husband a couple of years ago. He's not a big sweater person but he picked out the yarn (a really nice acrylic/wool blend) and an Aran pattern. (I told him that he has to wear it everyday until he dies, so if you see a man wearing an Aran sweater in the middle of the summer, its my husband.) He's only worn it a few times but always gets compliments and people can't believe I made it (so I don't think my knitting looks like beginner handmade). |
|
|
|
flicka
Seriously Hooked
824 Posts |
Posted - 04/16/2012 : 12:07:26 PM
|
quote:
originally posted by lucybug:
(I told him that he has to wear it everyday until he dies, so if you see a man wearing an Aran sweater in the middle of the summer, its my husband.)
Okay, this made me laugh, and by gosh, I really needed that laugh! Thanks, Lucybug.
flicka |
|
|
|
Milinda
Permanent Resident
USA
3816 Posts |
Posted - 04/16/2012 : 1:11:17 PM
|
Lucybug wrote:
(I told him that he has to wear it everyday until he dies, so if you see a man wearing an Aran sweater in the middle of the summer, its my husband.)
:: hahahahahahahhahaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! OMG, that is so funny. I agree with Flicka, I needed that laugh.
My husband is a wonderful man but he is NOT knitworthy. He has lost two sweaters I have knit and washed a Fair Aisle (and those of you who know me know I am not a big fan of weaving in all those little pieces of yarn in the first place. ) and shrunk it to the size of a teenager's garment. He wears that to garden in, despite the fact he appears to be sausage shoved in a casing and his elbows stick out of holes in the fabric and the sleeves are a graceful bracelet level. No, I don't make him wear it, but he seems to feel if he does still use it, I'll see the need for another to be knit and do so. Not on his wonderful little life.
Knitworthy is not a deragatory term, IMO. It is a statement of fact.
M L
|
|
|
|
Atavistic
Permanent Resident
6604 Posts |
Posted - 04/16/2012 : 3:52:05 PM
|
| My husband lost the first hat I knit for him in a taxi in Seoul. That was two years ago. No replacement yet! But it's more than alright, because I cook for him. |
|
|
|
Milinda
Permanent Resident
USA
3816 Posts |
Posted - 04/16/2012 : 8:54:11 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by Atavistic
My husband lost the first hat I knit for him in a taxi in Seoul. That was two years ago. No replacement yet! But it's more than alright, because I cook for him.
:: Maybe there is a difference between being knitworthy and cookworthy?
M L
|
|
|
|
lucybug
Warming Up
USA
75 Posts |
Posted - 04/17/2012 : 07:32:46 AM
|
quote:
Originally posted by Milinda
quote:
Originally posted by Atavistic
My husband lost the first hat I knit for him in a taxi in Seoul. That was two years ago. No replacement yet! But it's more than alright, because I cook for him.
:: Maybe there is a difference between being knitworthy and cookworthy?
M L
Now THAT got me laughing!
|
|
|
|
crafty1mjw@comcast.net
Seriously Hooked
USA
854 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2012 : 3:30:16 PM
|
Greetings, knitters! I too feel that the term "knitworthy" is not derogatory. I've been blessed that those in my immediate family are totally knitworthy! Lucybug, hang in there; we luv ya!
craftymjw
Keep on knitting!
A balanced diet is a peanut butter cookie in each hand! |
|
|
|
PurlJam
New Pal
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - 04/26/2012 : 08:05:42 AM
|
| [font=Tahoma]Shortly after my brother had gotten married, one of my very first knitting projects was a scarf for my new sister-in-law, who is also a knitter. It was done in a very pretty shade of pink that I thought would suit her quite well. I never saw her wear it, but about a year later, her newborn son's teddy bear was dressed in a little sweater in that exact same shade of pink. The S-I-L must have unraveled the scarf I so proudly made for her and re-knitted it into something silly. Naturally, I was hurt, and never wasted any more of my efforts on her. (And she turned out to be completely unworthy of my brother as well; he divorced her several years ago for justifiable reasons.) Truly a knitting "black hole." |
|
|
|
pqpatch
Seriously Hooked
USA
616 Posts |
Posted - 04/26/2012 : 4:22:01 PM
|
I remember years ago knitting a sweater for a niece. Her mom said she wouldn't wear it and ask if I wanted it back. I told her yes and I gave it to a little neighbor girl that just loved it. So at least it went to someone appreciative of it. I never bothered to knit for her again.
Patty
http://www.etsy.com/shop/twistedsticks?ref=si_shop |
|
|
|
NastiJ
Permanent Resident
1268 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2012 : 12:51:11 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by PurlJam
"unraveled the scarf I so proudly made for her and re-knitted it into something silly."
Why is that "silly?" At least she showed approval of your taste in yarn, and used it for something that probably saw more daily use than a scarf.
Nancy J.
"Learning how to knit was a snap.It was learning how to stop that nearly destroyed me." Erma Bombeck |
|
|
|
lucybug
Warming Up
USA
75 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2012 : 09:44:23 AM
|
I have an update on my non-knitworthy daughter-in-law. We went camping with them this past weekend and she asked me to knit a hat for her new baby (2 months old now). I had given her a hat I knit for her baby shower, but it's too big. (BTW - it's the cutest baby hat ever -- the cupcake hat from Grammy's Knits.) His only hat that kind of fits is one of those tiny flannel ones like they give you at the hospital and she wants one that she can pull down over his ears.
So, I went through my stash and found some pale blue and off-white yarn that is left over from something else I made for their daughter and started it last night. I still consider them non-knitworthy and won't make them anything else, but since she specifically asked for it and it will only take a couple days, what the heck. And, even though he gave me a big smile then barfed all over the only sweatshirt I had brought for camping. |
|
|
|
crafty1mjw@comcast.net
Seriously Hooked
USA
854 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2012 : 6:40:58 PM
|
Lucybug, you go, girl! Since she specifically asked, it can't hurt to give it another try!
craftymjw
Keep on knitting!
A balanced diet is a peanut butter cookie in each hand! |
|
|
|
Grand-moogi
Seriously Hooked
Australia
773 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2012 : 9:59:20 PM
|
I also can appreciate these sentiments. The main family I knit and sew for is my son's children as they are the only grandchildren I have. I once commented to my son that I had not see the little boy in the shorts I had made him except for the photo they took of him struggling to get them on (he was 2) and he had them back to front and could not get his bare bottom into them. My son assured me that they wear everything I make and I must say that they do seem to wear them. My daughter in law really appreciates the home sewn and knitted items and has even asked for them, as has my son. She takes care with washing them but I have still seen them washed to death not because of lack of care but because they have been worn and washed so often. I often thank the Lord that they appreciate the things I make as I would be devastated if they did not.
I knit a hug into every stitch |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Knitting into a black hole
