Have you heard the terms knit and crochet worthy? It means that you trust the person you handmake an item for to be appreciative and care for it as you would.
But what if you don’t know? A customer came in this week and said that her latest thing is to interview her grandchildren to see who will get a hand made gift. She didn’t say exactly what the parameters were, but I believe the desire to properly care for the item, and perhaps their overall enthusiasm came into play.
Often we want to give a gift to surprise someone for a shower, or a birthday. We may not know if the person is “worthy” but we have the desire to make the gift and give it.
I recently gave a gift that was not as well received as I wanted. I had preconceived ideas of how the person would react, and when there wasn’t a great show of emotion, I was disappointed.
So I stepped back and thought about it. First, you never know how a gift will ultimately be used. I made my advisor a baby blanket when I was in high school. I don’t remember her reaction. . in general she was a pretty peppy person. But I didn’t hear another word about it. Then a year or two later, a friend of mine babysat for her and told me that the blanket I made was the little girl’s favorite. That made me smile!
Second, there is something noble and wonderful about gifting, especially something you have handmade. You have put your heart into it. And your precious time as well. So if the other person doesn’t know how to appreciate it, that’s on them. You still did something worthwhile.
Finally, the act of making is healing and relaxing and worthy in itself. No matter what the end result, that cannot be taken away. All the time spent feeling the softness of the yarn, reveling in the colors and methodically stitching away. . . it’s all worthwhile no matter who you make something for or where it ends up.
Is someone knitworthy? Crochetworthy? It’s hard to always know. But keep crafting anyway. Because you are worthy, and it’s worth it.
(The pic is of my niece wearing the Salty Air Tee I made her to celebrate her graduation from a Master's Program. She is definitely knitworthy!)
Jennifer