Needles of Iron: handmade gifts

January 10, 2013

MIne Are Knit-Worthy

Guess what? I made some of the gifts I gave to others. Surprise! While I have read and heard stories that this can be disappointing for some, I practice the attitude that once given, the gift is out of my hands for the recipient to do with as they will. It is my choice to follow up with additional time and effort, but I hold no resentment or misgivings or second thoughts once I give a handmade gift. Done and finished.

Before Christmas, Eldest asked for my Ravelry password, and snuck a pattern into my queue. The Step-Daughter was traveling with us and saw a hat she liked, full of cables. I said I thought that was within my capabilities. She also commented that 'those infinity scarves sure were cool'. We spent some time with the Rav search engine (which is AWESOME!). The aforementioned traveling took us to see my SIL, who questioned what it took to get on the 'slipper list'. And Middle Daughter wanted handknit socks for Christmas.

SIL recieved the slippers enthusiastically, which I have heard fit beautifully.
I sent Middle Daughter a couple of pair of socks I knitted over the summer, which she unwrapped over the phone, and loves. I think that gives her four pair. I think she is ahead of the other girls.
Eldest and Step-Daughter unwrapped their handknits on Christmas with praises and compliments. The articles were worn continuously pretty much until they left for their respective homes. Very heartwarming indeed.
And the little handknit ornament I made for Wisest Sister? Made it to Facebook. With many 'likes'!
I see the toes of handknit socks peak out from the cuffs of jeans.
And I see the hats of Christmas past on the fellow's heads.

Pretty humbling, and rewarding at the same time, I must say. One needs others to knit for, really. When we picked up Eldest from the airport, she commented on my sweater, and asked how many sweaters I had knitted for myself. I counted them in my mind.

This one really needs others to knit for.

March 24, 2009

TeaPots on TeaTowels

While visiting my step-MIL last summer, and helping with the dish drying, we talked about her preference for cotton dishtowels. Sure, she said, they soak up and get wet, but she liked them!

I noted and filed this information away.

My MIL is a very creative woman. Her home is decorated just lovely, in a comfortable and usable way, with antiques and collectibles. Some she has found. Many are family heirlooms. She paints. Not walls, mind you, but watercolors, and she is very good. Well, I think she is. However, I don’t know that I am any judge of that sort of thing.

Get the idea. Hard woman to find a special gift for. But tea towels? White cotton tea towels?? Well, I have a source for those, and her name is Dearest Sister.

I imposed upon Dearest Sister, begged, cajoled, and promised the moon, actually. “Please oh please, won’t you embroider me some towels to give to my step mom-in-law, to impress her so she will like me the most?”

We chose a teapot with flowers (go figure!) motif together, and decided to delete the ‘days of the week’…if I remember correctly.

Look at the finished project!