As a knitter, it goes without saying that I love knitting, and I assume other knitters do as well. Many non-knitters appreciate our art, and in many cases, a knitted gift is a lovely way to express how much you care. Before you start in on your holiday knitting, though, it's important to take the time to evaluate whether a knitted gift is really what is best for the particular person and situation. Handmade gifts take a lot of time, effort, and love, and it's always a shame when that gets wasted. Here are some guidelines that you may want to think about before casting on:
Do you know the recipient will appreciate something handmade?
Lots of people will appreciate a handmade gift, but many people, sadly, will just assume you're trying to be cheap, not thinking about how much your time is worth, and that, in making something for them from scratch, you put a little bit of yourself into every stitch. There may be some people who are in the middle. This person may not be excited about a hand-knit gift, but you might be able to win them over with something that is really spectacular. It's definitely worth trying once to see if you can convince them, but if you can't, or if the person you're thinking of is a die-hard proponent of the "hand-made is cheap" position, don't waste your time, yarn, and energy knitting for them. Really -- get them something else. Everyone will be happier, and you won't be resentful about all your wasted effort.
Conversely, if someone really loves your hand-knits, it is worth encouraging, and you should try to find something to make them. One of my nephews was so excited about watching me knit my husband a sweater that he begged me for one of his own. Even though that's a bigger project than what I would usually want to do with (at the time) six nieces and nephews to make things for, it was worth it to me because of the look of delight on his face when he unwrapped the sweater. Especially a child who is just forming their ideas of what the perfect gift is should be encouraged to think handmade gifts are the best.
Do you have time?
For me, this is often an important consideration. Even if I get started January 1st, it's tough to get something knitted for everyone by Christmas and Chanukah because my husband's family is large (including his parents, siblings, siblings-in-law, and nieces and nephews, there are 18 people, not including us, and not including anyone in my family!). This year, I only knitted for the most of the adults we exchange gifts with, and it still took two months. Because I have so little time to myself since having a baby a year ago, it is important to me that I safeguard my time for knitting for myself, my son, my husband, and other projects that I knit primarily because I want to, rather than because I feel like knitting gifts is something I should do. If you're just starting your knitting in December and have a lot of people to knit for, you may want to trim down your list.
Are you having fun?
This is really important. We no longer live in a society where knitting is required. It is a hobby, and if you aren't having fun, you shouldn't do it. For me, I know that I am currently close to burning out on knitting gifts, so I'm planning on taking a break next year and working on other projects instead. It's allowed. You don't have to do it if it isn't fun!
Conclusion
Knitting for others is one of life's great joys -- if you are thoughtful about how you do it, the rewards are tremendous. You don't have to knit for others, though, and if you're happier working on projects for yourself, that is a totally valid position and you should not feel pressure to knit for others.
Mira Whiting - Mira Whiting is a knitter and mom living in the Boston area. She blogs about knitting at Mira's Knits and motherhood at Mamas and Milk.
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