Making Gifts: 5 Things to Consider

Knitting gifts is something I used to be quite nervous about. Crafting something by hand for someone takes a little more time than simply buying them something, and I always worried that a hand knitted item wouldn't be well received because well, it was homemade. This is a ridiculous way to feel, given that I used to sell my knitted items, and also how I personally feel about receiving handmade gifts (they are so special!).
In 2016 I hand knitted a few gifts and they were very well received. Following on from that, last year was the first where I consciously tried to think if there is something I could knit when I needed a gift, rather than automatically going for the store bought option.
I love making things to give to people, so I really love the opportunity to do just that. I've come to realise that making gifts for people requires following the exact same thought process as buying them a gift - because at the end of the day I want the recipient to love what they have received.



What does this thought process involve?

• Take into account the recipient's personal tastes in colours and styles. If the person you are knitting for loves muted tones and soft patterns, it would be thoughtless to make them something with a bright fair isle pattern on it
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• Just because it's something you'd love to knit them, is it something they'd love to receive? Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in a technique or pattern you want to try without thinking about why you're actually making it. If this is the case, make it for yourself!
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• Time: how long do you have to make the gift? It's easy to underestimate the time some things take, and you don't want to be stressing about getting something finished. Plan gifts in advance as this gives you lots of time to chose a pattern and yarn and actually enjoy making it!
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• Don't worry about the season! Christmas comes at one of the hottest times of year in Australia, but don't let that put you off giving people a woolly gift. They can put it away and look forward to using it in Autumn
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• It can be wearable without being a garment. You'd have to know someone really, really well to want to knit them a garment. Aside from the time involved, you need to know their measurements and what kind of styles they like to wear. Your wearable gift can be an accessory - think beanies, scarfs, small shawls and socks for wearable items for adults. Of course, it doesn't have to be something to wear. Non-wearable items include decorations and homewares (a cushion, a hot water bottle cover, ornament, garland/bunting, dishcloth/washcloth, etc.)
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The wonderful thing about making a handmade gift is that it actually opens up your gift giving options. You're not very likely to buy a packet of dishcloths as a gift, but if you make them yourself they are suddenly on a whole new level - they're prettier, for a start, and really lovely to receive.

Remember that making a gift is supposed to be fun, and enjoyable. It's supposed to be made with love, so only do it if you feel like it! No one wants to receive something made with obligation :-)

Will you be giving any handmade gifts this year?

Projects pictured in this post: Little Oddment Hedgehog pictured with pure Australian alpaca yarn. Darling Dots Beanie knitted in organic Australian merino.

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