I know I am very blessed to have wonderful friends and family who appreciate my handknit gifts. Some knitters are not so lucky. My sister and Dad would be happy if all I ever gave them were handknit socks. I have the cutest nephew whose Mommy always has him wear the vests and sweaters and hats that Auntie Irishgirlie has made for him. Even my mom was caught wearing the socks I made her last year at this year's Thanksgiving dinner. Snowboarder. Well we all know he loves his hats.
And here lies the problem. Each year it has gotten harder and harder to put aside my socks and projects for me and start the holiday knitting. I think it has been three weeks since I last knit on a pair of socks intended for me. sigh. But, I look forward to Christmas, when I can cast on for me. However, what makes it especially hard, is when I knit something for someone else that I just can't bear to give away. I know I must (well, I guess I don't have to, but seeing as the holiday knitting deadline looms, well, you know, I probably should). But it is so very hard. I have come to realize that I may, just may, be a selfish knitter. And that makes me a bit sad.
Don't believe that smile in the picture. That gorgeous cowl and toasty mitts, knit out of the most heavenly Woobu, are not for me. I tried not to think about that as Snowboarder took my picture.
I tried not to think about my own fingerless gloves that are getting a bit worn.
So yes. I have admitted it now. I am a selfish knitter. But I will gift all the lovelies and my family and friends will enjoy them. However, I will be crying just a little bit on the inside.
Sincerely,
The Selfish Knitter
P.S. Because I hope to not really become a selfish knitter (though actually, there is nothing wrong with it), come back this weekend to see how you can win these pretty lovelies below. That is correct. Your eyes do not deceive you. That is Mama Blue Simple Merino, Socks that Rock Rare Gems, and Wollmeise (in a name I just can't spell without the label in front of me). It will be for a good cause (I tell myself that so that I'm not sad that they will be leaving my stash).
24 comments:
I feel you pain. I, myself, am a VERY selfish knitter so it's doubly hard during the holidays to sit here knitting fabulous things, trying to push the thoughts that whatever project it is isn't for me, trying to keep my eyes from wandering to the big pile of Noro heaped in the corner of my chair that's halfway to becomming an awesome scarf for myself....yeah, it's rough. You're a far less selfish knitter than me, because I totally wouldn't be giving away the mitts and cowl.
Have no fear, there are so many of us who can relate. I'm mesmerized by the scarf I'm knitting for my mother. BUT I also know it is the perfect yarn, color, pattern, texture for her and that she will love every stitch that it actually now hurts to make. Can we say repetitive stress injury? Ah the smell of Bengay, the squinting eyes late at night (just one more row -- you know how that goes), my lovely new heat pack. I can't wait for Boxing Day.
Happy holidays to you and yours!
You look great in that color! It's totally understandable not to want to give them away.
I can relate. As my little pile of gifts grow so does my desire to wear them. Just try them out. They look so lonely. Maybe they'd be happier with me. I know I'd wear them. I'm going to rationalize myself right into a bunch of new hats & cowls, and no presents.
Beautiful set of such cozy knits :)
I know exactly how you feel. I have been working on Christmas presents as well. I'm on my 4th pair of Fetching, and now I'm not sure I want to make a pair for me now!
Seeing that DO in fact knit for your family and others, I cannot consider you selfish. Besides which, anyone who will be giving away! that gorgeous wool can in NO WAY be considered selfish....so there!
I'm new to reading your blog, so I just wanted to let you know that you make beautiful things and take beautiful pictures.
Oh, those are gorgeous! Luckily your family (and I'm sure friends) love your handknits. Mine...well, that's why I usually knit for me! Love your yarns too...eeek that's gonna be a lucky persone
I thought that Tanzanite Woobu looked familiar. ;)
I hear you though. Every time I look on Rav for a gift pattern to knit up, I'm wanting to knit other stuff for myself instead, especially with our colder weather this weekend.
You are so not selfish! You put so much thought and love into every gift you make and you're not wanting to keep that for yourself...and that is the real gift!! I bet there are smiles galore when your gifts are opened!!
I love the cowl and mitts! Beautiful pictures of you showing them off!
Nothing wrong with being a selfish knitter. I think. But I'll be happy to take that yarn off your hands if you really want me to. ;)
I don't think there's anything wrong with being a selfish knitter. I refuse to do Christmas knitting! :)
I too have been a very selfish knitter this year! I think I have made a total of 4 (count em) four things for someone other than myself.
I refuse to feel guilty about it since this is the first time in my life I dedicated a whole year to myself!
Usually everything is for someone else...LOL
You are not really a selfish knitter.... If you were I would not have some really yummy yarn coming my way :)
You are not alone. Almost everything I am knitting for presents will go to a good home and I know will be appreciated but inside all I can think is that for the past several months I haven't been able to knit anything for ME!! I will probably cast on for a sweater for myself on Christmas Day!!!
I had the same thought last night as I was knitting a cowl in Malabrigo (my first knit in Malabrigo), and loving the pretty color and feel of the yarn. But I know that the recipient will love it just as much.
And that yarn you are giving away...well that's my favorite color of Wollmeise, hands down! You're not selfish, rather generous!
I have a Selbu soaking right now fresh off the needles - to be gifted today (!)...but I have a back up plan just in case. I totally get you. I think knitting gifts are reserved for only the very special - so not selfish - conservationist:) Oh, and look at jmy Mama Blue - can't wait to win it;)
That's okay-I am a selfish knitter too & proud of it :)
I'm a selfish knitter, too. My fondest wish would be for someone to make something especially for me. Oh well. Probably won't happen. Gorgeous cowl and mitts. Devil's advocate says maybe you should keep them...
It's okay to be a selfish knitter - after all, it takes so much time and skill to make lovely things. Why wouldn't you want them for yourself?
No crying on the inside. Soon you'll be done with the gift knitting and casting on a new sock, cowl, and/or mitts for yourself with something yummy from your gorgeous stash. And you know you've got plenty more lovelies in your stash. :)
Love the mug!
Cute post! And gurl you are nowhere near a selfish knitter!!
It has gotten so bad with me that I don't knit for Xmas to others!! Too much stress and as you said hard to let go! ;o)
I'm right there with you - I love making stuff for me!
Just came across your blog through the Rockin Sock Club on Ravelry, just wanted to say you make some lovely things, no wonder your family don't want to receive anything else. I am a selfish knitter although boyfriend keeps telling me it' about time I made something for him :)
Now see, I don't think knitting for oneself is selfish at all. I think knitting for others is incredibly generous. So we are all just knitters and if we knit for someone else, we are extra special knitters. :)
I would have to disagree. You are so VERY generous with all of knitted gifts and yarn...Thank you for all of these treasured gifts!
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