Last Minute Gift-Making
Why is it I don’t get inspired to knit Christmas gifts until December?? You would think in my 40-some years of life I would learn to start earlier. Even though I saw a gorgeous cashmere scarf in “Knitted Gifts” that suited my brother “to a T”, did I start it yet?? And the sweater I just KNEW my sister would love is still no more than a thought. Why do I wait? Let me count the reasons . . .
1) I am a procratinator. Why start something today that won’t be used for 6 months (even though it may take me 6 months to make)??
2) I am scared. What if they don’t like it?? What if it doesn’t fit?? What if it turns out ugly?? What if they politely ask if there is a gift receipt?? If I wait long enough, I can dismiss the idea as “oh well, not enough time”.
3) I can’t always make up my mind. Would my brother like a soft grey scarf, or a tan one? Does my sister still love pink, or could I convince her she looks better in red??
4) Will I upset others by not knitting for them? Will my husband be upset that he got a simple wool scarf instead of the cashmere scarf?
5) Do the gift recipients even like hand-knitted gifts? My sister still breaks out in a rash when she remembers the ponchos and slipper socks from our youth. I kinda thought they were cool. Perhaps that is why she never took up knitting . . .
For now, I just knit for my husband and kids. And no, it usually isn’t a suprise. I let them pick out the yarn and patterns, and they see me knitting every evening. That way they can see that I knit love into every stitch - which makes the most simple of projects ones that are special.
I still think my brother would like the scarf. Maybe next year.