Gifting non-knitters

[hedgehog]

There is a quote in "Stitch and Bitch" that says something like, "Don't make major projects for non-knitters because you'll toil away on something tha they won't appreciate fully. The worst thing is to painstakingly make something that is never worn or used". I get this.

I don't know what it is, but i never seem to get much of a response when i make things by hand as gifts. It's a paradox of mine. I LOVE making things specifically for a person (knitting, jewelry, etc) and i take lots of time agonizing over what is just the right thing for this person... Then i send them off and rarely hear a "thank you", let alone a gush of appreciation. Why is that? If someone made something especially for me i'd turn around immediately and thank that person for their time - if nothing else!

Case in point - i've recently sent off two birthday gifts, three random gifts and one baby gift. Only one person thought to call me or email me when they received their gift (and that's just because he's fabulous). I mean, even if you hated the object, a simple "thanks, i got your package" isn't too much to ask, is it??

And the weird thing is that people ask me to make things for them. As if they know you have the ability to make nice things, therefore you should want to do things for those you love (and i do!).

I dunno.. i feel kinda stupid... I don't want to chase people down just to find out if they received the damned stuff!!

I think i'm going to have to stop and be a little selfish for a while. I've only ever knitted one thing for myself - my first ever FO - and it recently bit the dust (worn out with love).

What is your experience in gifting your hand goods?


-hh