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| Fuzzy Pink Socks -- Image from Easy |
I had the joy of speaking with a beloved family member recently who shared with me how much she enjoyed a special pair of fuzzy socks she had. You see, my mother, Ruby Evelyn Skidmore Fancett, who passed away seven years ago, had knit them for this special lady. My mom was always making lovely things, particularly quilts, and gifting them. She had a special knack for knowing who needed what. Granted, she may have asked! This family member shared that she could no longer wear any of her shoes, but the fuzzy hand-knit socks are now keeping her feet warm. And we both shared a good cry remembering how my mom loved people and shared her talents with them.
If you're thinking of making some heartfelt hand-made gifts this season, here are three reasons you really should:
1) You're creating the gift of self. The giving of your time.
2) Hand-crafted items can be the gift of love. They represent that you care enough to make something unique for the recipient.
3) Well-made hand-crafted gifts can last even longer than the maker and be a beautiful reminder of #1 and #2 above -- someone took the time to send you a gift of love.
In a way, books are a hand-crafted gift by the author to the readers. That's something I realize now.
Question: Have you ever crafted something special for a loved one? How was it received? I'm giving away a commenter's choice of several pairs of my hand-made earrings (here's an example above) OR one of any of my books this week.
I regularly craft for others. Sometimes I haven't even received an acknowledgment of the gift, which has made me question why I have sent it. A group of ladies that I used to knit with reminded me at that time that I felt the Lord wanted me to knit it - He didn't promise recognition for it! Recently I knit a blanket as a wedding gift and was overwhelmed by the response as the young lady informed me that she wasn't even sure she would share it with her hubby...lol. However, I have since herd that there might be some discussion about who gets to cuddle under it today. :)
ReplyDeleteI will say, though, that this reminds me of the importance of acknowledging a gift, especially one that the creator has spent time creating.
Hi Betti, I totally get about what you are saying -- do it for God and that's all the recognition you need. I agree, though, too that it sure is nice when someone acknowledges the gift. In today's crazy busy world I understand why many people don't even get a chance to slow down and call or text a thank you much less a note of thanks. That's cute about the couple now arguing over who gets the blanket haha!
DeleteI have made a short for my cousin that she loved from her dad's old shirt
ReplyDeleteI am wondering, Shelia, had her dad passed away and she wanted a memory of him?
DeleteI love making gifts. My craft work is not only relaxing but rewarding in many ways. I recently made a pair of fingerless mittens for my daughter. She gets chilblains with the cold. Now she can still work on the computer but keep her hands warm.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I bet your daughter feels your love every time she puts on those gloves and types, Mary!
DeleteI've given many handmade gifts! I especially enjoy the times I've made mini albums for family and friends. I'm pretty sure everyone has loved them by the smiles on their faces. 😁
ReplyDeleteHi Anne! I bet your family and friends love your gifts! The flowers you brought to my book signing a week and a half ago are STILL blooming strong! And much appreciated! Big hugs!
DeleteI love that people can craft and make wonderful things but I am not crafty at all. I just didn't get that talent but I admire that in others.
ReplyDeleteHi Melanie, I think crafting isn't the right thing for many people. Do you like to bake? I imagine as a mom and grandma you are crafting memories by the meals you make!
DeleteI used to give homemade gifts a lot. I still do but not as much. They have been mostly well received. However, I once cross-stitched a gift for my mother-in-law and she told my she was running out of places to put them so I guess she thought I had given that as a gift too much.
ReplyDeleteI love getting handmade items. And that includes books.
Ouch that must have hurt to have someone say they were running out of room! My FIL was running out of room for his paint by numbers (they are beautiful) and we've been blessed to receive several as has our daughter. Hugs!
DeleteI have no crafting talent at all...lol! If I did ever take up something, I'd try my hand at making jewelry. I know several ladies at my church who love that kind of stuff. Plus, there's always some kind of craft show during the summer here where you can sell handmade things.
ReplyDeleteMy sister has recently taken up crocheting or knitting (can't remember which) and is thinking about selling what she makes. I told her she should because a lot of people really like that kind of stuff! She's also made bath scrubs and poufs that I know many ladies would love.
I love earrings and have bought several pair of unique handmade ones. The more unusual the better! Plus I know the person has put a lot of thought and work into them. :-)
I'm not sure if you need this but I'll include it...thanks for the giveaway Carrie!
Deleteteamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
Hi Trixi! I've been asked about selling some of my jewelry but then it would become a chore. I enjoy making it for gifts to (hopefully!) bless people! Thanks for coming by!
DeleteCarrie, your beautiful post reminds me of one of my most favored gifts ever received - it was a pair of hand-knitted slipper socks also. They were knitted by the mother of a friend of mine (the mother no longer living) and the warmest I have ever owned. I often have cold feet, but also large feet and most slipper socks in the stores aren't large enough for me - nor are they as warm as the hand-knitted ones. The hand-knitted ones were gifted me in the early 90's and the yarn unraveled on one of them years ago - I've searched for someone who could duplicate them for quite some time as I do no kind of needlework myself.
ReplyDeleteHandmade gifts truly are some of the very best gifts - for all the reasons you mentioned. I've done quite a bit of crafting and baking for homemade gifts through the years, but am only physically able to do limited baking for gifts now.
Hi Bonnie! So you really understand how much a blessing a handcrafted gift to warm ones feet is! My daughter does needlework--her grandmas taught her but she's about to finish her masters degree and works full time so I don't think she's got time for knitting or crocheting anything this year. I bet your family and friends have been so blessed by your gifts, Bonnie. I know I've been blessed by you! hugs!
DeleteMy daughters love making gifts. I treasure every one of the handmade gifts I've gotten for birthdays, Mother's Days, just-because days.
ReplyDeletemindyhoungATmsnDOTcom
That's wonderful, Mindy~! My mom kept some handmade gifts I'd made her and I didn't realize until she'd died that she even still had them -- up on her bedroom wall!
DeleteYes, I’ve made many gifts over the years, afghans for newborn babies and adults, hats, scarves, Christmas ornaments, doilies, etc
ReplyDeleteHi Leila! Wow, sounds like you have blessed so many people! My MIL knits and crochets and was even involved in a ministry for knitting hats for cancer overcomers!
DeleteWhat a special memory Carrie.
ReplyDeleteI have made many gifts in years past. I don't make as many now as I would like.
Blessings, Tina
Same here, Tina! I hope to get back to doing a little more beading again. We'll see! But my other crafting projects have gone by the wayside. Blessings back friend!~
DeleteI've given hand crafted items as gifts including decorated towels, embroidered scraves, jams and jellies, special candies individuals like but unable to make. One of my favorite Christmas treasures is a hand stitched quilt from our dear mother. Also, a patchwork quilt from my grandmother.
ReplyDeleteQuilts are the best. I also have a hand sewn and embroidered coverlet from my grandmother/great-grandmother that I cherish.
DeleteI have given several counted cross stitch items as gifts. Each gift was loved and cherished.
ReplyDeleteI used to do counted cross-stitch but my eyes can't handle it any more, Caryl! Praying for you as you wait to go home!
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