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Nov. 9, 2006
The Loveliness of Handmade Gifts
When I saw that Dawn had mentioned a Loveliness of Handmade Gifts faire, I knew I'd have a submission... but not just because I like to make gifts, no. Because I am fortunate enough to be the recipient of such gifts.
Both of my children were brought home from hospital, cradled in my arms and wearing a special outfit that their Nana (my Mum) had made. Photos do exist, but are not available on this computer unfortunately!
When I had my daughter, some kind soul had donated hand crocheted hats to the nursery, and my bald headed daughter was the lucky recipient of two of them (one was a little large).
I treasured these gifts, and the kids wore them as often as the weather and their size would allow! I was delighted that my Mum and my own Nan, would send me such gifts. And I made sure to use them... because the best thing to be said about a handmade gift, is that they are used! These treasures are now safely locked away... either 'just in case' or for future generations of the family.
I was a very lucky child in that I was made many clothes as I was growing up... dresses for summer, dresses for school Our school uniform was a red and white gingham check, and my sister and I declared our dresses much prettier than the store bought ones.
It was the rare birthday or Christmas that passed without a knitted jumper (sweater) or cardigan... and we were most upset if one of us got one, and the others did not!
There were many handmade gifts that were given to me, that were literally worn into holes. Sometimes my Mum would have to physically take something from me and throw it in the bin... I was that loath to part with it!
And if I am lucky... I still get one... like the cardigan I am wearing in this picture from last year!
Since I left home, I have tried to continue the tradition of handmade gift giving. A few friends over here have been the recipients of such delights as baby slings I sewed for them, or knitted cardigans or jumpers (sweaters) I made for a newborn.
Then there are the presents I made for the family.
This is a hat I made for my son when he was small... I was in need of a hat with earflaps... the poor little chap's ears were getting cold! So I went online and found a nice snowman hat... which I then adapted and changed into a cat hat. It has since become a family deal... known as 'the cat hat', my daughter has taken to wearing it with delight... since she loves cats!
and a better view of the CAT:
I promised him this one birthday... and started to make it. Well, I got bored, the needles were just so small that the yarn was knitting up VERY slowly... and I was starting with the back.
I picked it back up later, unravelled it and started it again with a larger sized needle.
This knitted up fast, but then I learned the yarn was not so good... and this was AFTER DS spilled coffee on it and I washed it... the back was pilling after one go!
So, we got some new, pure wool, yarn.
And I worked on it... this time I managed to finish it OK... but not before I ran short on yarn and had to try and find a dye lot match. I never did find a complete match, but did get something close!
When it was finally finished, DH was ectstatic... he'd been wanting it forever... the only problem now was waiting for cold enough weather to wear it. Being pure wool, it is definitely warm!
Last Monday (the 6th November) was my sister's 18th birthday. I jumped at the chance to make her something... I had long since wanted to knit something using a ribbon yarn... so I chose one in her favourite colour and knitted up a 'capelet'. Of course there is no such thing, a cape being by it's very nature a short cloak, and at that, this one is more of a wrap or poncho than a cape... but I still made it. And told her if she didn't want it to send it back!
I kind of liked the fit...
I was inspired by how well it turned out, so I decided that this year, the 'second little' present I like to give my siblings (even though I dont usually manage this) would be a homemade one.
So I started with hats... (I am modelling them all, yes, since hats look funny on a bed rather than a head)
One for a sister...
One for a brother... in his team colours ;)
 A small black hat for a sibling... Then there are other kinds of gifts... 
A scarf in a sibling's favourite colours!
These are not the only things I have made... the sweater in the photo at the top that DS is wearing, is one I made him... one of many over the years I have made both of the kids.
All handmade gifts are given with a little piece of the giver in them... because when we make a gift, we put a little bit of ourselves into it. Sometimes this is more literal than others! (Some of my handknits end up with hair in them LOL).
This year, I challenge you to make your own gifts... whether it be a knitted hat for your Mum, a square for a charity blanket, or a basket of cookies for the nursing home... make this Christmas mean something... give a little bit of yourself!
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About Me
I'm a 29 year old mother of two, who loves to read, bake, knit and homeschool... You can also read my husband's 'rantings' at the link below ;)
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I am currently having problems blogging here. Please check
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Posted by Anonymous 
Nov. 9, 2006 - Beautiful