The Best Laid Plans…
Less than 24 hours to go, and the Christmas knitting and crocheting aren’t finished, not to mention the wrapping and other preparations that need to be completed. There’s no need to be worried because there is a gift for everyone just waiting around most knitters’ or crocheters’ homes. And, there’s no guesswork, no disappointment, and no duplication. Sounds impossible, right? Wrong—it’s not only possible but probable and feasible. Make some hot chocolate and get ready to enjoy. Don’t worry—there really is time to even add marshmallows.
Most knitters and crocheters have the very best of intentions when planning to make Xmas gifts. They have the yarn, the ideas, the supplies…everything but time. Don’t put the yarn away yet. However, do get some Christmas Cards to get these gifts ready in about 15 minutes a piece. And if the supplies aren’t home yet, provisions can still be made by taking a trip to a favorite craft store.
Present Partially Finished Gifts
Some gifts may have been started, but it’s obvious they won’t be finished in time. There’s no reason that those gifts cannot still be given; simply present them with a spin. This suggestion may seem unconventional, but that’s what makes it such a unique gift idea. Give something new a try. Take a picture of what the gift will look like when finished (maybe the pattern instructions have one), then take a picture of the actual gift in progress. Present that with a card, and it's ready.
This gives the artist a chance to get a better feel as to what the recipients would like most. Maybe a modification is in store, or maybe they would much rather just have a simpler project. No matter what, there will certainly be some discussion around the Christmas Tree, and all of it should be taken in the most positive light possible.
Be Open to Suggestions
One very important thing to remember is to not be offended by suggestions. After all, it’s the receiver of the gift that has to use it, and all fiber artists know the worst thing that can happen to a project is for it to get put on a shelf. Try to be open-minded, and give the person the best effort possible—all without spending another nickel. And hey, if they would rather have something else, at least time wasn't wasted on something they wouldn’t have appreciated.
Use Completed Swatches
Add a swatch to the card instead of the partially finished project if it’s done. There had to be another reason to make a swatch, right?
Give “Not-Even-Started” Gifts
If the gifts have not actually been started, that’s alright, too. Offer a card with sample yarns attached, and write down a list of items that can be made for the recipient in the coming months. There’s no need to even mention that they weren’t completed; just state that the recipient’s opinion is valued.
Can’t Bite the Bullet?
If it’s too difficult to bear presenting partially finished work, there are always the good-old standby projects that knit up in a skein of yarn or less, but at this point, it is really inadvisable to start new projects. Save some money. Enjoy the holidays instead.
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