Many cultures have festivals of giving and receiving gifts, with Christmas being the most obvious. For those who knit, this is a perfect opportunity to lavish time and attention on someone you care for, while spending time on a hobby that you love.
However, many knitters underestimate how much time they need to complete all of the gifts they want to make and end up either giving the gifts after the event, or rushing to finish the item and producing a sub-standard item.
Preparation is the key when working out what to make for others and is achieved by asking a few simple questions.
Whom Should I Knit for?
Make a list of all of the people you want to make a knitted gift for. By planning and making something original and unique, you can even find the perfect gift for that person “who’s got everything”.
What Should I Make?
Small gifts such as scarfs, hats and mittens are always welcome, but with planning, you would also have time to make larger items such as sweaters, or more complicated pieces such as beaded bags.
With time on your hands, you may even like to design your own item, for that really unique gift.
When are The Items Due?
Hand made gifts are also great for birthdays, weddings and other celebrations. A look through your diary or calendar will help you see what needs making and when.
This is where the planning really comes to the fore. If you know that it normally takes you approximately two months to make a sweater, then you can allow yourself plenty of time to make it, rather than starting a Christmas gift and the beginning of December and panicking to get it finished.
How Long will Each Project Take?
What Do I Need for Each Item?
Whether you’re the type of knitter who has a huge yarn stash, or whether you simply buy what you need for each project, planning ahead will enable you to have the time to chose your yarns carefully, and perhaps to buy when yarns are reduced, rather than buying whatever’s available in the shop because you’re running out of time.
Keeping Track.
On a wall planner or in a diary, mark out each item that you want to make, and when you want it finished by. This will enable you to check your progress and, if necessary, to rethink your goals.
Calm Knitting.
By planning your knitting in advance in this way, it will be possible to produce a number of unique gifts for your friends and family. If you’re knitting from your stash, these gifts are good for your cashflow, as the only outlay they require is your time, and that’s a commodity that you can plan.
But, perhaps most importantly, you will have the opportunity to give these lovely things away knowing that you’ve enjoyed your knitting, and had time to make them as beautiful and well finished as you can.
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