Hey, Pal! If I Give You Crochet, Use It!
By Caissa "Cami" McClinton – 6 CommentsSometimes crochet is precious. And often it is useful. In my opinion, even if it is precious, it should still be used.
Pinning is fun! Share me on Pinterest.com!
Has the following ever happened to you?
You see a cute pattern you’d like to try, and so you try it. You get addicted to said pattern and make it over and over. Then you have too many of those somethings and you need to pass them along. So you decide to give one of them to your family member/friend/coworker/neighbor. Said family member/friend/coworker/neighbor is so impressed with your handiwork that he or she gives your crochet a revered place in the home, for fear of ruining it!
Now, I do suppose it is possible that (gasp!) he or she doesn’t like the thing you made and for that reason it is not being used… I suppose it’s possible… (It has happened to me before.) But I really am talking about people who truly do love your crochet and just feel like they should treat it preciously.
In this case, the sentiment is really nice. This person reveres your work and values the time and effort you put into it. That is a beautiful thing. Yet… I still kinda feel like if I give you crochet, you should use it.
Washcloths should be used just for that purpose. They can be workhorses and can bring you joy each day. Fine shawls can be draped over your shoulders to keep you warm, or used as a scarf on a chilly day. Why not use them? Nearly nothing in this world is so precious that it shouldn’t be used! And certainly anything I make isn’t an artifact and shouldn’t be treated like one.
I know there’s a risk with using something. It could get lost or damaged. I’ve done that with things I really, truly have loved. But you know, I have gotten a lot of joy out of using beautiful, handmade things each and every day. I wear a lot of unique, handmade jewelry and it is a great conversation starter!
So, dear family member/friend/coworker/neighbor, If I give you crochet, I hope you’ll use it! (And if you don’t like it, give it back!! No hard feelings!) 😀
Crochet Spotter, what’s your take on this scenario? How would you handle this situation? Please leave your ideas, thoughts, and questions in the comment section below!
I love the idea of this post. I made over 25 washcloths and dishrags for my family and friends for Christmas presents. I run into the problem that people say they are too pretty to use. I made them to use, I tell them. Sometimes I feel like my crochet projects aren’t as loved by others as I love them, but thats ok. Once I pass it on with good intentions, then what they chose to do with it is on them. I understand not everyone loves crochet but most everyone loves a heartfelt gift. Most people will display your crochet just because the time and effort it takes. Make sure your project is something that they use everyday or something luxurious and special. If they don’t love it as much as you, then next time give them the choice to pick. They may tell you they don’t want crochet, but you know your friends. Ask questions. That will let you know what to put on your hook for them next time. Thanks for a great post, I am watching the follow up comments. This is an interesting topic. Thanks for sharing your blog. I follow. Happy Holidays!
I can see both sides of this. I used to set aside all the washcloths a friend had knitted me, but now I use all but the most decorative ones. I also use the afghan my friend crocheted, but I have all of the afghans my grandma made folded away because she passed away 20 years ago. If I had a nice place to set them out without getting worn out, I would. When I give someone something I made, I see it like any other gift. It belongs to them now, whether they want to keep it as a keepsake or use it daily. I admit I wouldn’t want it to be lying dirty on the floor or something.
Once I’ve given someone something, it’s theirs to use or not. The Christmas I gave everyone crocheted dishcloths, I did tell them, “Don’t be afraid to use them. If they wear out, you can ask me to make you more.” (I always do that, but that was the one Christmas where EVERYONE got crochet. I had time but no money and a stash full of Bernat Handicrafter.) But: I know that some people used them, one gave them to her son because he thought they were blankets for his Avengers action figures, one didn’t want to wash dishes with them but turned them into coasters, and some just didn’t use them. Apart from the one sister-in-law who regifted them the next year TO US, I don’t have a problem with that, because it’s theirs.
Now that’s special, to crochet for Avengers!
I think one of dishcloths ended up on Barbie’s bed.
Holy faux pas, Batman! Did you tell her??
Although I feel a little sad when they don’t use or like the gift I made for them, I think asking to give it back is a little rude. You just suck it up and continue to crochet because it is something you enjoy doing.