Crochet Maven

Not everyone is worthy of your gifts.

I ran into a neighbor as I was getting some packages that I’d ordered for Christmas. She commented – presents for Christmas? Yeah. “I’m making mine this year she said” I’m a senior at [a local university] and college is expensive. She shook her bag and said I’m just making everyone hats this year, they’re easy and quick.

“Wow! That’s great, this is the first year that I haven’t made anything for anyone, “ I said. She was saying she wanted to pay her tuition and we got to her floor.

As the elevator door opened, I said “Hats – that’s a great gift, you’ve bought the yarn, but you also have your time that you spend making each gift, that’s not cheap. Think about how much your time costs. That’s so cool!” Then she offered a big smile and said good evening.

Don’t let anyone belittle your gift or effort. Crafting is not cheap, few people consider the time that it takes to make something and only think of the cost of the materials. Value your effort. Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned crafter your time is valuable.

We all have those projects that we made when we were first starting out. My mother still has a project I made as an 8 year old. My family members still have the first scarves and hats that I made. I have held on to things that students made me when I taught for a short while and my mother has dozens of keepsakes that her students made/gave her.

Your time and talent are valuable. I am guilty of the line of thinking that I can just buy the materials and make something that won’t cost a lot [for the materials]. Since I like making things so if I decide to crochet a scarf, or hat or make a piece of jewelry, I don’t think of the time that it takes to make something. The thought and the effort count! Two days until the Christmas deadline – forza, friends – you can do it! And remember, your gifts are not cheap!