On Friday I mentioned that I consider my niece Olivia to be knit worthy. (I say knit worthy but if you don’t knit, replace it with whatever craft you do! The same principles apply.) The phrase can be found around the crafty interwebs, for example the Selfish Knitters and Crocheters group on Ravelry uses the phrase quite a bit. But what does it mean? What does being craft worthy mean for us the crafters and for the recipient? I asked this question on Twitter and I got a bunch of responses from people. I wrote them down and here’s what the general consensus looks like:
- A knit worthy person shows appreciation both for the knitter’s previous projects and their gift. Amber from Last Yesterday said that she loves to knit for her mother because her mother oohs and ahs over all of her projects. It does feel great to match up the right project with the right person but it’s a step that should be given careful thought. Sure, Great Aunt Matilda could use a shawl to keep the chill off her spine but if she’s said that your work is crap does she really need one made by you out of cobweb mohair? Does she really need a handmade gift from you at all?
- The recipient should have an appreciation for the time that went into their gift. Again, the person who disses your work as being “something you just made last-minute” most likely isn’t the best person to give a handmade to. Trading crafting skills with other crafters was also mentioned; they will most likely know how long and hard you worked at your craft and appreciate it accordingly.
- Does he or she want or need the item I want to make? Several twitter people responded that they make gifts that their recipients asked for. Giving a beautiful child’s sweater to someone who has no kids isn’t a good idea. Also, carefully think about the materials you’ll be using. If your friend isn’t the type who will hand wash his hiking socks, perhaps you need to think about working with a different yarn.
- Friend of the blog, Ewenique, said that she only crafts for people who are hug worthy. I think that’s a great way to determine who to make for if you’re not a serial hugger. Other people say they only knit for very close friends and immediate family. I don’t do free crafting for strangers and I don’t like to charge my family and close friends–that’s the balance I’ve struck between commissions and gifting. Figure out what your balance is and stick with it.
via Flickr, Lauren Manning
The ways to get kicked off the knitting list seem pretty crystal clear: no word of thanks, not using the item and not properly caring for it. Not only is not saying “thank you” in poor form, telling the crafter how awful the item looks is just uncalled for. It’s okay to set up boundaries, especially when it comes to something as personal as our craft. Not everyone we know really understands and appreciates our craft–and that’s okay! It’s also okay to not make for them. There are plenty of thoughtful gifts that are commercially available to give to them.
Another frustration people have expressed is not getting a fair offer from others. Non-crafters sometimes underestimate the time and money that goes into our products. If you feel like what you are offered is too low AND you are willing to take the job on, carefully explain why you need a better offer. Underpricing is something that I see all the time happening on Etsy stores. It’s not rude or egotistical to ask for a fair price! It’s doing right by you. If the person rejects your counter offer, don’t take it personally. It isn’t fair to your skills to agree to knit a lopi sweater in expensive yarn for only $10 if you really want to charge more. Yes, we craft and make because we need to, because we have that drive and desire. BUT! It doesn’t (always) mean we will do it for free, particularly if we’re trying to make a business out of our craft.
Good people of the world! Value your craft! Ask for a fair price or exchange of services! It’s okay to demand a sincere thank you from those we have blessed with our handmade gifts. And for those who undervalue our creativity, step off! For those about to craft, we salute you!
7 Responses to “What is “Knit Worthy”?”
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As I sit across from Olivia, I can say she is knit worthy. (double aww) She actually told me about this site. Just started looking and saw this entry that I had to respond to. Happy knitting!
I think you have to laugh off getting low balled. If you don’t, it’s too depressing…
Something that always tickles me is with the couple of knitted items I’ve made for my mother in law. They were practical items (dishrag and towel) and she didn’t make a huge fuss over them or anything, but every time we go over to their house, they’re always out and being used for dinner. Every single time, to the point where I’m sure it’s not a coincidence, and it’s really sweet that she pulls them out whenever we visit. I think that qualifies as knit worthy as well, really putting the item to use.
Agreed! I had to take someone in my immediate family off the knit-worthy list after the shawl and socks weren’t shown any love. And I had an ex look at a reversible cabled wrap (that I was quite proud of) and say “I’d be more impressed if you’d made a lamp”, but a month later he was texting me nonchalantly to ask if I’d be able to knit a hat with a beard. I told him yes, I could knit one, but that I didn’t see any reason I should.
Very well said. I have definitely trimmed my list down from years past when I made everyone gifts, even if they were never used. No thanks, I’ll make more for me next time
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I just got asked to knit for a friend of a friend, funnily enough once we worked out the cost of the yarn, pattern and my time, I’ve not heard back from her. To be honest I’d rather not knit for people that don’t appreciate the time it takes and yes I love knitting but that I won’t just do it for nothing
Most people get a free-pass the first time I knit something for them. However, if I’m ever to repeat the knitting, I want to know that it’s appreciated. I won’t actually come out and say how I expect to be thanked, but I can tell you what I’ve found that makes a difference whether or not there will ever be another project for that person (in whatever craft).
1. If I got to give the gift in person, did you have a happy look on your face?
2. If I didn’t, do you mind telling me that you got the gift and whether or not you appreciate it? Asking me how to take care of your newly made gift counts too…makes me think that it’s something you value.
3. Send me a random thank you or a comment when you use the gift. I may have given you mittens over the summer, but I know you won’t feel the love that was put into them until January.
4. Is something wrong? Did the yarn snag? Is it too snug? Actually telling me if the item did not fit properly is letting me know that you care enough to use it so you want me to repair it to make it usable. I don’t mind. However, if I see you gave it away and didn’t say anything to me…well…that’s the last hand made gift you’ll be seeing from me.
5. Finally…no matter how much I love you…I absolutely HATE requests to do knitwear for you or on your behalf (in all categories> commission, favors or gifts). Especially if you are asking just because you saw me give something to someone else. Even if you are paying for the yarn (and btw, if you give me acrylic, don’t expect a cashmere-like quality item). If you don’t knit for yourself, you have no idea how much planning goes into a project – even for fast knitters.
Hear hear!