December 2, 2009

A Non-Knitter Makes Knitted Christmas Gifts!

in WFMW,arts and crafts,gifts,holidays/birthdays

I’m so excited to read the Works for Me Wednesday posts this week, as the theme this week is all about Christmas gifts! Although I’m trying to finish up my shopping (within the next week, I hope!), I still love getting ideas, especially since I’m sure many of them will be handmade goodies.

Speaking of handmade goodies, be sure to check out my ideas for baking goodies to give out as gifts, as well as making not so edible cookies (felt ones, actually) for Christmas as well.

Here’s my offering for this edition — knitting Christmas gifts for the knitting-challenged.

Just a year and a half ago, I had never used a sewing machine, and I had absolutely no idea how to do any needlework types of crafts (like embroidery or knitting). I’m still far, far, far from being a pro, and I have to use some aids at times, but I’m happy to say that not only am I making and giving those handmade felt cookies, but I am also giving some knitted (on a loom) gifts this year too! So, take heart, if you have always wished you could be more crafty, there definitely is hope for you!

I used the Knifty Knitter round looms to make the two completed hats shown, and am working on another one that is still on the loom. I used super soft yarns for all of those projects — the pinks are bamboo and the brown is alpaca. As far as I’m concerned, nothing makes knitting better than using wonderful yarn. And my big challenge for this Christmas? On the long loom (also by Knifty Knitter) is a blanket! It’s taking a lot longer than a hat, but I’m keeping at it!

So, if you’re like I was just not too long ago and you long to create but think you’re hopeless, maybe try something like the kit I used for learning embroidery or the looms sets (round would be easiest to start with, but the long ones are a great addition). Another major help to me was having my Mom around to help me (and Eric to help me with figuring out loom directions), but YouTube videos can help too.

Making handmade things for Christmas not only blesses the receiver, but as far as I’m concerned, it really can bless the giver too. It’s really hard for me to be in a bad mood while I’m using bamboo yarn. I’m hoping that at least one of my bamboo hat receivers (who lives in my house) will also find it hard to be in a bad mood wearing it!