Monday, February 1, 2010

#17 - A GIFT FOR MYSELF (FOR ONCE)


From Knitting, etc.


Nine times out of ten, I give away the things that I knit. It admittedly brings me great joy to share my craft with the people in my life, and hopefully they'll appreciate the time and effort required to turn a ball of yarn into a wearable, useful item. But I admit, it doesn't always turn out the way you plan. You imagine the recipient opening the box, eyes wide and mouth agape, instead of a hesitant, "...Oh, you made this."

But it's not their fault. Non-crafters don't realize that good yarn might cost $10+ a skein or that we can't whip up a pair of fair isle mittens while watching a few episodes of The Office. And I realize that I'm a showoff. I want people to be shocked and amazed at my abilities. I create gifts because I'm a sap, and I want my loved ones think of me every time they put on the scarf or mittens or hat that I made specifically for them with my own hands.

From Knitting, etc.


With all of this said, sometimes you just have to make something for yourself. It was with that thought in mind that I bought a single skein of Farmhouse Yarns' Cotton Blossom Yarn by Dixie at Purl Soho amid a pile of yarn for baby gifts. The seafoam green colorway was subtle, soft, and full of texture. I knew I didn't need a fancy pattern, just a basic garter stitch to show off the yarn, so I picked the impossibly easy wham bam thank you lamb cowl neckwarmer. I'll share a few gratuitous pictures of myself wearing it - check out that texture! I'm sure this will make regular appearances in my wardrobe.

From Knitting, etc.


From Knitting, etc.

More de-stashing to come soon!

5 comments:

M.E. Greene said...

I am super duper proud of you for knitting something for yourself! For the first 20 years of my knitting life I only ever knit for others and never for me, and I finally grew a brain and started knitting for myself. It's such a treat! By the way, I'm adding you to the Blog Party blog roll right now!

Lexy said...

Rachel, the cowl and its wearer are beautiful! That yarn looks soft and smooshy and nommy.

Unknown said...

That is so cute Rachel. It looks adorable on you! It's been a while since I have been around to visit my PEAR friends, I saw your cute cowl in my reader and just had to say HI!~Lanie

Maiden Jane said...

It looks lusciously warm! I like knitting for myself! I'm a bit of a selfish knitter.

Unknown said...

Wow, that is hard to do. I never make things that I don't finally give away even if they were for me. :) Maybe I will just go for it! :)

Have a PEAR-fect day!