Happy holidays to you and yours

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah !  I love having Crazy for Ewe each and every day, but at the holidays, I am especially reminded of why.  Knitters and crocheters are wonderfully generous people.  The number one reason for taking a beginning class is the desire to make something for someone.  Whether it's a scarf for a friend, a shawl for a mom, a blanket for a baby, it's almost always for someone else.  I think that is the loveliest of sentiments.  You've chosen the yarn in a color you think will please, and you've selected a pattern that you think suits.  Then you spend the next however many hours creating that gift.  Stitch by stitch.  Row by row.  As you work, you think about that person.  If someone asks what you are making, you will likely not only show your project but talk about who it's for.  You'll be reminded again of why you chose that yarn and that color. 

It's a fairly intimate act, knitting or crocheting for someone else.  It's not done casually.  The larger the project, the greater the investment.  You know, they say, Never knit a sweater for your man until you've got the ring!"  I'm sure it's kind of overwhelming for a guy to find that his girlfriend dedicated so much of her free time to him when he's not sure he's that into the relationship yet.  Can I tell you how happy I am not to be young and dating anymore.  Well, I'm glad not to be dating anymore, anyway.

But that whole concept of knitting for someone else is a beautiful way to invest in a relationship.  It's the ultimate gift of self - A tangible gift or your love created through time and talent to be treasured for a lifetime.  And just as you thought of the recipient with each stitch, so will he or she think of you each time they wear your hand-knit gift. 

While I am neither knitter nor recipient, I feel very much invested in your projects and in the relationships they help build.  Thank you for trusting me with this important part of your life. 

Happy Holidays to you and to everyone you knit for.