Knit-worthy? Definition of of someone who is knitworthy (or Crochet-worthy) is someone who appreciates, thru words and actions that they love the gift they received. Most knitters and crocheters love to see pictures of the recipient wearing or using the item - better yet to see it in person. Showing off newest creations on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and the like means "I LOVE IT!!", kinda like walking outside and shouting at the top of you lungs how much it means to you that the person took the time to make this great hat or scarf or cowl for you.
Not long ago, there was a post circulating on Facebook that said "Handmade is not cheap!" It's NOT! While the materials to make a gift may cost less than a manufactured version gift, it takes time and thought to find the pattern (or create your own) and time to actually make it. Here are some estimates of time needed to make some of the common presents. They depend on size or length of item, yarn & needle combination, & complexity of stitch pattern, shaping, etc:
- Hat: 2 to 10 hours
- Cowl: 10 to 25 hours
- Scarf: 5 to 45 hours
- Shawl: 15 to 45 hours
- Blanket/afghan: 25 to 120 hours
- Adult Sweater: 20 to 90 hours
- Child's Sweater: 20 to 45 hours
Want to know how much is worth? Multiply the estimated time to make the item (or the time it actually took you to make the item) by say $10 (about minimum wage) and that's a very rough estimate of the value. Is the person worth it? Of course, the next question is whether they will appreciate it or put it in a drawer.
What's on Mitzy's Needles (and hooks)?
There is always yarn in her hands - either tiny double pointed needles or mid sized hooks. If you have been to the store, you have seen the wide assortment of land & sea animals, easy care plants, baby items from booties & bonnets to sweaters & dresses.
How does she find inspiration?
"I find an something that I want to make, and look to see if there is am existing pattern. Usually there are techniques that don't match my style, so I make changes simplify the construction or re-work shaping. For knitting, if there are seams - I get rid of them! I like to try to make it easier for a new knitter or crocheter to do them. To be sure the pattern is works, I make several samples using different yarns and needle or hook sizes."
Some of her features creations include:
How does she find inspiration?
"I find an something that I want to make, and look to see if there is am existing pattern. Usually there are techniques that don't match my style, so I make changes simplify the construction or re-work shaping. For knitting, if there are seams - I get rid of them! I like to try to make it easier for a new knitter or crocheter to do them. To be sure the pattern is works, I make several samples using different yarns and needle or hook sizes."
Some of her features creations include:- The Onesies,
- The SipSips (pronounced seep-seep),
- Animal Coin Purses and
- EasyCare Plants (Knit Catcus and Crocheted Succulents).
Kits are available and the 1st Saturday of each month is official Amigurumi Day, when you can learn to make either a knit or crochet item. The class is 2 sessions. One to get you started and the second to assemble and embellish your creation. You do need to know how to knit for the knit amigurumi or crochet for the crochet projects. Confident Beginners are welcome to join in the fun.
What's next of her needles? It's a surprise, but it involves animals like Hamsters, Lizards, Bunnies, and Ferrets.
