STITCH124

and the mom never even used it!

A lady at work asked me to knit a blanket for a little baby that she had sort of become a surrogate mother to. The real mother was young and didn't have anything for the baby. I made a blanket that was very time-consuming, considering I work full time. The blanket edging was quite a challenge but looked gorgeous in the end.

I saw the lady at work this morning and asked her how the baby liked the blanket. She said the mother never used it...or maybe just once. She two now and too old to use it.

Now I'm convinced I don't want to knit anything else for others who have no appreciation for the time and effort that goes into it. GRRRR!

Bernat Jacquard Ruffled Edge blanket

galaxycraft

It is heartbreaking when not appreciated.
But also take into consideration, it was not the mother who asked you to make it.
She may be a new mum who believes in NOT using blankets.
Please don't let this one incident decide your future giving of projects.

I just love the look of that pattern.
It is going to be my next project after I finish my 4 WIP.
Thank you for mentioning the border experience.

crochet_away

Oh what a shame, it looks like a beautiful snuggly blanket too.
I feel the same as you sometimes though, quite often i've been asked to do specific things, for them to either end up not used or discarded at the first opportunity, it is so disheartening isn't it..
But don't give up there will be someone who will treasure what is made, i made some clothes for a friends grand-daughter quite a few years ago, and i found out the other day her dolls now wear them all with pride, and although she is now 10yrs old she still swaps and changes their outfits.. :)
so you see you never know what positives lie around the corner.

Maryandsilviu

I think if someone asks you to make something in that kind of a situation just make something quick and easy. Then you won't feel so disappointed if this happens again.

I made a little purse for a friend's daughter as a birthday gift. Another friend's daughter saw it and loved it. Her mom asked me to make on for her too. I told her to get me 1 skein of cotton from Walmart in the girl's choice of color. That was months ago. That can also be a gauge if they really want it or not.

Carynjoyb

It is a shame when someone doesn't know what goes into making a hand made item. No matter how big or small the item is, it will never enter into their mind what it took to make it.
The blanket I'm sure is beautiful, and even at 2 years of age, would be appreciated by someone who knows.
When giving a handmade gift, just give it from your heart and soul, and know that you made it with love.

Caryn

NanGreen

Maybe she considered it a treasure to keep?

Linda6885 (a regular here)

I wouldn't take her word for it. Does she know this for a fact? Unless she lives with her, I don't know how she would actually know how often she used the blanket. Maybe she only used it for special, and has put it away as a keepsake, until next time.

AuntB41

I share your disappointment. I once knit a white blanket for a newborn (brother-in-law and wife) with 100 pom poms around the edges. I was very pleased with myself when it was completed. No one ever saw the blanket!! I still do not know what happened to it and that was about 45 years ago. I was deeply hurt and never knit another thing for this relative. It hurt to know that it was not appreciated, but there are people out there that do appreciate the effort and I continue to knit for others, but only those who show interest and appreciation.

Oldhenwife

I was thinking along those lines, perhaps the mother thought it was too beautiful to risk spoiling. Babies do tend to leak from both ends and chew ...

Lills

I'm new to knitting but have made dozens of quilts for people who have no idea the effort that goes into such a thing. I'm mad at your colleague - she only had to say 'she loved it'. People can be so thoughtless. Maybe the baby will find it and love it at a later date. Don't stop giving. Do it because you love to give - never give for love!

tamarque

It is heartbreaking to see all your creativity and love trashed. I am going thru the same thing with my son/dil who seem to have no appreciation for my work. It really hurts me and I need to work on trying to distance myself from the whole mess.

vannavanna

I knitted ,not asked for, new Polish d-in-law. She laughed saying" U don't put wool next to babies!" I was really hurt. Silly me.

inishowen (a regular here)

Why did the lady have to tell you it wasn't used? That was very unkind.

Auntie L

Another side to the story:
Many times in my very large family it was a sign of honor NOT to use a handcrafted item for the new baby. No No it was kept safe for the child until adult hood and passed down to them as an heirloom for their family. My children, upon their marriages were given their very first "baby item" for their newly established union.

As the children were growing they were shown the items tucked away for them and the history and memories became part of that item. Like: "this was given to you by Great Aunt Mildred who was a R.N. she was the 3rd child... and on and on the history of "family" went.

So please don't be discouraged cause if you were in my family that would have been a sign of High Honor. You never know.

GypsyC1225

I learned a very long time ago to say: "O.K. I will do that, all you have to do is buy the yarn, and the pattern book" You will be surprised at how few will mention it again.