Giving Handspun Gifts - Twin Willows Farm

There is something so special about a handmade gift that someone spent their time and creativity to produce just for you. Almost every fiber artist out there feels that same way. And because of this, we sometimes feel incredibly hurt when others don’t share our view of these precious gifts. To save us heartache and hurt feelings, it’s good to step back and take a larger view of giving our handspun items as gifts.

One great way to know who will appreciate a handspun gift and who won’t is to make a list of people you may possibly give such a gift to. Your list may include everyone you know or just close family and a few select friends. Here is a chart idea you may want to copy and use:

When the opportunities arise, during a visit to your house perhaps, take the time to show off some of your handspun yarns and completed garments. Let your company handle and feel the different fibers and blends. Make mental notes of what they liked and what they didn’t. Notice what fibers or blends they most admired, what colors they seemed drawn to and what type or style of garment pleased them most. Record these on your chart along with notes about size and maybe their birthday.

Not everyone appreciates natural fibers. That’s pretty hard for most of us handspinners to comprehend. But if you have family and friends that fall into that category, it’s best to cross them off the handmade gift list and plan to purchase gifts for them. Giving handmade gifts will rarely, if ever, make a convert out of someone who just loves synthetics. Better to spend your time and creative energy producing wonderful gifts for those who you know will appreciate them.

This may seem like a lot of fuss now, but it will be a valuable asset as Christmas, birthdays, weddings, graduations and the like are approaching. A little time and thought now can prevent hurt feelings and resentment later on.

Twin Willows Farm - Giving Handspun Gifts