It was bound to happen . . .

You all were there and know the story. My brother and SIL were having their first child. In honor of that child, I knitted an EZ Baby Surprise Jacket. I spent months knitting the BSJ. I agonized over the yarn, changing my selection twice. I had to overcome my apparent inability to count. I then found the perfect buttons to sew onto the jacket once Sarah had been born.

And if the jacket weren’t enough, I knitted a duck bib and a Spartan tribute bib for the baby to wear. I created the pattern for the duck bib, the first time I ever felt confident enough to not follow a pattern. I accidentally learned intarsia when I crafted the Spartan tribute bib (also a PeachyQueen creation).

I have been so proud of these gifts. I actually brought them to “Show and Tell” at the Atlanta Knitting Guild in June. The BSJ received compliments from both the Atlanta Knitting Guild and from the Ravelry BSJ Forum. Other people have asked me to write down the pattern for the duck bib.

With pride, I carefully wrapped each item in tissue paper, tied them with a ribbon, and sent them to Phoenix last week. (Okay, I was a little late in sending them out, but the baby isn’t two months old yet and is in no danger of outgrowing either the bibs or the BSJ anytime soon.)

So today I get the phone call. “Hi. It’s me. I’m calling because first I received this package today and I wanted to thank you. But I really wanted to know if the kids are at home because I’d like to show them Sarah on Skype.” (Skype is a free program that allows you to chat with, call or video-call other people through the Internet. It really is cool. During the last week, I’ve been able to video-call my nieces and nephew in Greece; my SIL, brother and niece in Phoenix, and my parents in Tennessee. But enough about Skype. Back to my rant.)

Okay, that wasn’t the entire phone call. It was, however, the gist of the phone call. The gift was nice, but she really wanted to talk to the kids. The hours spent agonizing over the perfect yarn and knitting the perfect baby gifts . . . I can’t even finish the sentence.

I think we all know who is getting a scratchy, acrylic, neon scarf this Christmas.

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Comment by Mrs. K on August 29, 2009 at 1:14am: Oh, Peachy, I know how you feel and I so feel for you. But don't give up. You never know how things develop. When I started knitting again 4 years ago, my DH wouldn't have wanted anything for love and prayers. Now, he's got loads of morning socks and loves them to bits. And he's now even asked for a shawl for winter! I'm totally bowled over. It's not that he's super appreciative on the surface. But I know his heart. And in his heart he loves my knitting and appreciates the thought I put in it. - To cut it short: You will find appreciation in the most unexpected places and people. Don't give up. If people don't appreciate you and your knitting, dust off your boots and walk on. - Happy knitting & hugs! Maria

Comment by Peachy Queen on August 28, 2009 at 6:06pm: CraftyRobin - Count your blessings. I gave the first scarf I ever knitted to my middle child (age 4) last year, and he literally threw it across the room declaring it was a "boring" gift. Maybe he will like the sweater vest he's getting this year.

Comment by crafty Robin on August 28, 2009 at 1:26pm: I'm very lucky. My son LOVES everything I make for him, starting with the baby afghans and little bitty sweater I made for him and of course kept. He is 16 now and I am about to cast on a dressy sweater in red Gloss for him. He also has a great color sense and helps me with quilting. Hope he continues to let me feed my knitting obsession!!

Comment by Susan the Blue Lake Knitter on August 25, 2009 at 7:29pm: Many people just DO NOT appreciate handknit items... they just don't realize what a knitter goes through selecting the right yarn, pattern, etc. Once in a while a knitter finds the "perfect" person to knit for... someone who truly appreciates that handknit gift... I am really hoping that my DIL is the ONE. I knit her a pair of socks two years ago, and last year when she found mittens in her Christmas bag instead of socks, she seemed obviously (to me - but I'm a sensitive knitter) let down. I have already knit her two pair of socks since Christmas, and am planning fantastic socks for this Christmas... and she has a baby due in February... so I have a list of baby knitting to do... Hope I don't become disillusioned as well.

If you spent your time knitting it ... even if it were a scratchy, acrylic, neon scarf I would treasure it!!!

Comment by Peggy Stuart on August 25, 2009 at 7:12pm: Peachy: I understand your feelings. Many people have no appreciation of the effort and love that goes into a handmade garment. As the mother of three, though, I know sometimes the brain doesn't function very well for a few months after a new baby arrives, so I would cut her some slack. She may have actually called to thank you, as the major point of the call, and then not really known what to say. She may really be enjoying the BSJ and bib that you were so generous to make for her. And if not now, then maybe later on, when she puts the outgrown treasures away. You may hear more about it in the future. DH isn't very vocal about his appreciation of my knitting talents, but when our visiting knitter was here this weekend, he pulled out every pair of socks I made him (that he could find) to parade in front of my friend. Anyway, what's wrong with a scratchy, acrylic neon handmade scarf? --P