Remember to Knit or Crochet For Yourself

Posted by Kelly Gilliam Jul 4, 2006

If you're like me, and most other knitter and crocheters, the act of knitting for someone you love is second nature. You clothe and knit/crochet for people because you want to share warmth and show how much you care for somebody by giving them something that you worked on for weeks, perhaps even months. Knitting or crocheting for someone is the utmost showing of love that I can do for a person, but sometimes I forget about myself.

The first project that I ever made was for myself, and the second I felt confident in that I really knew what I was doing, I began to knit for those I loved. Family and friends are where I've tried out new techniques and new projects, but the other day as I finished up my honeymoon camisole I realized just how few objects I had for myself. Mostly what I had were swatches, and a few small projects. That was it. Years of knitting and I had only a handful of finished projects that I was actually in possession of.

I made the promise right there to myself, "I can't forget to knit for me". This is not to say that I hate knitting for others or that I will stop doing it. Far from it, in fact I'm already planning Christmas presents for friends and family. However I do need to remember that I have to use this craft for myself as well. I have to clothe myself, I love wearing items I've made, I love using items I've made. I love giving items I've made too, but I need to strike a balance. The balance I've struck is that every time I knit for somebody else, I will knit for myself too. Big or small, doesn't matter, but just something for myself that I can hold on to so that every time I see it, I can feel just a little bit proud.

© Kelly Gilliam, text and images, 2006. Reproduction without permission is prohibited