Sandra's Designing Blog

This is an exclusive area of my web site where you can find out more about my knitted designs, what inspires me, how I work and what I like (and don't like) to design. 
 
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  1. gift-553143_960_720

    Image credit: Pixabay - https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2014/12/01/19/22/gift-553143_960_720.jpg

    Despite the expression, “It’s the thought that counts,” many people continue to worry about what kind of gifts that are considered appropriate. This article takes a look at why handmade presents should be considered as the perfect gift for someone very close to you.

    Nothing shows love and affection more than a handmade gift

    A handmade gift gives the message that you have taken the time and made the effort to create something special. Is easy to give money or just buy a gift from a shop, but not many people are willing to invest energy to actually make something special for a loved one or friend. Holidappy says a handmade gift is infused with love, because it’s made solely made by the person giving the present. 

    Handmade gifts are unique

    For those who are worried about what kind of gift to give to someone who seems to have everything, UCreate suggests that handmade gifts are a great option because they are unique, so you can guarantee that the present that you will be offering will not look like anything they have ever received before. 

    Additionally, since you will be making the gift, you have the freedom to personalise it according to what the recipient likes and needs, from the actual item itself, to its colours and patterns. You don’t even have to worry about settling for the last gift on the shelf, because you have the freedom to determine how your gift will look. 

    Handmade gifts are environmentally-friendly

    Commercially-made products are made in factories that emit a lot of pollution. Crafting your own gifts mean that you will not be adding to your carbon footprint. Furthermore, you can use recycled items to create your gift. 

    Handmade gifts allow you to save money

    Popular UK gaming site Foxy Bingo have been publishing posts from their lucky mascot Foxy entitled ‘What Would Foxy Do’. In one of the latest ones, the furry character suggested that handmade gifts are a thoughtful and thrifty way of showing that you care. After all, materials like yarn are much cheaper compared to buying a shawl or a sweater. 

    Handmade gifts are more durable compared to commercially-made products

    Handmadeology feel that hand-made gifts are built to last, unlike commercial products that fall apart after a few uses. So it’s important you choose high-quality materials, and you can also take the time and care needed to guarantee good craftsmanship. 

    Handmade gifts mean avoiding long checkout lines

    If you have ever had the shop during the holiday season, you know just how crazy the checkout lines can be. By making your own gifts, you don’t have to worry about the stress and tiredness that comes with lining up for several hours just to get a couple of items from the store. Just make sure you don’t get your craft supplies at the last minute, because you may end up having to worry about lining up AND creating then having to rush to create your gift due to the delay. 

  2.  p1130358   Review of Cable Hat Kit 10/01/2017

     

    I received this great review from one of my repeat customers. I don't normally show off about this , but there is a great tip in what she writes so I thought I would share.

    Here's what she said-

    Likes:

    Pattern:  Clearly written and easy to follow.  Good for anyone who wants to try cabling for the first time.  I’ve been knitting for a while but didn’t have to look up any additional instructions.

    Yarn:  Lovely and soft.  Colours were true to pictures and easy to knit.  Knitted up fairly quickly.

    End result: A really lovely cosy hat.  I will definitely be repeating this pattern.

    Would do differently:

    Although I’ve been knitting for quite a long time, I hadn’t really used circular needles before.  I was anxious to start this kit and took it on holiday with me in September.  I found a yarn store and bought a 5mm circular needle.  OK, I wasn’t thinking clearly and it was about a metre long!  Obviously, this wasn’t going to work.  I did have a set of DPN needles with me and tried this but … they were only 6” long.  After completing about half of the hat I ripped it all back – the stitches kept falling from the ends of the needles.  Eventually, returning from my holiday I bought an 80cm circular needle – the perfect size for this hat.  After all of  the pfaffing about, this hat was knitted over 2 evenings.  I did finish the last few decreasing rows on DPNs. The only thing I wasn’t so keen on was all the ‘shuffling’ of stitches you have to do when using circular needles although you probably just get used to this.

     Lessons learned: Use the right tools for the job!

    Isn't that great, to think she had never used circular needles before AND managed to complete the hat in 2 evenings ! What a star .... and for posting a great review too. Thanks xx