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Original poster

How do you guys HONESTLY feel about handknitted/homemade baby gifts/garments etc?

168 replies

Filly4LOOP · 25/02/2007 07:57

I really want to know.

Does it put you under an obligation that you don't like?

Or do you love it that someone has taken the time and trouble to knit something especially for your baby?

I tend toward this sort of thing if it makes a difference.

Thoughts? I don't want to be giving people stuff they don't want and have suddenly become paranoid.

OP posts:
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nappyaddict · 25/02/2007 13:44

something like this slippers

or these but without the cat bits.

Winestein · 25/02/2007 13:45

Filly, you need to get out more

But I do agree. Tea is very important.

franca70 · 25/02/2007 13:45

filly, I think that it so cool, I added to my bookmarks!

nappyaddict · 25/02/2007 13:49

i once saw some knitted coasters

fryalot · 25/02/2007 13:50

I think the mug cosy is fantastic. Where can I get one?

evenhope · 25/02/2007 13:50

My grandma made me loads of matinee jackets for my DD (now 21) in different colours but only 2 styles. I thought I'd kept some but can't find them. My mum has made about 4 so far from a similar pattern- she asked me first and has even checked what colour I want. I can't knit and I don't like the style of cardigan you can buy. These are flared at the bottom and the arms are slightly flared too so they are easy to put on.

DHs family gave us some foul hand knits. Tight fitting cardigans and nasty colours (I remember a canary yellow one that made all of the babies look sallow and ill).

But I never say no to anything we're given. There is always a day when all the nice stuff is covered in sick and you desperately need something to put the poor child in, however hideous (and of course that is always the day when the HV calls...)

lunavix · 25/02/2007 13:51

filly - that book is the one I got in the hope it'd teach me to knit (lol no chance)

So it's gathering dust.

If I got anything out of that book for dd I'd be honoured. It'd go straight into her keepsake box (well I may let her use it once or twice lol)

I was gutted she didn't get one handcrafted item when she was born. Not even a card!

doormat · 25/02/2007 13:53

it is lovely to receive something that someone has spent time on

and when I knit baby stuff
alot of love has gone into every stitch

bristols · 25/02/2007 13:53

I love hand knitted stuff for my DS. But it does need to be a bit fashionable (my Mum knitted a little hoodie for him which is gorgeous) and well made. I find it so flattering that people want to spend the time making something for my LO. We have also been given a cross stitch and a hand made quilt which have pride of place in the nursery.

Winestein · 25/02/2007 13:58

one day mug warmers, the next day......

BuffysMum · 25/02/2007 13:58

you could knit something for me or mine anytime you like! I love stuff like that (just not toys!) sadly no more babies for me and MIL has never knitted as much for mine as she does the other lot I love a bit quirky!

Tatties · 25/02/2007 14:08

The mug warmer is fab - like my cafetiere cosy, an absolute essential

JustSometimes · 25/02/2007 14:28

My Great Grandmother (in her 90's) knitted a beautiful newborn shawl. I loved it. All the special hours and love put into every stich and it would have cost a fortune to buy.
My Mum knitted booties and jacket whilst my Dad was terminally ill, so again, love the memories attached to the delicate garments.

It's very easy to buy stuff off the peg. Handmade items show a person has been thinking of you and the baby a lot, which I think is even more special.

Granted, somethings may not be to some peoples taste...

shonaspurtle · 25/02/2007 14:47

I was so touched by the handknitted things ds got as it takes me ages to knit anything so I really appreciate the thought and the effort.

Having said that, he's not really worn the 4 cardigans he got and that includes the one I spent a fortnight's holiday in France knitting this summer past. Still, I will always remember that my friend's mum knitted for him and I know my own mum got a lot of pleasure out of knitting for her grandson.

Just went to try on that damn Debbie Bliss cardigan I made and it doesn't even fit him any more - grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

shonaspurtle · 25/02/2007 14:49

I knitted him a hat that he wears almost every day though - result! Small things def the way to go.

Fillyjonk · 25/02/2007 14:50

lol winestein

am chained to puter, knitting a clanger...

ebenezer · 25/02/2007 14:55

Grateful !!

Winestein · 25/02/2007 16:41
Grin
Blandmum · 25/02/2007 16:43

I think that people are very kind to make them, it takes time and skill.

Sadly one of my mothers mates had the time and not the skill, and her tension was right out. The booties would still have been too big for dd when she was 2 and a little too old for knitted booties!

I was still greatful tho!

Caligula · 25/02/2007 16:48

I would be grateful that someone had taken the time and trouble

Blandmum · 25/02/2007 16:52

Oh, and dd was given a knitted teddy who was, and still is the love of her life. She (and the teddy) are now both 10.

Wonderful.

The only downside is tha he is totaly irreplacable.

expatinscotland · 25/02/2007 16:53

I love them.

Pruni · 25/02/2007 17:13

Message withdrawn

pendulum · 25/02/2007 17:23

My gran knits more jumpers and cardies for my DD (2.9) than she could possibly wear. I love them. She has a natural tendency towards wacky colour schemes so I have tried to steer her in the direction of colours and styles I prefer- pastels when she was tiny, jewel colours now she's older. But I love the fact my DD looks completely individual (and sometimes rather 70's) in her knits.

Not sure a boy the same age could carry it off as well, though.

hermykne · 25/02/2007 17:24

would be thrilled to receive a handm,ade item