My 10 month old (who suddenly has more friends than I do) has a little friend who is turning one. So I cast on for this halter top, as that little girl will be spending her holiday in a beachside resort and I could just imagine her playing in the sand, looking cute wearing this. I even chose a machine washable yarn so that her mommy wouldn't have to handwash it. Checked and rechecked the size, debated on whether she would look good in the colour - my usual paranoia when knitting gifts. Hated the yarn, it hurt my fingers and was uninspiring to work with. But I had a ton of it in my stash, so I persisted.
Yarn : Butterfly Super 10 Cotton
Needles : 3.75mm
Mods : Used a DK weight yarn instead, so cast on for the largest size.
It was worth it. The final effect of the mercerised cotton was awe-inspiring. After a good soak, the cotton evened out and the subtle sheen of the cotton and the slightly heavier drape made this a truly special project. I couldn't resist getting my little one to model it. And then someone asked me 'why don't you keep it for her instead?'
Why not indeed.. I have had so many mediocre reactions from gifting my knitted items away. Items that I've spent weeks labouring over, endlessly thinking through every little detail, only to receive the same reaction as the next pile of store-bought toys. I guess that's why it's called 'the joy of giving'. But (I whine).. I would like a little phone call thanking me for that special special present!!!
Which brings me to the moral of this little story - I am simply not a 'giving' type of person. I am pretty sure that this time, the recipient's mommy will appreciate it, but will she ever know how much thought went into this? Hence my dilemma, do I give this away? or do I keep it for my own special little girl?
