I have to vent!

[knittysweet5]

Yesterday I was explaining to someone why i felt the urge to donate time, money, and effort in knitting items to worthy causes. This woman then told me it was useless to give handmade 'stuff' but rather go out and by 'new products'. I am confused now, if it's charity and a hobby, aren't I being productive either way? She kinda made me rethink motives/priorities, but then I realized I have compassion and someone if only one person/animal shows happiness/warmth then my task is completed. Thank you.

[suzeeq]

Don't let her get to you, some people see handmade items as not as good as storebought, but their opinion really doesn't matter. You can't put the same kind of thoughtfulness into things from the store.

[Jan in CA]

Baloney to her! I think most people appreciate the time and effort we spend in making the stuff we donate. Don't let her be a spoil sport.

[wellslipmystitches]

Knitty sweet, You must realize that in this world you will have to tolerate some people who just don't know any better. You must follow your own muse. Often, free advice won't cost you a thing unless you take it.
Jean

[Shandeh]

Psshah! She's just a negative person, who wants to rain on everyone else's parade. Just ignore her.

[DogCatMom]

I'm very active in making group quilts to give away and have joined a knitting/crochet circle this past year for the same purpose.

Usually, people who poo-poo the idea of donating nice, handmade items *cannot* make the items themselves, and are equating our work to the cheapest, worst stuff they've ever seen for sale as trinkets. They have no idea what "quality" means.

Their loss. Hold onto your ideals and good feelings.

DCM

[Arielluria]

I totally agree with your OP. If you can't knit, you can certainly buy and give, but if you enjoy DIYing it and feel you're giving more of yourself that way (which you are!) then it's very rewarding to do it. People who don't knit or crochet, or have no appreciation for it, just don't get it! Call it craft ignorance

[catherine514]

I have to agree with the others...I haven't always had the means to "buy new" to donate but I've always felt good in my heart when I'm able to donate handmade items. I live in the northeast and who doesn't love a nice warm scarf or cap in those blustery snowy months? To heck with that woman who can't see charity for what it is - goodwill and caring for others. And keep on knitting!!

[SheWolfDanielle]

Yesterday I was explaining to someone why i felt the urge to donate time, money, and effort in knitting items to worthy causes. This woman then told me it was useless to give handmade 'stuff' but rather go out and by 'new products'. I am confused now, if it's charity and a hobby, aren't I being productive either way? She kinda made me rethink motives/priorities, but then I realized I have compassion and someone if only one person/animal shows happiness/warmth then my task is completed. Thank you.

Does this person enjoy receiving gifts especially commissioned for them, customized, monogrammed, etc? If so, inform her that this is an inefficient way to give gifts, much like giving something knitted is. Next time she receives something like described above, she should insist that the person go buy her some mass-manufactured, non-personal crap instead.

[bugsyblacklab]

Yesterday I was explaining to someone why i felt the urge to donate time, money, and effort in knitting items to worthy causes. This woman then told me it was useless to give handmade 'stuff' but rather go out and by 'new products'. I am confused now, if it's charity and a hobby, aren't I being productive either way? She kinda made me rethink motives/priorities, but then I realized I have compassion and someone if only one person/animal shows happiness/warmth then my task is completed. Thank you.

Knittysweet, you are giving the one thing that woman couldn't buy, even if she had all the money in the world. That thing is love . And this old world needs all of it you can give. Keep up the good works!