Holiday Stashdown Challenge - Week 1

Crochet-Worthy, The List

Jump on the Stashdown Bus!

How hard can it be?  I have a small family, a small circle of friends and I work in a small library.  Surely everyone is worthy? But perhaps this is not the case.  Underground Crafter gave  me some serious food for thought, and as I was preparing my list I took the time to ask myself these questions before giving anyone the final thumbs up.

1)    Are they a fan of hand-crafted items? ( Do they have them in their home, sing the praises of their latest purchase at the craft fair? Even go to the craft fairs? and so on)
2)    Have I ever seen them wear or use a hand-made item?
3)    Are they a crafter of any kind (who understands how long it actually takes and how much it really costs to make nice things)?
4)    Why did I put them on the list? (Because I truly want to make something for them or because I feel obligated to give them a gift and they might like something I make?)

It was an interesting process.  Enlightening in fact as I thought about my people a bit more closely.  I also had to remind myself of my own limitations.  Because my intentions will often be grand, but my reality falls short of being able to create masterpieces for everyone!  With all of this information churning about in my brain I allowed adequate time for rumination.  After a draft and an edit I give you the final cut!

• J. - My hubby who loves (and wears!) anything I make for him
• S. - My teenage son.  He asked for a vest (bless his heart he's a bit of a geek like me!)
• Mom B. - My Mother-in-Law who loves hand-made and loves me too!
• Dad B. - My Father-in-Law an outdoors man and gardener who appreciates hard work
• Aunty A. - Fabulously fun with lots of flair and style
• Sis S. -My Sister-in-Law who's making a fresh start and I want to help
• Co-workers (5) - A great gang of women, all with different styles and one thing in common - we all love books!
• The Knit-Wits (3) - This is my core support group for all my crochet questions.
  

That's it.  14.  A very manageable 14 I do believe. 6 of the projects will be larger in scope and as unique as the recipients.  For my co-workers I'm thinking one project made in 5 ways.  I'm not sure about the Knit-Wits yet, but there's plenty of time to figure that out!

I'm excited about the Holiday Stashdown Challenge (HSD).  It's a great way to stay focused on my projects, and I'm pleased with the way that I'm thinking about things this year. If you're a procrastinator like I am I recommend hopping on the Stashdown Bus with us.  My goal is to enjoy making my presents this year and hopefully eliminate the gift giving anxiety that typically surrounds the holidays. Because no one benefits from that!

For more fun and a contest too check out Underground Crafters review of "101 Crochet Stitch Patterns & Edgings".

That's all for today.  Next week it's all about the yarn stash.  Now that'll give me something to think about.  I might even have to do some organizing!

Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!