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Misery Loves Company

Elizabeth responds to Marian's tale of woe from a recent newsletter:

Misery loves company, but revenge -- well, we know it's a dish best served cold. No, I'm not vindictive. I just want a great creation of mine to live. I hand-knitted an old-fashioned baby bunting for our son when he was born (40 years ago). When our son and his wife had a baby girl, I gave them the garment (it's yellow) for use on cold days. The "baby bunting" is knitted with cables, a zipper and a ribbon running through the bottom to tie it below the feet, thereby keeping the cold out.

When I found my beautiful creation on the floor in the corner of a closet, I said "Enough!" and brought it home. I didn't bother telling our daughter-in-law because she obviously didn't care about it anyway. I then submitted it to the state fair, where it won first place! Now I have it tucked away for safe-keeping until somebody comes along who would treasure it. Thanks for listening.

Kim replies to Marian as well:

I have to reply to Marian's letter in the newsletter. I am here to tell you that time and maturity can make a difference! This past Christmas, my 18-year-old son asked me to make his girlfriend a hand-knitted scarf in her school colors. My 21-year-old son asked for a double-knit striped hat in his school colors. When the 18-year-old saw it, he asked for one too. And the 21-year-old's girlfriend wanted one in her school colors too! So I can attest that they do eventually mature enough to value the handmade articles and to want to own and wear them.

It seems this problem is widespread among knitters. I need to remember that the attitude may change with time. Recently my young-teen granddaughter admired a sweater in Sally and Caddy Melville's Mother-Daughter Knits. I knit it up for her and she seemed to appreciate it. I have not seen it being worn yet, but hope springs eternal in a grandmother's heart! --Editor