• Marian Kinkead's Tale of Woe:
• Sally Smith Writes:
• Trish Asks:

Marian Kinkead's Tale of Woe:

I just have to voice this dilemma. At Christmas 2008, I gave my 8-year-old grandson a beautiful (male-oriented) hand-knit sweater. He loved it even though it was a bit snug and wore it to school a couple of times; then he seemed to relegate it to "at home" wear. I was curious and asked him this fall if the sweater still fit. It did, even better than last winter because he had grown taller and slimmed down. On further questioning, however, I learned that he did not wear it to school because the other kids made fun of him and/or the sweater. I was disappointed but have kept my mouth shut; this year I purchased a gift for him. It is indeed a shame that children aren't learning respect for others and their clothing, property, etc. You might wish to let other grandmothers know of this situation, so they don't embarrass their grandchildren by giving them something they can't really use.

Dear Marian, I feel your pain and disappointment. In a perfect world, a gift from the hands of a grandparent would have status over a purchased gift. Sadly, there are people who equate "handmade" with "inferior." The consumer-driven economy has had much to do with this attitude. Perhaps the younger generations will never learn the lessons that scarcity and poverty taught our grandparents. They may never fully appreciate the time and skill involved in a hand-knit garment.

Although it may not make you feel better, know that you are not alone. My own grandchildren have informed me that sweaters are just not cool. Items I have made for them have won sweepstakes prizes at our state fair yet were unworn. No photographs of the children were taken with these painstakingly knit ensembles. I think of this situation as God's way of keeping me humble! I do knit for other babies, however, and will continue as long as other mothers enjoy dressing their children in tiny garments knit with as much love as yarn. --Editor