Skip to main content

Someone Rejected My Crochet Gift

Coping with Rejection


Rejection hurts. As fiber artists, we pour our time, energy, and love into creating handmade pieces, so when a gifted item is unappreciated, forgotten, or even discarded, it can sting deeply. I recently watched a video where someone asked, "How do I get over the hurt of rejection because someone threw away something I made for them?" This resonated with me because I’ve experienced rejection in my own crafting journey. If you’ve ever been in the same boat, let’s talk about rejection, how it affects us as fiber artists, and what we can do about it.

Seeing Handmade Creations in Thrift Stores

As an avid thrifter, I often come across handmade blankets, hats, and scarves in secondhand stores. I can tell they were lovingly crocheted or knitted, yet they’ve ended up discarded. While I sometimes buy them to save them, it’s a reminder that not everyone values handmade items the same way we do.

My Personal Experiences with Gift Rejection

I’ve had my fair share of rejection, whether immediate or delayed. One example was when I made hats for a family member going through medical treatments. I put thought into the yarn and design based on their preferences, yet I later found them sitting unused years later. Another time, a cousin asked me to make a blanket featuring a particular animal—completely forgetting I had already made them one just a year and a half earlier. These experiences can feel discouraging, but they’ve taught me valuable lessons.

Managing Expectations and Protecting Your Passion

To prevent rejection from draining my joy in crafting, I’ve adjusted my mindset:

  1. Once a gift is given, it has served its purpose. I remind myself that the act of giving is what matters, and what happens afterward is out of my control.

  2. Be selective with recipients. I now only make significant handmade gifts for people I know will truly appreciate them. This means limiting big projects to my immediate family or close friends.

  3. Avoid gifting to known regifters. If someone frequently regifts items, I opt for a more practical present, like a gift card, instead of a handmade piece.

  4. Scale back on production. In my early years of crocheting, I created an overwhelming number of projects just for practice. Now, I focus on making things with a clear purpose, reducing the need to find homes for excess creations.

  5. Use affordable materials for casual gifts. When making gifts for larger groups, I use budget-friendly yarn to lessen the financial and emotional impact if the item isn’t cherished.

  6. Shift content creation to match my crafting values. Early in my YouTube journey, I felt pressure to constantly produce new projects. I’ve since moved away from that mindset and now share my work in a way that aligns with my values.

Finding Joy in the Process

The most important takeaway? Don’t let rejection steal your joy. Your craft is yours, and the act of creating should bring fulfillment, regardless of how others respond.

If you’re struggling with similar feelings, know that you’re not alone. Focus on crafting for yourself, for those who truly appreciate it, and for the sheer love of fiber arts.

Have you ever experienced rejection of your handmade gifts? How do you handle it? Let’s support each other in the comments!

Watch the YouTube video here!




Popular posts from this blog

How I Modified A Hexagon Cardi for Mid & Plus Size

Hexagon Cardigan Modifications Hey yarn lovers! If you're a midsize or plus-size crocheter looking for ways to customize your hexagon cardigan for a more flattering and comfortable fit, I’ve got some great tips for you. I recently finished my second hexagon cardi and made a few modifications that helped me feel more confident wearing it. Here’s what I learned! The Inspiration Behind My Second Hexagon Cardi A while back, I made a basic hexagon cardigan using Red Heart Super Saver yarn. While I loved the pattern and even won a blue ribbon at my county fair, I wasn’t sure I would actually wear it. It felt a bit too boxy and oversized for my liking. This time, I decided to use Herrschners Witches Brew yarn for a fun Halloween-inspired version. Get the yarn HERE . Since I wanted to ensure I would love wearing it, I made a few tweaks to improve the fit and feel. Key Modifications for a Better Fit 1. Adjusting the Shoulder Fit Instead of making the panels overly large, I measured my sho...
Read more

Don't Panic! Here's An Alternative Yarn

Perfect Replacement for Big Twist If you’ve been a fan of yarn brands like Big Twist and K&C but are now worried about finding suitable replacements, I have great news for you! While these brands may not be as easily accessible as before, there’s a fantastic alternative that offers an incredible variety of yarns at competitive prices— Herrschners . Why Herrschners? Herrschners is a well-known name in the crafting world, and while they have only one physical location in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, they ship nationwide and even internationally! Whether you’ve shopped from them before or are completely new to their selection, you’ll be pleased to know that many of the yarns you love from Joann’s can be found through Herrschners, often at similar or even better prices. Exploring Herrschners Yarn Selection Herrschners offers an extensive range of yarns, including well-known brands like Premier, Lion Brand, Yarnspirations, and Red Heart. They also carry their own house brands, which can ...
Read more

New to Hobby Lobby? Here’s What You Need to Know About Shopping for Yarn

  If you're new to shopping for yarn at Hobby Lobby, let me help you avoid some rookie mistakes. I’ve learned a lot over the years, and today I’m breaking it all down so you can shop like a seasoned pro, especially when those big clearance sales roll around! Start with the Weekly Sale Schedule First things first: Hobby Lobby runs on a weekly rotating sale schedule . That means every week, different departments go on sale. The yarn section, is it's own department. When it’s that department’s turn, all the yarn will be 30% off. Here’s the catch: that sale only lasts a week, and the schedule rotates every other week. So if you’re walking into the store when yarn isn’t on sale, it has switched to a fabric sale week. I advise checking online before shopping and planning accordingly.  Hobby Lobby’s Yarn Brands Hobby Lobby carries a few big-name brands, like Lion Brand, but the real stars of the show are their private label yarns. These are exclusive to Hobby Lobby and in...
Read more