The Lasting Touch of Handmade

March 22, 2025

There’s a special feeling that comes from holding an item that was stitched together by a loved one, especially if they are no longer with us. It’s different from anything picked up from a store. It carries love, meaning, and a little piece of the person who made it. 

I have quite a few of these special pieces that are proudly displayed in our home and they are treasured more than anything else I own. Years ago, my Grandmother embroidered a floral design on a pair of tea towels for me that are tucked away in a safe spot. In my work studio, I have a quilt hanging over the couch that was made by my great aunt Agnes. I also have a pillow with the U.K. flag stitched on the front given to me by my aunt (the same aunt who said "Hey, let's order a whole bunch of yarn from the U.K. and stitch the King Charles Coronation blanket"). 

Think back to a handmade gift you’ve received. Chances are, you still have it tucked away somewhere, or maybe even still use it. Every stitch in a quilt, every loop in a crochet pattern, and every carefully placed detail in a handcrafted card tells a story. They whisper of late nights spent working by lamp light, of fingers gently smoothing fabric or tying the last knot in a piece of yarn. 

In a world where so many things are disposable, a handmade gift stands apart. It isn’t something that gets tossed away or replaced with the next trendy item. Instead, it’s pulled out on cold nights, displayed proudly, or carefully preserved for future generations. Handmade gifts remind us of the people who made them, long after they’re gone. They hold memories of shared laughter, deep conversations, and quiet moments of love. 

So the next time you’re wondering what to give as a gift, consider making something by hand. It doesn’t have to be perfect because the beauty of a handmade gift isn’t in flawless stitches or straight lines, but in the love and care woven into every detail.

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