Elina – A Handmade Gift of Love and Care

Originally published on January 13, 2024

As I have already mentioned in the Lillesand blog post, I really like to give handcrafted gifts.
In a world filled with mass-produced items, handmade gifts stand out as beacons of authenticity and personal touch. 

The time and effort that goes into making a handmade gift makes it a truly thoughtful gesture. Before we start the project, we think about what the person likes, which colors suit him, what yarn we should use and much more.

With every stitch I'm creating, I think about if it will fit, what face he will make when he gets the mittens and if he will like the color. 

A Personal Story Behind the Stitches

Two years ago, my husband’s illness worsened again. He has Crohn’s Disease, and after an emergency surgery, he initially believed that a balanced diet would be enough to manage his condition. However, due to the pandemic and our three young children (who inevitably get sick often), he was hesitant to start immunosuppressive medication.

The doctor warned him that without treatment, he risked another intestinal perforation—and the next operation might not be survivable. In December 2022, he began treatment with Azathioprine and Budesonide, followed by his first Stelara injection in January 2023.

During his emergency surgery in 2019, doctors found and removed cancer from his intestine. Thankfully, a follow-up PET scan a year later showed no signs of cancer. However, because his immune system is now compromised, he must undergo regular MRIs to monitor his health. Any cancer could grow easily now, making these check-ups crucial.

I really love those decreases

 
Knitting the Mittens: A Labor of Love

Now, back to the mittens: I knitted the mittens, Elina. This is a free pattern from Drops Design. I already had Drops Nepal in Grey in my stash because, at first, I wanted to knit a second pair of Speedsheep.

I used a 4.5 mm needle for the mittens and a 4.00 mm needle for the cuff. This pair of mittens was really easy to knit, and they worked up so fast, I needed a total of 8 hours to finish both of them.

Why Handmade Gifts Matter

I believe that handmade gifts are a wonderful way to show someone that you care for them. They are unique, thoughtful, and sustainable, making them a truly special way to express your love and appreciation.

For me, knitting these mittens wasn’t just about creating a warm accessory for my husband; it was about weaving my hopes, prayers, and love into every stitch. It’s a reminder that even in difficult times, small acts of kindness and creativity can bring comfort and connection.

Spread Love Through Handmade Creations

If you’ve ever considered making a handmade gift, I encourage you to take the leap. Whether it’s a pair of mittens, a scarf, or any other project, your effort will mean the world to the recipient.

Handmade gifts carry a piece of your heart and remind us of the beauty of slowing down and creating something meaningful. So grab your needles, choose your favorite yarn, and let your stitches tell a story of love and care.

Until then, happy knitting! 

A Little Way to Say Thanks