Positive Reinforcement

I like gifting things I've knit, but only to people who I know understand the time and effort that went into them, and who won't throw them into the hot wash turning them into felted mats after one use. Not that I haven't ruined tons of knitted items myself.  My sister is one of those people who understands the "time and effort" thing,  so I've given her and her kids probably more knitted items than anyone else. On the other hand, she's terrible about sending pictures. When we visit, which is usually, once a year, I see evidence of much loved knitted toys, etc., but she never sends pictures. I've been pretty clear about my displeasure that she doesn't send pics, but it's had no effect. It may have something to do with her having five kids and a husband who works out of the country a lot of the time. Still, I've told a couple of my knitting friends that I'm not inclined to knit anymore stuff for her since I get no positive reinforcement, other than a genuine "Thank you," which is something, but just not quite enough.

One of my knitting friends, who knows about my displeasure about this thing with my sister, has a new grandbaby. Her daughter, who is also a knitting friend, adopted a beautiful little girl this summer. Last month I gave my friend's granddaughter the little Garn Studio Baby Jacket, which I had admittedly knit for another friend, whose baby grew too fast. What did I find in my email this week? Three adorable pictures of Eliza in her new coat and hat. My friend understands the power of positive reinforcement.  I'm not totally done with knitting for my sister's family, but I have to admit that I'm more inclined to knit for someone who knows the power of an adorable snapshot. I think Eliza may be getting another hand knit item in the new future.