Homemade (handcrafted) vs department stores?
12-06-2010, 04:20 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Bluebell
Posts: 4,291
I have noticed too many times, how beautiful things are in the store. I noticed a beautiful baby blanket with embrodiery in the store yesterday, just adorable. I thought perhaps I am wasting my time, although everyone seems to be appreciative when they receive these gifts. The cost of the machines, thread, material, tools and my time are not cheap. My cost vs the dept store cost. Anyone else feel like this?I did read where more people are going back to making gifts to save money! Is it really saving? I know I make gifts because I want too, but how smart is it I wonder at times.
12-06-2010, 04:24 AM
#3
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Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 3,683
You are only wasting your time if there is no enjoyment in what you are creating. You can buy anything in a store. But the caring and passion cannot be purchased. If your motives are True then you create MasterPieces!! That cannot be bought anywhere!!!
12-06-2010, 04:51 AM
#4
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
back in the early 70's quilting really died off ... all sewing did, making clothes was no longer cost effective. patterns and fabric prices sky-rocketed and large department stores started popping up everywhere, we became (lazy) and my thoughts were...why should i put 10 hours into making my little girl this sundress, (and $10) when i can go to k-mart and buy it for $4...
as the 70's-80's moved on people began to realize that maybe sewing isn't a lost art...we can make items much better; better workmanship, better materials, higher quality finished item than any we can buy already made. and you do not have to 'settle' with those colors, or 'that' design, you can make it YOU! and the absolute best way to have clothes that actually fit-you...make your own...worth every cent.
as the 70's-80's moved on people began to realize that maybe sewing isn't a lost art...we can make items much better; better workmanship, better materials, higher quality finished item than any we can buy already made. and you do not have to 'settle' with those colors, or 'that' design, you can make it YOU! and the absolute best way to have clothes that actually fit-you...make your own...worth every cent.
12-06-2010, 04:58 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 943
I personally prefer to give homemade gifts. When we were young and raising kids and I didn't work outside the home, I made all of my Christmas gifts. There is something out there for everyone. I think most people enjoy getting a homemade gift.
12-06-2010, 04:59 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Seguin, TX
Posts: 558
Originally Posted by ckcowl
back in the early 70's quilting really died off ... all sewing did, making clothes was no longer cost effective. patterns and fabric prices sky-rocketed and large department stores started popping up everywhere, we became (lazy) and my thoughts were...why should i put 10 hours into making my little girl this sundress, (and $10) when i can go to k-mart and buy it for $4...
as the 70's-80's moved on people began to realize that maybe sewing isn't a lost art...we can make items much better; better workmanship, better materials, higher quality finished item than any we can buy already made. and you do not have to 'settle' with those colors, or 'that' design, you can make it YOU! and the absolute best way to have clothes that actually fit-you...make your own...worth every cent.
as the 70's-80's moved on people began to realize that maybe sewing isn't a lost art...we can make items much better; better workmanship, better materials, higher quality finished item than any we can buy already made. and you do not have to 'settle' with those colors, or 'that' design, you can make it YOU! and the absolute best way to have clothes that actually fit-you...make your own...worth every cent.
12-06-2010, 05:09 AM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 647
For me making gifts is not only a pleasure, but a lot less money for nicer gifts. I recycle found and free items whenever I can. This year I have made quilts for my mother and mother in law from 100% cotton upholstery sample fabrics. By basting well I used some soft knit fabric (someone elses unwanted fabric) for the back and purchased just batting and thread. They turned out so nice that even my quilting group was impressed. I made handbags for my sisters and sister in-laws (8 total) also from the sample fabric. Total cost for 10 very nice gifts under $40. I believe with a little creativity you can save a lot of money making your own gifts.
12-06-2010, 05:46 AM
#8
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,522
Originally Posted by deedum
I have noticed too many times, how beautiful things are in the store. I noticed a beautiful baby blanket with embrodiery in the store yesterday, just adorable. I thought perhaps I am wasting my time, although everyone seems to be appreciative when they receive these gifts. The cost of the machines, thread, material, tools and my time are not cheap. My cost vs the dept store cost. Anyone else feel like this?I did read where more people are going back to making gifts to save money! Is it really saving? I know I make gifts because I want too, but how smart is it I wonder at times.
12-06-2010, 05:49 AM
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Fox Valley Wisconsin
Posts: 1,920
I have a large stash...so making gifts helps me use what I have. I am doing tablerunners this year...have 9 done and 1 to go. I prefer to give homemade gifts...but only if I know the recipients are going to enjoy them....and they all will.
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