50 reasons I like to make things
March 4, 2008 by Chloe Findlay-Harder
Filed under Home & Living
- If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have an excuse to buy more fabric.
- Because fabric is pretty!
- I like to wear unique things.
- Off the rack clothing can be a challenge to fit sometimes (I’ve got a long waist).
- I can make sure that my blouses & shirts are long enough.
- And my pants & skirts don’t gap at the back waistband (always frustrating)
- It’s waaaay cheaper to sew your own clothing.
- At least if you don’t buy the luscious $200 a yard fabric
- The last hoodie I made cost me $5 for fabric.
- And it’s a faux silk knit – try finding that in a clothing shop!
- I can guarantee that it will be in my size.
- Because it’s fun to reproduce the $1000 outfit I saw in a magazine.
- I can mend my own clothing if it tears.
- Because I knew exactly what kind of wedding dress I wanted…
- And knew that sewing it myself was the way to get it.
- There are tons of great patterns – you’ll never run out of inspiration!
- Because I can say that I’ve sewn blankets for my dogs…
- Winter coats for my horses…
- And even a harness for my parrot.
- Quilts seem to be warmer after you’ve snuggled under one that you’ve made yourself.
- It’s a great outlet for my creativity.
- I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t make stuff!
- It’s a wonderful way to connect with my female ancestors.
- I sew like they did…
- I cross-stitch like they did…
- I crochet like they did…
- I needlepoint like they did…
- Okay, so I have higher-tech tools to help me, but it hasn’t changed all that much
- I can create the wedding I wanted by being able to make things like my dress,
- And my bridesmaid’s shawls,
- And my jewelery,
- And create my DH’s wedding vest with fabric that my mom wove.
- Making stuff is good for the environment!
- I can re-use materials that would get recycled or tossed in the garbage.
- You can make your own fabric tote bags.
- Which saves using plastic bags
- I love making gifts for people at Christmastime!
- And that way, you’re guaranteed that no-one else will give the same gift.
- I don’t have to wait to go shopping if I want new clothes.
- The art on my walls isn’t just from a store.
- Or because it matches my couch.
- Having a craft bee is a great way to spend an afternoon with my friends.
- I can redecorate my living room without having to spend thousands of dollars on a new couch.
- I can measure for my own curtains, blinds & drapes.
- And can even show you how to calculate how much fabric you’ll need.
- I don’t need to spend $75 on a make-it-yourself teddy bear kiosk at the mall.
- It’s a great feeling to see someone else enjoying something that you’ve made.
- Because I can be sure that the toy I made doesn’t have lead in it!
- Making things means that you’ll always have new techniques to explore – bored with needlepoint? Try tatting!
- Because it’s fun!















I agree except I don’t sew clothes, and I hope I’m invited to the next crafting bee.
I can’t sew teddy bears and stuff like that, but I can sew beautiful costumes. Go figure right? I love the list.
51. Can help your brother and his wife cover there low-level windows!
52. Can give Sister-In-Law tips on making stuff!
LOL has my SIL got her sewing machine tuned up and ready to go
I can definitely give you tips…
Love the list!
53. I can make my own bed skirt for the pretty set that didn’t come with one.
54. I can let out my DH’s pants. (I look forward to the day when I can take them in for him. It’s so much easier!)
55. I can give really nice gifts that I couldn’t otherwise afford .
I love and agree with #42 (and of course lots of others too…) – “Having a craft bee is a great way to spend an afternoon with my friends”… I sure do miss sharing those afternoons with you and your mom!