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Yeah, but then it becomes a job, and that takes all the fun out of it.
I'm just sayin'
-Stimp-
This is why I only knit for family. Knitting is very time consuming for me... takes concentration that sewing doesn't (at least for me). When I knit for me, it doesn't bother me. But I don't want to knit presents... that's a lot of time gone into something, then I freak out that they may not like it... and then I don't want to do it anymore.
Oh! and another thing. Most people don't understand the value of a knitted or custom sewn item. It's not just the cost of the fabric or yarn, which WILL cost more since 1. it's not bought in huge bulk like a chain place can buy it and 2. it's much higher quality, but it also incorporates the time of the person working on it. How many people are willing to spend $200-400 for a knitted shawl? $500 or more for one that's heirloom quality? Not many... and the standard reason is "I can buy it/make it myself for cheaper". You're right. You can buy a shawl at Target for $25. Just like thousands of other people. It's very depressing to listen to people de-value the time spent on a custom made object.
Amen to that sister! I did costume design and made costumes for a couple of years but after putting up with people trying to haggle me down to where I was only making $3 an hour I realized it just was not worth it. I now just sew for my friends and family. Right now I am supposed to be making three fur/satin bed spreads but have not gotten the motivation up to do it. Like you I get sidetrack and start reading post on BYC.
Sewing is therapuetic for me and it connects me to the women in my family since it was all of them my mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunts and cousins who taught me what I know about sewing. Since most all of them have passed it is nice to have a skill that reminds me of those who helped shape me into the woman I am today. (Scary as that is I know).
Faeria I do envy your ability to croquet and knit. Being the only left handed person in my family no one could teach me. I have tried to learn but have not been very successful. Maybe that is something I can pick up after the schooling is finished. Yeah right!