Help me understand.....

[natashaccat]

Does anyone else feel compelled to make stuff even when it would be cheaper (in terms of time/money) to buy?

Why I feel so compelled to make the perfect wool diaper cover when I have many WHAM covers that work just fine. I would understand this compullsion if I needed to be frugal or was planning on opening a WAHM buisness, of if I just couldn't get the right fit.



I actually feel kinda bad because I'm sewing when I could/should(?) be spending time with dd (I'm a working mama).

[Meiri]

I think it's the drive to create, to make, things. I'm somewhat the same way and have taken to carrying a ball of yarn with me as I try to get better at knitting. Or I carry a ball of yarn and my lucette, which is a small 2 pronged tool for making cord from thread or yarn or anything in between.

I spent the better part of an hour during my mom's group yesterday practicing with my 4 pronged lucette... had to unravel that though when it knotted on me and I couldn't get it fixed. Very frustrating!

Can you find something else to make? Something that you can't buy for cheaper than you can make it?

[fraya]

I feel the need to complete something! So I rarely take on complicated projects anymore. When I do, I still find them satisfying, but I have this strong urge to start and finish a project. I think it's partly because mothering is such a long-term project with rather intangible results, etc.

And mostly I sew things I otherwise couldn't find -- like a sundress in somebody's favorite color, pants in a really comfy fit and fabric. I think perhaps it makes me feel like I'm contributing, like I'm being useful.

Interestingly, I also wonder if it has to do with staying home full-time. Many of the women in my playgroup are picking up sewing or knitting!