Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Making Quilts Vs. Buying From The Quilt Store

By Jerri Perry


In this age of convenience, you can buy or pay to do almost anything. However, in many cases, you save money when you make or do these things at home. Additionally, you feel a greater sense of ownership when you create something. For instance, a quilt that you buy from the quilt store will have much less personal value than one you make on your own from old clothing or other cloth scraps.

One of the reasons that people usually give for buying instead of making things is that they do not have the time it would take to make them. This is a valid point. However, if you consider the money that can be saved by making things on your own, the extra time may be worthwhile. Here are a few things to consider making or doing at home rather than paying for.

1. Cooking. We eat so many extra calories and spend so much more money when we are in the habit of eating at restaurants or getting take out. Making food at home means tastier, cheaper, healthier options. Cook in bulk when you have the time, and freeze the leftovers. You will be amazed at the money you save, and surprised at how convenient it can be.

2. Clothes. Making clothes is a skill that many, many people used to possess, but now it is extremely rare. It may take awhile to learn, especially if you do not already know how to sew or knit. Imagine, though, the amount of money that you could save. Also, you could create outfits that are completely unique, instead of showing up in the same dress from Old Navy that six other people are wearing.

3. Jewelry. Take a look at most of the fashion jewelry you see in, for instance, the mall. It is made from beads and stones that you could probably purchase at several craft stores. For a fraction of the price, you could buy your own beads and things, and create unique necklaces and bracelets. You could even sell your creations.

4. Picture Frames. You could pay twenty dollars for a cheaply made frame at a department store, or you could make your own. Buy some simple frames at a craft shop, and decorate them yourself. You can include words or objects that have a personal meaning.

5. Exercising. People often sign up for a gym membership in a burst of motivation, and then rarely use it. Or, they ignore all of the complicated weight lifting equipment and simply walk or run on the treadmill. Save your money, and walk or run outside instead. You can purchase handweights for less than the cost of one month at some gyms. Working out outside is better for your mental health, too.

This is just a sampling of the kinds of things you can make and do on your own for cheap or for free. Come up with more ideas. You will have to make choices, obviously. When you work outside the home or have other responsibilities that are time consuming, you cannot home-make everything. But even a couple of things, like making a quilt instead of going to the quilt store and working out outside instead of going to the gym, can make a a difference.




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