Why handmade?

I have always had a cheaper is better mentality. When you don't have any money, cheaper means you can afford more. It's basic math. But is cheaper any better? Do you really get what you pay for?

I have been trying to adjust my thinking, here over the last several years. Here's some of my math:

I can go and buy a pair of pants from Walmart for $4.00 for my daughter. They will get stained, most likely, will maybe shrink, and will be thin. They will likely wear out before she has outgrown them. They will be machine washable, and can be worn for about a season.

Or I can go spend upwards of $40 (probably the most I would be willing to pay) for wool yarn. Then spend a few days to a few weeks making them into pants. Then have to wash them by hand forever. But, they can be worn indefinitely. As long as I have a wool shaver, and water, these pants could last generations. My grandchildren could wear these same pants.

So which one's the real value? To me, it's a no-brainer. After having been crocheting and knitting my daughter's woolies for so long, I completely understand how some women would be willing to pay $75-$100 for a pair of pants for her child that will probably outgrow them after a few months.
That same pair of woolies will last long enough to fit their grandchildren. Not only that, but each stitch, each join, each detail is lovingly created. Who can spend hours upon hours, thousands of stitches, producing a garment without loving every minute of it? And, as most of us knitters and crocheters knows, most of what you make is for someone else!

I know that I will be doing my best to support those men and women out there using their hands and hearts to create products that are good for the environment, and using the money they make to support their families. I will still shop at places like Walmart and Target, but I will think twice.

From now until December 20th, I will be posting links to those places in the wahp world where I find handmade, environmentally friendly, and gifty ideas for the holidays.

Today, one of my favorite places, Wonderland Congo on Hyenacart.

Only open from around Halloween, until after New Year's, it's always got fun, seasonal and environmentally friendly gifts. Stop by today!

Check out these earrings from Calico Kitty!