Why craft?

Why do I do it? Because I can. No not really - here are the top 10 reasons why I love to do crafty stuff:

1. Creativity – I would love to have a job I love, but actually find my day job “dry with a hint of enjoyment” most of the time. For this reason I like to escape in the evenings to thinking about colour, texture, shape and imagine a finished item being used and hopefully loved. I would love to “break out” of the way I currently think much more.
2. Practicality – it’s not always cheaper to buy something handmade but it is possible to make something beautiful at the fraction of the price you might pay for it in a designer store. And it will be exactly to the spec that I want.
3. Guilt free TV – I do like to watch the occasional hour or six of telly in the evening but feel much less guilty if I’m stitching away on something while I do. Even if its just during the ads.
4. Collecting fabric and yarn – this was going to be “an excuse to buy fabric and yarn” but I don’t really need an excuse. Sometimes I just like buying something that catches my eye and pondering its potential for awhile. Not to mention buttons… ribbons… lace…
5. Potential – there is so much inspiration in books magazines and the web and different things to try. I like to have lots of ideas floating around my imagination, slowly percolating. Time is the key factor here – I wish I used it better sometimes.
6. Uniqueness –having the satisfaction of knowing that even if I have followed a pattern, the end result is unique with its own colour choices, style and imperfections.
7. Connecting – there are an increasing number of amazingly talented people from all over the world blogging about their projects and I have made some great friends in this unexpected way.
8. Variety – I can make something simple and quick like a scarf while I zone out in front of the telly or work on a complicated quilt over a couple of years. Most of the time both types of project plus something in between are going on at that same time. Pick up what the mood fancies.
9. Hip factor – crafting is cool, fab chicks everywhere are sewing or knitting up a storm. Designs are pared down and minimalist or outrageously maximalist if that’s your thing.
10. Addiction – I have no choice. I’m well and truly hooked.

Contributed to Darren's fun list writing competetion (I love a good list). Have a look here for other lists on all anything and everything. I've learnt a few interesting things from this today.

Comments

[Fiona]

Great list! I love me a list, too - and I'm totally with you with many of those (10, 4, 3, especially) :)

Lovely new blog, Helen!

[Jersey Girl]

I love creativity...it's one thing I hope passes down to my kids.

[MamaDuck]

I usually like to be doing something else while watching TV too, great list! Our list is up if you’d like to look… have a great day!

[Shadows Edge]

Great list - I have an entire room full of craft projects for many of the same reasons! I'm addicting to learning how to do new things.

[Leigh]

Well put. I saw your list on ProBlogger and because of the list title I couldn't resist the click. I'm glad I did.

[Helen]

thanks for dropping by everyone!