The cost of crafting

So in lieu of an actual project post, here's this:

I went to Jo-Ann's today and dropped about $80 on fabric and yarn for a variety of items. On the bus ride home I was reflecting on what I spent and if it were worth it: A lot of people say they sew because it's cheaper than buying ready-made clothes. Yes and no, I think. I bought fabric for three pairs of pants, two sets of pajamas and a beach coverup. I also bought yarn for a couple of baby hats and a hat for myself. If you consider that the pants would probably cost about $20 each at a discount store (I am not overestimating my sewing skills to say it would be more than that!), the pajamas probably about $15 each, the coverup $25, the baby hats $8 each and the hat for me $10, we're looking at about $150. So not a huge amount of savings.

Some people would then add the actual work involved. A lot of people would say "Add in your hourly rate from work to the amount spent on materials and the cost is a lot higher." And sure, if we calculated the hours spent then sewing is certainly not cost effective. Or knitting or crocheting or any hobby.

But in the end the satisfaction I get out of each completed project, and wearing something totally unique -- a wardrobe completed by my own two hands -- made me realize that the cost is immaterial, and the ultimate savings of my sanity and personality, make it all worth it.