These were a big hit, so I just made my mommy some more, this time out of ties. These tie ones took much longer than the cotton ones since I have no idea how to sew silk with a machine and thus did them by hand... there must be some kind of secret foot to deal with the slippery material, right?
In any case, the added fun this time is that my mommy is actually here now, and so I have the pleasure of seeing her wear the headbands as soon as I snip the last thread. There is so much joy in making things for other people - especially things that will get used. Not to offend any crafters out there, but I often see people making things that just seem unnecessary to me - very elaborate, but functionless objects that clearly took enormous talent and energy but will most likely just sit in the corner of someone's room. I try very hard to limit the scope of my creations to the needed, or at least the wanted and useful; frequently I have to remind myself that just because I can make something, doesn't mean I should.
My quibble I guess is with the idea that just being handmade somehow imbues an object with greater value, however valueless it is otherwise. On the Craftster boards, for instance, there is much complaining about those people who do not appreciate handmade presents, but when I try to check out what the posters make as often as not I find bottles of colored sand decorated with lacy ribbons, or strange tiny pillows, or shoddily sewn t-shirt bags. I would bet that a truly thoughtful handmade present - one made well and clearly geared to the recipient - will never fail. I hate the idea that it's the thought that counts, and so if you balk at the execution and follow-through you are somehow a heel.
Hmm... all this over a couple of headbands? I'm going to go eat some chocolate.
2 comments:
Your point is valid, but to me it extends to store bought gifts to. The value of the gift is almost always in taking the time to think about the other person and find something for them. If they are a fan of dust collectors, then maybe their gift isn't practical, but it should still be a dust collector that reflects their interests and taste.
cara, that's totally true. I guess I was more thinking of the complaints I see of people saying, "Oh my relative is so materialistic; she always wants something store-bought not handmade," and I then I look at the things the person makes and they are just not good. The relative is probably just trying not to hurt the person's feelings.
Post a Comment