Why Buy Handmade?

Since beginning my knitting business, I've met many talented designers and artists who make their living from crafting handmade items. I am blessed because I don't have to support myself with my business, and at this point it is more of a hobby. But there are so many wonderful artists who depend on purchases from us to live! So, I encourage you to shop around - etsy.com is a great place to start - and it is all surprisingly affordable when you consider the supplies, time, and sacrifices that go into creating unique handcrafted items.

Here is a great explanation taken from www.buyhandmade.org:

"Buying Handmade makes for better gift-giving.

The giver of a handmade gift has avoided the parking lots and long lines of the big chain stores in favor of something more meaningful. If the giver has purchased the gift, s/he feels the satisfaction of supporting an artist or crafter directly. The recipient of the handmade gift receives something that is one-of-a-kind, and made with care and attention that can be seen and touched. It is the result of skill and craftsmanship that is absent in the world of large-scale manufacturing.

Buying handmade is better for people.

The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left us dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. We are encouraged to be consumers, not producers, of our own culture. Our ties to the local and human sources of our goods have been lost. Buying handmade helps us reconnect.

Buying handmade is better for the environment.

The accumulating environmental effects of mass production are a major cause of global warming and the poisoning of our air, water and soil. Every item you make or purchase from a small-scale independent artist or crafter strikes a small blow to the forces of mass production."

On a side note, with the rising costs of fuel and shipping, we could be headed for a smaller global economy - i.e. we only buy things locally made. Wouldn't now be a great time to start? We can support those who handmake great products now, before we have no choice ~ and prices rise.

Here are some great crafters to visit if you are feeling inspired!

Arizona Knitter/Peacefully Knitting - knit items & patterns

Amber Perry Patterns/ButtKnits - knitting and crocheting patterns

loveDBM - amazing handmade jewelry

Stricken Smitten - beautiful hand-dyed yarn

Unravel Me - super cute crochet items

And many, many more!

Happy shopping!