Lies They Tell You

It has occurred to us here at Burnt Suppers, that there are certain lies we each are susceptible to swallowing. It’s different for each one of us – a concept that is widely accepted, and hits us where we are at. But thankfully, our obsession with analysis comes in handy now and then, and we are able to identify the lies we are told and believe. This week we are each going to share one with you and perhaps help you to overcome the certain lies in your own life.

It’s fair to warn you before hand, that some will be more serious than others…but I’ll let you decide which are which.

So.

Lies They Tell You Part 1

 …That crafting/sewing/re-purposing is thrifty.

This is an overwhelming topic to me, as it is false on so many levels.

First: Crafting, sewing and beautifying projects are often unnecessary. I personally think loveliness in the home is important, but with zeal born of frugality-loving, we often go overboard with purely decorative things. I agree that the pillow made out of old ties is fascinating – but do you really want to add it to all the others already piled on the couch?

Second: No matter how hard you try to only use things you have – old shirts, old glue, leftover beads, you inevitably have to buy something else to complete the project. And let’s be honest here. Does a run to the Dollarama ever stay limited to one item? What about the fabric store?! And *cough cough*, Mardens anyone? These dens of crazy-eyed spending are going to suck you in and you are practically predestined to stagger out with oodles of surplus supplies. Let’s admit it. This is just gonna happen.

Third: Any time you enter into that crafting/sewing phase…that hazed, filmy eyed zone you have to get into, some other things are bound to slide. And that frequently costs money. Didn’t have a chance to make supper? Going out to eat is pricey. Forgot to pay the phone bill? That little rap on the knuckles they give you is disgruntling. Looking at your husband and not recognizing him? Divorce settlements are so distressing.

Just kidding!

Fourth: If time is money, I reason that space is money too. And it’s a realistic reality that a lot of projects require collecting stuff over time, before you can complete it. Popsicle sticks, toilet paper tubes, juice can lids, fabric fat quarters of a certain colour. I know this. I’ve been here.

Wait, who am I fooling?

 I AM here.

And all these collected items, stowed cozily away in totes, baskets, boxes and behind doors, take up space. And this space is worth money when translated into mental health, sore toes from endless stubbing, and general sanity.

To illustrate some of these points, I’m going to point to an instance in my life, where I realized with clarity, just how much of a lie this lie is.

Here is an apron.

It started as a thrifty project when I bought a sheet at Value Village. But here is a breakdown of the eventual cost.

Sheet: $3.00
Coordinating fabric: $6.95 per yard.
Rick-rack: $2.97
New sewing machine (because the old one choked on a straight pin): I draw a veil over that price.
Time: At $10 an hour – about $30 in total. Plus, if I’m sewing I am not doing anything else that I might be getting paid for – so that results in a loss of $30 or more.

So essentially – this apron cost me $872.92.

And I’ll probably wear it once every couple months.

Oh yeah. Soo thrifty.

~Olivia