Why I sew?

Interesting question and one that gets discussed frequently on a sewing board I'm a member of. A friend and I were discussing it just the other day in fact. I mean we live in an era where RTW items can be had quite cheaply yet I chose to purchase yardage and create something while not particularly complicated, unique and personal.
I've always been interested in all crafty endeavors, which made me somewhat of an oddity in my family as my mom did not sew and is not crafty in the least. At various points in my life I've done many things including knitting, scrap booking, hook rugs, counted cross stitch and ceramics to name a few. I love the idea of using my imagination and hands to create something beautiful and if its useful too, well all the better. I have to admit I find it extremely relaxing too...the hum of the machine, the rhythm of it. I like knowing if I see something in a magazine that I can probably recreate it. I'm not a great seamstress, but I'm good one though and I have a good eye for fabrics and style. I love a challenge and I love learning new techniques. I guess I sew for the challenge, for the love of it and because I can. When I make something I feel like I'm stitching love in to it. I feel like I'm giving a little part of me with each thing I make.