New hobby ideas?

[mimitabby]

Barb, it took me about 3 years before I "got" Pottery. It's a skill that takes time, and you also have to build strength. Don't give up so easily.
I took up watercolors this spring, and I figure in 5 years I might be good enough to sell stuff.

[bmccasland]

My fascination with things renaissance has taken to include gold work. I ordered a kit and some books to try gold thread embroidery with the real stuff. The techniques are different than with "regular" embroidery (cotton or silk floss), and sparkly! Doesn't help that BonnieCat trys to *help* - more by getting in the way, than actually swatting the thread.

[Jones]

Pie, I think baking home made pies, from scratch that would be a great hobby.
Sometimes major craft stores like "Micheal's" have knitting and other classes for free or cheap and also local yarn shops usually have classes.
Good Luck,
Jones

[GLC1968]

I taught myself to knit about a month ago using a beginner's kit I got at Michael's. I'm in the middle of making my first scarf and hat set from the same book. It's not hard, I just don't have a lot of time right now. Next I want to learn how to spin my own yarn.

You also could take up beading. There are about a million different types of things you could do (making jewelry, sculptures, decorating clothing, etc.). A great resource is http://www.firemountaingems.com.

[KathiCville]

Knitting is a great hobby---I originally learned on Pick-Up Stix, as a 5- or 6- year old, literally at my mom's knee. That was more than 40 years ago. The selection and variety of yarns today are incredible compared to what I grew up with. The simplest pattern rendered in gorgeous yarn looks like a masterpiece!

If you think needlework might be the ticket, consider needlepoint. I don't do it, but friends swear by its therapeutic value---supposedly as good or better than meditation, LOL!

One of the most enjoyable classes I've ever taken was a weekly-long fabric surface design course at the Penland School, a wonderful traditional crafts school in NC. It was like being back in elementary school for a week. Anything goes! Paints, dyes, whatever, applied to all kinds of fabrics. Terrific fun to play with textures, shapes, colors for a week with no particular goal in mind, no rules, no 'right or wrong'. Haven't really done anything with it since then, but it was a fabulously creative and energizing vacation---one of my best! At some point I want to do something similar in spinning and weaving.

As long as you're casting around for something new, why not take some half-day or day-long workshops in various things, just to "taste test" the possibilities? Cooking? Woodworking? Calligraphy? Gardening? Sewing? Stained glass? Bookbinding? Jewelry?

Whatever you choose, have fun!

[spokewench]

Pie, I think baking home made pies, from scratch that would be a great hobby.
Sometimes major craft stores like "Micheal's" have knitting and other classes for free or cheap and also local yarn shops usually have classes.
Good Luck,
Jones

Baking home made pies is a great hobby - but it is not great for the waist line! I've been baking pies since I was pretty young. We learned from Grandma. My sister has even won first prize for her apple pie at the County Fair that is held in Pleasanton California.

It's just not something you can do every weekend if you want to watch the weight!

[three]

I've been knitting and crocheting for quite some time - it's such a wonderful hobby. Like cycling, it can often be what I'd call 'active meditation'. There's bound to be a yarn shop (or two, or three) in your area and that's where I'd go for classes. Here's a shop in Newburgh (I found the listing in one of my knitting books), maybe they can point you to a shop in your area:

http://www.thevillageknitter.com/

As for other hobbies, how about quilting? As a beginner, you can just cut a bunch of 4x4" squares and stitch them together. When you finish the entire quilt, you would just need to add some backing (and insulation if you want) and there, all done. This is one of those great hobbies because your first quilt and all the obviously newbie stitches will still look great - imperfect quilts are often the most appreciated. And, any old shirts, pants, towels or curtains can easily serve as material for a quilt. This is a great little craft project to do with kids, too.

[Zen]

I'd rather eat pies than bake them. i guess my hobby is foster dogs and learning yoga.
If I knew how to knit I could make dog sweaters!
Hmmmm....

[spokewench]

I'd rather eat pies than bake them. i guess my hobby is foster dogs and learning yoga.
If I knew how to knit I could make dog sweaters!
Hmmmm....

The perfect solution. If you move closer to me, you can eat them and I will bake them!

Actually, my hobbies are cooking (baking) and playing tennis. I have yet to take up an in the house hobby except cooking

spoke

[bacarver]

I've really enjoyed reading all the ideas and suggestions. Thanks! Taking a class would jump-start me for sure. I know that I could go to Newburgh IN for various crafts, but my full-time job means that will wait a few more years. Enjoy creating. Barb

[Chile Pepper]

My fascination with things renaissance has taken to include gold work. I ordered a kit and some books to try gold thread embroidery with the real stuff. The techniques are different than with "regular" embroidery (cotton or silk floss), and sparkly!

I love to embroider (silk thread), but I haven't done anything for a long time because I can't find decent patterns. Everything is either dorky or cutesy or juvenile. I want something more artistic--but I haven't been inspired to come up with my own. Any ideas on sourcing more complex, interesting, artsy patterns? Thanks!

[bmccasland]

I love to embroider (silk thread), but I haven't done anything for a long time because I can't find decent patterns. Everything is either dorky or cutesy or juvenile. I want something more artistic--but I haven't been inspired to come up with my own. Any ideas on sourcing more complex, interesting, artsy patterns? Thanks!

Jen - my tastes go to more natural or realistic looking. I generally don't like abstract art. SO I look to nature for inspiration, and old paintings. I've just gotten started in gold work, the kit I ordered was from Berlin Embroidery in Canada http://www.berlinembroidery.com/
She has some beautiful kits. If nothing else, I drool over her work.

There are also embroidery books out of Japan and China - their old school embroidery techniques seem a bit different than european techniques. What truely amazes me is the silk screen embroidery - same on both sides (can't remember off hand if this is out of Japan or China).

Some countries - England, Australia, and Japan - come to mind, actually have a sanctioned and judged embroidery master program. You might find inspiration chasing that angle.

What I need is TIME!!! Some many projects, so little time. That working 40 hrs per week to fund the hobbies really cuts into my hobby time! And bike riding time.

[Chile Pepper]

Thanks, Beth. That gives me a few ideas to start. This could be fun!

[SouthernBelle]

Also if you quilt, you can sew. In theory I do both. In fact my vocation gets in the way of my avocations.

I may take a year or two to hand quilt a quilt, but it is pleasant and relaxing, though it leaves your fingers sore.

[bacarver]

Silver -

If it wasn't for my full-time job, I'd head your way so you could teach me how to make pretty jewelry. I love my necklace with the silver beads, black leather cord, and the little cyclist ornament. It is so right and looks COOL!!

I live in the forest in the middle of no where. I envy those of you who live near craft shops and art communities.

I make mini-quilts too. I have collection that I am very proud of. I stencil (anything but the dogs 'cause they won't stand still long enough) and have decorated walls, clothing, furniture, etc.

Crafts and creating make me feel good about myself.

Express yourself!

Barb