New hobby ideas?

[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

[Possegal]

i'm a scrapbooker. not sure i'd recommend it to folks if only because for me it has required a lot of 'stuff'. i buy a lot of 'stuff'. my niece says my spare bedroom looks like 'michael's craft store exploded in there'. now i'm sure lots of scrappers aren't addicted to the purchasing, but at least i can say that once i called my hobby buying scrapbook supplies, but at least now i'm actually using them.

[Bron]

I started quilting a couple of years ago after an operation and am still happily adding to (and occasionally making things with) my fabric stash. It's not as common over here as in the US or UK.

Any childhood hobbies that you could resurect? I've also restarted flute lessons and am determined to pass the exam that I failed when I was 17.

[TsPoet]

Dog agility! I've always wanted to do it and I finally have a dog that is good for it. Finagle, my new dog, is a natural. Now if I can just learn to do my part right and not screw up, I'll have a pretty good agility dog.
It's great exercise (for both of us) and she loves it.