Doing something totally new this winter.

[NbyNW]

I've been thinking about taking a yoga class with my dog ... or just qi gong for myself. Probably not both at once.

[Brandi]

Ohh what is Qi gong?

[jyyanks]

Ohh what is Qi gong?

http://www.qigonghealing.com/qigong/whatis.html

Qui gong is amazing. I've taken a couple of classes and its so relaxing and calming. I'm currently taking yoga but its not your traditional yoga -its more like qui gong in that it focuses on core energy (qui), breathing and meditation. Its been a great stress relief for me.

[Brandi]

I love knitting! I would highly suggest getting the book "Stitch and Bit*h" it is what I learned from and is the best book! I would like to learn to spin my own as well!

[Chile Pepper]

I love Indian food. It's something I learned here in Chile, because we have very few good Indian restaurants. I really like Yamuna Devi's book. It's very complete, and I like her explanation of techniques and processes.

[Brandi]

I am researching books on Indian cooking right, enjoying the research part. Hard to choose.

[grey]

I'll learn to cook Indian with you! I'm vegetarian with a few vegan leanings (have to omit dairy).
I learned to crochet a few winters back. Now I am learning how to do fancywork with crchet thread, but making scarves with it (there is a soft bamboo thread that's great) rather than doilies and table runners. Sometimes I find cotton string pretty cheap, make something, then dye it.
Where can I learn how to spin my own yarn?

[tulip]

What a great idea, Brandi. I'll have to think of something totally new to do...hmmmm....I'll get back to you.

[Velocivixen]

Maybe learn to knit. There's a fabulous shop called knit Purl in Portland that has classes and sells wonderful, natural yarns from all over the world. I have taken felting classes there before. My grandma taught me basic knitting in the third grade, but I forgot.

[marni]

Maybe learn to knit. There's a fabulous shop called knit Purl in Portland that has classes and sells wonderful, natural yarns from all over the world. I have taken felting classes there before. My grandma taught me basic knitting in the third grade, but I forgot.

go one better, learn to handspindle your own yarn, then knit with your own handspun. It is very rewarding, and gives you absolute control over color, texture, fiber blend, loft and tightness of twist. Plus it is very soothing, basically portable and it is often cheaper spin your own yarn than buy it.

Marni, who does that, and sometimes weaves with it as well.

marni

[tulip]

Knitting is a wonderful winter activity. I know how to do basic knitting, but taking a class and knitting a sweater would be fun. I've been learning upholstery this year, so that could count as my new thing, but I want something else for the winter. I've always wanted to learn the fiddle. Not sure my dog would be too pleased, though.

[NbyNW]

I started knitting last year. Really gratifying, to watch a project progress in your hands. And a surprisingly good way to meet people, too!

I've been wanting to learn how to spin my own yarn, too, since I've got roving left over from making thrummed mittens ....

Brandi: as I understand it, qi gong is a breathing and meditation practice that is supposed to be helpful for managing stress and aids with other natural healing processes. I don't know very much about it, but I'm curious because my grandmother practiced it, and one of the last times I saw her she gave me a treatment for my then-injured shoulder. I'm ever the skeptic, but at that point I had tried conventional painkillers, acupuncture, herbs, the whole nine yards, and whatever Mr. Miyagi thing she did was the only thing that gave me relief. So, I'm curious about it.