Time Wanted for More Hobbies!
By Josephine
I know I don’t need any new hobbies, but there are a couple crafts and activities that have caught my eye recently! It’s been hard resisting the urge to buy supplies, watch tutorials, and just start, but I’m trying to be patient. I’m currently working on two big projects: I still haven’t finished knitting my sweater or cross-stitching the second of four Christmas stockings…and there are two time-sensitive special gifts I need to start before they both end up becoming belated presents. The pressure’s on!
(As a friendly reminder, your local needlepoint stores may have early to mid-June deadlines if you want your finished needlepoint projects back in time before the holidays.)
Even though I have a project backlog, it doesn’t hurt to “window shop” for future projects and new ideas. This spring, I’ve been finding inspiration everywhere. From storefront windows to social media, I’ve been stumbling across the most amazing creators and designers. I’m happiest when my brain has a creative outlet outside my 9-to-5 job, and seeing so many people revel in their handiwork genuinely makes me happier and supercharges my motivation.
A couple years ago, I was scrolling through Instagram and discovered some extremely talented calligraphy artists. A special shout-out to Suzanne Cunningham and Younghae from Logos Calligraphy—I think I’ve literally drooled perusing their gorgeous work! I’ve always thought that calligraphy was rather niche and out-dated, but recently I’ve been seeing a resurgence of pointed-pen calligraphy at department stores, on wedding invites, and on digital and print advertisements. As someone who loves writing handwritten thank you, birthday, and holiday notes, I’ve been dreaming about learning copperplate calligraphy so I can elevate and personalize my cards. I might have to wait until my hand and wrist issues subside before I sign up for a beginner workshop, but maybe I’ll have time to give calligraphy a try before I work on my season’s greetings this December!
When I bought a Brother sewing and embroidery machine in 2020, I had grand plans for using it until I got side-tracked with life and other projects. The machine I bought has many fancy functions, but I can confidently thread the needle, load a bobbin, and sew and back-stitch a straight line, haha! During a family ski trip in February, we stayed at a charming house in Vermont that had so many quilted tapestries hung throughout the home. The owners’ grandmother apparently made all of them, and I was in awe of the geometric patterns and classic color combinations. A quilt is an ambitious project for a novice, but there are smaller, very adorable sewing projects I feel more prepared to try. My current wishlist includes a colorful set of pillowcases with an envelope closure, a needlepoint project bag with a zipper, and a tissue box cover. I’ve already bookmarked several tutorials and patterns on Etsy, YouTube, and Instagram, so they’re ready for a rainy day in the near future.
Having so many projects on my mind usually stresses me out, but I’ve surprised myself by feeling the complete opposite. I feel full of excitement and anticipation just thinking about these new hobbies! If there’s an activity or craft you’ve been wanting to try for some time, it’s sometimes just as fun to take your time, savor the concept, and admire from afar.