Learn something new
Two winters ago, after years of trying, I finally learned how to knit. The problem with my first attempts was timing – I was in college or I was pregnant. But January 2009 proved to be the winning attempt. Winter is the perfect time to learn a new skill. The rush of the holidays are over, and life settles into a routine (often indoors) for awhile. Also, if you have any leftover Christmas money or gift cards, you might be able to pick up needed supplies!
So why not stretch your brain and try something new, whether it’s a new-to-you-skill or a new skill within your current creative genre. This winter, I’m learning how to take better photos with the help of The Narrator. He has a nice camera, and I haven’t a clue how to use it. And while F-Stop and ISO mean absolutely nothing to me yet… I’m trying!
Here’s some ideas to try. Do you have any to add to this list?
-Learn to knit or crochet, or learn how to do cables or lace if you already knit. The Craft Yarn Council has step by step directions for both arts and a host of stitches.
– Learn to sew or quilt, whether by machine or by hand. Learn how to sew on a button or fix a teddy bear using the blind stitch, or try the blanket stitch around a piece of fleece and make a blanket.
– Cook a new-to-you cuisine. (Last winter my friend’s parents taught me some Indian dishes – YUMMY!)
– Write a poem or a short story or an entire novel, just for fun!
– Stamp some cards. Splitcoast Stampers has a gallery of amazing ideas and some great tutorials.
– Learn hand embroidery. Jenny Hart at Sublime Stitching has some way hip designs, and embroidery is a cheap hobby!
– Learn to take better photos with the camera you already have, use a site like DYIPhotography. Composition and lighting are the majority of the key!
– Try HTML using a resource like Web Monkey, or a new-to-you computer language.
– Learn to draw. You can Google “How to draw____” and fill in the blank with almost anything and you will find step-by-step directions or a video. I know, I’ve tried when my kids ask me to draw random things for them! Or watch some online lessons by Mark Kistler. (Mark has a PBS show on our local station, and he specifically teaches kids, he’s great!)
– Learn to paint. On the PBS Create channel if you have it, Bob Ross teaches a daily painting show.
Yay for learning new things!!! I’m all about it! Thanks for the links. I think I might get some crochet or knitting things…which is easier?
Oh! And I’ve been trying a new recipe every other day just to mix it up. I’m so glad for the internet! It adds a little excitement to my day!
Susie – I’d say knitting. There are only 2 stitches in knitting, and how you use them is what gives you the different looks. Don’t buy anything yet, I have a ton of stuff with plenty to spare. We’ll set up some knitting lessons, and you can borrow my stuff til you get the hang of it and can then buy what you like, sound good?
Love new recipes! Found any good ones to share?
Amelia – I would love to knit I just need some lessons. I may need a good teacher. 🙂 I would LOVE a great indian recipe too! We love Indian food and I have tried several Indian recipes and they did not taste all that good so I stopped trying to make my own Indian. 🙂
You’re on, Holly! We need to set something up with Susie. I’d be happy to teach you both! And I’ll get you a recipe too 🙂
I just recently took up crochet and it’s great. I am currently working on sewing myself a skirt that I will then embroider… I hope it fits. I think an important thing to do this time of year is to make something for yourself. We spend so much time doing and making for others around christmas (which is great) but a treat for yourself is a nice thing to do once in a while.
We are finally settling in and organizing our house after living here 9 months. It’s not exactly a fun way to beat the winter blahs but it is keeping us busy.
Jessie, congrats on learning to crochet. And I think you are right on that this is a good time to treat yourself by making something for yourself. I hope your skirt turns out to be a great fit!
Jennifer, Settling in and organizing can be fun…unless the little ones keep undoing what you’ve just organized! Winter is a great time to organize since you’re stuck inside anyway. Hope it all goes well!!