So, I've been contemplating the fiber arts. Knitting. Crocheting. Needlework. After all, it's about time I found myself a hobby to keep me occupied in my old age.
Plus, I've been thinking as I sit, catching up on cooking shows and idly passing the time, that I could really use a more USEFUL hobby.
"But you already cook!" I hear a few of you saying. And I get where you're coming from. After all, cooking is probably a hobby. And a useful one at that. But, maybe it's more that I'm feeling a little bit CRAFTY. I'd like to make some stuff. Useful stuff. Stuff that's not, well... consumable.
I want to make socks (especially socks).
And hats.
And cute little mittens.
Blankets, even. Maybe scarves. And purses... I might like to make a purse.
I want to spend hours poring over the hand-dyed yarn at the farmer's market (it's so very gorgeous -- and just seeing it makes me want to buy it and use it for SOMETHING). I want to learn something new. Muse about my next project. Gee Whiz, I'd like to CREATE something.
A new friend of mine (R. from over at
CakeWalk) has inspired me to check out the classes that are offered at
Loop Yarn Shop in
Bay View Riverwest. And I'm excited -- because they offer all sorts of classes, at all sorts of levels. But, I'm finding myself a bit on the uncertain side when it comes to deciding exactly WHAT I should learn.
Most people seem to have some familial connection to their art. They know someone who taught them what they know, and they were inspired to learn from that person -- often from an early age. By that token, I should be a knitter. After all, my Grandma Grace taught me to purl when I was 7 years old. And I might still have the turquoise scarf I started with my very first set of knitting needles way back in 1981. But, the truth of the matter is, that "scarf" only grew to be about 2 feet long before I gave up the art of knitting and took up embroidery (thanks to Grandma Gladys, who loved to sew). I embroidered for an entire summer before deciding it was silly and I didn't really care about being able to put French knots on pillowcases (they hurt your face) or towels.
The knitters (
R. and
Jess and probably my dear grandmother, rest her soul) are all convinced I'd LOVE knitting...that circular needles make the whole process easier... that the stitch lies "flatter"... but I'm not sure that I'm a "counter".
The crocheters (my sister, my aunt) have rallied to convince me that crocheting is the way to go... that one needle is easier than two, and that I'll love the versatility of the stitches... but I'm not sure about any of it.
The knitters have cool books (
Stitch 'N Bitch, anyone?)
But so do the crocheters (
The Happy Hooker... who can resist?)
How to decide??
I can't imagine that this decision is nearly as complicated as I'm making it out to be. Nor can I imagine that choosing the WRONG yarnly hobby would cause anyone irreparable damage. But, I'm not sure I really know the answer. Do I flip a coin?
How did YOU figure out which one you were? Is there any useful information out there to help a sista out?
