A New Hobby

What's the difference between a "craft" and  a "hobby?"  I guess maybe a hobby is not neccessarily a craft, huh?  Like bird watching or coin  collecting.  A person isn't always crafty in their hobby.  But, a craft is always a hobby, don't you think?  Something we want to spend time at.  Why else do we subject ourselves to unbreakable knots and goopy glue and glittered skin and inked fingers and needle pricks?  Anyway...

I've started to teach myself crochet.  And I LOVE it!  I remember spending time with my grandma, in the summertime probably, sitting beside her and learning the basic crochet stitch(es).  I honestly don't remember what I learned specifically.  But I do remember, now that I'm at it again, I liked how the yarn felt between my fingers.  And I like being able to twist the crochet hook in and out and make it grab the yarn in just the right way.  It's soothing.  Two of my three boyos, by the way, have asked to learn.  So I sat down with Bud and  JoJo, on separate occasions, and patiently taught them how to hold the yarn and the hook, and then to make a single crochet stitch.  They tried, and tried again - and succeeded and failed - and tried again.   And then they said, "OK, I'm done."  So much for that!  I'm so glad they asked to learn, though.  Maybe one of them will pick it up again.  Although I'm guessing not.


So here's what I'm working on currently.  This is probably my fourth attempt at this particular dishcloth.  Just can't quite understand all the lingo in the pattern directions yet...but I'm getting there!  I call my friend Amy and whine in frustration.  She laughs at me and talks me through it. 







And look at this yarn!  It's gorgeous, trust me.  The richness of the colors does not come through on the photo.  But I just love it.  I picked it out because it looks so beautiful with my new wool coat.  I was successful at making two scarves as Christmas gifts this year, so I decided to make one for myself, too. 

 

The incredibly simple pattern I'm using makes it knobby and bulky.  So warm and cozy, I just love it!

 

 

Any new crafts or hobbies you are picking up this year?  Or maybe just a promise to yourself to do more of one you already find enjoyment in?  Let's encourage one another to continue in our hobbies.  They bring us such enjoyment, contentment, peace and a sense of accomplishment.  Not to mention the joy and love they can bring to others when we share the finished products.