Gift cards and crocheting

Over the last couple of months, I have amassed a number of Amazon gift cards. I'm at a stage now where I don't have anything to buy, other than items at the grocery or drug store.

Well, it's time for me to learn a new skill. I have selected crocheting. 

Years ago, a colleague-turned-friend tried to teach me how to crochet. It didn't work. I got all confused.

It's funny. I can do cork (spool) knitting. I can do finger knitting. I can weave. I can't crochet.

I have also tried knitting. I did pretty well, except that I didn't know how to bind off. That's another skill that I need to resurrect.

Anyway, I used some of my gift card balance to get crochet needles. They arrive on Monday. I'm looking so forward to trying out crocheting. I watched a decent YouTube video on crocheting for beginners. I understood it!

See, there is hope for me.

Rest and hobbies

I took Thursday off. I was chilled and tired. I slept. It was all good.

These days, I have been resurrecting my love for sewing. I find it relaxing and a nice way to unwind. I hope to get around to learning how to crochet.

It's nice doing quiet hobbies, especially when the weather is getting colder.

Sewing, and wanting to learn how to knit and crochet

On Sunday, I spent part of my day sewing. I had a few articles of clothing that needed some attention.

I enjoy hand-sewing or using my sewing machine. I find it relaxing.

For years, I have wanted to learn how to knit and crochet. Years ago, I managed to knit a scarf. I simply couldn't bind off, though. I hope to resurrect these projects. I have a feeling that I'll find it relaxing once I get the hang of these techniques.

My new sewing machine to create a micro skirt

Each year, around Christmas, I tend to pick up a new skill or a skill that I once used often. This year, I have it down to three:

• Knitting
• Crocheting
• Sewing

I taught myself how to knit with needles years ago. I never got around to binding off, so I definitely need a refresher there.

I don't know how to crochet with a needle. I simply know how to finger-crochet a single, linear row.

By sewing, I am referring to using a sewing machine. I haven't done that since my early undergraduate years.

On the weekend, I bought a sewing machine. It's a portable one that weighs five pounds. It is far from being a toy, but it's a good starter machine for me. It also came in purple, so I had to.

I am tired of hand-sewing clothes that have unravelling seams. I need a sewing machine that keeps my threads in place a lot longer. 

I broke the news to my guy.

"I always like that you are constantly learning," he said to me.
"Thanks! It keeps my mind sharp," I replied.
"With practice, you can sew a micro skirt. I'd love to see you in and out of that," he hinted, smiling.
"I could give that a try. Maybe I'll start with a pillowcase, as you love to sleep, and then move up to a skirt" I replied.
"You're sweet," he said.

It's exciting to be creative and crafty.

Switches at an arts and craft store

On Saturday, I visited Michaels, which is a chain where you can buy arts and crafts supplies. I am contemplating learning how to knit and crochet.

I was in the clocks and woodworking section. When I was in grade 8, in my industrial arts (shop) class, I made a cork board with a built-in clock. I saw similar motorized clocks with hands and everything.

The store had clock faces made of wood. In my day, I used blue plexiglass for my clock face.

Next to the clock faces was a box that contained thin wooden sticks. They resembled switches, except that they were clearly sanded nicely. I tried how it felt when I tapped my palm. It provided a nice, light sting.

I don't like the thought of having the switch used on me to the point where it draws blood. However, I won't mind giving it a try, just to get some nice pink marks.