sewing

Learning is especially difficult for someone with ADD like myself. Sitting still is even more so of a challenge. So when I want to take a break and relax with a hobby, what do I do? I decide to learn different types of crafts to satiate my need to work with my hands. It’s a double edged sword: learning a new skill, controlling the need to move my fingers, and keeping my procrastination and perfectionism managed. So here is a breakdown of my favorite crafts and how I (barely) manage to execute them.

Crochet

Knitting works as well but since I’ve never been good with two sharp sticks, I have decided to stick with one dull hook. For those of you who don’t know the intricacies of crochet versus knitting, I don’t really either but that’s the main difference. This craft is great for turning your brain of and just following a pattern. But that only works for me if the pattern is simple. As it turns out, those craft influencers who can zen out while making a complex, intricate sweater or stuffed animal are way out of my skill level. Who knew that not everything on the internet is as easy as it seems? Still, if you’re comfortable with making less than visually impressive pieces, crochet is a great way to pass the time. I highly recommend it as a sort of fidget toy while watching TV; doing something with my hands really helps settle my mind and hands for a good show binge or movie night and there’s no fear in stabbing your hand on anything sharp while you watch!

For those of you especially obsessed with the cutesy, eye catching TikTok patterns I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint. My latest crochet piece is simply a blanket with chunky yarn. No fancy stitches or patterns, just row after row of a half double crochet in the back loop (sounds complex but it’s really simple, I promise). If I ever get around to finishing it, it’ll be the perfect couch blanket for when you have guests over and want to talk about your crochet hobby. But since a picture of a simple half finished blanket isn’t very interesting, I have other visual offerings: crochet flowers, one of which uses embroidery floss and a very long stem to create a bookmark, while the other is just a rearview mirror accessory.

The aforementioned mirror accessory, a crocheted sunflower.

Honestly, everyone should know how to sew. Sure, crochet, knitting, and other yarn crafts can be practical as well but be honest, when are you going to wear that itty bitty crochet tank top that you saved the pattern for after seeing it on TikTok? And don’t even get me started on itchy yarn. After I finally started my own sewing journey after years of dreaming of it, I can attest that it is the definition of “easy to learn, hard to master.” But again, this is coming from my clumsy hands and ADD brain. Anyway, I digress. Sewing is perfect for those who want to be productive while procrastinating. Have to do chores? Sew an apron instead! Homework needs to be done? Why not sew yourself a new bag to put all those unfinished assignments in! It’s as handy as it is consuming. There is no zoning out during sewing, only locking in. Otherwise, you may end up with a finger sewn into that hem you’re working on. (I haven’t ever seen it happen, but I heard stories. Terrible stories.) If your ideal hobbies involve repetition, tidiness, and a rather intense focus, then sewing is most certainly your best bet at keeping your hands (and mind) busy for a few hours, days, weeks, or months (depending on the project).

Sadly, I haven’t been able to finish any sewing projects outside of a costuming class I took a few semesters ago. I’m in the middle of making a “bento box bag,” as the pattern calls it, though right now, it’s just a bunch of squares sewn together. But to show you what I’m capable of when there’s a deadline (and for some much needed visual appeal), here are the costuming class projects that got me started with sewing: a hat and corset.

My homemade hat and corset actually go rather well together.

Embroidery

Do you like drawing but hate how easy it is to just draw a line? Well, now you can use thread, needles, and at least 10 different stiches to “draw” that straight line instead! Jokes aside, I really can see why women did this so much back in the day (although I’m sure it was more handy back then). Embroidery is takes all the precision of sewing and the creativity of drawing to make a tactile experience that feels like you’re a Regency era lady waiting to be called upon by a gentleman suitor (or maybe I’ve watched too much Bridgerton). Ignoring my embroidery fantasies, it is really lovely to do when sitting and listening to something—no TV since your eyes shouldn’t really stray from the pointy needle. I did hear somewhere that audiobooks are a great listening option. But aside from the aesthetic nature of the process, you can really get creative with your canvases. While it may not hold up great over time (especially for beginners with maybe some looser stitches), I’ve seen many cute embroidery projects on jeans, shirts, jackets, and even shoes (Converse, of course). Even simple stitches can turn into beautiful patterns and arrangements with the right technique and design. Plus it is so fun feeling a thread-dense pattern after it’s complete. The texture is simply top notch (is that a thread pun? I didn’t intend it but if it works then I definitely did intend it).

My latest embroidery project is a throw back to the type of embroidery that first got a needle in my hand: phrases with flowers. I don’t know why, but I always liked the idea of embroidery that goes in a bathroom or hallway, ones you’d see in your Grandma’s house with cheesy phrases surrounded by cutesy little flowers. Except, well… I put my own spin on it as you won’t be able to see due to some mature language. Use your imagination as to the combination of some select swear words and “live, laugh, love”-esque mantras. Sometimes, you just want to make something that makes you giggle and that’s enough of a reason to create it. The piece I am most proud of however, is a thread-painted water lily. Yes, I did simply color the water with markers and yes, it was to create dimension on the fabric. And I was lazy. At least I finished this one, ok?

The water does actually kind of look good though…

Miniatures

I only just recently started to explore the world of miniatures but boy are they fun. Frustrating at times, but fun! I’ve always loved dioramas and little scenes and objects so it was only a matter of time before I ended up buying my own miniature kit. I’ll admit, I was influenced by those little bookend dioramas you can see ads for on TikTok and Instagram. But since those were far bigger (ironically) and more intricate than I was ready to handle, I settled for a less involved set. And it was especially useful for the part of my brain that hyper-focuses on one thing for hours (as fleeting as that part can be). I have literally spent hours in what felt like a blink of an eye crafting a tiny little table with a tiny little photo frame next to a tiny little flower pot. But I’ve found that at times even my tiny little hands are too big for some of the miniatures (and I do have proof that my hands are about the size of a 12 year old’s). The end result is very satisfying but miniatures are not for the weak willed. There will be times when you just want to throw it against a wall and smash it because you just can’t get the angle of the pieces just right. Not to mention the back pain that comes with hunching over all the tiny little pieces. Like sewing, you really need to be locked in for this craft to work for you and as frustrating as sewing can be, it’s easy to start over with a seam ripper. As for miniatures, it’s impossible to move something once the glue dries. Precision and perfection are how I’d ideally describe miniatures; although I’ve been not very successful at either, it is still fun to create your own little world (but if you got the cash to spend, I’d recommend Lego for that set creation satisfaction).

As a warning, here is my first and only miniature I’ve ever done, unfinished (as nearly all my projects are). The directions were sometimes confusing but at least it’s possible to customize your miniature using the materials given. I’d suggest finding a niche within the miniature community, since it’s far more satisfying to work on a garden scene when you like flowers. Your end goal is usually a display piece so find a kit that you’re going to love putting the work into.

The current progress on my miniature garden shed.

Paper Crafts

Ok, I’ll be honest. I haven’t really done much paper crafts. I’m painfully terrible at origami (literally, paper cuts hurt) and as for papier mâché, I can only handle so much glue on my hands before my brain goes into an overstimulated shutdown. My solution was crepe paper flowers. I don’t know if you can tell by now but I really like making flower-based things, so my choice of paper crafts shouldn’t come as too much of a shock. But that is kind of the point: regardless of what kind of craft you pick, you have to make things that appeal to you. I made a bunch of crepe paper flowers years ago to give out during Valentine’s Day to classmates, random people, just trying to brighten someone’s day. And you know what? I did not give out much, but the point wasn’t about giving them all away as much as it was doing something kind for others. Paper crafts are down-to-earth, simple projects that you could even do with young children. The process of it has been my favorite so far. Nothing has made me connect with my inner child more like those crepe paper flowers. I felt like a little second grader again, playing with paper and tape, making gifts for strangers for the fun of it. Not to mention, there is something beautiful about its fleeting nature. This craft is wholesome but insanely impractical and delicate. You have to appreciate what it is and then completely let it go; it’ll most likely end up smushed or crumpled beyond recognition in a few hours. And that is something I enjoy with my creative endeavors. Something to keep my fingers moving but also something that I can be ok with, even with all its imperfections. And to be honest, that’s what crafting is, right? If you never let go of any project, then you’d just be stuck on one, trying to perfect it over and over again. Be at peace with the crooked stitches, wonky seams, smudged paper. Be proud that you made something and then do it again. Now, if I could only finish my projects before I move on to another one…