A Revived Hobby

So I decided that I needed a hobby. Not because I have a mass amount of free time on my hands, because I certainly don't, but simply because I am missing being creative. With all of the wedding planning over, I haven't done much to express my creativity in awhile. I made a centerpiece for Christmas, but that's pretty much it. I'm not the most creative person (thank you Pinterest for revealing how absolutely devoid of craftiness I truly am), but I do enjoy a few creative outlets now and then. And since January is National Hobby Month (who knew?), I thought it was perfect timing.

There are tons of hobbies I would love to take up, but for right now I need one that is inexpensive, practical, and simple to do. So I landed on reviving an old hobby: CROCHETING. My mom taught me how to crochet when I was really young, and I really enjoyed it. Can't really say why I stopped a few years back...just got busy I guess. So I borrowed some needles and practice yarn from my mom and have picked it up again. Like riding a bike...sort of  ;)

It's inexpensive. Yarn doesn't cost much, especially if you catch sales and/or use coupons. The needles can be pricey, but once you have a few sizes in your toolbox, you're set to go. And there are tons of free patterns online too!

It's practical. You can make your own homemade scarf or hat. And don't forget about fun gifts for other people! Particularly all those baby-having friends of yours ;)

It's simple. I had the advantage of already knowing how to crochet and just had to practice a little to pick it back up. But once you get the hang of it, it's pretty simple. You don't have to think much, especially if you already know a pattern. There are a lot of great tutorials available for free online. Pinterest led me to a Crochet School website that seems pretty straight forward, but YouTube is also a great resource.

So my first project? A scarf. Because (a) it's winter, (b) I like scarfs, and (c) the pattern includes straight rows haha. I did change the original pattern a little (by adding extra rows) to make the scarf slightly wider, but I think it turned out alright for a first attempt. I even wore it to work yesterday.

(Please excuse the craziness that calls itself my hair)

Materials: 1.5 skeins of Loops & Threads Charisma Yarn in Espresso
Tools: Crochet Hook Sizes K and N, scissors
Total Project Cost: $4.50 (heck. yes.)

It's a fun hobby for now. I'm looking forward to starting my next project! :)