I need a hobby

[Grinch]

I am having a lot of anxiety and dealing with depression. I need a hobby to help me. Everyone suggest I take up knitting, but I am not a knitting type of girl. Any suggestings?

[ICNDonna]

I'd rather crochet than knit --- and I've made lots of scarves and hats --- it's lots faster than knitting for me. You might also look at something like photography and scrap booking to go with it. I also like to sew and have made lots of clothes and actually totally made and finished one queen size quilt.

Donn

[kadi]

When I was struggling with the same thing, IC, anxiety & depression, I went down to a used bookstore and browsed the craft section til I found some books that appealed to me. I made seed bead embroidered Christmas ornaments (like counted cross stitch, but with seed beads stitched onto perforated paper) - I figured it was good because though I was spending money on supplies, they became Christmas gifts, so I didn't have to buy so many presents that year.

I also took up nature printing, which is fun to do in summer, pressing leaves and flowers and then using them to stamp stationery cards and paper. I wasn't good enough at it to make gifts, but did enjoy it and want to try it again.

I like making bead earrings too - I make a lot of my Christmas gifts in the summer, when I'm on vacation as a teacher:) I have a lot of books of designs and there are magazines for ideas too. Lots of free instructions and designs online, probably youtube also:)

I hope you find something you enjoy - it's better than letting the IC make us completely frustrated all the time. At least with crafts, I have an immediate result from my efforts and I can make gifts, which helps me feel a little less self-centered, which tends to happen when I'm flaring...

I'm looking forward to what other people write as well:)

[flowerangela]

do something you enjoyed pre-ic (within reason of course). i find so many little things to do everyday now that make me happy and make life seem worth living. i enjoy being outside in nature with this gorgeous spring weather,photography,gardening,reading a good book or watching a movie.

[CBZ1982]

My husband & I enjoy making soap. Right now we are doing cold process soap but are hoping to start melt & pour soap (http://www.youtube.com/user/soapqueentv). Soap making is a lot of fun. The link I included is what makes me so eager to try melt & pour.

I also knit & crochet.

[CBZ1982]

My mother-in-law enjoys painting and learning new languages which she enjoys doing. If you are an outdoors type of person what about gardening? My father-in-law loves gardening since there is not much he can do these due to his heart problems.

Just thought I would mention these ideas. You might also want to consider sewing or quilting. There is also candle making which I want to get into as well.

[flowerangela]

candle and soap making sound fun

[Grinch]

Thank you for all of the suggestions.

[CBZ1982]

candle and soap making sound fun

Soap making is fun and addictive. I can't wait to start candle making. :)

[meissabarham]

Candle making is fun. We do that somtimes and its really cool you can make many different kinds with mulitple colors and smells. :)

[flowerangela]

i just started the painting by number kits for adults at hobby lobby,loving it.also got a create a mosaic kit as well..craft fun.

[Star B.]

I knit like crazy and love it.

[bubbe1]

Is there a hobby for klutzes?! I just about manage to tie my shoelaces!:bonk:

[izazen]

Right now I'm hooking a rug/hanging from a kit.

Before this I spent 3 years (on and off) cross stitching a map of Ireland. I had it professionally framed and its beautiful - whenever I go past it I can't believe I did it. I didn't know enough to get a stamped kit so I just drew everything on the linen and sewed over it.

I'm thinking about trying a collage next.

[bubbe1]

Right now I'm hooking a rug/hanging from a kit.

Before this I spent 3 years (on and off) cross stitching a map of Ireland. I had it professionally framed and its beautiful - whenever I go past it I can't believe I did it. I didn't know enough to get a stamped kit so I just drew everything on the linen and sewed over it.

I'm thinking about trying a collage next.


Wow, Zen. That's really impressive.
I think I have to stick to hobbies that require less manuel dexterity, like whining at my husband!:biglaugh:

Really, though, I have done some scrap booking, but I think my best hobby is caring for our dog. He's a 15 year old poodle, who needs daily grooming, etc. Sounds teadious, but I find it very relaxing,(though Zachary does not)!

[Janet222]

When ever I am stressed out I use to listen to music. It has the ability of soothing down my mind. Also I use to do cross stitching. It increases my concentrating aptitude.

[jellyfish]

I'm not a knitter either. Since I had to give up work I took up felting and I've made a few felted wall-hangings using a dry felting needle punch technique. Here are some photos:
http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx265/jennyac/Felted%20pictures/
It's not hard to do and you can just do a bit at a time.

I also took up Scrabble and play online (Facebook mainly) and with 2 local clubs. I only go on the days I am up to it, and when I'm having a bad day I can play at home against the computer.

[Jinny Jean]

I was just thinking this today too/... I do knit but its boring for me sometimes... my bf has his things like dirtbiking and snowmobiling... I want a "thing" lol can going to the gym be a thing? I find that activity makes me feel better... maby that can be my hobby... lol

[Daisy Mae]

I started candlemaking in '97 and myhobby quickly grew into a full-time business. We opened a factory with showroom and even made it onto fox news. I absolutely loved it but soon the business owned me. My true passion is being a nurse and I returned to it full time. I sometimes am tempted to make candles again just for fun but afraid it will turn into something bigger again! Any of you aspiring candlemakers, feel free to contact me for good suppliers, etc.
I bought some things to learn to start knitting, and liked it, but my fingers kept going numb and my hands started cramping up, which happens worse now than ever. I have a blood-clotting disorder, reynauds, and inflammatory arthritis, etc so my hands don't do well anymore. When I get into remission I'm gonna craft like crazy!!! I do love digital scrapbooking and my Mom's a Creative Memories Consultant so I have access to the very best supplies and love doing that!