Jenny in Florida Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 I used to do a lot of crafting. My favorite things to do were cross stitching and crochet. I always liked them because they are both inexpensive, flexible, portable and allow me to work on projects while watching a movie with my family or listening to an audiobook while waiting in the car. And crochet, especially, appeals because it results in items that are useful, not just another decorative thing to find space for in the house. Over the last decade or so, I've had more trouble finding the time and attention to do much. I now have more opportunity to try and get back into making some things. However, as I've "matured," I no longer have the eyesight to enjoy really fine detail work, which means cross stitching is less fun. And, since we live in Florida, we have a pretty limited need for the typical crocheted items. (My daughter does live in New York, but I've already made her things like a scarf and afghan, and she also enjoys crocheting things for herself.) So, I'm now in search of some kind of crafty hobby that fills that space in my life. I'm not willing to spend a lot of money in start-up, and I would still want this to meet those same basic qualities: flexible and portable, result in something reasonably useful, something I can do while chatting or watching TV. Anyone have any suggestions or thoughts for me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 When cross stitch became too hard to see and concentrate on, I switched to crochet. I get that you are in Florida, but you could make infant hats and donate them, or blankets for project Linus. I usually have a large afghan going at all times and then I make smaller ones for grand kids. As you can see by my siggy there is another round of babies coming early next year so I am making a few more.😃 I tend to make easy patterns that repeat after a few rows. I use the larger afghans for wedding gifts, or make shawl sizes for friends and family going thru serious illnesses. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleowl Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 I am a quilter. English paper piecing (a type of hand piecing) could fit the bill for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomatHWTK Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 Did you ever make the amigurumi pets? http://greatamigurumi.blogspot.com/ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 There are a few Toy Drop organisations online. You make the toy, leave it somewhere for someone to find, register it on their website and get kicks when someone registers that they found it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 Making needle felted pictures, from these kits, is how I've been keeping my hands not-idle of late. I'm not crafty at all, but it comes together so satisfyingly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 Making needle felted pictures, from these kits, is how I've been keeping my hands not-idle of late. I'm not crafty at all, but it comes together so satisfyingly. I've fancied having a go at that for ages. But my UFO collection is intimidating enough as it is. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 I've fancied having a go at that for ages. But my UFO collection is intimidating enough as it is. :D If you use it up at a slightly faster rate than you buy it! It's so easy. I didn't even understand what needle felting meant when I started the first one. But I kept stabbing and ta da! a picture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 If you use it up at a slightly faster rate than you buy it! But I don't. :D I come from a respectable line of craft supply um, what's a word that means hoarder but has a positive connotation? :D It's so easy. I didn't even understand what needle felting meant when I started the first one. But I kept stabbing and ta da! a picture. I'm convinced. I think I'm going to buy a kit for dd for Christmas, and buy myself one too so she doesn't get lonely while she works on it. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimm Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 But I don't. :D I come from a respectable line of craft supply um, what's a word that means hoarder but has a positive connotation? :D Aficionado? :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 Aficionado? :) Not quite. I can't claim to be knowledgeable. I just uh, acquire the collections of resources required to become knowledgeable. :lol: 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted September 13, 2015 Author Share Posted September 13, 2015 There are a few Toy Drop organisations online. You make the toy, leave it somewhere for someone to find, register it on their website and get kicks when someone registers that they found it. How would I search for such an organization? I tried searching for "toy drop" but got a ton of links for things like Toys for Tots, nothing for handmade items. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 How would I search for such an organization? I tried searching for "toy drop" but got a ton of links for things like Toys for Tots, nothing for handmade items. This one came up in a quick search for me: http://thetoysociety.blogspot.com.au Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted September 13, 2015 Author Share Posted September 13, 2015 When cross stitch became too hard to see and concentrate on, I switched to crochet. I get that you are in Florida, but you could make infant hats and donate them, or blankets for project Linus. I'm considering Project Linus and Warm Up America, but I would really prefer to find a local organization or agency and perhaps one with a more specific mission than "kids in need." I've spent the last couple of hours scouring the websites of both Project Linus and Warm Up America, and I'm no closer to understanding who receives those items than I was when I started. I would like to have some sense that the people who receive these items are actually being helped with them. I found a good number of local groups who make hats and blankets for hospitals, but for some reason that one doesn't speak to me. (Also, the organizations that specifically provide items to hospitals are very clear about donations being free of allergens, including pet hair. Although I would, of course, do my best to be careful, I do have pets in my home. So, I'm unsure if my donations would even be welcome. Several websites mentioned that questionable items would be discarded or destroyed.) I've also checked the websites of most of the charitable/outreach organizations in my area with which I'm familiar, and none of them indicate that they accept home-made items. In fact, several specify that they do not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onceuponatime Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 Crewel embroidery. I know it sounds very 70's but there are dozens of variations, red work, white work, wool work, ribbon embroidery, and others. There are many beautiful modern patterns or you can go old school. It is far more forgiving than cross stitch and not as limited. You can work on pillows, pillow cases, sheets, table runners, kitchen towels, denim, whatever strikes your fancy. I took the picture in my avatar and embroidered it red work style, but in burgundy thread on mustard linen. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 I'm considering Project Linus and Warm Up America, but I would really prefer to find a local organization or agency and perhaps one with a more specific mission than "kids in need." I've spent the last couple of hours scouring the websites of both Project Linus and Warm Up America, and I'm no closer to understanding who receives those items than I was when I started. I would like to have some sense that the people who receive these items are actually being helped with them. I found a good number of local groups who make hats and blankets for hospitals, but for some reason that one doesn't speak to me. (Also, the organizations that specifically provide items to hospitals are very clear about donations being free of allergens, including pet hair. Although I would, of course, do my best to be careful, I do have pets in my home. So, I'm unsure if my donations would even be welcome. Several websites mentioned that questionable items would be discarded or destroyed.) I've also checked the websites of most of the charitable/outreach organizations in my area with which I'm familiar, and none of them indicate that they accept home-made items. In fact, several specify that they do not. I don't have any more specific answers for you. What I do know is locally our hospital/hospitals accept homemade newborn infant hats that my friend knits. She makes one in about two hours at our monthly craft night. When she gets a good amount she drops them off. I personally sew with a group that makes fleece hats for the homeless. We make about 4,000 each year and we drop them off directly with the charities that hand them out. Many from that same group also make quilts for our local hospital and yes I have first hand knowledge of how the hospital uses those quilts. If charity work speaks to you, keep looking, something will pop up. Maybe check with a local yarn store or an independent fabric store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercyA Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 I'm considering Project Linus and Warm Up America, but I would really prefer to find a local organization or agency and perhaps one with a more specific mission than "kids in need." Would you possibly enjoy making crate pads, blankets, or toys for animals in a local shelter? You could also make them fancy bandanas or collar covers to help them look nice on adoption days. A woman in my co-op makes up bags for children entering our local foster care system, so they will have something of their own. She includes a blanket with each one. I imagine a small stuffed toy would be a good addition, too. Maybe someone is doing something similar in your area? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 In the fall, my daughters and I would sometimes make corn husk dolls. At first it seemed kind of silly, but you can make very intricate, beautiful ones, and they really are a lot of fun to make. But I don't know what you do with them exactly, besides displaying them around your home in the fall! Maybe if you get really good at it, you could sell them through a local shop or on Etsy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kroe1 Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 Digital scrapbooking. This should be a required skill prior to motherhood, in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted September 14, 2015 Author Share Posted September 14, 2015 Digital scrapbooking. This should be a required skill prior to motherhood, in my opinion. Well, I already do that, but there is a limit to the number of scrapbooks anyone in my family needs or wants, especially since we're not longer in the cute-kids-family-vacations-making-new-memories phase of life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted September 14, 2015 Share Posted September 14, 2015 Knitting with cotton or silk would be more practical than crochet in a warm climate. Also you might consider straw stars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted September 14, 2015 Author Share Posted September 14, 2015 If charity work speaks to you, keep looking, something will pop up. Maybe check with a local yarn store or an independent fabric store. I found a couple of organizations that do speak to me. Once gives out hats, scarves and gloves to homeless people in NYC (which isn't "local" to me, but is where my daughter lives, meaning I feel some connection). The other mentors and provides assistance to young people who are aging out of foster care and trying to go to college. One of the things they do is send care packages to students who don't have families to do that for them, and once a year all of the care packages include handmade scarves donated by volunteers. I am always looking for opportunities to do things for older kids and teens, because it seems like so many people focus their giving on babies and little ones. So, the scarves for former foster kids thing is right up my alley. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted September 14, 2015 Share Posted September 14, 2015 I found a couple of organizations that do speak to me. Once gives out hats, scarves and gloves to homeless people in NYC (which isn't "local" to me, but is where my daughter lives, meaning I feel some connection). The other mentors and provides assistance to young people who are aging out of foster care and trying to go to college. One of the things they do is send care packages to students who don't have families to do that for them, and once a year all of the care packages include handmade scarves donated by volunteers. I am always looking for opportunities to do things for older kids and teens, because it seems like so many people focus their giving on babies and little ones. So, the scarves for former foster kids thing is right up my alley. I was going to suggest the Red Scarf Project to you but it looks like you've already found it. You might also consider homeless teen shelters; see if they need handmade items. Some like hats/scarves or sewn items. Don't know if you sew but I'll throw this out there. One group that I help wants drawstring bags for the art supplies they give the kids. I've also heard some shelters like hand-sewn (ETA: homemade, not hand-stitched) pillowcases. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mellifera33 Posted September 14, 2015 Share Posted September 14, 2015 Punch needle embroidery? Spinning with a drop spindle? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted September 14, 2015 Share Posted September 14, 2015 I was also going to suggest crafting for charity. Rebecca makes pet beds and she's going to take them to Petco for the adopted animals. I make baby blankets for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep and also a local pregnancy center. Hats, socks, scarves, etc. can be used for local homeless shelters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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