Five Friday Faves - 10.17
how to get started crafting
This past weekend, my husband and son were out of town, making some incredible core memories and I was home with my daughter. We had a ball just the two of us, and I loved spending some one on one time with her.
I also spent a lot of time hobbying - I learned how to crochet, I finished needlepoint ornaments, and I knit a hat for my daughter.
My mom has always had a crafty streak. She can weave baskets, knit, and needlepoint. I credit her with my passion for crafting and teaching me how to get started. She taught me how to read a knitting pattern in December of 2019, and that was lucky because who knew I’d need a hobby in March 2020. I’ve been needlepointing since I was in middle school and continue to love it.
If you’ve been interested in starting a hobby, below are some ideas about where to start!
Crochet - If you’re looking to get started with crochet, these little Woobles are so cute and very well-guided. The kit also includes everything you need to complete the little animal. I didn’t know how to crochet before picking up the kit1, and can confidently say I’d be able to do it again. For ~4hrs of effort, the output is really satisfying. My daughter loves it!
Needlepoint - Lots of needlepoint stores sell like Lycette, these kids kits, or Penny Linn has some great kits. Penny Linn Designs has some great instructional videos online as well. If you’re interested in getting into needlepoint, my friend Claire and her partner Allie have The Stitch Needlepoint Club! Also, find a local needlepoint store! They’re full of helpful people who just want to help you with projects! If you’re in the Boston area, The Stitch Boutique and Greenhouse Needlepoint are both great!
I prefer stitching small canvases and projects because I like finishing them, but one thing with Needlepoint is that finishing can be expensive. I recently tried my hand at finishing my own ornaments using this tutorial, and I’m really pleased with the outcome. It’s tedious, but I’m glad I did it!
Knitting - Knitting can be pretty intimidating - the patterns are confusing, two needles, not one - lots going on. I learned from my mom, but there are plenty of ways to learn both in person and online. I’ve done some of these We Are Knitters Kits when I was getting started, and Purl Soho has some beautiful yarn and kits. Local yarn stores also often have lessons in knitting and learning the basics of a pattern can go a long way. To this day I often google “(knitting abbreviation) video” to learn how to do a stitch or part of a pattern. As with all things (but probably this more than needlepoint) practice and repetition helps the needle motions become second nature
What’s for Dinner?
I’m working really hard on increasing my protein intake these days. I’m still trying to figure out what works, but my hyperfixation lunch this week is Turkey Breast (I’m roasting one on the weekend), Apple, Cheddar Cheese, and Arugula wrapped on a Lavash. It’s really delish.
Sunday - Homemade pizza
Monday - Chicken Sausage with Peppers and Onions
Tuesday - Egg Roll Bowl
Wednesday - Grilled Chicken with Sweet Potato
Thursday - Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos (made with Chicken Breast - don’t recommend)
More A Day In Her Life:
ICYMI - This week Jess Botros is on the podcast! Jess and I met working in Madison WI, and I loved hearing about her days as a VP of IT Technology and Operations at a huge health system! Her meeting heavy days were very relatable, and I definitely want to implement her retirement days!
One Year Ago -
Two Years Ago -
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Well, before my daughter picked it out at the craft store