As the days grow shorter and the evenings cooler, the critters of Spinsters Row return to their dens of comfort and solitary amusements. From autumnal simmer pots that make your home smell like the inside of an apple cider distillery crossed with a cozy bakery to knittable woodland friends, there are so many ways to combat FOMO when you opt to stay home on a drizzly Sunday and decline all social invitations. Here are some of the crafts that we’re excited to dive into this season.
Sandy
“I collect patches from concerts I attend. Every few months and after having had a rough stretch of days, I like to pull out my ‘battle jacket’ and sew on the new patches. Battle jackets, or battle vests, are like personal armor built over years. They represent your unique musical identity, loyalty to bands, and place within the metal community.
It’s so soothing and gratifying about taking care of my personal armor, just like a knight would after battles There may be some blood stains from where I pricked my fingers during the sewing process, but I see that as a bonus. The stains and scars add to the story.”
Teresa
Yes, I’ve done still life studies and worked on my shading, but what’s brought me the most joy is painting weird little monsters and cutting them out. I use them as bookmarks and throughout the year, I keep opening up books that I haven’t read in a while to discover another odd creature I painted.”
Kristin
“The only ‘craft’ I really do is what I call jewelry assembly. It’s where I buy pretty findings and beads and put them all together to make (mostly) earrings.
I get a lot of compliments when I wear them out, so I guess they aren’t terrible?
You be the judge.”
Angie
“When the temperature drops below 60, I unpack my yarns and flannels to knit afghans and piece quilt tops. If you begin an afghan in the fall, by the time you’re near completion, it’s serving dual purposes: keeping your hands occupied AND keeping you warm.
I can’t think of any other craft projects that serve such an important purpose during their construction.”
The possibilities are endless, but the cool, crisp days are finite. If there are any crafts that have been calling to you, we urge you to try them out. Sure, you may not be “good” at something the first time you pick it up (although even that good/bad dichotomy is simply a construct), but learning new things and experimenting with your interests is central to the joy of being human.
Embrace the process. Let yourself try new things, fail, and maybe even surprise yourself. And share your crafts whenever you’re ready. We’re always eager to gather around and coo at your creations like excited magpies.
