What Are You Working On? Share a Hobby, Project, or Interest With Us! :)

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seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,580
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#1
Hey everyone,

I have to give credit where credit is due. Miss Cris posted a thread like this a long time ago, so all kudos go to her for coming up with this idea! :)

Do you have a project, hobby, or subject you're interested in? What kinds of activities are you participating in? Volunteering at a shelter? A member of a book club? Share it with us here! I love to see what interests people and what they're working on.

It can be anything--maybe you're reading a book or conquering a game you'd like to tell us about, maybe there's a subject you're researching and would like to share, or, maybe you're working on something with your own two hands and would like to share some ideas and tips. I've seen some phenomenal pictures in other threads of homemade meals, stained glass breakfasts, creative arts and remodeled furniture, and even a hand-sewn bear!!!

Seeing what other people are doing is vital to me because it helps keep me motivated, so please, share anything and everything you're involved in here. :)

For the sake of making this easier to read, I will probably start this thread with several posts, but please, feel free to jump in at any time.

I have several things I'd like to share.

As some long-time CC'ers know, one of my hobbies is sewing, and I have often talked about the pair of shorts I've been working on... Here is an update:

IMG_0002-006.jpg


From left to right:

* Khaki: first attempt. WAY TOO BIG. If I attached suspenders, I'd look like a fine lumberjack. Square back pockets. The original pattern does not have back pockets so I used the pocket from a second pattern, as shown.

* Black: WAY TOO SMALL. (Am I the only one feeling like Goldilocks and the 3 Bears here...) Ok, so now I kind of know I need something "in-between" the two... Rounded the edges of the pockets this time and liked that better.

* Blue: put this pair together, made a ton of adjustments, then cut it apart to use as a pattern instead of the original.

* Red: (using different colors each time keeps me motivated.) Rounded pockets made slightly larger seem to work best for me. Still needs a lot of work--belt loops, waistband, and I plan on rolling and permanently cuffing the legs. BUT I THINK THIS WILL ACTUALLY BE A PAIR I CAN WEAR. Hmm. What color top will go best with it? I suppose if I wear white, I'll look like a candy cane... But I suppose this is fitting, with Christmas right around the corner.

WHEW!!! I have a wonderful CC sister here who could probably make all 4 pairs in a month, but as for me, it's taken A YEAR AND A HALF.

* For anyone who believes they don't have the time to work on something they love, I would like to share this tip. My personal goal is to work on my hobbies for 3 hours each week. If I don't have an hour to work on something, I break it down into smaller chunks of time, such as 20 or even 10 minutes. And I often need a break from it just to clear my head!

* This is also why I write so much about time management in my own life--Saturday I made the mistake of turning on the TV... And nearly 4 hours later, I finally got up. ARGH!!! I kick myself when I think of all the other things I could have been working on.

All of the projects I'm sharing here have been accomplished in 20-minute to 1-hour blocks blocks of time, 3 or 4 times a week.

I hope you'll all feel encouraged to work on something you love to do today, even if it's just for 10 minutes. :) I often feel like I'm getting nowhere, especially when I have to start YET AGAIN, but after a year (or 2, or 3), those accomplishments can really add up.

I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone else is working on!!! :)
 
A

Abing

Guest
#2
I'm working on a song :) Just got my new scarlet solo interface and my new condenser mic, im so stoked.
 

seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,580
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#3
Project #2--for anyone who would like to commit to reading the Bible on a regular basis.

This is my at-home study Bible:

IMG_0003-004.jpg

Here are some things that work for me--maybe it can encourage someone else, too.

* I read the Bible in small chunks of time--10 minutes to an hour, with a goal of at least 3 times a week. On days I can't commit to that much time, I read small devotionals instead.

* This is the 6th Bible I've read through over about a 20-year time frame. I started out writing all my questions and notes in stacks and stacks of paper notebooks. I later tried typing (storing my notes on several floppy disks :)), but have found that physical writing--in different colors--helps me retain more information.

* When I think of a topic that interests me (examples: "Love", "Forgiveness", and, in this picture, "God's Influence On Decisions and Outcomes"), I write the title on an index card and record any passages I come across that has to do with that subject. I then arrange them alphabetically in a large box. (I can't take credit for this--I read about this method online and tailored it to my own style.)

* As you can see, I've also put tabs on several pages with passages and footnotes of interest. I originally used flimsy paper tabs (MISTAKE!!!) so I'm now in the process of re-reading all the passages I originally marked, making new notes, and replacing the old tabs with sturdier plastic ones.

* The original project (reading through this Bible and writing out index cards with topics of interest) took me over 2 years, so don't be discouraged!!! My current project of re-reading and re-marking certain passages has already taken several months, and will probably carry me through a good chunk of next year.

* For me, starting is always the hardest part!!!

What are some of your personal challenges when starting, maintaining, and finishing something, and how do you overcome them?
 

seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,580
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#4
Project #3--Christmas is coming.

I need to put the pedal to the medal and start cranking out some bracelets for family and friends (the ones with the long strings are unfinished--I still need to add a loop and closure to the ends.)

IMG_0005-006.jpg

The best thing about making these is that they're fairly inexpensive to make (I try to wait until the materials are on sale or I have a coupon), and my favorite part is that I get to work with several different colors, techniques, and patterns. :)
 
A

Abing

Guest
#5
My my, you're a busy-bee. I admire your dedication.
 

seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,580
113
#6
As a bonus :D, here's something I've found that really helps me with my creative hobbies, and maybe it will work for someone else as well.

* I've found that relying on my own memory is usually never a good idea!!! Do you have a certain part of your projects that have complicated steps that can be hard to remember?

* I've found that using scraps to make samples of harder techniques, such as putting in a zipper, is always worth the extra time it takes. Because so much time can pass my projects, I often forget exactly how to do something and have to take the time to re-learn it again. Taking the time to make samples and write myself step-by-step directions always saves me time, because I know what I need to do at a glance.

IMG_0007-005.jpg

* Putting in the zipper was one of my most dreaded parts of sewing these shorts. But after making a series of examples, all set in sequence, it's become so much easier!

* I always forgot how to assemble the main pieces--the example on the right shows me exactly how to put the four main parts together.

* When I come across a stitch setting that really works for a particular fabric or project, I stitch a small sample and staple it to an index card with notes so that I know exactly what to do the next time. Things like this take some extra time up front, but boy, does it ever save a lot of hassle, heartache, and frustration later.

I hope this helps give others ideas on how to enjoy what they love even more! :)

And please, share your tips and advice with us as well--as you can see, most of my methods are things I've picked up from others, and sometimes, right here in CC Singles! :)
 
W

wwjd_kilden

Guest
#7
I don't like clubs so much, you end up forced to do things when everyone else can. I like doing stuff at my own pace.

I periodically read a lot of books (mostly "light" adventure styles ones, but also fictional books based on historical events.
I like writing, but currently I just can't get started on anything new
 
Jul 25, 2015
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#8
SEOULSEARCH that is all very impressive !! I used to sew and had my own serger at one time so I know the effort involved. Those shorts look great!
 

seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,580
113
#9
SEOULSEARCH that is all very impressive !! I used to sew and had my own serger at one time so I know the effort involved. Those shorts look great!
Chick!

Thank you for the kind words. I was thinking of you when I wrote this, and I hope you'll have to a chance to share some of your knitting projects!

How did you like working with a serger? I always read about how much faster and easier everything is on a serger, but to be honest, I'm more comfortable on a regular sewing machine.
 
Jul 25, 2015
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#10
Chick!

Thank you for the kind words. I was thinking of you when I wrote this, and I hope you'll have to a chance to share some of your knitting projects!

How did you like working with a serger? I always read about how much faster and easier everything is on a serger, but to be honest, I'm more comfortable on a regular sewing machine.
You thought of me while making this post!! awww you made my day that is so cool! Yes I will post some of my knitting projects.

I loved working with the serger and being able to finish off the seams "professionally" so they don't fray. I started sewing in high school and enjoyed it because I could make a long sleeve top that would fit my long monkey arms. Being taller I never could find tops back then that had sleeves long enough although now they actually sell clothes for taller women. I gave up on sewing because I stopped enjoying it and fabric was outrageously expensive so I sold the serger. I still have my sewing machine though. Won't give that up! Although don't even ask me about my yarn budget..lol quality yarn is just as bad.

You should look into a serger especially on Craigslist because you are very talented!
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
24,799
8,103
113
#11
I'm working on a song :) Just got my new scarlet solo interface and my new condenser mic, im so stoked.
oooOOOooo a scarlett interface! :D USB or Firewire?

I don't record my singing but (for other purposes) I got a Centrance MicPort and I love it! Works great with a measurement mic.
 
A

Abing

Guest
#12
oooOOOooo a scarlett interface! :D USB or Firewire?

I don't record my singing but (for other purposes) I got a Centrance MicPort and I love it! Works great with a measurement mic.
oh cool, i haven't tried that, it's USB and I got an at2020 xlr mic. So freaking exciting.
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
24,799
8,103
113
#13
You said "at2020" and I twitched, mostly because of a certain ADAT input expansion back in the day that made audio sound flatter than a flitter. >.> But yeah, an at2020 should do you right. Maybe EQ boost the high end a bit... or maybe not, let your ears be the judge.

Speaking of which, make sure you're listening to the recording through studio speakers. If you use consumer-grade speakers you can't EQ correctly because you have no idea what is really in the recording.
 
A

Abing

Guest
#14
You said "at2020" and I twitched, mostly because of a certain ADAT input expansion back in the day that made audio sound flatter than a flitter. >.> But yeah, an at2020 should do you right. Maybe EQ boost the high end a bit... or maybe not, let your ears be the judge.

Speaking of which, make sure you're listening to the recording through studio speakers. If you use consumer-grade speakers you can't EQ correctly because you have no idea what is really in the recording.
oh im only using gaming headphones that i recently bought, a logitech g40
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
24,799
8,103
113
#15
seoulsearch: Well there goes your impression of me knowing a bit about everything. You mentioned sewing and it shattered in a thousand pieces. :p I can sew a button on... kinda, sorta, and it'll take half an hour, and it probably won't look quite right, but I can get it to stay on there... but that's about it for me and sewing.

My grandmother has a serger though, and she loves it. I have no idea how it differs from a regular sewing machine (and probably wouldn't understand if you explained it, so don't bother) but she's a past-master at sewing so I gotta believe it's a good thing for a sewer to have.
 

seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,580
113
#16
You thought of me while making this post!! awww you made my day that is so cool! Yes I will post some of my knitting projects.

I loved working with the serger and being able to finish off the seams "professionally" so they don't fray. I started sewing in high school and enjoyed it because I could make a long sleeve top that would fit my long monkey arms. Being taller I never could find tops back then that had sleeves long enough although now they actually sell clothes for taller women. I gave up on sewing because I stopped enjoying it and fabric was outrageously expensive so I sold the serger. I still have my sewing machine though. Won't give that up! Although don't even ask me about my yarn budget..lol quality yarn is just as bad.

You should look into a serger especially on Craigslist because you are very talented!
Thanks so much for the encouragement, Chick! I actually did own a serger at one time (way back around 1999), and it was fairly impressive then because it also included a cover stitch. I suppose nowadays all sergers have that, but back then, most brands required a separate machine for cover stitching.

There's no doubt that sergers produce a gorgeous finished seam. However, I ran into some problems:

* I had a 5-thread serger and I got tired of having to adjust at least 4 threads vs. 2 on my regular sewing machine. It took more time to actually work with the serger (changing out throat plates for various stitches, threading the machine, etc.) than what I was spending on sewing the actual project.
I often work with different colors, so having to change threads often on a serger (not to mention trying to buy matching threads) was an expensive, time-consuming pain.

* Getting things to fit is always my biggest challenge. I often leave an extra bit of seam allowance "just in case" I have to make something a little bigger or smaller. A serger (unless, of course, you deactivate the knives) just chops all those edges off and would render my little "safeguards" useless. It's easier for me to just stitch, adjust, zigzag, and trim, even though it takes extra time. It's a lot quicker than having to completely start over because the serger just sawed off my guardrails!

* If I ever got another serger, I'd look into those self-threading models. I don't want anything that takes me more time to figure out how to use than what I'm spending on a project. Technology IS wonderful--my sewing machine is from 1999 as well but one of the reasons I bought it is because it has an amazing foot that you just pop on, lay your button in a tray and push it back to the size of the button, and the machine stitches the entire buttonhole in one step!!! All you have to do is decide where you want your buttonhole to go--NO complicated markings of where to stop and start, and no turning the machine at every corner.
 

seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,580
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#17
Lynx, Abing, and everyone else:

Would there be any way that you can post pictures of the equipment you're talking about and explain a little about how they work?

One of the things I was hoping for in this thread is to learn about hobbies I know nothing about. :)

Just because I don't know about something definitely doesn't mean I'm not interested! I've gotten many ideas for my own hobbies by learning about what other people are into and how they handle the challenges they face with their own creations.

P.S. Lynx, now I want to meet your Grandma... I have long hoped for someone who could teach me but most women I know (including my own Grandma) only sew things I'm not interested in at all (polyester polos and quilts, which are wonderful things, but just not my interest.)
 
Jul 25, 2015
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#18
You said "at2020" and I twitched, mostly because of a certain ADAT input expansion back in the day that made audio sound flatter than a flitter. >.> But yeah, an at2020 should do you right. Maybe EQ boost the high end a bit... or maybe not, let your ears be the judge.

Speaking of which, make sure you're listening to the recording through studio speakers. If you use consumer-grade speakers you can't EQ correctly because you have no idea what is really in the recording.
"at2020" or at2021...whatever it takes...(name that movie) lol

have no idea what you both are talking about but sounds so cool!!
 
B

Blessing208

Guest
#19
I recorded my first single! Oh man now everyone knows. Still nervous about letting people hear though
 

seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,580
113
#20
"at2020" or at2021...whatever it takes...(name that movie) lol

have no idea what you both are talking about but sounds so cool!!
Yes! I would like to encourage posters to please post pictures, links, or more information about their hobbies and the tools, equipment, and techniques they use.

Many of us might not know what you're talking about (and you might not understand us either :)) but obviously, we'd all be very interested in seeing what you're talking about! :)