The Spark of Hobbies

Hello, my creative critters! Welcome back to my little corner of the world, where I share my passions, quirks, and the colorful chaos that makes me, well, me. Today, I’d like to take you on a cozy journey into one of my favorite hobbies: crocheting. It’s a craft that’s relatively new to my repertoire but has quickly become a sanctuary of creativity and comfort.

Out of all the hobbies I dabble in—writing, painting, gardening, cooking—crocheting is one of the freshest additions. I didn’t always see myself as someone who would sit down with a hook and yarn, but life has a funny way of introducing you to new passions when you least expect it. The turning point came during a pivotal moment: my pregnancy with my first child. Suddenly, I was filled with a desire to create something meaningful, something that would wrap my little one in warmth and love from the very beginning.

William Joshua 2021

That’s when I decided: I will make a baby blanket not just for him, but for each of my children to come. I wanted to give them something handmade, a tangible symbol of my love and care. And honestly, that project ignited a spark in me I hadn’t known was there. It was the start of something beautiful.

One thing I’ve realized early in life is that I have an uncanny ability to learn arts and crafts at an astonishing pace. If I see someone do it once, I can often replicate the technique almost immediately. It’s like my brain has a secret shortcut for visual and tactile learning. Of course, nothing is perfect on the first try—errors happen, mistakes are made—but I tend to get it faster than most.

Yarn Fox Tail 2017

This rapid learning comes from three key factors:

1. Kinesthetic Connection

I have a hands-on approach to learning. Whether I’m crocheting, knitting, beading, or drawing, I find that I grasp techniques much faster when I’m actively involved. For me, physically manipulating the yarn or pencil helps lock the steps into my muscle memory. It’s almost as if my hands are wired to absorb instructions through touch, which makes the learning process more intuitive and less frustrating. For example, when I first learned to crochet, I watched a brief tutorial, took my hook, and started practicing. The stitches didn’t come out perfectly at first, but I understood the motion immediately. My hands knew what to do, even if my tension was uneven at first.

2. Visual Memory

Seeing someone demonstrate a skill once is often enough for my brain to create a detailed mental blueprint. I have a vivid visual memory, so I can recall the steps and techniques I’ve observed, almost as if I were replaying a short video in my mind. This helps me replicate patterns or stitches with minimal additional instruction. Sometimes, I’ll watch a YouTube tutorial, pause it at key moments, and try to imitate what I see. This process accelerates my learning curve and enables me to experiment confidently on my own afterward.

 3. Genuine Interest

If I find a craft intriguing or fun, I become wholly absorbed. That genuine enthusiasm acts as a catalyst, fueling my motivation to practice, experiment, and improve. When I’m genuinely interested, I don’t mind the mistakes; I see them as part of the learning journey. Crocheting, with its rhythmic, repetitive motion, has become one of those hobbies that I can lose hours in, completely immersed. That passion not only helps me learn faster but also makes the whole process incredibly enjoyable.

2021

Growing up, I wasn’t exactly the star student. School was a mix of understanding subjects enough to pass and struggling to stay motivated. I was what you might call an average student—mostly C’s and B’s, with the occasional A in electives I genuinely enjoyed. The truth is, if I didn’t find something engaging or fun, I’d procrastinate or avoid it altogether.

That’s probably why I have so many hobbies, each one a new adventure, a fresh canvas for my curiosity. I tend to pick up a craft, a habit, or a project because it’s new and exciting. By the time I finish one, I’m already drawn to another shiny new interest. It’s a whirlwind of creativity, sometimes chaotic but always fulfilling.

Why do I jump from hobby to hobby? Well, I think it’s partly because my brain craves novelty. When I master one thing, I get an itch to try something else—something that challenges me in a different way or looks fun. It keeps my mind engaged and my life colorful. Sometimes, I even juggle several projects at once, such as crocheting a blanket, learning watercolor painting, and experimenting with new recipes—all at the same time. It’s a little chaotic, but it keeps me energized and constantly learning.

Candy-Corn Dino 2024

Now, I haven’t been clinically diagnosed, but I’m fairly certain that my way of approaching life and hobbies hints at some form of neurodiversity—perhaps ADHD or another neurological variation. My mind is constantly buzzing with ideas, and my love for jumping from one project to another is part of that unique wiring. It’s a challenge at times, but it’s also what makes my creative journey so vibrant and unpredictable.

Back to crocheting. What I love most is the meditative rhythm it brings. The repetitive motion of the hook and yarn becomes almost a form of mindfulness. It’s a way to slow down and focus amidst the chaos of daily life. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about turning a simple strand of yarn into a cozy blanket, a hat, or a cute toy.

As I sit with my hooks and colorful yarns, I often think about the stories woven into each stitch. Each project is a chapter filled with trial, error, and triumph. Just as writing is, crocheting is a journey of patience, perseverance, and endless creativity.

Let me know what your favorite hobby or current obsession is in the comments!

-E.L. Dawn