Woozy Crafting

Several days ago I had oral surgery and have been on painkillers ever since - until today, that is.  Today I allow my bloodstream to detox so I won't be all wonky at work tomorrow (I really wasn't staring at you, Lora, it was the drugs!).

As a general rule, I don't like to post anything I've written while on any type of drug that makes me woozy.  And I didn't realize how long I'd need to stay on medication, as I thought I'd be fine by the next day (so, so wrong).  Since I woke up today without pain in my jaw, I decided it's time to wish everyone a happy Valentine's, write about what I've been up to this week (while in recovery) and let you know that Craftsy is having a Valentine's Day sale that you should absolutely check out if you think there's even a remote chance that you'll pick up crocheting, knitting, cake decorating, sewing, etcetera within the next few years.

Thanks to this sale, I've already purchased Crafty Crochet Embellishments and Amigurumi: Design Your Own Monster.  I started the embellishment class last night because I just finished a scarf and want to add a flower to it...this sounds really weird coming from me, just so you know.  Damn you, crafting!

Anyway, when I was trying to learn how to make structural crochet flowers via random YouTube videos this week, I was thinking it was pretty hard.  But the way the Craftsy class is taught, you really only need to know four stitches: single crochet (sc), half-double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc) and how to do a slip stitch (sl st).  Patterns and diagrams come with the class, but when I start something new, I'm better watching someone else while doing the project (and Craftsy classes are easy to pause, have a 30 second repeat button and allow you to put your own notes in the video), just at the start.  Yup, I'm totally backward.  But it works for me.


So, this past week I've blocked one finished scarf (first time blocking); started, finished and blocked a second scarf; started learning embellishments so I can adorn the latter; and learned how to emboss paper using rubber stamps, inkpads, embossing powder and a directional heat tool.  I have long been a collector of cards and paper for correspondence and have spent far too much money on that collection.  Since I already had most of the materials, it seemed like it would be less expensive to create my own, not to mention a more productive use of my time than organizing random cards and stationery.

This goes back to the idea, once again, that the best way to find and/or show your own style and creativity is to learn how to make whatever you can on your own.  It is also why I started Uncrafty - to first prove to myself that with the right motivation I can learn some of these crafts, then to show other people who are unsure about their own talent that it is worth finding out if you like any of this stuff.

I have discovered that I suck at gardening and baking, but I really like crocheting and making my own stationery.  I'm still undecided on knitting and sewing and I need to get back into cooking again.

A year ago, I only knew how to cook.  And until a few months ago, I wasn't so sure about my future with crochet.  Sometimes you have to put something down and come back to it later.  I assure you that I've found it to be well worth the trouble so far.