Being a dilettante

[firecat]

Lately I feel like I want to learn something new, or continue learning something I've already done some of...mostly along the lines of arts and crafts. It's great that I want to do stuff and might have the energy to do stuff, because it's been a while since I felt that way. But it's also frustrating right now, because whatever part of my brain that I use to choose among various more or less equally good options seems to still be offline, so I can't make up my mind what I want to learn or where/how I want to learn it.


jewelry:
things to learn
using resin to make jewelry
wirework
enameling
chainmail
basic metalsmithing
basic soldering

places to learn
beading frenzy
baubles and beads
bay area bead extravaganza conference
beaducation.com
books and magazine articles

yarn crafts:
things to learn
nonstandard/historical/ethnic knitting techniques (knitting in two directions, twined knitting, bohus stickning)
techniques for knitting in color (fair isle, slip stitch)
incorporating beads into knitting
less common knitting stitches
fitting techniques
cable stitches and techniques
designing lace patterns

places to learn
stitches west conference
local yarn stores
web sites: knitty, ravelry, interweave
dvds, books and magazines

sewing
things to learn
embroidery machine
serger machine
long-arm quilting machine

places to learn
techshop

other stuff I think about learning/doing
lampworking
glass fusing
stained glass
wood shop machines and hand tools
ukulele, recorder, tin whistle, hand drums, singing (group and/or lessons)
logic pro (computer music software)
photoshop and other graphics software
photography

some things I keep feeling tempted to learn but have resisted so far
yarn dying, spinning
weaving
polymer clay, silver clay, glass clay
glass blowing

What do you want to learn? What are you glad you learned?

Comments

[fauxklore]

I find I get overwhelmed if I think too hard about all the stuff I want to learn. What works for me is to just browse class catalogs and look for shorter term workshops (1-2 days) to try things out.

In terms of crafty things, I want to learn something having to do with clay / ceramics. There are several bookbinding techniques (e.g. Thomas Ashman's metal binding) I want to learn. I want to learn more nalbinding stitches and more knitting techniques and Tunisian crochet.

My top priority on non-crafty things has to do with languages (Spanish, Hebrew, and something Asian) but that is harder because my travel schedule makes it difficult to take weekly classes. I should look into hiring a tutor.

I want to learn some physical things too - better dance and swimming techniques. I started taking dance classes again a couple of years ago after not doing so for years and I am very happy I did.

Finally, I want to learn to play the didgeridoo and the Uillean pipes. But I am reasonably sure my neighbors don't want me to :)

[nellorat.livejournal.com]

I'd bet you can take a reasonably priced language class online, is a tutor is too expensive. However, the choice also depends on whether your emphasis is reading or conversational.

[fauxklore]

I suspect that it would be harder for me to discipline myself to do the work for an on-line class. Involving a physical class or another person feels like more of a commitment.

As for cost, there is actually a free language tutoring program I have heard about here. You pay a fee to enroll but get it back after some number of sessions.