Rewarding Hobbies with Practical Uses

Plus fun projects to help get you started

By Rue Reynold

Sometimes balancing work and fun can be difficult. Maybe you want to try a new hobby to relax, but are afraid you aren’t being productive enough. Your entertainment is just as important, so to make both your relaxing and work sides happy, here are five truly satisfying hobbies that have uses beyond just “fun.”

Knitting or crochet

Knitting and crocheting are both hobbies that blend relaxation and practical use. You can make anything from a doily to a summer blouse to an adorable plushie to a king-sized blanket. The only things you need to get started are yarn, and either knitting needles or a crochet hook, depending on your hobby of choice. Begin with simple projects like doilies or hats for a child or doll, so you can practice and create all in one fell swoop.

Quilting

This classic pastime is a long-time favorite for many sewing enthusiasts because quilts can be used in various ways for both comfort and decorative purposes. While quilts involve a top decorative layer, a cushy middle layer, and a backing layer that holds everything together, you can begin quilting today with only a needle, thread, scissors and a few pieces of old clothing to make the top decorative layer. The middle and backing layers can be added later. Try smaller projects to get started, such as cutting fabric and then sewing it back together until you make a quilt about crib-size.

Candlemaking

You have full control of everything when making candles, from the colors and patterns to size and scent. Add essential oils and dyes for a candle creation you won’t find in stores. Not only are candles great for relaxation and decoration, you can also use them — if safely attended — should the power go out. Begin with a basic wax candle and add a few drops of essential oil to start getting used to the process.

Soapmaking

Soapmaking is a unique hobby with endless benefits and uses. There is a method to use for every skill level, including absolute beginners and children. You can create unique, organic soaps with natural ingredients or explore your visually creative side with colors, patterns and even shapes. Best of all, you can use every creation at home or gift them to friends and family. Consider making a soap with your loved one’s favorite scents, colors or desired ingredient to create a personalized touch.

Photography or videography

Like quilting, a hobby in photography and videography can be started as soon as today if you have a camera (or smartphone) lying around. Each hobby has limitless possibilities because the subject matter can be anything you like from family to architecture. Create large, framed collages to hang on your walls, personalize postcards or gifts with photos you’ve captured, or replay memories you’ve recorded on video.

Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country.

‘Look Up and Live’ this Kite Season

Springtime on Hatteras Island often provides ideal conditions for wind and water sports, including recreational kite flying and kiteboarding. CHEC reminds you to “Look Up and Live” in an effort to bring awareness to the potential dangers of overhead power lines. CHEC has had several incidents of kiteboarding equipment and personal handheld kites becoming entangled in power lines. These incidents can result in loss of electric power, monetary fines, serious personal injury and loss of life.

CHEC continues to work with local watersports companies and the National Park Service to help educate both local and visiting wind-sport enthusiasts on the important safety steps that need to take place before launching any sized kiting equipment.

By spreading the message of “Look Up and Live” and installing warning signs near power lines close to the Pamlico Sound, CHEC hopes to encourage safe kiting practices. Since adopting these safety initiatives, the number of kiting incidents the cooperative has experienced has been reduced in recent years.

Kite Safety Tips

Whether you’re a seasoned kiteboarder, just starting out or flying a recreational kite for fun, there are several safety steps to remember before launching your equipment. It is important to always anticipate wind speed and directional change, as it is can suddenly shift or become stronger. If you find yourself being pulled by your kite toward a power line, you must react immediately and release yourself completely from your kite.

Here are some more helpful tips to consider before you launch a kite of any size:

» Before gearing up and letting your kite soar, remember to “Look up and live” — check the immediate area around and above you to make sure there are no electric power lines in the immediate vicinity.

» Always kite with another person.

» Check what size kite other riders are using. If you do not have the correct size, do not go out.

» Remember, the wind and weather on Hatteras Island can be unpredictable, and blow a kite and flyer in directions not intended.

» If you lose control of your kite or it is inevitable that a kite is going to make contact with a power line, release yourself immediately from your equipment.

» If your kite gets away form you and gets caught in a power line, leave it there and report it immediately to CHEC by calling 866-511-9862.