Last year, I was having coffee with a new friend — kind of a “speed date” to get to know each other. Somewhere in the conversation, she asked, “Do you have any hobbies?”
I froze. Do I have any hobbies?
Most people assume photography is my hobby, but it’s actually my career. As much as I love it, I don’t pick up my camera just for fun anymore. Her question stuck with me for days. I thought, I like hanging out with Codes and watching shows — does that count as a hobby? Maybe. But I wanted to find something that felt more like a true hobby — something new, something just for me.
Here’s the thing: I’m very type-A, which can be tricky as a creative. I can’t casually color; it has to be perfect. I don’t like stopping halfway through a project — I want to finish it in one sitting. The whole idea of finding a hobby started to feel… stressful. Isn’t a hobby supposed to be fun and relaxing? I had to shift my mindset and ask: What would be fun to learn, even if it wasn’t perfect?
That last thought changed everything: I don’t have to share this with anyone. It’s just for me.
Enter Pinterest.
There are SO many craft ideas there. (Here’s my craft board if you want to see what I mean: Pinterest Board)
I decided to start with embroidery — it’s always impressed me. This was my first kit: Beginner Embroidery Kit. I loved that it came with everything I needed and had clear instructions. From there, I tried:
Every kit introduced me to new stitches and patterns. I went into those first few hoops telling myself they didn’t need to be perfect — and they weren’t! But letting go of perfection helped me truly enjoy the process.
I even picked up a few great books to learn more:
Since then, I’ve explored more embroidery and even dabbled in cross-stitch:
- Snarky True Crime Embroidery Pattern – Etsy
- Bookish Valentine Stick & Stitch – Etsy
- Santa Hand Embroidery Kit – Etsy
- Snarky Husband Embroidery Pattern – Etsy
- Printable Sparkles Embroidery Patterns Sheet, Stars Embroidery Embellishments, Embroidery Patch Designs Download for Stick and Stitch – Etsy
- Name Stick and Stitch Kit, Embroidery Personalized Collar Craft, Embroidered Kids Name, DIY Hand Embroidery Pattern, Custom Name Kits – Etsy
And for cross-stitch:
- 63 Tiny National Parks Patterns – Etsy
- Prickly Cactus Cross-Stitch Kit – Etsy
- Funny Christmas Ornament Kit – Etsy
- “Pivot” Friends Quote Ornament Kit – Etsy
I’ve fallen in love with how relaxing it can be to stitch and create something tangible. It’s become my go-to hobby — no pressure, just joy.
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