Learn something new this year

Being she new year and all that jazz, I thought it would be a good idea to challenge everyone to try something new and crafty this year. Perhaps something you have always wanted to try but didn't have the confidence to do so.

As I am a big supporter of heritage crafts, I thought that I would issue this challenge here. I have already started to learn spoon carving, but this is the year that I stop talking and actually build my pole lathe - I have been collecting plans for years and this is the year that the tyranny of earthenware is challenged in my household as I learn to turn plates and bowls.


SO who would like to learn something new this year?

I would like to learn how to make cheese properly this year. Really good, tasty hard cheese.

I am going to have a go at making a greenwood chair.

Also hurdle making.

And a composting toilet, in the wood.

not sure if the last counts as a craft, really...

I want to get a grip at tapestry weaving.
I have sort of started to start once and I think I would enjoy it.

I will have a think about learning something more useful in the upcoming monts. Who said that new year's resolutions have to stand firm on the first day of the year.

I'd love to have a go at blacksmithing. Then I can make myself a froe, a plain, simple tool which nonetheless is sucessfully eluding my every attempt to purchase one at a price I can afford. Then maybe I can carry on with a bit of green woodworking and make myself a draw horse.

I sometimes wish I lived in America where many good solidly built old hand tools and kitchen equipment are still in circulation. Perhaps it would be better in the long run to buy a cheap flight over accompanied by an empty bag and a full wallet.

What about this one COTW:

http://www.toolnut.co.uk/products/adzes,_drawknives,_froes/Froe_by_Ray_Iles_-_5_Inch.html

Billy you're a wonder.

I haven't seen that site before and believe me, I've bookmarked a few. Thank you!

I may be able to find an old one cheaper than that. I know where there is a treasure trove of old tools. When the weather improves I'll toddle over and have a look.

I want to learn to sing.

After a disastrous dinner and various knitting problems I think I had better concentrate on learning to do the things I already try to do better! So cooking/ baking, knitting, crochet and sewing for me!

Mrs C

chickenofthewoods wrote:Billy you're a wonder.

I haven't seen that site before and believe me, I've bookmarked a few. Thank you!

HAve you tried Tools for Self Reliance? I have had some wonderful stuff from our local chap..including our English Scythe and my compost pitchfork, which is 140 years old... I like the idea of using a tool that old.....it makes me happy..

I would like to learn how to do pottery, (may be with or with out a wheel).

Or come to that wood working from a chair. There is so much out there that I would like to learn, I would be happy just to learn just how to live.

Jaded Green wrote:I want to learn to sing.

Ah, JG, anyone can sing. I've seen it over and over. People who would swear to me that they were just awful, who with proper encouragement, find their voices. There's nothing quite like it.

Practice does make "perfect", but mostly it's about little things like giving yourself the space to be imperfect. Learning to really breathe... and relaxing. Allowing your voice to come instead of forcing it. And perhaps, most of all, learning to block out the voices of the naysayers. They'll be there, often amongst those you love the most, saying the most hurtful things, in jest, of course. Don't listen to them. They don't understand.

Learning to sing, is pretty much like learning to write. You just have to do it. Yes, there are techniques that you can get yourself all wrapped up in, but singing is best, I think, when its you... and the cat.

So... whatcha wanna sing?????

I agree with Ginny bug...anyone can sing, at least well, if not terrifically!

CM has a fine tenor voice, but has a problem with following the tine...but his voice is lovely!..he just needs help to stay with the tune..

CG has a fine voice, which I also have ( no false modesty...!) which is a joy for me to behold...

HAve you tried Tools for Self Reliance?

Nope, but I shall have a look now. Thanks CW.

(I agree about preferring old tools, they are much more pleasing aesthetically and feel so much better in the hand) *


*Billy, I'm leaving that wide open to interpretation just for you

COTW, I resisted VERY hard making some comment about what Billy might make from my words......

I thought I had put in a linky to TFSR? sorry, it didn't seem to come up?

Errm no linky in your post CW. I'm sure this it it though?

http://www.tfsr.org/

Yes!

I meet up with Graham, our local TFSR man at a few events we both do during the year, and if I call him about something I am looking for he keeps an eye out for me!

Nice man, really knows his stuff.

Sorry about the lack of linky, not sure what happened there!

Hmm, I think it will have to be something to do with improving cooking/baking/brewing/gardening - I think the 'crafting' gene must have missed me completely!! Perhaps improving photography might be a bit 'crafty' - BTW hello to Seileasdar - the photos on your webpage are lovely!!

Jane

Never mind CW, we got there in the end! If anyone can point me in the direction of a supplier of good old hand tools such as a draw knife/froe or anything like that I'd be grateful. They're getting so hard to find here!

Must admit I feel a bit like Jane. The thing I most want to do is painting, But it is only for my own enjoyment. What I love doing is Make do & Mend & learn about the Home Front cooking & living,so I shall try & learn more in that way, & put it into practise. So not so much a Heritage Craft, but using my Heritage to live better.

Pol - so agree with you there. Was a lovely exhibition on the Home Front and what it was like in St Albans at our local museum last year and I loved it. If you like that time have you read Nella Last's diaries? If not then you should and I think you'd love them!

Mrs C

Haven`t read them but did see the TV program. I have quite a selection of books etc, but was suprised when I got the Make do book as most of what was in there I do anyway, moreso when the boys were young., which gives me an idea for a new thread!! So I sold it on.

Lady Sparhawk & Flute have decided they are going to learn crochet this year (I thought Lady S was crochety enough especially when I told her (ouch! emoticon)).

When we were shopping we went looking for some crochet sticks & she was just about to lead us into a sewing shop when I pointed out one of the charity shops that I quite often frequent...Consequently they got 9 hooky sticky things for the price of 2...

P.S. It will be a new skill for me too, learning the lingo that is...

Have made the grand decision to crochet a full size blanket, Not all in one piece, but squares, that way I can carry it round with me.