In My Multiple Hobby Era
I’ve written before about my older tendencies, even though I am only 45 as I write this post. Thankfully, “grandma hobbies” saw a new resurgence after the COVID-19 pandemic. And as usual, I was a bit late to embrace them.
Childhood hobbies
Like most children, I enjoyed playing outside on my swing set and spending time with my pets. I played make-believe house, doctor, office, etc. I made silly videos with my siblings using a VHS camcorder. I watched my favorite TV shows, whether live or on recorded VHS tapes.
As far as hobbies, I remember making art projects or jewelry, messing around with plastic canvas, learning to sew by hand from my Meema Easterling, and spending hours reading. Later, as a teenager, I learned to use a sewing machine and made a dress for my Home Economics class (I think the class had already changed its name to Family and Consumer Sciences).
And during that time, writing as a hobby became an all-consuming calling that eventually led to my six published novels (so far).
Adulting got in the way of crafts
College, dating, marriage, kids, dogs, my career. All of those things occupied my early adulthood to the point that I had little time to devote to multiple hobbies. Still, I dabbled in creative projects, like decorating my house or doing projects with my kids. We did a lot of arts and crafts, including Perler fuse beads from 2019 through the end of the pandemic. When my kids lost interest, I gave up the fuse beads too.
I still watched a few TV shows, but not as many as when I was younger. I read a lot of books. In any spare moment I had to myself, mostly after everyone else had gone to bed, I worked on my novels and writing blogs.
A shift back into the hobbies
After an unexpected change in my day job and a much-needed second round of therapy, I started doing things for myself again instead of focusing on everyone else all the time. That meant more time at concerts, even if I went alone, solo shopping trips to thrift stores, and picking up old hobbies.
I worked on a couple of painting projects, but another passion came back in February 2026: sewing. Quilting, to be exact. Stacey, a woman from my writers group, invited me to participate in an event for Project Linus, an organization that makes blankets for children in need. I took my daughter Meredith with me, and we cut out pieces for quilt patterns. I thought that would be it, since I’d never considered quilting before. Up until then, I had only used my sewing machine for mending and one non-quilted blanket from a kit.
But Stacey asked me to sew together a quilt top that the other ladies in the group would be happy to quilt. I took home three kits and patterns, eager to try.
Quilting and sewing
The first three quilt tops came together quickly, and soon, I’d made more. Then I decided to try machine quilting. I’m not great at it, but the quilts are pretty and functional. So far, I’ve donated 8 quilt tops and 6 complete quilts to Project Linus. I kept one completed quilt for myself. I have several other tops that I need to quilt. I’m not sure yet if those projects will be for sale or donation.
I also decided to make some lined tote bags with repurposed materials. I use mostly throw pillow covers and line them with material from regular pillowcases or sheets. Some of the handles I made with canvas belts, when possible. I’m always on the lookout for decent fabric or bedding at thrift stores for my projects. I also made a purse for myself. I plan to make more to sell in the future.
Quilting and sewing became a grandma hobby at some point, but they’re really suitable for anyone. My mom loves to sew, so I remember her working on projects when I was a kid, including a bathrobe I wore into adulthood until it fell apart with age.
Jewelry making
While sewing, I decided to make some earrings. Then I made necklaces, bracelets, and key chains. I made some charmed bookmarks from a kit. Those items help draw attention to my booth at author events and now arts and crafts fairs. I’ve made some pieces for myself and my daughter. The whole process relaxes me.
I share a booth with my husband at most events. He makes and sells 3D-printed fidgets and custom statues. Check him out sometime at binaryatlas.com.
Writing
Although I’ve taken a brief break from writing my seventh novel, a sequel/companion to Caroline’s Lighthouse, I am back at it and actively thinking about how the story will progress. Caroline’s daughter Greta has her own story to tell, and I look forward to sharing it with you in 2027.
I am also populating the Luminesce Publishing website with helpful advice for other writers. Stay tuned for more. If I could add more hours to the day, I would!
Other crafts and projects
I’ve worked on a few other projects like framed vintage book prints, dried flowers, and Mod Podge projects on wood. It’s fun to offer a lot of different things for sale along with my books.
I’ve started learning embroidery, and I have plans to try crochet in the future. I also plan to do more drawing and painting.
One of my favorite one-off projects related to sewing is finding a vintage sewing machine cabinet and retrofitting it for my vintage Singer sewing machine that my mother-in-law gave me. I had to order a new top casing from Etsy to make it work, but it fits now! Plus, I built a box with scrap wood to showcase the old, non-working machine that came with the cabinet. More about that in a future blog post!
What are your favorite hobbies?
Let me know in the comments what hobbies you enjoy! Maybe I’ll try another one!
Thank you for reading,
Brandi Easterling Collins
