Reading (a lot). Photography. Dog training. Napping.
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Where did you learn how to sew?
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Back in the dark ages, when I was but a wee lad, my mother sewed for herself and us kids, so I was familiar with the concept. Mother was also convinced that even “a boy” should learn to thread a needle and sew on a button, so I was familiar with the concept.
Fast forward several decades. I was working in a small shop and one of my many duties was to maintain/repair the industrial sewing machines used to close the end of the bags we produced. One day, after spending a couple of hours repairing and adjusting one of the machines, I sewed a dozen pieces to make sure all was good, and it hit me. I wanted to sew something more than just a straight line. I went home that night and asked my wife (an accomplished seamstress in her own right) to teach me how to make something. We found a very basic pattern, cut up an old bed sheet, and a week later I had a wearable shirt. Not pretty, maybe, but wearable.
Fast forward again through much trial and error, many how-to books (and later on, videos) and lots of fabric and thread, I can now turn out a number of garments. Pretty good looking ones, if I do say so myself. I spent a few years as an entrepreneur, selling semi-custom, bespoke clothing to 18th/19th century historic reenactors and enthusiasts. I sewed lots and lots of shirts, vests, knee breeches, trousers, and coats for men and some shifts, skirts, and bodices for women. Throw in the occasional haversack or hunting bag and you have almost all my catalog.
Producing a quality item at an affordable price turned out to be way too much work for way to little money, and then the economy tanked. Back to the wage-earning world I went. Now I’m retired and sew only for myself and it has renewed my joy in working with fabrics, creating nice clothes that fit my shape and my style.
Now we’ll return to your regular programming.
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Thanks for the info, @David38 . I’m encouraged!
I have a little background watching my mom and my aunt but no proper training. I can alter hemmed and unhemmed pants to my liking, make pillow cases and curtains for my wife, but never made a shirt. I’m going to look for a pattern and make me a 4th of July shirt.
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We have an awesome garden, I train dogs, and our entire family helps out with Special Olympics.
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That is awesome. I have an inkling to pick up that as a hobby (or at least a useable skill) as well. I keep looking for a bag for a small IFAK (think super small EDC size) but can never find exactly what I want and wonder if I can just make one myself.
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My wife just said “hogwash”. Can you show an example of what you wear today so I can shut her up?
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Reading time is a luxury I couldn’t afford anymore.
Photography- I have an entry level DSLR and learned enough to take decent shots. This is one hobby I am truly pleased with my progress.
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RV camping (a.k.a. “glamping”), kayaking, hiking, pyrography.
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@William591 I’ve been more of a beer drinker, but have begun dabbling in spirits. Bourbons are OK, but a little on the sweet side for me. I really like Irish whiskey. What’s a good malt scotch brand?
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@45IPAC I’ve been a kayaker for years now. Great idea to rent. Compare sit-in to sit-on-top. Enjoy!
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I love this.
Skills like music are easier to learn when you’re young, and kids have more years to master their crafts, but I feel like adults appreciate the learning more.
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I have always wanted to get into photography. I have some training and decent equipment, too. I just have no eye for it. I’m always jealous of people who take great photos; it’s a talent I don’t have.
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Perhaps a rye is nice, spicy & dry compared to bourbon. The least expensive scotch I’ve found is lismore single malt ( not blended) good place to start.
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Have you seen Scott, the Piano Guy on tv? He’s the one who gave me a fresh idea. At my age (53), I have no illusions of playing Mozart or Bach pieces. But, I would have fun like most self-taught guitar players playing top 40 tunes from the 60’s-present. Glad to have found someone in the area who gives piano lessons similar to Scott. I also bought Scott’s lessons but in-person classes suit me better due to accountability. I want someone to track my progress and critique me. I’m open to constructive criticism.
As for photography, my only fancy add-on to the basic DSLR is a 75-300mm zoom lens. Camera is set to manual and I play with aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to get desired results. I hone my skills in my backyard garden with plants and birds as objects.
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Least expensive scotch I have is Glenlivet, two bottles given to me free by my son. My taste buds prefer Tennessee’s Jack Daniels. Haven’t tried bourbon yet.
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There are really no bad ones. Just something that fits your palette the best. Some like smoky, some like smooth, some will drink Cutty Sark. The varieties are as vast as craft beer. I prefer my scotch from the Highlands and Speyside regions, followed by the Lowlands. I can’t stomach anything from Islay/Islands regions; too much PEAT smoke for my tastes. Best way to experience the full spectrum is to take an “Introduction to Single Malts” class from Total Wine & More or similar store, if they’re in your area and having events again. My actual favorite is Oban 14yo, followed by Dalmore 12yo, then McAllen 12yo. There is a single malt made in Denver by Stranahans, that is excellent as well (can’t legally call it scotch).
Slainte’
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That’s where the audiobooks come in for me. I can “read” a book while doing something else, like sewing or cooking or anything else that isn’t too loud and doesn’t require my full attention.
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I’m not sure if there are any real hobbies other than firearms, shooting and reloading! But I do enjoy my single malt scotch & Irish whisky. Arberlor, Glenmorangie, Ballvenie and Irish Telling single barrel are some of my favorites.
P.S. Cutty Sark scotch is in my personal opinion is cheap scotch whisky that already has been filtered once threw a Scotsman. LoL 
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