V20 N42

The Activity Column
Catherine Dugan’s guide to getting out there... this week, get crafty!
Something happens when the clocks
change. Experts say we don’t need
more sleep during the darker days of
the year, but many adults sleep an
“extra” hour nightly from November
to February. There’s nothing wrong with that
as long as you’re generally sleeping between
7 and 9 hours, but it can make you feel as if
you do nothing but work and sleep. Consider
taking up a craft to get you through the winter.
A new hobby, preferably performed
by a bright light in the evening, can help
you embrace the darkness. Crafting boosts
self-confidence, because you — eventually —
end up with a finished product. It’s meditative,
and helps to reduce stress. Most crafts involve
fine motor skills, which keep your brain and
fingers nimble. You’ll get frustrated, but be
patient with yourself, and don’t be afraid to
redo something if you make a mistake. Don’t
be too ambitious — if you’re a true beginner,
now is not the time to start a complicated
craft for a Christmas gift, so you might pick
a Valentine’s theme. Don’t be too hesitant,
either — you can do a lot with that extra hour.
Consider revisiting a craft from your
childhood, like model cars or seashell crafts.
Start with a visit to the toy store for a kit
aimed at children. Many crafts begin with a
trip to Swain’s — they have plain garland you
can enhance, glue to attach your seashells to
a piece of driftwood, wire to hang your creations
and spray paint to turn a garage sale
find into a work of art. Visit Stitch by Stitch at
315 Ocean Street to explore this year’s hottest
craft — cross stitch. Counted cross stitch is
said to be the best place for newcomers, but
their experts can help you decide where to
begin, and they can help you display your
finished project. Consider knitting or crocheting
with the help of YouTube videos and
a curbside pickup from Fiber Arts Yarn Shop,
24 Route 47 South, Cape May Courthouse.
They offer a basic kit for beginners along with
a knit superhero kit that’s way more fun than
the traditional beginner’s scarf or dishcloth.
Shop online at fiberartsyarnshop.com. Or try
Enchanted Fiber at 3704 Bayshore Road in
North Cape May for quilting supplies.
For inspiration, visit the vendors at West
End Garage, who showcase handcrafted
items like jewelry, woodwork and more. Visit
the Holiday Craft Fair sponsored by MAC
at Convention Hall on November 25 and
26 from 10 to 4pm, or Cape May’s Crafts at
Christmas Show the following weekend, also
at Convention Hall, from 9 to 4pm Saturday
and 9 to 3pm Sunday.
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November 24, 2022 EXIT ZERO Page 43