A More Old-Fashioned Life: Hobbies

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In my introduction post to this series, How to Live a More Old-Fashioned Life, I explained the heart of the matter. We need to find more balance in our lives. Doing so means pulling back from the internet a bit and learning to live a more old-fashioned life. So to continue on from there, in this post I am sharing specific ideas of old-fashioned hobbies to try out.

Hobbies are also a part of life that easily get taken over by tech. Sometimes we’ll say we have no time to read a book or learn something new, but if we added up the time we spent on the internet, we’d have plenty of time to read and learn. What have you always wanted to learn or try?

Another issue I’ve seen is trying to turn every hobby into a potential side-hustle to make money. Or only starting a specific hobby for that reason alone. Sometimes, old-fashioned hobbies should just be that though; a hobby.

Of course, there are times where our hobbies do become an income-producing source, and that can be very helpful to make ends meet. Being able to make a few bucks from something you would want to do any way can sometimes be a good thing. Especially if it’s a craft that you have worked on for some time and are very good at. But, keep in mind, you can really lose the joy of doing the hobby, when it has so much more weight added to it. It’s no longer an activity that just relaxes you and makes you happy; it can become a source of perfectionism. This can really poison any art project we attempt, unless you really keep a clear head about it.

All in all though, we have forgotten that everything doesn’t have to become a side-hustle to make money. There are hobbies we can do just for the sheer enjoyment of it.

Put aside some time for yourself and try out one of these old-fashioned hobbies.

Old-Fashioned Hobbies

Try photography with a film camera

See if this is for you by starting out with a cheaper film point and shoot camera. Go through the experience of taking the photos and then sending it off to the lab to be developed. Then, if you do enjoy it, you can get a film SLR camera. One thing to keep in mind when using film though, is that it’s not unlimited like a digital camera is. You don’t just click, click, click away. The focus on composure of the image is very important. Yes, you may take a few shots of the same image, to pick the best one in the end, but each time you click is with much more thought than on a digital camera. Try different types of photography with it; portraits, landscapes and candid photography. You could try to take a photojournalist approach by photographing a family event by capturing the special, important moments but also take candids of guests, showing their experiences at the event as well.

If you really enjoy film photography, you can also get into developing your own film in a dark room, too.

Create photo albums and scrap books as more old-fashioned hobbies

Make up photo albums and scrap books to highlight special experiences or a family member’s growth.

If you are a writer, get a typewriter to write on to limit distractions

Someday I really want to do this and get a typewriter. I love the act of typing. Plus, just letting my brain go off on an idea stream of brainstorming. But I am definitely the type that can get distracted. Typing on the computer, it’s too easy to just open the internet browser. On a typewriter though, you can just get a cup of coffee, sit down and write. This allows you to be completely in your own thoughts and ideas.

Take up sewing

Sewing is one of those skills that once you have it in your toolbelt, you can create so many different things. Even making your own clothes. But it does take some work to understand. I used to sew a lot and I bet I could still follow a pattern if I tried to do so, but I’d be a bit rusty. If there is a class you could take in your area, the hands on help is worth the time paid.

Make a quilt

Once you’ve got sewing under your belt, you could try making a quilt. Or, if that sounds a bit daunting, even just try making a quilt pillow, to try it out with less commitment. Look into patchwork designs, and start thinking about what patterns go together and how. Although I never made a quilt, I have made a patchwork purse before. I remember enjoying picking out all the different patterned cloth and seeing how everything came together so beautifully in the end.

Try out needlework and embroidery as more old-fashioned hobbies

I’ve never tried this, but they can be so beautiful! Once you learn embroidery, you could embroider all sorts of things in your home; from pillows to clothing. And it just adds a little touch of your own style.

Make macrame pieces

Macrame definitely gives off that 1970s vibe, and if that’s your thing, try this out. You can make wall hanging pieces (like those ones that are popular these days), hanging planters, key chains. Many things can be made through macrame. If you really liked making those friendship bracelets as a kid that had repeating knot patterns, you may really enjoy this.

Knit and crochet as more old-fashioned hobbies

Out of all the old-fashioned hobbies I’ve listed, this one makes me feel the most cozy & nostalgic. I can just picture this; sitting in an old rocking chair, crocheting or knitting while a nice autumn scented candle is going and listening to some vinyl records of old-time tunes. If this sounds as lovely to you as it does to me, try this one out!

Yes, you can learn this through a book, on youtube or through a blog post. But honestly, learning from someone in person is best. Because it can be a bit confusing at first, it’s nice to be able to ask questions and get hands on guidance. Look for groups in your area, like knitting circles or through your church. Another good thing about trying this hobby out is that it doesn’t take much for initial investment to see if you enjoy it. Some yarn and the right hooks, and for about $20 you’re all set. Once you get the hang of it, this hobby is so relaxing, too.

Give drawing/sketching a try

This is pretty simple to start; get a pencil and paper and go for it! You can take a book out at the library to teach yourself some of the basics of drawing. Pick one item in your home, then try to re-create it on paper. Look at its lines and basic shapes. You can start kind of boxy, and then just keep editing it down until it forms the piece you are trying to re-create. Keep it simple, I would recommend something like a jar candle or similar to start.

If you end up enjoying this you can get a set of pencils specifically for drawing and specific drawing paper.

Start gardening

Try a small garden, maybe of your favorite flower or a couple herbs, just to get you started. If you are new to gardening, don’t go overboard, as it could become overwhelming quickly. You could also just start with a couple of houseplants and see how you enjoy it.

Learn to play an instrument

Have you ever wanted to learn an instrument? Well, nows the time!

Go fishing

If this is something that is common for your region and you are interested in it, try it out.

First, look into the laws in your area and obtain a fishing license. Explore different places you can join like, sportsman’s clubs, that will allow you to fish there on their schedule. Find out what fish are available to catch in your area.

As for the gear, see if someone will take you, so you can just test it out. That way the person can teach you and you can use their equipment. Then, if you do enjoy it, you can just get the basic supplies. As you learn and grow, you can then upgrade your supplies later, and have a better handle on what is worth getting higher quality.

Begin a crossword puzzle or a word search for more old-fashioned hobbies

If you still get the newspaper, they usually have these games in them. Or you can just pick up a book of them from your local grocery store magazine aisle. It’s a great way to get your brain working in different ways and challenge yourself.

Make jewelry

You can go as simple as you’d like. Or fancy with precious stones and such. You can do bead work jewelry or start off making statement pieces with found items like stones in naturally unique shapes. Or find small sea shells and sea glass for earrings if you live near the ocean.

Try baking for a more old-fashioned hobby

Honestly, I have always loved baking. And not just because it tastes good – but that too! As far as old-fashioned hobbies go, baking can definitely feel old-timey, especially when making recipes from scratch. It can be fun to work with the different ingredients and learn how they react. Like, yeast is finicky but interesting to work with, especially wild yeast in sourdough. Starting to bake takes little supplies; a couple bowls, a stirring utensil, a pan to bake it in, a way to time the baking process, a recipe and the ingredients needed for the recipe. Of course, you can get each specific item for every task you can think of. But a lot of times, you can find a way to make do with just the basic tools you have on hand. And if you end up loving baking, then you can invest in the more costly items that can make it easier.

Wrapping Up

So to wrap up this post, I hope it inspires you to implement more old-fashioned hobbies in your life. 

Be sure to check out the other posts I’ve written in this series below. 

And keep an eye out for the next installment of the series, where I tackle another area of life. 

Check out the rest of my A More Old-Fashioned Life Series

How to Live a More Old-Fashioned Life

Planning & Communication

Homemaking

Quality Family Time

Money Management

Holiday Edition: A More Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving

Holiday Edition: A More Old-Fashioned Christmas