Finding Your Hobby Online

Whatever your interest you can find it on the internet.

By: by Susan Ayers Walker | Source: AARP.org | October 25, 2007

Finding a hobby is a great way to spend time, be creative, exercise your brain and perhaps meet new friends or spend time with family members. Plus some hobbies are a great way to relax after a hectic day. The Web is a useful resource either to find a new hobby or expand your knowledge with a current one. My escape from the computer and technology is sewing and quilting; here are several sites that might inspire you to find a hobby also.

For Amateur or Ham Radio Operators

Long before the internet was created, the amateur radio network was the way people from all over the world could connect. Amateur or ham radio operators created vast social networks by talking long distances to other radio enthusiasts, making distant friends and exchanging calling cards. It is this linkage of radio enthusiasts that is ready to help communication flow in case of a disaster or weather emergency. The National Association for Amateur Radio has an informative Web site with lots of news and information, plus info on getting started or finding a chapter in your area.

For Collectors

Are you a collector? Perhaps it is toy trains or salt shakers; maybe it is baseball cards or matchbox cars, fishing lures or old postcards. Collectors.org is a great Web site to get collecting information. The site's primary purpose is to provide free information for collecting clubs, collectors and the antiques, art and collectibles industry.

For the Quilter

If you need some ideas, or perhaps you are looking for a new block pattern, QuiltersCache.com is a no-frills site with hundreds of free block patterns and directions. I visit here often to get inspiration and new ideas.

For the Knitters

Knitting is having a revival right now, there are several new TV shows and magazines on the topic. If you have forgotten how to knit and want to take up the hobby again there are several Web sites that will give you illustrated instructions and lots of free projects that are easy to start like www.learntoknit.com/ or www.craftown.com.

For Bird Watchers

All of us enjoy getting out in the country to breath the fresh air; adding bird watching to this activity might be fun. To get started all you need is a small pair of inexpensive binoculars for just those times you see something interesting fly by through the back yard or on a hike. When you are driving it is fun to stop, look at the view and try to find a few birds flying about. There are lots of great sites, books and even software for your PDA to carry with you, a good place to start is with the Audubon Society.

For Gardeners

Most of us have a back yard or a deck we can put a few flower pots on. Perhaps you would like a few more indoor plants. It is relaxing to plant something green and watch it grow. At  www.garden.org you can find the zone you live in and all types of advice and resources to find plants that do well in your zone plus get ideas about adding more greenery to your life.