Back to school is for adults, too!

Now that the kids are back in school, isn’t it time you went back to school, too?

Hear me out.

One of the secrets to staying engaged and mentally sharp as you get older is to adopt a lifelong learner mindset. Are you curious about something? For quilters, is there a better technique to make multiple HSTs or FG? Do you want to learn how to knit, crochet, paint or even play pickle ball? Do you want to learn conversational Spanish? Signing up for a course is an option, but there are so many other ways to learn that might be a better fit for you (and cost less).

Join/visit a local group/organization that hosts a weekly/monthly craft night.

Visit a retail store that caters to the subject that interests you. Is there a demonstration available? Handouts or free project pages for beginners?

Explore resources available at your local public library. Check out books, read digital magazines and take free online classes (Craftsy/LinkedinLearning). Some libraries feature Maker Spaces with equipment you can use at designated times. Your local library may also offer meeting space for a crafting group.

If you meet the age requirements, your local senior center is often an excellent resource for classes, groups and social outings. The senior center near where my Friday sewing group meets has long arm machines available for use. I will definitely be looking into this!

Subscribe to a special interest group on Facebook. I have learned SO much about vintage sewing machines from my FB groups: tools and supplies that actually work, sources for vintage parts, downloadable machine and service manuals, plus who not to hire to repaint my Featherweight.

YouTube and Pinterest are digital tools that I find extremely helpful for adult learning. YouTube offers video content on most any subject out there. It will take an investment of your time to curate channels & content that meet your needs, but you can learn to DIY a lot of things using YouTube. You can follow and subscribe to channels you find helpful and create your own playlists of videos you want to bookmark for future reference. Pinterest offers a similar platform to locate and tag written and photographic content (e.g. tutorials) that is also very useful.

Once you’ve learned a new skill, be sure to share your knowledge with others – write a blog post, teach a session at your guild meeting, post on Instagram, share informally at a retreat or at craft night. Don’t keep it all to yourself!