Four Winter Crafts to Soothe Your Soul this Winter
This time of year, when the weather goes gloomy and the vibes begin to gray, how do we escape the edge of disaster? Duh: we craft. So, pull out your scissors, grab the crochet hooks, or run to the store for some new markers, because it's time to get artsy-fartsy up in here. If you need some winter crafting inspiration, then you’re in luck — we created A Sustainable Baddie’s Guide to Winter Crafting just for you! Explore some of our sustainable tips and tricks for getting crafty this season.
Credit: Peacock
1. Knitting and Crocheting: All the girls, gays, and theys are doing it. When it’s cold and dark outside, there’s no better activity than covering yourself in spools of yarn, sitting in front of the TV with a cup of tea (or a glass of wine), and getting crafty. What better time for a new scarf, sweater, or hat than January?
Wool and The Gang: For the knitting and crocheting newbies, we love Wool and The Gang as a resource for obtaining sustainable yarn and for easy-to-follow knitting/crocheting patterns for all levels. Wool and The Gang is setting an amazing example for other craft brands through their commitment to sustainability, which, of course, we are obsessed with. They are prioritizing sustainability through responsibly sourcing their yarn, carbon offsetting, and offering vegan-certified yarn. If this is your first time trying out yarn crafts, then we suggest starting with one of their kits and taking full advantage of their website for helpful resources.
Thrifted Yarn: If knitting is already a hobby of yours and you're comfortable playing around with different sizes and styles of yarn, then opting for secondhand yarn from your local thrift store is a great sustainable option. Sometimes, this requires a bit of a hunt; many chain thrift stores, like Goodwill and Savers, have bins of donated yarn in their home goods section. You can find a variety of yarns in varying colors, thicknesses, and textures.
Recycled Yarn: Recycled yarn is available to everyone, but something especially for the pro-knitters out there. Although you can find recycled yarn online, we think it's extra fun to create your own by unraveling your old or thrifted sweaters. This isn’t the easiest task, but for those ready to take on a challenge, it can be fun and susty. If you’re looking to hunker down and get crafty this winter, then all the power to you! Unravel those sweaters! Here is a great guide for getting the most success from recycling your yarn from old sweaters.
Credit: cole montminy
2. Felting Projects: If we’re talking trend predictions for 2023, we see a felting obsession in the near future. Felt found in craft stores is most commonly made from petroleum-based acrylic, but natural felt is a biodegradable material that can be composted and broken down in soil naturally. (It is important to note for those following vegan lifestyles that natural felt is most often made from wool.) This sustainable material can be used to make crafts ranging from tiny little figurines to unique purses, pillowcases, and even mittens. Some felting projects require knowledge of sewing and some embroidery, but overall, felting is a great craft for any skill level.
Needle-Felt Craft Kits: On sites like Etsy, you can find loads of needle felting kits for making fun figurines, keychains, ornaments, door hooks, and more. Most of these crafts are for needle felting and come with the materials and tools needed. When finding kits, be sure to look for wool felt or natural material felt instead of synthetic, so you can be sure that it is a susty option.
Wet Felting Crafts: Did you know that you can actually make crafts just by using felting wool and soapy water? Felted dryer balls,garland, or even coasters can easily be made with wet felting techniques. Wet felting transforms wool roving or sliver (essentially fabric scraps), into thick and durable pieces of fabric. All you need is wool, water, and soap to create useful felted tools and decor to keep around the house.
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3. Sewing Projects: If you are an @thatcurlytop follower, then you know that the Sustainable Baddies are sewing in 2023. Pull out the needle and thread and unearth that untouched sewing machine. If you’re a newbie, sign up for a sewing class! Making your own clothes is not only sustainable, but a great way to deepen your connection to textiles, fashion, and the origins of what we wear.
Sewing Patterns: Diving into the world of sewing might feel daunting, but fortunately there are tons of sustainable baddies all over the world who are helping sewing newbies get started. You can find free patterns all over the internet or affordable patterns from textile designers too. For more complex pieces you may need a sewing machine, but if you’re not ready to invest, there are lots of great hand-stitching patterns online too.
Sewing Classes: Winter can be an especially anti-social time of year, so if you are looking for a crafting activity that will also add to your social life, taking a sewing class may be just right! In New York, where some of our Sustainable Baddies are, there are great classes for beginners all over the city including at Soul Collections Sewing Lounge in Bed-Stuy and Ur Fancy Shop in Bushwick. You can also take sewing classes online at your own pace. Other large fabric stores like JOANN Fabric also offer classes and events in sewing and other crafts. Wherever you are, there is definitely a sewing class for you!
Note: If cost is a barrier for you, be sure to check your local library or community center! Many libraries offer books with sewing patterns for all skill levels and even access to sewing machines and related equipment. They can also be a great resource for classes and building community.
Credit: Luca Mainini
4. Collaging: When we think of winter crafts, it's easy to jump to making a cozy new accessory or festive decor. However, a winter craft is really just something to do when you’re stuck inside as the days get cold and short. One of our favorite crafts is collaging, which can easily be either a solitary or group activity. This sustainable craft is a great way to repurpose paper materials and magazines you find around your house or at the thrift store.
Vision/mood Boards: It’s a new year, and that means that manifestation is in order. Vision boarding is a great craft this time of year and usually involves some collaging. Throw a vision-boarding party with friends and have everyone bring a few old magazines, some white cardstock paper, scissors, glue, and good vibes. Mood boards and vision boards are also great activities to do on your own, especially if you aren’t feeling resolutions this year.
Postcards: As you start developing new habits for the new year, writing to a pen pal might be on your list. We love sending our friends and family handwritten letters, and making our own makes them even more special. This might come as a surprise, but the USPS will pretty much mail anything that has appropriate postage, so as long as your postcard-sized cards have a stamp, you can send them anywhere (international postage to be considered). If you are into making mini versions of your favorite collages, then DIY postcards might be your thing.
Mod Podge Crafts: Mod podge projects are great for anyone who likes to get a little messy. Mod podge, a water-based glue, works on nearly all surfaces. We love using mod podge to customize items around the house that need a little makeover. Mod podge can also be used with a variety of different materials so your collages can include different textures and even 3D elements. We love mod podging our old jars and cans to reuse them as holders for pens, vases, jewelry, and even planters.
When it’s dark outside and all you want to do is stay inside and binge-watch your favorite comfort TV show, crafting is a great sustainable activity to get out of that funk. Obviously, there are a myriad of craft activities out there, and there are very few parameters for what kinds of crafts are considered winter crafts, so get crazy with it! Whether you try out some of our favorite winter crafts or you explore a whole new list of your own, we hope you’re excited for your artsy era.
Tell us in the comments or on Instagram: what new skills are you learning this winter?