Choosing a new hobby can be a great idea if you have extra time on your hands or just want to try your hand at something new. While your interest level can guide you well in choosing a new hobby, to avoid possible disappointment with your choice later on, it's a good idea to take a few minutes to consider other factors in making your decision. Work space, equipment needed, time investment needed, learning method, your budget and the end result of your new hobby should all be taken into consideration when you're choosing a new hobby.
The end result of your hobby is what your project will look like. If you're not sure how your first few projects will turn out, then it's best to start small. Otherwise, you run the risk of making a big investment in supplies only to find out that you don't like any of the end results of your new hobby. In some cases when choosing a new hobby, the end result may not be important to you at all. For example, you may want to take pottery classes just to have fun and feel the clay in your hands and the thought of producing wobbly pots and vases doesn't worry you.
Your budget is a major consideration when choosing a new hobby because if you can't afford the hobby it's not going to be a very relaxing or enjoyable in the long run. It's easy to find a hobby within your budget. Plus, you can always start with a small project in your new hobby and work up to bigger and more costly projects. For example, if you want to try beading your own jewelry, you could buy just enough beads to make a few small pieces as well as perhaps a how-to booklet and try it on your own. Then, you could move up to classes and buy more beading supplies in more colors and varieties.
Preferred learning methods vary between crafters. Some prefer learning in a class or group, while others may want to watch a video or learn from a book. Some people learn best by just choosing a new hobby and experimenting creatively on their own. Time investment when choosing a new hobby is also a consideration. If you want to take classes, do you have time available to do so and on the days and time options the class offers?
If you have a larger home with a separate room for your hobbies, you may not have to think too much about equipment and work space in terms of choosing a new hobby. However, in any case, equipment may be difficult to find or quite expensive so you may want to consider taking lessons in which you use borrow the equipment needed. If space is limited where you live, or you want to travel with your new hobby, crafts such as knitting may be perfect.
