My first loaf of homemade bread, using a bread machine
She sat across from me on the couch, carrying a tiny little baby in the dark, warm room where babies grow before they meet the light of their new world. Six more months before that precious one will arrive.
She also has a baby that sits on her lap and giggles and plays and crawls and cries.
Soon she will be a mother of two, and her time and energy will dwindle, and her time with the Lord probably won't be as in-depth as she is used to. She won't have as much time for projects, or reading, or other things, because the season of little children is a demanding (yet precious) one. So I take it upon myself to encourage her to take the time now to learn some skills she has always wanted to learn.
Perhaps she could learn one thing a month – to sew, to cook her husband's favorite Mexican dish…
I wanted to encourage her to learn some of those things now because I know that time doesn't stretch, it just keeps moving, and when we're in the thick of babies and home-keeping, life feels long and tiring. Finding the time to really dig in and learn a new skill (or read a long book) is not at our beck and call like perhaps it once was.
Is there something, a skill perhaps, that you would like to learn but have put off perhaps due to time restraints? Perhaps life has just taken over the days that have turned into months that have turned into years and you just haven't "gotten to it."
Homemade bread, sans bread machine.
That's a skill I'd like to master.
Quilting.
That's another one. I dream of making thick, cozy quilts to wrap over my children on the cold winter nights to come.
Sewing a Christmas dress, canning, candle-making, soap-making, gardening, changing a tire…these are all skills I'd like to learn or grow in. And I'm going to.
I'm going to take the next 12 months and I'm going to commit to learning something new each month.
One thing a month. That's it.
I'd love for you to join me on my '12 Things' journey. If you're up for the challenge, start thinking of the 12 things you want to learn over the next 12 months, write them down, and commit to making them a priority. Oh, and let me know…
Are you in? (You can click here to see my 12 Things list)
Either way, is there something, some skill, you've been wanting to learn?
Join me at Likeawarmcupofcoffee.com where I will be posting my '12 Things' journey for you to follow along with and join in on.
Renee says
I want to learn to make homemade soap and how to dehydrate fruit & veggies. I’ll have to think about the other ten.
Lindsay says
This is great! I would love to be part of learning new things and being encouraged to stay focused.
Libby's Library News says
I’m in – thanks so much!
There are so many things that I want to learn to do…
Write HTML Code
Use a sewing machine
Make Jewelry
Train a Dog
Melinda (My Father's Daughter) says
I’m impressed with your ambitious list, Sara Mae! 12 new things in 12 months is just a bit…shall we say optimistic for me. Lol. I want to learn how to bake bread (I have tried and failed a few times) and to sew (well). Those are pretty much enough to last me at least 12 months.
Rachel says
I would really like to learn to make simple quilts, and I would like to do it all by hand, not on a sewing machine. It is too hard for me to sit up for very long at a machine, but I could hand quilt while sitting in my recliner. I may just have a chat with a quilting friend and ask for her help with this project!
KrisDot says
I’d love to learn some more about photography! (And then to scrapbook!)
Kim says
I would love to learn to shoot before manual photos!
a:nette says
I would love to learn how to cook with more variety and spices, etc. OH, and how to paint those cool canvases that Gitzen Girl has around her house!
Emma says
I would love to be a competent sewer 🙂
Desiree says
My husband is in the Navy and we just relocated to Italy. I want to become fluent in Italian this year and learn more about Italian cooking.
Iris H. says
I want to learn how to paint furniture and to make slipcovers. I would love to learn to knit, too!
Melissa | Madabella: made beautiful says
Oh let’s see…i would love to learn how to play one of my 3 guitars!
amanda wu says
I want to learn how to make yogurt.
Michelle Milam says
I would love to learn to sew and even knit.
Anna B says
Digital scrap booking! I love to look at other peoples but am intimidated to try my own!
Kimberly says
I agree, 12 is a bit too ambitious for me this year. I’ll be happy if I can swing homeschooling 3 instead of 2 this year! We live in Africa, and I’d also like to speak better Swahili and learn to quilt. Last year was how to bake homemade bread, grind our own wheat, pasteurize our own milk and make yogurt and yogurt cheese. Still not 12 things! You go girl!
Marissa says
Hmmm…I can resonate with the mom in your post. We just had our third…and they are all three and under. So twelve is probably too optimistic, but a few things I’d like to try this year: grinding grain for homemade bread, composting, running a 5K, homeschool planning. Thanks for the encouragement!
Melanie says
Love it! I would like to try to concntrate on myy writing, start running, and I am just getting a blog design business going. I was having doubts that I could do it, but now I’m going to give it a try!
Blessings!
Melanie
~ melscoffeebreak.blogspot.com ~
Southern Gal says
Knitting! I want to knit cozy sweaters and hats for family and friends, and for a sweet baby girl who is growing so fast. And quilting! I sew a great deal. I just need to bite the bullet and pull out the quilting books. Thanks for the nudge.
Leigh says
yes… I won’t be doing 12, though… my goal is homeschooling the entire year (kindergarten with a 2 yo tagging along). If I can make it through that, I will consider it a successful year!
Paige says
I want to learn to smock and to sew. I was just recently gifted a sewing machine so I hope to master that soon. Thanks for the encouragement through your post!
Gina says
I would love to learn about photography…
AR Frye says
I think every other month will be my goal –
Canning, basic quilting, basic photography, making homemade pasta, machine sewing, gardening on a larger scale.
Marlene encourager2u says
I would love to learn to sew, knit, quilt, cook quick healthy meals for my family, art of hospitality without fear of what others think,take better pictures and videos with my camera, wow this is a great idea!!Thanks so much for the encouragement!
MichelleP says
I would like to learn to play the guitar!
~VA~ says
I’m not sure if I’m in for something every month, but I would love to learn how to make friends.
Jami says
We’ve recently moved into a house in the country with acres of land, and I finally have the space for a large garden, which has always been my dream. Except, I know nothing about gardening. So, I’m comnitting to learn to garden and then to can and preserve food in the upcoming year!
Anna B says
I would love to learn to sew – and get back into cross-stitching too!
Dawn says
I want to learn photography, quilting, how to research genealogy, better computer skills for blogging:) and if I could master a few Cuban dishes my hubby grew up on that would be great!
Rach says
I would love to learn how to use the sewing machine that belonged to my grandmother – an old metal Singer machine that is probably around 40-50 years old!
Rachael
sam says
Instead of trying ten new things I am at the stage where I just should finish ten old things. 🙂
Deb Martell says
I would love to learn how to refinish furniture and possibly reupholster 🙂
DCourtney says
Something I am currently learning in my life is rebuilding who I was before I had entered into a troubled relationship. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I am learning who I was before I had become “clouded.” Its a slow progress but I am learning a lot of new things about myself including strengths I didn’t know I had before. 🙂
Mary Joy @Seeds of Encouragement Sewn with Grace says
I am totally in!!!! What is too funny is that I was planning on doing this myself…12 things in 12 months…but was just going to do it by myself! Now I am going to join in and do it with a wonderful community of sisters!!! How awesome is that.
Here are a couple of things I want to learn to do this year: make homemade bread w/out a machine…sew pj pants for my family…sew a simple dress for myself (I have made home decor items before but not clothes!)…learn how to use all of the functions on my sewing machine…write the Bible Study God has been leading me to write…I’ll pull together a post to share this week sharing the whole list! Thanks for the challenge, Sarah Mae! And I would love the planner…it would help me to do this!!! (giggle!)
Katy says
What a fun idea! I’m going to have to think about what other ones I want to learn but right away I thought that I wanted to learn how to swing dance!
Becky Davis says
I would like to learn sign language.
MamaHall says
So many great ideas! I want to learn to play golf so I can teach my children. I also want to learn to make no-sew silk flowers for headbands 🙂 Start small 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement and support! I will link up for sure!
tzigane says
i will have to sit and think of a list of 12, not sure i will actually be able to do them all but i will sure try. some of mine will have to wait until certain months too.
off the top of my head, a couple things i would like to learn to do are sew (i have had my maching 10+ years and used it once!), can (never done it), and have a good garden (never done it).
will have to think about the others!
Katie P says
I would love to learn sign language, more about photography, and how to build furniture.
Jenny F. says
I would love to learn how to knit or make stained glass.
Jacky {The Sweetest Petunia} says
I would like to learn to sew myself a dress {can’t even fathom that right now; I can sew, but a dress?!}, and I’d love to learn more about how to use a simple camera to take great pictures.
I also wanted to learn how to knit, but I’ll need someone to teach me – I some books from the library, but I got so confused! 😉
Jennifer says
I love the idea of trying something new each month! I would love to learn how to sew. I have a few friends who can do it and I am always in awe of what they can do. I love to scrapbook so I would also like to learn more about photography.
Anjanette Warren says
I would like to learn the ins and outs of taking a wonderful photo. My new camera calls my name and I just haven’t given it the attention it deserves!
Kristen@Moms Sharpening Moms says
I would love to learn guitar and sew!
Joy @ Joy In This Journey says
What a great idea, Sarah! I’d like to learn to do a lot of things better, especially stay on top of paperwork. I have a terrible time keeping it from piling up. Does that count?
If something new, then I’d like to learn the play the guitar or the drums.
barb says
I have always wanted to play the guitar.
I also would like to improve on my photography skills.
EFY says
I’m in ~ many things to learn. I want to learn to scrapbook, I’d like to learn to make bread well ~ my loaves are still heavy, I am working on learning more about using DSLR cameras…
Blessings!
Michelle says
Oh my, so many thing come to mind. The first thing that came to mind is putting together gorgeous digital scrapbooks of our photos to be printed via Creative Memories. I love to scrapbook, but I would love to learn the digital kind.
Bekah Strangarity says
I want to learn to Sew. Which is hard where I am right now, but as soon as I move back to Lancaster in Oct I plan on sitting at my gram’s feet till I’m a master and can teach it to the women here in Africa when I come back next year….
Stephane J says
I would love to learn how to sew and cut my sons hair.
Anne says
I want to learn to machine-quilt. I’ve got the equipment, just never learned!
Catherine says
So many things I’d like to learn … soapmaking,to follow a knitting pattern,to speak Spanish, … those 3 come to mind at the moment. I’ll pray about the challenge 🙂 . Thanks for the (in)couragement!
Blessings,
Catherine 🙂
Mwajim Al says
Yes… I’ve been trying to learn how to knit for the past so couple of years… so that is one new skill i’m trying to put under my belt… hopefully so one day!
Sarah Halstead says
I want to learn how to use a sewing machine.
Britt says
I think it’s a fantastic idea! I just recently learned how to sew and make bread and am working really hard on cooking! Since we lost our daughter, in March, I felt a renewed desire to take care of my husband and these are ways I am doing it!! Thanks for the (in)couragement! and for the opportunity to win a planner! I am an organization NUT!!
Jennifer says
Thanks for the inspiration!
I’d like to improve my carpentry skills.
Cari says
I want to learn to sew. I have never learned and I will be purchasing my first sewing machine this fall.
Kathy says
You know what I need to learn….EMPATHY!! I think I was born without that gene. My husband knows that I was. My family says I am just like my grandma and she turned out fine. I don’t know. I struggle with it a lot…especially toward my hubby.
When he is sick he needs it. {I prefer to be left alone when I am sick} My hubby is sick now and I need Empathy 101 quickly. He got a viral infection that has attacked his blood…he has been in and out of the hospital since July 13th. We have 3 kids and much of the usual stress of life but this illness is draining. On him, On me, on us.
The biggest complaint…I need to be more empathic toward him!!!! So, there I am starting today to try and learn my new skill. Empathy! How hard can that be?
I don’t know…but I have a feeling it may take me a while and I need the crash course now!!
The Diaper Diaries says
Photography, gardening, sewing, guitar. Oh man, the list is long and time is short 😉
Kristen Cheney says
i want to learn to quilt.
i love this idea!
Leslie says
I was just thinking of making bread yesterday like my grandmas! I always remember how yummy it was~
Virginia says
I want to learn how to bake bread for my family – grinding wheat and baking it.
I want to learn how to decluttered my house effectively!!
Beth Coulton says
I would like to delve into the world of taking an online class to LEARN a new skill! The thought of committing my time to an online class (since I work full time) scares me somewhat but I want to bite the bullet and just do it. I need some classes anyway to reactivate my teacher certification. So, that’s my goal. Onward and upward!
Shawn Bensley says
The thing I want to learn in the coming year is not to procrastinate.
Betty - Reflections with Coffee says
Think of twelve things — one a month!
August: study Compliance Tips for Indicator 13 (connected with work).
September: retire and learn to complete my mother’s estate. Continue my church’s study of The Me I Want to Be – we start this Aug. 22
October: learn more about investments via on-line (started this in July)
November: new ways of making handmade cards to send to soldiers overseas for them to send home to families
December: learn to relax during the hustle and bustle of the holidays
Oh, we were supposed to list only one thing? Here’s something about my grandmother I wrote last year: No Excuses http://www.reflectionswithcoffee.com/2009/01/no-excuses.html
Debbie says
I want to learn how to cook better and train our dog better.
Mindy May says
I am in!
I would love to become a better photographer, learn to sew, learn new recipes for my family, and learn to knit!
Melissa says
What a fun idea! I want to learn how to be a better friend!
christy says
I’d love to learn more about hand stitching and quilting.
Karen says
Yes, I am in. I really need to learn 12 things so I can teach them to my daughter! The first thing is sewing. I barely can sew a button and it isn’t fun for me. I will learn by hand first and then maybe Santa can bring me a sewing machine so I can make skirts. Anyone want to give me lessons??? That is what I really want to do! That is one, now to think of the next 12!
Diane Nelson says
I would like to learn to play the guitar, write a song and complete my certification to become a life purpose coach. What a fun year we have ahead 🙂
Erin says
Definitely sewing for me – but I need a sewing machine first! I would also like to learn how to can! I think I will join in your 12 things challenge!
Fiona's Mosaic says
I’m a goalsetter! And I have done this before and it is fun! I have learned to spin, make candles and soap, chocolates, etc.
But I want to learn how to make a good whole grain bread that we like! LOL I want to learn how to play my guitar better, and the piano better. I want to learn the creative side of photoshopping (I just bought a book so I’m on my way!). Gosh there is so much!
What a fun post though! This is one of my passions because I don’t want my brain to atrophy. LOL
God bless
jeannett says
i’d love to learn how to quilt!
Amanda says
I would love to make little girl hairbows and sell them and give them as gifts. I’d love to have a fun etsy store that sells jewelry. I’d love to learn to take better pictures, and I’d love to learn how to cook!
Michelle Cameron says
I would like to learn how to quilt (by hand) and I think I would also like to learn how to knit. What fun!
Melissa says
I want to learn how to garden fresh vegetables, and how to sew, and how to knit.
Linda says
I would like to learn more about Photoshop and Digital Scrapping. Thanks for encouraging us.
Jennifer says
Impressive! Quilting is something I would love to commit to learning. Ohh ,there it is, that word commit. It takes effort and commitmentment to learn new things!!!
Alyssa Rose says
Funny! I was thinking something similar to this as I was waking up. I think I’d like to learn how to make mosaic flower pot.
Jenny says
I want to learn how to photograph like the professionals do… using light better and understanding through a lens the beauty of story found on a person’s face 🙂
Alana says
There are so many things… sewing, running and lots of other crazy things! 🙂
Wendi says
What a wonderful idea. It sounds so doable in our busy life of being a Mom to little ones. I would love to learn to quilt, to use my grandmother’s sewing machine that I have, to can, to grow a productive garden……..
Laurel says
Soapmaking (the “real” kind, not melt-and-pour, which is what I do now) is a big one for me. Thanks for the challenge!
Jolanthe says
Since my 5 year old is learning chess, I’d like to learn it too.
Diane Lewis says
I would like to learn how to sell things on EBay and Craigs list – or at be brave enough to try.
Gen says
What a great plan! I think I’m gonna try it!
PaulaS says
I’m learning to drive! (at age 37) I would also like to learn how to paint watercolors.
Laura says
I want to learn to sew (again), my goal is to make my G-babes nightgowns & PJ’s for Christmas. So far I learned how to thread the machine-that’s a good start right?!
Patricia/nyc says
I would love to be able to knit more than just scarves! 🙂
Also, I would love to learn to have more patience these days! 😉
Jeanine Q. says
One thing I would like to learn is how to play my recorder. I love the sound and would like to get beyond London Bridge is Falling Down.
Cecilia says
The first things I would like to do are to learn do are widen my cooking abilities and learn to hand embroider.
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
I love love love this idea…there are so many things that I would love to do if I had more time.
I used to quilt when the kids were little and I made each of them their very own special quilt, which was awesome.
I’d love to learn how to knit, cook better and so much more. I’m thinking I am going to jump in on this challenge!
Thanks for the extra push!
~Melissa in Mel’s World
Bev McDougal says
I”m in ! I want to (1)master our sewing machine,(2)relearn how to use pastels, and (3)complete a picture, (4)use the manual aspects of our digital camera, (5)make a wreath with natural plants, (6)identify native plants, (7)learn some geology so I have at least an idea of what type of rock I’m looking at, (8)learn how to communicate better with my spouse-the priority item-(9)become skilled in EXCEL, and that’s for starters:)
Erin says
I would like to learn how to 9 grain homemade bread, can vegetables and chicken and grow a better garden. Mine was pitiful this year. I’d also like to learn SEO and start a giveaway blog and earn some money from it.Yikes I better get busy but first I need to get through our sons surgery on the 25th.
Kristin Vanderlip says
Like many others, I really want to learn how to sew. It’s a skill my mother never had, and I didn’t know anyone growing up who knew how to sew. But I would love to know how! Since my baby passed away I have wanted to sew together some of her outfits and blankets to make a quilt, but I haven’t done it yet because I haven’t learned and haven’t been able to purchase a sewing machine – and I really have no clue how to do it in the first place.
Debbie G. says
I also would like to learn how to quilt. Thinking of trying to make a rag quilt from my son’s shirts as a memory quilt. My son’s best friend passed three months after he did. So it would be great to make one for his mom, too.
Brittney says
Would love to learn to sew better!
Leah T. says
I would love to learn how to take better pictures with my SLR camera. I constantly shoot in the automatic settings and just haven’t gotten around to learning about it. I’m totally in, I just really need to prioritize the other 11, because I have a million things I want to learn to do!
Sandy Ott says
I would love to learn to knit or crochet afghans or blankets. Not sure about the other 11 months… but I will certainly think about it.
Tiffany says
I love this. there are a lot of things I would like to learn this year. Playing the guitar, sewing and quilting and gardening. So excited to learn new skills and share them with my family.
Krista Akerberg says
I adore this! I’ll get crackin’ on my 12, although that might be a tad ambitious! But I love it, we are never too old to learn something new and there is always younger generation that can be so encouraged by our sharing!
Stacey Lillich says
Neat idea. I’m kind of a perpetual student as well.
I’d like to learn to knit before winter.
Connie says
i would like to learn to read music and play he piano
Annie O says
Oh, Sarah Mae….. when you write that kids’ book in April, I’d love nothing more than to contribute illustrations to it….. that’s on my list – illustrate a children’s book!
Nice how the lists mesh, isn’t it?
Sally Fisher says
I would like to learn to identify local birds by their song.
linda says
I love this idea, but there are so many things I want to learn that will take much longer than a month:
French (my daughter is engaged to a young man who lives in Paris)
piano
writing poetry
and the list goes on!
Torie Brooks says
i want to learn how to play the harmonica! weeee! 🙂
Donna Ward says
12 NEW things? Wow. What I would really like to do? I would like to learn:
1) tatting
2) how to really clean and organize my house
3) how to de-packrat 🙂
4) to be friends (or how to make friends)
5) to publish
6) knitting
7) to tie flies without the hooks for my cats
8) and I’m sure there are more….
Thanks for encouraging us all!
Jen U says
I’m going to learn to knit!
Charisa says
take really good pictures! decorate well and cheap, and have a garden with things that live! 🙂
Melanie B. says
This is inspiring! As a mom of two young girls and not a lot of free time, it is great to be encouraged to pursue these small dreams/desires…below is my list:
1) Run a 5K
2) Write and publish a devotional article
3) Successfully grow an herb garden
4) Crochet a scarf
5) Take a photography class
Blessings on your lists!
Beverlydru says
I want to learn Spanish. Given 12 minutes, I’m sure I can come up with 12 things!
Kristi Miller says
I’d like to learn how to use my sewing machine…hehe…and how to quilt. In that order. If I can get the sewing machine where I know what I’m doing, then I can make quilt tops!!
Denise says
I have wanted to learn to sew and knit.
Charissa Steyn says
Fun idea!
I’d like to learn to paint or draw.
To speak 🙂 Ha! I’m too shy!
Make homemade rusks (a South African thing!)
To knit…again.
That’s all I can think of for now 🙂
Crystal says
I would like to learn to to make my own Christmas/holiday decorations – I picked up a BHG magazine yesterday with all these fun handmade decorations in it…I just need to find a sewing machine and a friend to teach me 🙂
jenn says
i would love to learn to play the guitar, knit, maybe quilt and scrapbook really well.
Mel says
I would love to just have the time to do all the things I want to do and know I CAN do. Like painting canvases, making bento lunches for my hubs, creating a better blog, spending more time with the Lord, and having MORE fun with my kids…. All in good time!
Jennifer says
I would love to learn to make bread without a bread machine. I even loaned a book from the library just to learn but by the time it was due back I hadn’t made a single recipe. Ugh. Maybe when the kids are back in school and it isn’t so hot. 🙂
Chrissy says
I would love to learn to speak a foreign language… maybe sign language. And I would really love to play the violin.
MaryZ says
Great idea! Here is my list:
1. Learn how to make a slip cover
2. Learn how to make killer/kids come from all over the neighborhood donuts
3. Learn Photoshop better
4. Learn to make bento lunches for the kids
5. Learn to take better pictures
6. Learn to knit
…can only think of 6 right now. If I did all 6 things I would feel incredibly successful!
Angela says
So many things to learn! The guitar is definitely on my list, as is making bread, and learning to be more creative, in everything!
Beth F. says
I would like to learn to be consistent in keeping a gratitude journal, and I will be learning how to homeschool one…as my oldest is off to a brick and mortar school.
Pattie says
I have learned a lot of skills in the past few years–but what I haven’t learned is how to finish projects! One of my goals for the next school year is to finish the half-knit baby blanket, the half-finished scrapbooks, the half-organized photos…you get the idea!
alice says
There are so many things I would love to do. However, I would like to start with knitting.
Kat says
I’ve been jewelry-making and beading for a while now, but I’d love to learn how to hand-stamp!
Alicia says
I’ve been wanting to learn how to confront people in a loving way. To confront people at all. To not let myself be walked all over. Soon….
I guess that’s not really a fun thing. Otherwise, I want to learn how to sew a blanket that can fold up into a pillow. My friend did it last summer, I was amazed!
Krista says
I would like to set boundaries!
Be pain free!
Mentor new moms!
Accept my limitations!
Learn to can/freeze
Learn to freezer cook in bulk
I’ll get working til I get a full list over at my blog.
Lois says
knitting… never finished my one and only scarf that I started 3 years ago!
Karen says
I love this idea! I’ll have to think about this, but I would like to be more intentional about trying new recipes regularly.
Elaine Pool says
My husband & I are talking about a sailing trip, so I’d like to learn to sail. I can cook, sew, garden, and am not interested in knitting/needlework. I’m sure there’s lots else I need to though!
Nichelle M says
I would like to learn to design websites and master 14 healthy meals that my children will devour!
Rachel @ the science of music says
I want to learn gardening and composting (Hubby just got me a great book to help with that!).
I want to learn better breathing techniques for playing my French horn.
I want to learn how to cook steak like they do in upscale steakhouses.
I want to learn some basic carpentry.
I want to learn how to resurface a wall.
I want to learn to bake gluten-free goodies and get consistent results.
Actually, all of these things are necessary for projects I have in mind (except for the steak), so I will have to learn them eventually.
I like the idea of learning one thing a month – although I might take two months for each project. I want to not only learn it, but learn it well!
Susan says
I would like to learn to sing, to dance, how to get organized, and how to “be still” in Him. I feel like I am always so busy “cleaning” up after my husband, myself, and my kids to really spend time doing the things I would like to be doing.
Tamara Murphy says
I want/need to learn how to write for publication. This is the year to make it happen!
Amy W says
I would like to learn to make homemade soap.
Marla says
Not necessarily in order, except #1:
1. Recognize God at work around me
2. Stress less
3. Sew (again!)
4. Knit
5. Feed my family healthier
6. Spend more quality time with family
7. The process to join the DAR
8. How to sell our home
9. Organize (& stay that way!)
10. Plan curriculum through high school
11. Run (again!)
12. Garden effectively
Beth says
I would like to learn to blog, and have the freedom to write down my thoughts, etc.
Robin says
This year I’d like to learn American Sign Language so I can communicate with my daughter should her hearing deteriorate further in the future.
Emily says
I want to learn how to make the food I make look pretty. I’m a decent cook and baker, but my presentation skills are severely lacking.
Jolene says
I want to learn how to use my ‘new’ (to me) sewing machine, how to make some throw blankets out of the scrap denim I’ve been saving for years, how to keep my desk organized, ugh so many more… but with 4 kids at home, 9, 5, 3, and 19 months… we’ll see how far I get. 🙂
Allison Morrison says
I would like to learn how to sew…even sew on a button!!
Carol says
I love this idea – I would like to know how to shoot a gun (sounds weird, but I have always wanted to learn so they aren’t so scary to me), read several books, learn how to soak grains, make cheese…I’ll make my list of 12 right now!
Please enter me in the chance to win the calendar!! =)
Thanks for the inspiration!
Judy @ A Meek Perspective says
I would love to learn to use a miter saw. Think about all of the wonderful trim I could create and picture frames. I’ll think about this one!
janet says
I would like to learn how to sell things on the internet, how to make bows for my daughter, and how to sew. I’ll have to think about the the rest of the things to add to my list! I also think 12 might be a little too ambitious for me…
Beth says
I would love to learn to play the guitar, use the computer more efficiently, crochet a sweater, read a map :), so many things…so little free time!
Adoption Mama says
I would love to learn how to knit, crochet, or quilt. I am an avid crosstitcher, but would love to learn these others..
Hannah says
Thanks for the encouragement to get started and quit waiting for the perfect time! I’d like to learn how to play the guitar, take up singing lessons, dance before the Lord alone, write “real” letters regularly, make jewellry and try a new recipe every month.
GlowinGirl says
Oh, so many! I want to learn how to knit and play the guitar, and I want to learn how to use my camera better. 😉
amber says
i would love to learn how to quilt or knit. they both look so cool and it’s always fun to brag and say, “yeah, i made that.” 🙂
Cheryl says
I want to learn to read and write Hebrew. I want to scrapbook all my photos from the last 33 years of my married life! I want to learn to be a grandma (but I really can’t do anything about this!)
Mamalion says
I need to learn to budget my time better, and readjust to one leaving the nest for the first time. Right now I don’t have time to commit to something new every month, but I did learn to spin this summer!
Sarah says
I want to learn how to play the piano again. I took 15 years of lessons. My dear Mother used to tell me all the time that “God gve you a gift Sarah and if you dont use it he will take it.” I quit and he took. It’s been almost 3 years since Mom passed from breast cancer. I want to learn again and play for not only God, but for Mom.
Traci says
I want to learn how to sew and quilt!
Melanie says
I’d love to learn how to paint lovely shadows on yellows in my watercolor painting (they are always muddy – blech)
Grandma Patty Ann says
I am thinking that this is an excellent idea! I love to learn and think that helps keep us growing. I have self taught myself a lot but never thought of one per month! Awesome! I have joined you for your journey… and have decided to blog as well! First on my list! Love you and yours! Grandma Patty Ann
stacey w says
I would like to learn how to take phenomenal photos, play the piano, make seafood gumbo, scrapbook and learn how to cook a few more “basic” meals so we aren’t eating the same meals every weeknight.
Andrea says
I would also like to learn canning! I bought a book last year but I haven’t tried it yet. I was lazy last fall and just made apple butter in freezer-safe containers.
I would also love to learn how to sew, how to decorate a cake, and learn a foreign language(at least travel basics).
linda belthius says
I want to learn to make homemade bread sans a bread machine?
Shelli @ Hopefully Devoted says
I would like to learn how to sew on a sewing machine.
Stacy says
I have a very old upholstered chair that I’ve always wanted to learn how to reupholster! Wow what a great incentive with your challenge. Some other things I want to learn: to make home made bagels, to make a shirred dress for my daughter, to upload pictures onto a photo program for safe keeping. I’ll work on my official list of twelve and post soon.
Amy says
I’ve always wanted to learn to knit–that way I could have scarves and blankets for my family and also to give to others. I always thought homemade gifts are more personal than store bought gifts. 🙂
Meghan says
12 things I would like to learn. I want to learn how to play the piano, scrap booking, learn how to make a t-shirt quilt, learn the rules to soccer, learn another language, learn how to make my own cards, learn photography, learn how to make homemade chocolate chip cookies, learn to cook more in general. I can only come up with 9, but I know there is so much more that I want to learn.
Lindsey says
I’ve never thought about committing to learning something new every month for a year. Great idea! I would like to learn how to bake better meals for friends and family. I would also like to sew something (anything!). Thanks for the inspirational post. I also loved learning what other readers want to learn to do 🙂 God Bless!
Lynn says
I would like to learn to make biscuits that aren’t hockey pucks. 🙂 I would like to learn to play an instrument, to make quilts and to take wonderful photographs. Thanks for encouraging us to try to do some of these things now – not later!
Monica says
I have been a lover of really great photography for years. My husband bought me a new camera recently, and I hope to take a class and really learn how to use it. Whatever you can dream BEGIN it!
Katie S. says
I’d love to learn how to knit. And make some really delicious Mexican sauces. And! I’d like to become a runner.
Vanessa Gooch says
This is such a great idea! I have so many things that I would love to learn, but not sure if I am up to the 12 month challenge yet! I would love to learn how to make pirogies, and cabbage rolls (like my granny) and I would love, love, love to learn more about Photography and digital scrap booking!
Critty says
I would love to learn a new language… preferably French or Gaelic.
Nimmi says
Great idea but where shall I start: quilting, scrapbooking, family history and bread making are on my list
Kelly says
Would love to learn another language,to knit, how to keep plants alive(!) and many other things, but don’t want to be overly ambitious and give up on it all!
Amanda says
I would like to learn to ride a bike.
Jesica says
I really want to learn to sew! And I am sure there are 11 more new things I would love to learn if I thought about it long enough.
Jennifer says
I want to learn to be organized! 😀 That and quilting!
Mrs. Rachel says
I want to learn how to quilt, too! I think that one will have to wait, though, because baby number 2 is due in a few weeks. 🙂
Lorri says
Learning to play the dulcimer and starting a raised bed garden.
Janet Kay says
I would like to learn to quilt… but first I need to learn to budget my time so I have time to quilt!
Kathy says
I would love to learn to play the piano, quilt, and definitely sewing!
I’ve tried my hand at the piano –WOW, much more difficult than I thought 🙂
quilting: never even attempted…
sewing –I took a class in high school…got confused about threading the machine and then did well enough to pass the class and haven’t touched a sewing machine since! LOL!
I’m easily discouraged…will have to learn that to my list of things to learn!
Nicole says
Great idea! I want to learn to quilt. And make a scrapbook for my daughter!
Meg says
I would love to learn how to crochet. I can make a pot holder, and a lopsided scarf, but that’s about where my skills end. I’d love to actually learn enough to make a blanket!
Erin says
What a fabulous post! I want to learn how to use my manual settings on my digital camera. Check out Artisan Bread in 5 minutes a day and Healty Bread in 5 Minutes a Day for AMAZING homemade bread 🙂
DebH says
I absolutely love the idea. My son is so busy (he’s 10 & involved in many activities) but I know life is short and God has given us SO MANY opportunities to learn! While he is in school, I’d love to learn how to get started with my own blog, love to learn how to can, bake some bread from scratch, learn and master Photoshop Elements — so much more! Thank you for inspiring us!
Krista @ Life in Texas says
I am not ambitious enough to consider one new skill a month at this stage in my life. My mantra this year is: “Do one thing, and do it well.” As two of my three children start school in one week, my goal is to jump start a freelance writing career.
However, I also enjoy gardening, and I have recently concluded I would like to become certified as a Master Gardener. So I will commit that by the time school starts NEXT year, I will have investigated that and either started it or be signed up.
Sounds like a fun challenge, I’d love to follow your journey!
Barbie says
I would love to learn how to take better pictures, resize them properly, and maybe some HTML code!
JenCaiazzo says
I just told my husband I want to learn to sew- Maybe get a sewing machine and do fancy fun stuff! Make clothes for the women’s shelter in our town. And I would love to make bread and or pasta- My husband is Italian!
Shaundra says
Oh I wish i wish i knew how to sew!!! Right now hot glue is my best friend. 😉
anna says
I would like to learn how to be a better homekeeper, play the piano, use WordPress, and learn more about who my girlfriends REALLY are.
Hyacynth says
I have so many things I’d love to learn, but I’m currently yearning to learn how to really use my SLR camera and knit. This summer, though, I’ve learned some really
awesome skills like canning and gardening, which has made me feel really accomplished and like a good homemaker.
Sarah Hubbell says
I would love to learn to play the guitar, but I would need to actually buy one first 🙂
JoAnn says
I would like to learn to sew, most of all quilt. I like you would love to bake bread.
Tina says
What a fun thought! I think I’m in for it…now to make a list! I played the piano in elementary and I have always said that I’d love to re-learn; it’s one of my biggest regrets!
Theresa says
I’m about to learn how to be a college student and a mama! I’m headed back to school for my nursing degree, after getting my (first) college degree over 11 years ago. I’m hoping the learning curve isn’t too steep!
Meg says
I want to learn how to play the piano!
Tere Carns says
First of all, thank you for that delightful article, I’m inspired 🙂 ?
I will pray on this task and will write it down at the moment my heart, mind and practical self with God inspired vision can come together… The List ? And then I will share this with you and with all my sisters in life… oh, and my husband too 🙂 THANK YOU – for bringing delight and insight into my day. I feel so very blessed by your thoughts…
?
Ruth says
I want to learn how to use the brakes effectively on my inline skate because I bought a new pair of skates and they’re waaaay too fast!
I also want to learn how to play piano chords.
I also want to take diving lessons.
I want to learn how to ride a motorcycle.
Sorry, I think you just asked for one!
Jessica says
Sew. Quilt. Play the guitar. Watercolor.
Just a few.
Danielle says
I would love to learn more cake and cupcake decorating skills. I just think it is so much fun to love on others by gifting them beautifully homemade treats.
Sonya says
I would love to learn to knit, do digital scrapbooking, and use a setting other than auto on my camera!
Linda Carpenter says
This month…I am trying hard to learn some phrases in Bengali for out trip to India next month. We’ll be visiting the child we sponsor through Children’s International. He just had heart surgery back in March and I am very eager to see him and his family again.
Jenny Provin says
I’d love to learn to sew. I even have a machine, I’m just horrible at it!!
Kristi says
I started trying to teach myself to knit last year, but I gave it up when purling didn’t go well. This year I’d love to learn, but this time I think I’ll seek out some help. You can only learn so much from Youtube.
nicole says
I would love to learn HTML code and also become a better sewer. I also want to learn what it takes to do a craft show and sell on-line.
Elizabeth says
I would love to improve my computer skills – particularly dealing with editing photos and video. I am in for the challenge. Sounds fun!
Brooke says
I’d like to learn how to speed clean so I don’t nearly faint and break a toe on a hotwheel the next time my mother in law comes over. I’m sure that’s a fruit of the spirit! lol 🙂
Giovanna says
I would like to learn how to do digital scrapbooking.
Christena says
I love this idea!
In the next twelve months, I want to develop skills in the following areas (some I already have a foundation in):
– cycling (my husband’s passion)
– developing a daily exercise routine that I
enjoy
– sewing (with machine)
– basic quilting with the sewing machine
– baking bread (no breadmaker)
– making good biscuits and gravy
– photography
– gardening
– canning
– planning menus
– grilling
– crochet
Sandy says
I would love to learn how to take better pictures – even with my simple point and shoot.
Mary Hampton says
I got a “Healthy Bread in 5 Minutes a Day” book that I haven’t tried out yet. I would love to have a steady stream of good bread to serve my toast-loving family. Maybe joining you publicly will get me to crack it open and give it a shot.
Melissa Brotherton says
I want to learn to use a sewing machine, make homemade pasta, make homemade applesauce & jam, get published in a magazine and run a 5K.
Iris Chan says
I love to learn to sew and do beading.
Iris
Jenn @ Beautiful Calling says
I want to learn to make bread. I’ve made it before but not well.
I also want to learn to play the piano!
aplaceforthoughts says
Great post! I’m going to try to join in and participate in this as well. I need to pick my 12 things but two of them are photography and becoming a better baker. Scratch that. Becoming a baker. (I don’t believe the mixes from the box count 😉 )
Heather says
So many great ideas… so many things to learn! I look forward to journeying along!
Hugs, HL
Jenilee Fleetwood says
I would love to learn how to embroider! Love your post!
Abbey H says
I would love to learn to cut hair!
it would help our family so much
lisa says
What a fun idea. It’s true that I find less and less time to really dig into new things now that I have 2 little ones. Consider me tentatively in. 🙂
rjb says
Love this idea —
reading a book again!
finishing my baby’s one year memory book (never done it before!)
canning/preserving
creating a garden
knitting or crocheting
getting a new camera for my birthday and learning new tricks
stephanie says
i want to learn to sew on the machine better than just wobbly “straight” lines! 🙂
Amy says
I’ve always wanted to learn the French language, but since I too have a new baby on the way, I think I’ll work on scrapbooking and get back to my piano learning! 🙂 Only a few more things to add to my list…probably all baby related like how to make baby food and how to clean cloth diapers and how to stay faithful to God with little rest and a lot less “free” time. What a fun year we have ahead!
SusanD says
This is to funny/weird. My running partner and I were discussing this very thing last week. Joining forces to learn how to do new things….something new each month. Ours is geared towards baking/cooking. Bread is one of those things. and egg rolls. and home made tortillas. That’s where we’re starting. Thanks for the encouragement. Blessings, SusanD
VAN says
I would love to learn how to shoot a gun
KC says
I would love to get all my digital pics into digital scrapbooks 🙂
Trina says
I would like to learn to sew more than a straight stitch.
Nicky McCleery says
I want to learn to use the sewing machine I’ve owned for something like 3 years now… I think my MIL’s a little miffed at me for not learning it after I asked for it from her for Christmas. :S
And how to play the guitar.
Corban says
it would be so fun to learn to skydive!
Brenlin says
You’ve got me thinking. Making a decent pie crust might be first on my list!
stampedwithgrace says
learning to sew and quilt is something I’d like to do, but since I have 8 kids and homeschool, it seems like it would be something for me to do another time. so, maybe I should just keep it simple and teach my girls to cook and bake more!
Holly says
I would like to learn different techniques for playing piano (besides sightreading).
Rachel Boldman says
I’d love to learn how to get rid of all the STUFF I have (the actual clutter and emotional clutter) more efficiently. I just want it gone!!
Something more tangible I’d like to learn is sewing. I would love a sewing machine and the time to learn and create!
Traci says
I want to learn how to use my mom’s serger that she gave me. I also want to learn how to use her sewing machine that make monograms.
Michelle {So, I married a Mennonite...} says
Hey, what a great idea! I’ll be joining in on some of these skills with you. I’ve been wanting to learn to sew & canning. 🙂
Nancy T says
I would love to learn how to make a great chicken salad!
Sara says
I love the idea of quilting to. Though I’m not very good at sewing. I think I really want to focus on my theology studies and invest more time in them. The more I learn the more I can share xxx
Tina Riley says
I just want to have the time to do the things I already know how to do like quilt before i take on anything else.
Krista says
To learn to take and store pictures better!
Kate says
Thank you for the idea! My six- I think I’ll start a little simpler
Aug- Build a cob oven
Sept.- Learn how to and create a compost bin.
Oct. – From the compost plant indoor spice plants. (Vanilla Beans!)
Nov- Bring some sort of gourmet treat to swimming every Friday.
Dec – Make homemade gifts- Woodturn more and bake.
Jan- Start organic plants for garden and build a greenhouse.
I am excited to start on some projects I have been putting off.
Thanks!
Melissa May says
Hmmm… Such a good question! I’m entering into an entirely new, totally different season of life right now, so imagining what I’d LIKE to learn as opposed to thinking about what I have to do is hard at the moment! But what I just thought of that I would really LOVE is to learn how to make exercise a consistent part of my life routine for me and my family. Even just taking walks consistently! Yep… that’s it! : )
MaryAnne says
I want to learn to cook really good Indian curry dishes!
Brittany says
I’m in! I am going to start thinking about my list now. My 1st one on the list? Sewing, that starts this month. 11 more to go. : )
April says
I want to learn to make really good bread (not mediocre) and to sew and knit and so much more 🙂
Angie says
I want to learn how to stay on top of my routines and housework.
Leslie @ {Tiny Wings} says
I’m definitely a student for life! There’s always something new I want to learn! Currently, it’s embroidery! Next week, it might be something else, though!!
Tonya says
What a great idea! I’ll have to work on my list.
Bethany says
I really need to learn how to drive a manual (the kind of car my husband drives). He tried to teach me once, but it didn’t end up so well.
Sarah K says
I sure would like to learn how to sew a stinkin’ button back on a sweater so I’m not stuck with goofy looking sweaters all the time!
Pamela says
I would love to learn to play violin. I am beginning with the basics, but planning learn this coming year. I am also teaching my oldest 2 elementary children the basics as well! It’s a family affair!
Marisa says
I would like to learn how to ride a bike! I’m almost 26 years old and my parents never taught me how to ride a bike. I never even owned a real one. I just have memories of riding around in the house on my tricycle. It’d be nice to take rides with my husband on the bike paths and exercise together!
Pei Yee says
Wow, one new skill each month, that is quite ambitious, but a good goal. 🙂
I think i would just love to finish up on a lot of things I’ve been putting off: scrapbooking on trips, go through my photos and print some out to be displayed, reading, making cards, talk to old friends, ……
New skills I want to learn: simple sewing, making bread (I love really good bread!). Will start with those.
Jackie says
I want to learn to swing dance with my husband and one day I want to learn to play the harp! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your goals and for inviting us to be inspired too!
Tami says
Where do I begin?! I really want to take classes and hone my graphic designing skills so that I can continue to be a SAHM but generate *some* income. I’d also like to be more frugal and innovative in furnishing my home…people who are inspire me. 🙂
Melissa says
I’m in! Read here for my 12 new things http://www.thecutestchaos.blogspot.com
Peaceful Wishes,
Melissa Hanson
Kathryn says
Just what I needed…a little push to get these things done! After a summer of doing not much, I’m feeling the need to get in gear and accomplish something. I want to put the facts, a full-time working single mom, to the side and learn to use my time more effectively! So….I want to spend a day scrapping every month, prepare for a better vege garden, paint my room, spend one day a month with a total focus on my son, keep one week ahead on my school lesson plans, write one letter/card each month to a friend, remember everyone’s birthday in time, do a Beth Moore study, put up a fence so we can get a family dog, PLAN and implement a Christ centered Christmas season celebration to teach my son in a deeper way about God’s love for him,to continue eating a healthy diet, and to carve out five more minutes each day for devotions. Thanks for letting me share…I’m writing the list to stick up on my fridge!
Jordy says
I would love to learn how to sew! I could make so many things…
Elizabeth says
I would love to play the piano. Since I was a kid I have been able to play by ear some, but reading music is like Latin to me.
Crystal says
This winter I want to learn to ski – so I can keep up with our 4 yr. old granddaughter 🙂 I think it might take me 4 or 5 months to even get a little bit good at it! Thanks for the encouragement!
SherreyM says
I want to learn to play the flute!
Rachell Henderson says
I’m in! I want to learn how to make the fried apple pies my grandmother (Mama Nell) used to make me.
Amy Allen says
Thanks for the opportunity! I would love to learn to organize the massive amounts of paperwork that come into my house! I would also like to learn how to garden.
Annette says
I would love to take a cooking class to make healthy easy recipes. I’ve always envied a person who can look in the fridge and just whip up something. My blending of spices with chicken and fish doesn’t always work out.
I would also like to take a stained glass class and have works of art having from all the windows.
Jennie says
I really want to learn to sew cute things for my daughter.
And learn HTML coding.
And learn Russian.
And learn to ski.
That’s all. Thank you 🙂
dee says
Most of the things I want to learn are things I already know a little about, but want to improve on – photography, photoshop, sewing, playing guitar. However, there are small things too – canning my own food, keeping a plant alive, cooking from scratch.
Keri says
I will work on my list and put it on my blog 😀 thank you for your sharing and encouragement!!
Jennifer says
I want to learn how to sew. I shop for clothes for my girls (ages 6 and 4) and there are very few modest pieces. I’d love to make them fashionable, modest, and inexpensive clothes. After that I’d like to learn how to make homemade bread…the smell, the taste, ahhhh. Next, crochet; my grandmother and great-grandmother were always crocheting. After that, I just don’t know.
Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates says
Thanks so much for doing this Sarah Mae! The accountability really helps me. There are plenty of things I need to learn!
Mary Cathrine says
I want to paint. There are many ways I have found to express myself. Yet there is something inside of me that says “I can do it” and I am considering taking a class in water colors. When I lost my partner and husand I felt that was the end of it for me too. I sat crippled in spirit, looking at walls. I thought at my age I was finished being “Me”. God gave me a new incentive. With his help I can breathe again. I am discovering new treasures about this thing called life. I love the adventures. Yes, I think I will take up a class in painting. 🙂
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[…] Learning Something New I read an idea that seemed too good not to share. The blogger decided to learn something new each month, you can read a about her experiment here: https://aws.incourage.me/2010/08/12-things.html […]
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