Hello World.
I recently got my first job out of college, moved to a brand new city, and I'm drowning in work. But as I start this new life in Corporate America, I am also discovering the DIY network and beginning a few projects of my own! (As an engineer in college, you get used to challenges that require hands-on work. I can only rearrange my cubicle's computer monitor wiring so many times.) Google is fast becoming my generation's bible, and it's traumatizing to learn that not all the answers are out there yet, so I want to help by adding my experience as I try building new things, or razing old ones.
Learning shouldn't stop at a certain age, heck the New York Times just ran an article about mental fitness and the work it requires to stay intellectually limber.
Why make/bake/build/glue/duct tape it yourself?
1. Money. As a young adult with enough student loans to financially crush any reasonable human being, money is a good reason to start. I could buy a hat for twenty dollars, or I could buy a ball of yarn and needles for 4 dollars and knit it myself. (Of course time is money, so if you can spend the money, you don't have to spend the time.)
2. Skills. My boyfriend bought me my first powerdrill for my birthday, and I spent half an hour on the phone with my dad, asking him what all the buttons did. But, four months later, I'm happy I didn't beg for something less intimidating (bath lotion?). I have had the chance to play with/learn to not damage powertools, tatting shuttles, electrical wiring and more, and it feels great to feel useful and competent in your own home.
3. Independence. When you take the time to learn the skills necessary to make something on your own, fail miserably, and then eventually succeed you're not only getting a unique sweater/chair/bowl (hopefully not too damaged in the process), but you're gaining independence. Knowing how to work with new tools and plan out a project means you don't have to have someone do it for you.
4. Fun! There's no limit to what you can learn! If you don't mind getting your feet wet, and enjoy getting some tangible results, there's a world of opportunity out there.
I'll leave you with some places I frequent for ideas... frequently....
http://www.instructables.com/
This has everything you can imagine ever wanting to make/bake/break. If you're looking for a specific project, start here.
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc
This site isn't strictly DIY, but many of the projects involve making old, reclaimed furniture new again in surprising ways.
http://lifehacker.com/
I check this blog hourly for updates. If you're looking to start a foray into the tech world, this is a great place to start looking around. Their Night-School series is something I've been forwarding my friends on a routine basis. http://lifehacker.com/#!nightschool/5744113
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