One of my favourite hobbies is sewing,
but I do enjoy a variety of interests.
You can read about them below.

When I was a little girl, my Mother sometimes sewed on a Singer sewing machine. It wasn't the old-fashioned kind with a foot treadle, but a "modern" one which she had purchased in the 1950's with her hard earned money. I wanted to sew on it so badly, but I wasn't allowed to touch it until I was older. That day finally arrived! One hot summer in 1972 she pulled it out of its special box, and taught me how to use sew. I was 12 years old. I experimented with a strip of cloth, until my seams were straight. Then I designed a dress for my Skipper doll. I made up my own pattern. It turned out quite well, and that was the start of a life-long love of sewing! I haven't stopped yet, although I now use a Pfaff machine, quite different from my Mother's old Singer. I also own a Pfaff serger, and one day I'd love to purchase an embroidery machine.

Another hobby is needlecraft. I really enjoy doing things with a needle and thread in my hands, not just in the machine. I like to work on stamped cross-stitch designs and embroidery. In January 1998 I finally completed a set of embroidered tea-towels given to me by my Mom, along with my first sewing basket, when I was twelve years old!  Sometimes I am a little slow. In the spring of 2000, I finished the "Home Sweet Home" cross stitch kit I had purchased years ago, and I had it professionally pressed, matted and framed. I hung it in the living room, by the fireplace, and it looks quite impressive! Currently I'm learning how to smock. I also enjoy designing doll clothes for Chatty Cathy, and selling them on Ebay under the Ebay ID name of "House of Houben".

Click here to see my Home Sweet Home project.

Click here to see me in my sewing corner.

My favorite pastime is reading! I enjoy collecting old books from the late 1800's and early 1900's. Over 20 years ago when I began this, the prices were reasonable. Now the books are becoming difficult to find, and are very expensive! But I have discovered the Internet; you can find anything your heart desires on it! (Well, within reason, of course.) 

I enjoy collecting china, (Blue Willow, Royal Albert) tea-pots, linens, dolls (especially Chatty Cathy) miniatures, angels, and books. I really am learning to control myself lately; I am running out of room! Another favorite hobby is shopping! I enjoy window browsing; just acquiring ideas on how to make my home more attractive. 

 Another favourite hobby is writing. Actually, for over 35 years I've kept a journal. However, I've turned serious, and I took a writing course from the "Institute for Children's Literature." I began the course in August 2000, and graduated in May 2003.  It was very interesting and challenging.
Please visit my writing endeavors page to see links to my published articles.

A newer hobby is stamping, card making, and scrap booking. It's addictive and expensive! My teacher for the past 3 years has been a wonderful woman named Susan Farrant. She has boundless energy and it is so much fun to learn new techniques at her monthly classes. Susan has a neat BLOG with great ideas! Check it out!

I also enjoy playing the piano. I purchased my "Story and Clark" piano in 1993. It's so relaxing to sit down and produce a beautiful sonata or a simple hymn arrangement at the end of a hectic day. My husband enjoys it when I play, but it usually puts him to sleep!

This page was updated April 2007.
Copyright L. H. Houben
2009

If you would like to see my sewing projects,
please Click Here.