Like a challenge? Help me find a hobby where I can make friends..BUT…

[Sidebeforeself]

….I am an introvert! Im also a bit picky about interests so I’d appreciate any ideas people might have.

Context: I’d like one ( more would be even better!) friend that I could meet up with for a coffee etc . I do have friends but they all live quite far away and everything has to be arranged weeks in advance. I think the best way to meet people would be through developing a hobby, but Ive never been hobby -minded. My “ issues “ are

I don’t like sports of any kind ( already go to a gym )
Naturally drawn to stuff you can do on your own - reading, baking, puzzles etc
Dont fancy a book club
Not a crafter.
Not a walker .
Looked up the local WI but their programme was dire - talks about bridges etc just don’t interest me
Stepkids are grown so no friendships through them
Dont want to do any more study .
Not religious
Not into singing

Now I know that that is a long list of negatives and I sound a right misery guts , but I promise you Im not. I just wanted to be upfront rather that saying no to everything people suggest. I would happily do some volunteering but its the same issue - what exactly?

Any thoughts gratefully accepted ( including being told to just try something !)

You said you like baking - I did a sugarcraft course at local education centre. There were people of all abilities there, from beginners (me!) to those making amazing decorations. It was a rolling course and some people had been going for ages. There was a little bit of chat but no pressure at all and sometimes people were just totally focussed on what they were doing and not joining in and that was fine.

Roughly, whereabouts are you OP? We could narrow opportunities down that way.

For example, my newly retired friend has joined a mixed ability pottery class. I volunteer for a charity which involves monthly get together.

Have you got any historic places nearby that need tour guides?

Roughly, whereabouts are you OP? We could narrow opportunities down that way.

For example, my newly retired friend has joined a mixed ability pottery class. I volunteer for a charity which involves monthly get together.

Have you got any historic places nearby that need tour guides?

Roughly, whereabouts are you OP? We could narrow opportunities down that way.

For example, my newly retired friend has joined a mixed ability pottery class. I volunteer for a charity which involves monthly get together.

Have you got any historic places nearby that need tour guides?

You said you do knitting and crochet so I would see if you have a local knit and natter group

How about going to a Backgammon club?

Op I relate to this! I wonder if you are looking for ‘perfect’ and ‘ok way to fill the time’ is going to be more helpful and once there you might like it more than expected?

You’d be surprised how little crafting is done at some craft clubs - but you do meet nice people.

evening class, for the joy of learning rather than the drudgery of studying?

I've just started doing this. I'm relatively old but they have been very friendly and welcoming. One midweek evening, every 2 weeks. 8-16 people.

I haven’t read all the suggestions I’m sorry but just in case it’s not there yet I wanted to add join a samba band or similar! I’m an introvert and not at all musical, but it changed my life. Great mix of people, fun events and opportunities for weekends away.

If I were to imagine the ideal scenario , it would be something like a weekly thing, where you had something to do with your hands but you could all be sat in a big group whilst you were doing it, chatting and there were refreshments so people didnt come in and dash off!

What you are describing there is the sort of 'knit and natter' or craft group which take place in so many church/community halls - or as a part of WI/U3A sub groups.

Another WI. They are all different.

@PoachesPeaches Really good advice - thankyou. I do have some emerging winners from these suggestions
@EducatingArti I think you may have misread - I cant knit.
The Knit and Natter groups - presumably I’d have to learn to knit though first? It cant be very good for the others if Im being taught whilst everyone else is knitting?
WI - there only two branches near to me that I can easily get to and I have to say their websites are terrible! Is it possible to just turn up to an event to see if I like the vibe?

@Newgirls Agree completely and Im happy to take a risk , but it has to have some sort of appeal in the first place especially if theres a financial outlay.
@BustyMcgoober I have tried a few yoga classes but not found one for me yet.
@GargoylesofBeelzebub Im not looking for anything exercise related - thanks

You could do a bit of practice by yourself by teaching yourself how to knit watching Youtube videos @Sidebeforeself.
I understand that you don't want to appear as though you don't know how to do knitting but you don't have to be the world's best knitter either. Enough skills to get through a few lines of knitting a night and you'd be away in a hack!

Or teach yourself the basics of macramé so that you could join a group where people sit around, chat and do that. Make hanging flower pot holders or place mats or whatever but give yourself enough of a start by watching Youtube.

Try going to a 'Car maintenance for beginners' class or Glass Blowing or something out of your comfort zone.

@Sidebeforeself you don't need to swim, don't go to an organised paid venue just find a local group to join. I'm admin of one on fb. I'm a dipper, I just enjoy the feel of the water and the chat but don't go out of my depth

Right everyone..I think Ive found an art class that looks really good! Unfortunately they seem to be only on Facebook and Im not so I’ll get DH to have a nosy for me.

I know you said no sports, but how about less sporty sports? I hate all the typical sports stuff, but I love fencing, horseriding, and archery. It's such good fun and people are so welcoming and chatty!

DH makes swords. Blacksmithing looks loads of fun and I'm going to give it a try next year.

Pottery is fun and messy, which is great for breaking down barriers and having a chat with people!

WI - yes you can attend a meeting as a visitor and never darken their doors again if you don't fancy it. Usually you can attend 2 or 3 meetings as a visitor, before they ask you to join as a member.