Stitches, Sourdough, and a Soul Warmer: A Cross-Continental Chat on Creativity
Handicrafts and Hobbies: A Conversation on Creative Pursuits With Janita and Babette
When was the last time you just had a fun conversation with a friend about their hobbies and everyday life situations? While kids interrupt the conversation because they are hungry again…
From a cozy home in Germany to a sunny afternoon in South Africa, Babette and Janita share a warm, laughter-filled conversation about handmade gifts, happy mistakes, and the joy of creating something with your own hands.
When Babette lifts her latest creation into view, Janita’s reaction is instant: “Oh wow!”
A poncho—soft, warm, and clearly made with love—fills the screen. But this is only the beginning.
Babette, a mother, maker, and passionate hobbyist from Germany, has more creative projects than hours in the day. Knitting needles, looms, sourdough starters, resin molds, and cake pans all play a role in her busy, handmade life. Talking with Janita, her facilitator in South Africa, she takes us on a delightful tour through her many hobbies, one stitch and loaf at a time.
Wrapped in Wool: Ponchos, Caps, and the “Soul Warmer”
Knitting is clearly close to Babette’s heart. She proudly shows a poncho she made in just one week, using a loom. Another project—her favorite—is something special she calls a “soul warmer.”
“It’s almost like a blanket you can wear,” she explains, “but more classy.”
Heavy wool gives it warmth and weight, perfect for cold German winters (especially when it’s minus three degrees outside!). Babette plans to make soul warmers as gifts: one in cream for her son’s pregnant class teacher, another in white for her best friend’s birthday, and one shimmering turquoise with a hint of glitter.
Each piece takes time—about two to three weeks of evening knitting—but Babette doesn’t mind. “It’s something big,” she says, and that makes it worth it.
She has even knitted red-and-white caps for the local football club—over 900 members strong! When players wear them, her handiwork becomes part of village life.
Tools, Trouble, and Tempting Online Shops
Like many crafters, Babette loves her tools—but not the waiting times. Some special looms can only be ordered from the UK, with delivery dates stretching from May to August.
“For €40.79!” she laughs, shaking her head.
Amazon, Temu, wish lists, pin counting—crafting sometimes feels like detective work. Still, Babette makes do with what she has. As Janita reassures her, “I think the ones that you have are suitable.”
Resin, Dream Catchers, and Seasonal Creations
Knitting may be her first love, but it’s not her only one. Babette also works with resin, using molds for Christmas, Easter, Halloween, and Mother’s Day decorations. Shell-shaped pieces, ornaments, and small gifts have even gone to her son’s teachers.
Then there are dream catchers—another creative outlet—and seasonal projects that seem to multiply as the year goes on.
Janita finally asks the big question:
“How many hobbies do you have?”
Babette laughs. There is no simple answer.
The Art (and Stress) of Sourdough
Next stop: the kitchen.
Babette has been baking sourdough bread since last year, and like all sourdough bakers, she has stories. Big holes in the bread? She doesn’t like them—especially for sandwiches. Forgotten starter in the fridge? It happens. Too hot in summer? Time to try the barbecue.
Her process is careful and thoughtful: feeding the starter, letting it “chill,” stretching and folding, fermenting in a basket, and baking at 240°C for 60 minutes. She now owns both a Roman pot and a cast iron pot, plus an oven with a steam function (a word that causes a moment of panic—but also laughter).
She bakes to save money, to feed her family, and because homemade bread simply tastes better—even if it’s sometimes stressful.
Cakes, Kids, and Family Memories
Baking doesn’t stop with bread. Babette also makes elaborate birthday cakes for her children—though she insists this is not a hobby.
“It’s stressful,” she says honestly.
Stitch-themed cakes, Rapunzel designs, and carefully planned surprises fill her photo albums. She shares glimpses of birthdays, family gatherings, honeymoons with dolphins, and everyday life—moments stitched together just like her knitting projects.
More Than Hobbies
As the conversation winds down, one thing is clear: Babette doesn’t just make things. She creates warmth, comfort, and connection—through wool, bread, resin, and care.
Across continents, Janita listens, laughs, and encourages, turning a language-learning session into something much richer: a space where creativity, confidence, and community grow together.
Next week, they’ll meet again—same time, same place. And who knows what Babette will be making then?
One thing’s certain: it will be handmade, heartfelt, and worth the wait.