A New Year is a great opportunity to challenge yourself to something new. With long, dark evenings and nothing much else happening due to Covid restrictions, this really is the perfect time to learn a skill or try out a hobby.
Thankfully all you will need is any simple tools required for your chosen pastime and Internet access because my friends, it is Youtube which will be your tutor.
I admit I have tied many, many crafts. Jewellry making, cake decorating, wool crafts… the list goes on and I consider myself to know a little bit about a lot of things but I am a master of none.
I still like trying new thing though so here are some ideas that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home and still keep your mind active.
Macrame. Once a twee ornament in the 1970s and 1980s, macrame seems here to stay in the home interiors sector and, with many people working from home more now, what better excuse do you need to try a new activity and brighten up your home at the same time?
Baking. The first lockdown in March saw the rebirth of the amateur baker everywhere. From banana bread to actual bread, shop shortages and a more ‘waste not want that’ attitude, people everywhere were reaching for their aprons and food mixers. While I did not partake in the banana bread craze myself, the children baked at least once a week once flour was more readily available and, when it was not, we made whatever we could. Cake decorating might be an idea to try this year as equipment is readily available on line and you can really impress friends and family with your creations.
Knitting and crochet. Ever fancied yourself with a flair for fibre? I loved knitting until I learnt how to crochet and then totally dropped the knitting because I seem to get results so much quicker with a hook than a needle but there are countless YouTubers with easy to follow tutorials on learning to knit of crochet and the beauty is, you can pause them while you catch up. Once of my new years resolutions last year was to crochet a blanket and I ended up making two-one was a gift. This year I have bought some Cath Kidston inspired yarn to make another blanket and I can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Needle Felting. This is a very therapeutic pastime and, once mastered, you really can make some amazing things. Plus it uses raw wool which I am obviously a big advocate of.
Tassel and Pom Pom making. These are really simple little things you can learn to make and use them to adorn your home. They are also nice little activities to do with children-especially if schools are closed because they use hand-eye co-ordination, counting and the child will learn a life skill which is not currently taught in schools.
Journalling. I think this is a great think to do if you struggle mentally with lockdown restrictions. You can use your journal like a diary and write down any feelings you might have. If you are not ready to delve so deep though, bullet journaling might be more your thing. You can decorate our journal if you wish or just keep it simple and set daily, weekly or monthly to-do lists.
Learn an instrument. Do you have an old musical instrument lurking the loft? Now might be the time to dust it off and have a go. I have always wanted to play the flute but, after looking online, they are very expensive. Even second hand. I have asked my parents where my old clarinet is. I believe it is in their loft so I might have to go up there and have a look for it. It might amuse the children for half an hour if nothing else.
If you liked this post, do check out some of my other posts on a similar theme:
Jumbo Knitting and Crochet with Woolly Mahoosive
Pom-pom Flowers Tutorial
Learning to Crochet with Sally from I Can Craft
Knitted Bunting Pattern
Why Sheep Get Sheared
8 Amazing Crafts You Can Do With Wool
I’ve started knitting! It’s just so amazing to have an idea (and to find a corresponding pattern of course), knit for a while, and it’s there! Next challenge: socks!