To ask you to suggest a new skill to lean in lockdown

[justsayso]

Obviously the first time round there was a bit of a 'blitz spirit' going on, and I know some people used the time to develop a new skill or learn something. I didn't! I worked all the way through as did many others, but as the nights are long and lockdown is going to drag this time around I wondered if anyone had any suggestions of a fun skill or new talent to develop?
I run, badly but make myself go. I enjoy painting and printmaking, but have done quite a bit of this recently so am looking to branch out.
What have people learned recently or what can people do that they're proud of?
Instrument? New language? Yoga pose? Juggling? Chess? Please don't say chess!

Chess

New language. On Duolingo. It's free :-)

Check out Lauren.jumps on Instagram. She picked up a jump rope in April for the first time and you should see her now. She's brilliant. I dream of being able to do it!

Chess

Embroidery or crochet.

Language learning online - you can get started on free apps (like duo lingo) and progress to more professional paid online programmes if you enjoy it.

Improving fitness e.g. stationary bike

Claymation

Calligraphy

I taught myself calligraphy during the November lockdown and then made my own Christmas cards. God my life is so dull!

Also interested in ideas.
French online zoom classes if you have a local school
Yoga
Jigsaws. So many jigsaws. That’s not really a skill though

I started classical guitar during the first lockdown which I enjoy, this time I’m going to try and get much further on with a shawl I’m knitting, it’s a complex Scottish cable pattern so 2 lines can take me an hour.

But I love chess 🙂

I'm learning how to play the piano.

British Sign Language

I'm hooked on Duolongo, on a 220 day streak of German. Occasionally when feeling lazy, I'll do a bit if French or Spanish, because I find them easy. German is definitely more challenging for me!

Ooh, BSL... There's an idea!

Another vote for British sign language.

Not chess I don't have the mental capacity for complex thought any more. I like the idea of a language, then I could choose to learn one from a country I want to visit after the pandemic. Love a bit of Italian! I'm thinking I might order Scrabble too as DP could join in then we could have a prize for the overall winner. I learned to play happy birthday on the harmonica last march but am in no way musical it took weeks.

Ds2 (6) loves calligraphy so I suggest that?

Sign language? Classes are "pay what you can" on the BSL site.

Other languages via Duolingo.

Any of the courses on Creative Live.

Phlearn for Photoshop and editing

Piano (or keyboard)

Photography. Everyone has a camera on their phone and you can take some amazing photos with it. Study the greats and copy them!

Creative writing.

Yoga

Barre or any other online workouts you can do

Gardening.
I took it up during the first lock down and surprised myself with how much I enjoyed it. (Admittedly it was easier in the nicer weather) But you could start with a few pots of herbs or flowers, and you will get results quickly enough. Good luck!

I'm learning to knit. I tried crocheting but I can only crochet one long line.

You have to know in yourself what kind of new skill would suit you. If I said to myself,that I would like to learn a different language, I know full well that I wouldn't be able to do it, or dedicate myself to it. But if it was art stuff, like water colour or oil painting I could do that. I like practical stuff as well, like restoring old furniture etc.. If you have the mind and thoughts to write, writing short stories is great too, I do this.

Japanese (duolingo) is a lot more enduring than I thought would be - I think it's the new character set thing.

And baking the 'challenging' recipes on BBC good food - not always a success but learning a lot and fun!

Oh, and chess chess.com has robot player things that critique your moves - not great at first, but it's a great way to get better.

I agree with knitting. There's something very calming about the repetition of it (unless you drop a stitch, then you'll get knitting rage). And it won't involve a screen so it makes a change for your eyes.

I am thinking of ordering a sewing machine for my birthday to run up some soft furnishings for the new house, but first I am going to knit a sofa throw (thick wool) and maybe a couple of cushion covers (I only knit variations of squares and rectangles [see above note on knitting rage]).

Just don't take up knitting if you'll be tempted to jab anyone in the household ...

How hard is knitting? I'm sure my nan taught me as a child but cant remember.

Knitting is really simple, there are basically two stitches, knit and purl.

If you have never knitted before get some relatively big needles, say 5mm and some thick yarn, aran or chunky.

Have a look at YouTube for casting on and knitting.

Personally I'd then cast on about 10-12 stiches and start with a few rows of knit (garter stich) then try different patterns.

Don't have your yarn too tight.

Gresham college has some great lectures to view online on a variety of subjects. Not a new skill but interesting stuff

Thank you. Am remembering now that I could do it but couldnt ever cast on and cast off!

Yoga with Adriene is doing 30 days of yoga free on her youtube channel this month. Check her out, you could just start from today!