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!

@Whoateallthestuffingballs or ever want any disposable income .... I swear I’ve had periods of my existence when I’ve spent more money on wool than food ...

I've gone a bit mad lately buying wool. It is a bit addictive. First choosing the pattern then the yarn. Or even two lots of yarn if you can't decide. Then waiting for it to arrive. Yay. Sad or what.

Macrame! It's all the rage right now and I've seen (crappy) macrame wall hangings sold in b&m, Poundland, Wish and all over Amazon and eBay. You can easily turn it into a side hustle. There's a lovely online community as well that help and support each other.

@Viviennemary totally identify! I had to buy a big unit for my stash last lock down. I want to get in a wool shop and browse so bad! I'm getting old for sure 😂

During the first lockdown, I started doing blackwork embroidery - it is the sort of Blackmon white embroidery that was used on Tudor garments - shirts etc.

I found a stitch-along project, where I did a different block each week - it is by a designer called Peppermint Purple, and it was free - and she is doing another free stitch-along this year. I haven’t finished 2020 yet, because I got side tracked onto doing an embroidery as a Christmas present for my mum - she loves irises and needlework, so I thought she would like it.

@SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius

During the first lockdown, I started doing blackwork embroidery - it is the sort of Blackmon white embroidery that was used on Tudor garments - shirts etc.

I found a stitch-along project, where I did a different block each week - it is by a designer called Peppermint Purple, and it was free - and she is doing another free stitch-along this year. I haven’t finished 2020 yet, because I got side tracked onto doing an embroidery as a Christmas present for my mum - she loves irises and needlework, so I thought she would like it.

That is absolutely gorgeous!!

If you want to learn to knit then I recommend starting with mug sleeves (like the cardboard things in coffee shops) to learn basic stitches then move on to tea cosies.. you can get great patterns. I’ve done a pineapple, sheep (looked like a llama) plus stripey ones. They grow and are finished really quickly so you don’t need tons of wool or have time to get bored.

In the first lockdown I tried bell ringing - but it always annoyed the bus drivers!

For those into embroidery, have a look at this guy below (also on Insta). I did an online embroidery class with him last lockdown and really enjoyed it. I’m a total embroidery novice and his approach to it was quite liberating because basically mistakes are allowed.

www.textileartist.org/richard-mcvetis-act-making/

For something totally different, how about foraging? You can get a couple of foraging books now and study them ahead of March when there is more to pick. Maybe go on a few walks to see what you can identify for spring. You can still pick stuff now but there isn’t a lot around. There is a FB group called UK Wild Food Larder which will give you an idea of what it’s like.

Finally, someone on here recommended this so I’ll pass it on: a charity called Cause4 - they do training for people who want to become charity trustees and then help match you with a charity, if of interest. I did this and it was really good. I wish I could remember the MNetter who suggested it to thank her!

Chess 😆
A relevant qualification for my current role.
Also signed up to do a degree with OU after debating doing so for years!

@SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius

During the first lockdown, I started doing blackwork embroidery - it is the sort of Blackmon white embroidery that was used on Tudor garments - shirts etc.

I found a stitch-along project, where I did a different block each week - it is by a designer called Peppermint Purple, and it was free - and she is doing another free stitch-along this year. I haven’t finished 2020 yet, because I got side tracked onto doing an embroidery as a Christmas present for my mum - she loves irises and needlework, so I thought she would like it.

Ooh blackwork is also something I've taken up as it's relevant to a hobby I take part in.

If you drop a stitch when knitting you DO NOT have to undo....
sheepandstitch.com/library/how-to-fix-a-dropped-stitch/

Crotcheting. I did the seaside stashbuster last lockdown. Sadly have to work through this one. There are you tube videos on the basic double and treble Stiches and then more videos for the seaside stash buster.

I'm learning Spanish and Scottish Gaelic on DuoLingo. Also trying to teach myself keyboard/piano. I might start baking but I hate the mess it causes and the fact that i'll eat too much if I start baking cakes.

I don’t know how lockdowns mean people have all this spare time. I, and everyone I know, still have work, child, homeschooling, caring etc responsibilities. Where does all this free time come from?

Belly Dancing via You Tube.

I am aware I must look like a total nerd but I love it, I love the "no pressure" of learning in private (aka not feeling like Lurch in a class full of more advanced" and it's making me feel fitter and happier.

I've also brushed up on my Spanish (YouTube again).

I've forgotten how to knit so I'm eyeing the helpful info here

My foster child with additional needs learned how to play chess during last lockdown and went from level 0 to level 8 during period of 1st lockdown. He used it for his Skill for his D of E Bronze Award. He also took up running and ran 2k on 3 or 4 days each week. His times really got better through the lockdown and made up for not being able to do his swim training, karate or cricket training. I did more cooking and especially more baking with child and I learned more French with Duolingo which is free and I learned to crochet a baby blanket using Youtube. It is still only 3/4 finished so I might get it out again. DH learned how to fit a kitchen.

Great thread!

Recommend hula hooping. A dance place in Derby are offering zoom classes on a Friday morning for £3. It's really challenging but fun

My sister and I also took to writing each other letters during first lockdown. It made me feel so close to her despite not being able to go and see her. I really looked forward to getting my letter each week and when it came would make a pot of tea and sit and quietly read. I have got a new Waterman fountain pen at Xmas and really lovely quality paper to start the letters up again.

Zumba on YouTube? There's loads of videos on there.

@Anoisagusaris

I don’t know how lockdowns mean people have all this spare time. I, and everyone I know, still have work, child, homeschooling, caring etc responsibilities. Where does all this free time come from?

Not everyone has school age children or any children at all.

@blue25 I didn’t say they do. But lots of people work or have other caring responsibilities. Or were already busy doing hobbies or exercising, or are of an age when they are mainly house based anyway. Lockdown just doesn’t give people I know a load of extra time. But then thinking about it, I don’t actually know many in retail/hospitality sectors that don’t have other responsibilities.

@ProfessorLayton1

I would love to learn calligraphy. Can someone point me towards the sources I can learn from. Realistically, this won't be possible as I work in hospital but something to try and take my mind off work when I am home.

A good place to start would be to look at the CLAS (Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society) website www.clas.co.uk/clas-live-online/ - they have some developed some new online courses and have spaces on the foundational course which is just 2 x 2hr classes.

I also find Patricia Lovett's Youtube videos very clear - more info on her website.

Another Duolingo user here. I am on 352 day streak. Actually I started learning Greek last January because we had booked a summer holiday in Corfu. Obviously that didn't happen but I couldn't let the streak go so I am planning to continue until I have done a full year.

Oh yes. I just have to show off my crochet ripple blanket in coastal colours