Lockdown project

[Canigotosleepyet]

I’m struggling with keeping freelance work going with entertaining two primary kids plus supporting DP whose job is looking less and less viable ... BUT I think i’ll look back at this time and be sad that I just switched fully into survival mode/anxiety.

Has anyone got any good ideas or are you doing any ‘projects’ that I could perhaps look back on as something good that came from this? Ideally something low-maintenance and that kids could get involved with. I’m only a little crafty but could do with something to give me a boost at the moment...

How about a Memory Quilt? Loads of really easy patterns and ideas online.

Sort through your wardrobes (children are always outgrowing things!) and take 1 or 2 items from each person. Woven fabrics, like shirts or boxers, are best, but anything that is mostly cotton will do. Children can do most of the jobs involved in basic quilt-making, as they are all small, simple, repetitive steps. They can:

Mark out patches on fabric using a cardboard guide patch.
Cut out the patches.
Decide the layout.
Pin patches together.
Sew patches together using a simple running stitch . This may take practice and guidance.

Once it gets larger, the children may need more help, but OTOH they may have got the bug or developed their sewing skills.

Quilt-making is a project that can be put down at any point and picked up at any point.

If you don't want to sew it, you could glue the patches onto the backing fabric with PVA and turn it into a framed picture or wall hanging, rather than a blanket or table cloth.

Children can also design their own patches, using Sharpies on cotton fabric.

Oo - hadn’t considered quilting. It sounds difficult - are there any online guides you can recommend??

Quilting is as easy or as difficult as you choose. For a 1st timer, I'd choose something simple like Nine Patch or Rail Fence. Or even just putting random squares together.

Sorry I don't have any website recommendations, but google will bring up masses of choice - just make sure you include the term beginners in your search.

Don't worry about the equipment BTW. Cutting boards, quilters' rulers and rotary cutters are very useful, but not at all essential for basic square patches. Ruler, pen, scissors, pins, needles, thread and, of course, fabric are all you need.

I started a local Facebook page where only positivity and acts of kindness within the community are allowed to be posted. It’s really taken off and I have over 5k members now.
I’m running art comps for kids on there, organising volunteers etc other people are sharing surplus food, making things for our local hospital etc. It’s all very lovely but was hard work to set up.

Also growing some veg and doing a really hideous Christmas cross stitch thing that will take me until then to complete.

All new to me but keeping me very busy. Also trying to declutter a bit. I’ve never had hobbies before so it’s quite nice doing stuff that’s not cleaning the bloody house or sorting the kids out.

That sounds hugely impressive @Shitonthebloodything! Well done - what a lovely project and achievement.