Ideas please!

[prison break fan]

Hi everyone, I'm looking for suggestions for my New Years Resolution this year. I decided to try and learn something new for each month. Last month I learned to knit on four needles and made a pair of socks. This month I am trying to sew some bunting, not very successfully so far!! Any ideas for future months would be very welcome. Nothing too fiddly as my fingers are arthritic, but I like a challenge!! pbf.

[mrsflibble]

to make bunting easier: buy a pair of pinking shears. they cut the edge pf the cloth so it doesn't fray, so then all you need do is cut out triangles and sew one edge to the ribbon instead of having to cut out two triangles, sew down two sides, clip seams, fold to right way, fold top edge, tack to ribbon, sew to ribbon and remove tacking......

[Green Aura]

Difficult to know what to suggest pbf. Do you already crochet? Does it have to be some sort of needlecraft?

I've got loads of ideas - bookbinding, calligraphy, macrame, tatting, papermaking, papier mache, glass painting, stained glass, jewellery making......the list is endless. These are just some of the things I've either had a go at or would like to

As for your arthritic fingers try a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water every morning. I worked with an electrician who'd been retired in his forties because he couldn't use his fingers, due to rheumatoid arthritis. By the time I met him he was back at work full-time with only the tiniest hint of the nodules on his joints. He swore that it was purely down to using ACV.

[Susie]

How about spinning? You would have to buy a drop spindle but they don't seem to be incredibly expensive (under a tenner). You can get the fibre to spin from here: http://www.texere-yarns.co.uk/ . I would like to do this, but I have to keep telling myself I have ENOUGH HOBBIES. (Or do I?...)

Or: feltmaking - you could make some felted beads and make a necklace or a garland or something (like these) - you don't need any equipment apart from basic kitchen stuff and the wool tops to felt. You can make something quite nice quite quickly if you like that kind of thing! (Or knit a bag and felt it? Booga bag pattern on ravelry?)

Sounds a good idea for a resolution, have fun with it

[Russian Doll]

what about felting...

[prison break fan]

I just knew this was the place to ask!! Wonderful suggestions, thankyou so much. Why didn't I think of pinking shears Mrs. F? I'm finding the points impossible! and Green Aura, thankyou for reminding me about the cider vinegar. I used to take it years ago, and then stopped for some reason, but shall give it another go. Anyone thinking of starting painting, a tip I was given once was to start with a coloured piece of paper as white is very daunting. I am turning out a box of old beads etc so am inspired for March! Thankyou everyone, I love it here!!! pbf.

[snapdragon]

weaving? basket making? rag rug making?

[thefriarandme]

You probably already do [I've not been here in a while due to illness], but if you don't, what about making wine? I have problems with my fingers due to diabetes, but I tend to manage - anything too intricate I'm sure a friend or family member can help with. As you are able to knit with four needles [RESPECT], I don't think it should be too problematic. A trolley from freecycle should help with moving anything weighty around. Just a suggestion and I hope it's one you feel able to consider - there's nothing more rewarding than tasting something you've fermented and nurtured.

Ish has a great homebrew section too.

[prison break fan]

Thankyou all so much, great ideas, don't know why I didn't think for myself, must be the cold!! I do a lot of crochet, and as for the wine making, well you should ask MKG, he is responsible for my downfall! I did a basketry course at nightschool years ago quite like the idea of that! Am sort of wanting to get away from wool for a bit, especially in the summer, need a nice fire to sit by to knit! pbf.

[Millymollymandy]

Paint something fun and colourful on plain plant pots or tubs, it doesn't have to be intricate and can be as childlike as you like with big daisy like flowers and faces, whatever you like. How about an Ish logo?

[indy]

Where does one buy relatively cheap pinking shears? Would love some but the only ones I've found are about £17. Is this normal? Seems rather steep to me?

[Thomzo]

I'd be wary of cheap pinking sheers. If they aren't really sharp they won't cut properly. Do you have any friends or neighbours that you can borrow some from instead?

I made some bunting recently by cutting out normal triangles and then edging them with a zig-zag stitch on the machine.

Zoe

[indy]

Thank you Zoe, in which case I shall grit my teeth and buy a pair for £17 they are going to last my lifetime then!

[MuddyWitch]

Hi PBF,

Why not try to learn the basics of a new language? there are several web sites if you just google the language of your choice. Irish Gaelic is...challenging!!!

MW

[prison break fan]

Oh MuddyWitch, if you knew how I've tired over the years!! My son lived in France for about 10 years and I went to night school several times. I've had tapes in the car, books, you name it i've had it! Self conciousness is part of the problem! pbf.