Get Crafting!

Crafting products and publications have become big business in recent times, not that the crafts involved are anything new.

The emergence of shops such as Hobbycraft (too pricey for my liking, I prefer little independent craft shops) has further boosted the trend for home-crafted items. In supermarkets and newsagents the shelves are lined with magazines featuring knitting, crochet, cross-stitch and paper crafts.

There has definitely been an increase in popularity in crafting, but for me, some form of handiwork has nearly always been a part of my life.

When I was at infants’ school, our entire class was taught how to knit – boys included! The girls made hats for their dolls, whilst the boys knitted ties in the school colours, then we all went on to make dishcloths for our mums, using both plain and purl stitches – and all at the age of just six!

At junior school, we continued the crafting theme, this time working on weaving projects, raffia work and stitching simple items. It’s true that many primary schools participate in at least a little craft work today, but not, I feel, quite on the scale that we did.

As I grew older I added crochet to my skills, then cross-stitch and tapestry and I even attempted a few minor sewing projects. Paper crafting, however, is not an area that particularly interests me, though I admire people who make stunning, individual greetings cards.

If you’ve not previously tried any of the many craft forms available, it couldn’t be easier to start learning a new skill right now. Many retailers sell starter kits for the various crafts, hobby magazines have pages aimed at beginners, teaching simple stitches etc, and the chances are that amongst your friends and relatives there will be someone who is able to pass on a valuable skill to you.

So what are you waiting for? Get crafting!

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