Have you developed new interests since lockdown ?

Have had more time to spend on hobbies I already had - embroidery and applique, reading, cooking and writing. Also joining classes with U3A by zoom - would recommend that to everyone.

Life hasn't really changed much for me during the pandemic, my disability tended to keep me at home for about 90% of the time anyway I'm an avid reader (4 or 5 books per week) and I've been doing mindfulness adult colouring for almost 30yrs now, but just over a year ago I saw someone doing a 5D diamond painting project and thought I'd like to have a go at that. For those who don't know what it is it's loosely based on cross stitch and painting by numbers but without a needle or paint! You have a printed canvas with thousands of tiny squares which have printed numbers and letters but it's sticky, then there are tent tiny little 2mm gems or 'diamonds' which you use a little pencil-like stick with a tiny bit of wax in the end to pick up the diamonds and place them on the squares to create a beautiful sparkly picture. It's a bit fiddly with the gems being so tiny, especially with my arthritic hands but once I got started, I did a little postcard sized picture of a couple of blue lilies in a vase in next to no time at all. I followed it up with another lily one just a bit smaller than a sheet of A4 paper then framed them, they look so pretty.

I've now just started another which is 30 x 40cm (approx 11,000 gems) but I'm taking my time, this one is a 'Welcome' sign which will adorn a wall in my front hallway when it's finished.

I've got a couple of other kits and and 2 more on order which, along with my reading and colouring, should keep me going for a while.

I've learned how to do Sudoku and Codewords.

Can just about manage general knowledge crosswords but can't understand the Cryptics. ?

Jackyjax I don't have a sweet tooth either, but love to feed DH and any passing grandchild [now there's a thing!!!] At worst, I give DS2 a load of cakes and biscuits for his night shift mates - they love it.

No, increased time spent walking outdoors and on the net!

I've started playing word games on my phone. I haven't touched the piano or done any sewing (once my main hobby) and haven't gardened as my OA has taken a turn for the worse.
I've done a lot of home schooling too.

Not really - just increased the amount of time spent on them ... Reading, sewing, knitting, cooking, baking, etc. very domesticated lady!

Good thread! Problem with art/craft shops being closed. I have made soap (bought supplies online) using up large stock of essential oils fragrances. I made marmalade from a tin with some extra citrus. Basic knitting of some knee rugs from coloured squares backed with a velour rug from Primark. Last week with that dreadful east wind, I made leg warmers, great success. Also made loads of facemasks, a new talent from early days when none available. I would love to do a tapestry thing for a newborn but need to research more and get supplies. Someone did one for my daughter years back. Glad to see brighter days as it can be difficult to do craft stuff in poor light tho I did get a fancy light that is great help.

I've started doing painting by numbers, I'm quite enjoying it. My next project is crystal by numbers. You don't know until you try, I've been baking more as well. Doing exercises via zoom,and youtube. And walking more.

?? Bazza. Me too!

I've started cooking and baking more than I used to do and also found I rather enjoy doing Lego but only the Harry potter sets . I used to love reading but atm I'm struggling to get into a book

Dottynan - interested to hear you doing long stitch. Me too, it seems to grow quite quickly. I have found lots of inspiration on Pinterest. Trying to design my own piece now.just love manipulating colours. What does it matter if doesnt work out- it fills the time. Wools are reasonable price too on eBay

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202102/medium-935693-bead-art-deer-diamond-art.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202102/medium-221161-bead-art-elvis-diamond-art.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202102/medium-940380-bead-art-indian.jpg

I have taken up something called Diamond art or Bead art, I must have done over 20 pictures now, I really enjoy doing it, it's time consuming but I have plenty of that at the moment.

Belly dance , penny whistle and joined a band as percussionist ?

I’ve been learning Italian so that when I eventually get to go to Italy again, I will know some of the language.

I signed up for an online course on English cathedrals and it is going well (week 4 of 10) but we moved house a couple of months ago and the Internet has sometimes had to be switched off for electrical work, making life a bit difficult.

No, apart from walking more. I wish I was a crafter/painter/ knitter, having attempted over the years it’s just not me. I do have a new allotment, but have had one previously, so not really ‘new’ for me. Im not even a baker, no sweet tooth’s here. I’m envious and admire those who craft and obviously get a lot of satisfaction from it.

I’ve taken up knitting again and am currently making a couple of cowls. Also planning a blanket for my bed. Have rekindled my schoolgirl love of baking and have been making cakes! Mind you, Lent starts tomorrow and I’ve decided to give up eating cakes during this period!

I have also retired in lockdown not really the best time ! I’ve revived my crocheting which I’m enjoying and signed up for a choir when we can sing together. So there’s messages and preparation for that . I listen to lots of books on the free Borrowbox app . I do walk the dog every day which I enjoy and some online yoga with Adrienne.

I really miss my usuals choirs which are now known as “same room” choirs. I have joined a number of on line projects with The Isolation Choir and The Stay at Home Choir. The rehearsals are taken by professional musicians on Zoom and on You Tube which you can attend live or catch up with later. Both choirs have hundreds, sometimes thousands of singers tuning in from all over the world. If you want to take part in the final concert you record yourself and submit the recording and all the voices are blended together. Sometimes I just attend the rehearsals to learn new music.
I am in awe of the organisers and musicians adapting their talents to these strange circumstances.

Somebody on here mentioned long stitch. I have never heard of it so looked it up. It looked easy enough so I bought a kit and I am now on my second canvas

I have been delighted to discover the Denman College live streamed classes - all for a £5! This is the college run by the WI but you do not have to be a member to attend the classes online. I started yoga last summer for the first time and have kept it up! I wobble, grunt, laugh and occasionally fall over but as we are all 'muted' no one knows but me. The deep breathing is superb. The tutor must be commended for her clear explanations. I've also done some cookery classes with Denman and have obtained some super new recipes as well as great tips. I keep promising myself I'll do some of the local history talks but time runs out. I do recommend you check them out for a range of one hour sessions at a reasonable price.

Somebody on Gransnet mentioned long stitch. I looked it up as I had never heard of it. It looked simple enough so bought a kit and gave it go. I am now on my second canvas and loving it

I've spent a small fortune in trying to be creative and develop a hobby. Watercolours, cross stitch, felting. Its difficult as there are no classes available. I retired just as lockdown started and move area 6 months ago. Almost wished I had carried on working. My husband been retired 4 years so happy pottering. I'm struggling though tbh.

The only thing I have learned is how to be an utter slattern. My mother would have been horrified.