i've been off work for a while, possibly with ME (still going through lots of tests), and need something to do to fill the time... i'm not really well enough to get out to the shops, but was thinkign it would be nice to do some kind of crafty project to keep me occupied and make me feel like i'm achieving something, so...
i'm looking for suggestions as to what I could do (start me off gently, i haven't done anything remotely craft-y since brownies!), and where i could order everything i need easily from the internet (i guess my ideal, if anyone knows of any, would be a starter pack which included everything!) and not too expensive, as i'm not earning now ... any ideas would be great!!

two words -

SOCK MONKEY!! www.web-goddess.org/writing/tutorial/Image0.html

my poor ds is getting one in his stocking. He has obviously been very naughty this year!

they look so cute!!! unfortunately, my sewing machine (again not used since brownies) is the other end of the country, but they do look like a really fun present idea.....
does anyone have any other suggestions?

Hi VHC.

I have M.E.

I do crochet when I'm up to it. There are some really good books with small projects in which I find achievable. I struggle not to take on projects that are too big.

Cross stitch is also good, though I ran out of places to put them!

HTH

thank you coro, they both sound v good suggestions. nice to have ideas of stuff to do when i feel up to doing anything. is there any easy way to get all the stuff i'd need for cross stich / crochet without trawling the interet for too long/ going to the shops (i get tired/ confused just looking for things online sometimes!)??

and, as you have ME, can you recommend any good online groups/ sites or something for chat/ mutual support, i'm really lonely at times, don't know anyone who lives nearby and my dh works away some of the time...

you can get crochet hooks on Ebay. That's where I got mine.

My books were Christmas presents.

The encyclopedia of crochet techniques by Jan Eaton is good. - lots of pictures. It's mainly techniques but it has a few projects in the back.

Cross stitch. I tend to just choose a picture I like on Ebay or when I go out with my Mum we'll go to hobbycraft.

I know what you mean about getting confused looking at things online.

There are a few of us on mumsnet, generally not really other than that. It's knocked my self confidence though as I'm not as articulate as I used to be. So there are probably groups out there

Where abouts are you?
I'm a single parent but I'm seeing someone who isn't around much.
Sorry, it got a bit long...

good idea, i will suggest the book and kit as christmas presents to family, or maybe try and get a lift to hobbycraft, not up to driving, so totally stuck on my own, i live in a little village on south coast. was ttc no1 when got ill, can't really now until know whats wrong (and earnt some money). my confidence has totally gone too, and I feel like such a failure not working and not doing anything. i have two degrees, yet now I struggle even to spell or concentrate :-( thats why I thought a hobby might help so I can achieve things, even small.

I managed a bit of looking myself now - found on sewandso.co.uk some cross stich kits (for children!! but my brain age feels about 5), and john lewis also had some knitting sets for children (!!). they also had a 'knit a baby blanket' set... thought about doing for my sister (pg), but maybe a bit too hard for a novice?

it must be hard with a child? and is your dr/ family supportive? I find some people are, and some just can't understand.

sorry, bit of an essay. and thats worn me out!

What a great idea. I find knitting tidier to do for a few minutes at a time. I started with scarves to get my hand in. You can pic up some fun yarns and needles in Wilkinsons for £1 for the yarn and £1 for the needles just to get going. That is if you cannot wait to get going!

I have now moved on to more exciting stuff, but it was a brill way to start

What about knitting dollies clothes and donating them to Units for prem babies or schools to sell at xmas fayres etc. Then you are doing something for the community and helping yourself.

We are doing 'stained glass windows' today (DD and I) - cutting out shapes from black paper and glueing either coloured tissue paper or sweet wrappings on the back.

Felt making is good to do as well and there are all sorts of starter packs available. I've made some winter boots for DS2.

oooh cheap yarn from wilkinson's sounds good, thank you ruby...

and singyswife - the idea of donating things I've made sounds lovely, although I'm thinking my first attempts might be fairly rubbish and only suitable for forcing on family members ;-), but maybe that could be my motivation for improving...

going to look at the felt idea too, where do you get the starter packs from gentle otter? and will my mushy brain cope with it?

I have a starter pack for felting that you can have. My mum does it and thought I might like it, but it's her thing not mine if you know what I mean.
If you'd like I can post it to you. It's only taking up space here.

It's not easy with a child, luckily he's a star. My family are supportive and have a good doctor. Which is great but I feel like such a burden.

If you're thinking about knitting or crochet, I'd strongly suggest joining Ravelry www.ravelry.com - you need to sign up and get sent an invite. There are forums for discussing projects, loads of free patterns and people who are selling off yarn and so on so you could pick up some nice stuff .

you cuold try something like a crocheted blanket - you don;t need much wool to start off with and you can pick it up as and when

knitonequilttoo.typepad.com/knit_one_quilt_too/images/2008/01/29/20080122168.jpg

I quite fancy making soap myself and some of them bath bomb thingys like the sort you get in Lush.

coro - I looked up felting ,it looks a bit too complex for me - not very artistic! but a lovely offer, thank you. don't worry about feelign like a burden to your family, when you are better you will be able to repay the favour

effieperine - thank you, found ravelry, it looks helpful, and that crocheted blanket looks really beautiful.... but complicated to make surely????

Fair enough. I wasn't into it either!

I've been bad for the last 2 years. I was first diagnosed 8 years ago but have had good bits in between. Family are all used to me though and are very understanding.

You've got me all thoughtful about new projects to start

Oh, veryhungrycaterpillar - felt making is easy and really cathartic.
You put strips of wool on a bit of bubble wrap, overlapping like roof tiles. repeat the opposite way then dribble a little hot soapy water on to the wool and pat the whole thing until it starts to mat.Flip it over and repeat.
Once it has matted you can get medieval with it and thump it with your knuckles or roll it and voila! felt!

It is sort of like making woolly bread.

Gentle Otter, what do you use your felt for after you've bonded it together?

Just about everything, Coro.
Slippers, insoles for wellies, a big thick bit for the table, toys, shawls, window blinds (from Wensleydale wool), scarfs....confirmed felt freak here!

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I haven't tried the ripple pattern, but I don't think it's too complicated. Or you could just crochet in straight lines which is easy and quick. Anyway, loads of stuff on Ravelry to consider

loved the woolly bread description

The sock monkey is fantastic, but if you want an easier version Boden have instructions to make sock monsters online.

My DD (11) made 3 in an hour!