3. KNITTING

WHATEVER your skills, from non-existent to being a cracking clickety-clacker, this is something everyone can have a go at.

Enthusiast Janet May, who runs her own knitting website, Kazoncrafts.co.uk, says: “All a newbie will need is needles and yarn initially, a pair of scissors and a tape measure. Then there are other bits and pieces, such as a row counter and stitch holders once you get into more complicated things.”

She adds that most people starting use thick wool and thick needles: “This is because it will knit up quickly.

“The stitches are big and so it’s easier to see where you went wrong.”

Wool shops may be closed at the moment but there are plenty of magazines for newbies.

“Knitting For Dummies is good and these magazines often include ‘how to’ instructions and patterns, and sometimes yarn, so you can start straight away,“says Janet.

Shorter needles and thinner yarn for smaller hands are available if teaching children.

“Depending on their age, you will need to bear in mind their attention span might be quite short,” she adds. “I’d suggest starting with a small project, such as a sleeping bag for Barbie or a scarf for teddy.”

Janet, who was taught to knit by her mother when she was seven, adds that there are lots of tutorials on Youtube, and then it’s a case of just trying it. There are also Facebook groups where newbies can ask questions or knit along with a joint project.

You can even turn your family’s new hobby into something more productive like knitting hats and scarves for the homeless or perhaps making blankets for animal refuges.

A quick Google search will uncover plenty of charities who will be more than glad to make use of your new creations.

For lots of helpful information and inspiration, visit sheepandstitch.com