My name is Sue and I love sewing and here’s my lockdown diary!

My parents bought me my first sewing machine when I was 15, so that was about 45 years ago now!  

In my twenties I remember making a few items of clothing.  The most memorable was a dress for my bridesmaid……I remember my late mum spotting it in a charity shop window many years later.  Ha Ha!  Not a problem for me now, since I am divorced!

Anyway, in the last few years I have restarted my crafty side.  I went along to my first class at Sew Confident Chorley in November last year and learnt to arm knit a beautiful chunky blanket and from there it has ignited my passion!

I knitted the blanket in the 2.5 hour class then bought some more giant yarn and made another at home.  I then returned to do a gym leggings class using the over locker and a few other classes along the way – the classes have been an amazing chance to get creative again while meeting lovely like minded people!

Sadly lock down has been especially difficult as I was advised to shield. Whilst my brother took over caring for my dad I found lots of time on my hands. I was very anxious at the beginning but I found the crafting helped me relax and stop obsessing about covid-19. 

I have done a lot of knitting and crocheting, whilst I enjoyed the knitting I found the crochet more versatile and easier to do when watching tv.  The crochet bag was my first attempt at crochet. Think it was my mum who taught me years ago. The funny thing is it was only after I’d made it that I realised I’d done the wrong stitch. In theory it should have been larger with  more holes but I liked it as it was.

I did a macrame half day class locally. I found that quite challenging but was pleased with end result. 

Lock down gave me the chance to try some new crafts like these shoes it was the first time I’d made shoes but I found it surprisingly easy.

I’m currently experimenting with my knitting and I have just bought myself the chunkiest pair of knitting needles to keep me busy!  

Thank you for reading about my journey, stay safe!

Sue x