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26

Jan 2021

Last Updated: 26/01/2021
Community
Community

Painting, knitting... have you discovered a new lockdown passion?

by Suzannah Rogerson

| 26 Jan, 2021
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Have you decided to learn a new skill or revisit a previous hobby? We asked what you are doing in lockdown three - today we look at a new found love of painting and a return to an old passion for crafting

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With many of us staying at home with tons of spare time, we asked for your stories on discovering a new skill or reigniting an old passion during lockdown three.

Two women have already been in touch.

Sue Coates picked up a paint brush for the first time. She began in lockdown one and, almost 12 months on, she has found her painting style.

She said she loves to paint landscapes in particular, but some days goes for something completely different like fish.

After losing her job at Leeds Bradford Airport in August, Ms Coates found a new job in a Harrogate cafe but again she finds herself at home whilst the cafe is closed. This has given her plenty of time to paint around 50 paintings for her Otley home.

Ms Coates said:

"I saw some friends on Facebook were starting an art group so joined it and we did a weekly challenge. Then just started to draw and paint most days as I really enjoy it. I try whatever takes my fancy. Painting takes your mind off things."




Ms Coates said this lockdown had been harder than those before because it is in winter so she can't go on walks as easily.

She is determined to continue her new hobby and has even begun painting friends' pets for them.



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In Harrogate, Kim Wilson was used to 17 hour days working as a hotelier before lockdown was enforced. Now she has begun to fill her time with knitting and cross stitch.

Prior to lockdown, Ms Wilson said she would have to try and fit her hobbies around work but after months of closure she has found more time to dedicate to them.

Her hobby has also allowed her to help community efforts locally, in the form of Harrogate scrubbers, and abroad by making face masks for African children.



Ms Wilson added:

"I'd rather do something useful with my time whilst I can't do anything else. I've also joined some online groups of crafters, we all have something in common and help each other when we can. There's a real community feel."


Ms Wilson has also continued to support local businesses, using craft shops' click and collect service to get her material.

Have you found a new hobby in lockdown? Have you learnt a new language, started baking for the first time or turned your hobby into a new business, we want to hear from you! Email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk