Stay home, stay safe! We hear this important message several times a day. In the early days, it might have seemed nice to spend more time at home. But now, boredom is setting in for many people. Until recently, at this time of day, you might have been at the movie theater watching the latest blockbuster. Or working out on the cross-trainer at the gym. Or enjoying high tea with friends at a café. The kids were in class and having a blast running around the schoolyard. Because of the coronavirus, the world looks completely different today. We’re giving you and the kids creative tips to help you breeze through all this extra free time.
Creative Tip 1: Beat boredom with the Dream Blanket 4.0
Maybe you’re lucky enough to have recently started a big crochet or knitting project—like our Dream Blanket 4.0, for example. We’ve already seen so many of them on social media, in all kinds of color variations. They’re beautiful—keep up the great work! Of course, you can still join this CAL/KAL. You’ll receive a section of the pattern each week and, after 10 weeks, you’ll end up with a dreamy throw blanket. Our inspiration center is temporarily closed, but of course our online store is available 24/7 for safe and reliable shopping.
Creative Tip 2: Spread the love!
It is precisely during these surreal times that love and togetherness are flourishing. How wonderful it is to see initiatives springing up across the country to help one another—to do our part in the fight against COVID-19. Yarnplaza and Yarn and Colors are also joining forces to support the Red Cross. We’re also giving you a free Crochet Pattern for a lucky charm. It’s a sweet little gift to give to someone who could use a little luck—or to one of your heroes whom you can always count on.
Creative Tip 3: Crochet your way into the bear hunt!
The Teddy Bear Hunt is a successful initiative around the world designed to offer children some distraction during these strange times. Now that they have to miss school and their sports clubs, the Teddy Bear Hunt is open. Scouring villages and neighborhoods, the kids set out to find as many teddy bears as possible. Have you put one in your window yet? No? Then use this pattern to crochet a cute brown bear. With just 2 balls of wool and a pair of safety eyes, you can join the bear hunt. Or give this sweet little teddy bear as a gift after a successful bear hunt with the kids.
Creative Tip 4: Bring Spring Into Your Home
Would you prefer a smaller project or something to knit or crochet that’s perfect for this time of year? On our Easter blog, you’ll find the best free patterns to transform your home into an Easter wonderland. A family of chickens with fluffy chicks, a basket the kids can use to hunt for Easter eggs in the yard, or cheerful ornaments for your Easter branches.
Maybe it slipped your mind amid all the hustle and bustle, but spring kicked off last week. To kick off this lovely season, we’ve put together a cheerful spring kit that’s guaranteed to give you that springtime feeling. Delightful projects to crochet while enjoying the sunshine from the comfort of your armchair. You can order the kit now, and it’ll arrive on your doorstep around April 10.
Creative Tip 5: Learn to knit, crochet, do macramé, do punch needle art, weave, or do Kumihimo
“No time” can’t be an excuse anymore. Now is the perfect time to learn to knit, crochet, use a punch needle, macramé, or any other form of crafting. Because when you see all those cute cuddly toys, trendy home decor, and handmade fashion items, you’re bound to think: I wish I could make those, too. You’ll find that it’s both fun and relaxing. When you’re faced with a pattern for the first time, it might seem a bit overwhelming at first. So much text, so many abbreviations! Don’t let that scare you—you’ll get the hang of it in no time. The important thing is to know the basics. Check out the Yarnplaza Tutorials for a complete online course.
Creative Tip for Kids
The teachers have provided thick folders full of homework. In between the language and math assignments, there’s definitely room for a creative hour. Doing crafts with the kids isn’t just fun—it also helps develop fine motor skills, improves concentration, and trains hand-eye coordination. So it’s a win-win situation!
Friends are often missed these days. Making and giving out friendship bracelets is sure to help decrease that longing a little. With a Kumihimo spool, kids ages 7 and up can get started on their own with this braiding art. Choose your favorite colors and start braiding! In our Kumihimo blog, you’ll find a detailed instructional video and suitable cotton threads.
We hope we’ve inspired you with our creative tips and that you’ll be crafting lots of lovely projects. We’d love to see your creations on our Facebook page or on Instagram using #Yarnplaza. Or feel free to share a fun creative tip in the comments below.