Grandma Rocks

So, I’m a self-confessed grandma, despite being in my twenties. There’s no getting away from my affection for things considered to be old fashioned; I knit, sew, bake, I’ve made something that could be described as a tapestry – I own more than one teapot for crying out loud! But these are things I enjoy doing and I’m always amazed by the number of people who quietly admit to me that they’ve always wanted to have a go at one of the above themselves (well, except for the tapestry maybe).

The fact is, your grandparents are cool. These are people who fought wars, made jam and know what the hell a clothes mangle does.

Mine are sadly long gone, but I still feel that nostalgia for a bygone era when people actually did stuff themselves and found entertainment away from a TV. Grandparents are really the ultimate DIY craftsters. So, in honour of some pretty cool folk, here are some ideas to unleash your inner grandma/pa:

How To Make Jam
The helpful chaps at Pick Your Own have some pretty comprehensive instructions here. So arm youself with some fresh fruit, a big pot and plenty of jars and you'll soon have a vat of handmade yumminess for friends and family.

Fishing
Everything you could possibly want to know about fishing can be found at Anglers' Net (see what they've done there? Don't say fisherman don't know how to have fun). Although if you're looking for JR Hartley's book you may be disappointed.

Card Games
Contract Bridge was apparently invented in the 1920s, so set up your own speakeasy, stock the bar with gin and jazz and drape a gangster's moll over your shoulder. After that, you may not need the card game to entertain you, but you'll find instructions here.

Embroidery
Time was no girl could hope to get on in life without mastering their needlepoint in a sampler or two. Find ideas and kits here, or simply create your own and you'll be well on the way to being a fine lady worthy of a role in a Jane Austen book.

How to Swing Dance
If you fancy a go at kicking your heels up in a prom dress and learning the moves, the London Swing Dance Company is a pretty good place to start. And if you're out of town or outside the UK there's bound to be a group or club near you that can show you the steps. The same goes for burlesque, jazz, jive and ballroom - Fred Astaire eat your heart out.

Tea
Obviously a national insitution no matter your age, but if you'd like to learn the finer points, these guys have given it some serious thought, whilst over here they're more concerned about the pleasure of consuming the stuff.

Oh and if you're wondering about the clothes mangle....