Free or Low-Cost Things to Do!

As someone who has worked from home for years, I have the self-entertainment down. I'll be working on some of my stock-piled stitching projects, but realize that not everyone has a craft or hobby they engage in. 

Our plans have changed for D's vacation next week, and we are staying put. The raised beds need to be cleaned out and our back patio needs some attention. And, of course, the dogs will need their regular walk about next week.

If you're stuck in the house and want things to do beyond binge-watching TV, check these sites out.

Needlework & Crafts:

• DMC has tons of free patterns for cross stitch and embroidery. If you are over at Walmart buying groceries you can buy a ton of embroidery floss and some Aida cloth.
• The Vintage Sewing Pattern Site contains lots of eye candy, even if you aren't ready or equipped to fire up the sewing machine.
• The Antique Pattern Library also contains plenty of inspiration with patterns for needle work, macrame, paper crafting and even calligraphy.
• Crayola has free coloring pages, as do a variety of museums and other sites.

Books:

• The Internet Archive has tons of books you can borrow if you have a computer, tablet, or e-reader. They also have film and audio stuff--of varying quality.
• Gutenberg.org has a lot of public domain classics to read for free, as well.
• MSU's Feeding America collection of digital cookbooks is a nice diversion. 
• Check out OpenCulture for a list of freebies.
• Want to listen to classics? Librivox has you covered.  And if you want to help, you can volunteer to read & record.

Looking to learn a new language? Sites like DuoLingo and Babbel provide free exercises and lessons. I need to get back to my Spanish lessons so next time I'm in Oaxaca I can buy a new suitcase to haul back all the mezcal (true story---I managed to navigate a department store purchase last year for this very purpose.  Thanks DuoLingo!).

This might also be a great time to take a course on Coursera. If you're not into a certificate, their courses are free. 

Don't forget: a lot of fun can be had with a deck of cards. Bicycle Card Company's site lists rules of play for all kinds of games--even solitaire.