Tasmanian stock up on hobby equipment to occupy time in isolation

Tasmanians looking to make the most of their time in isolation by indulging their favourite hobbies are stocking up on home brewing equipment, craft supplies and fitness gear.

TASMANIANS are stocking up on home brewing equipment, craft supplies and fitness gear so they can indulge in their favourite hobbies while in isolation.

Tasmanian Homebrewing Supplies owner Pete McGuire has been flat out keeping up with demand from both existing customers and enthusiastic newcomers.

Lots of customers he hasn’t seen for ages have suddenly started reappearing too, with the need for social isolation reigniting their passion for brewing.

Mr McGuire said customers who usually purchased enough hops, yeast and grain to last for one month of brewing were suddenly buying a three-month supply.

People are stocking up on home brewing supplies, craft supplies and fitness gear so they can indulge in their favourite hobbies while in isolation. Pete McGuire at Tasmanian Homebrewing Supplies says he's been flat out keeping up with demand from both existing customers and enthusiastic newcomers. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Some are inspired by the idea of cheap beer during a potential lockdown period, while others simply enjoy the process of making boutique beer in their own home and predict having more time to do so in the coming months,” Mr McGuire said.

He said once people were set up with basic brewing equipment they could spend as little as $20-$30 to buy enough supplies to make 30 long neck bottles of beer, which is equivalent to about 2½ cartons of cans or stubbies from the bottle shop.

Craft enthusiasts have also been stockpiling wool, fabric and other sewing, quilting and crocheting necessities from major retailers like Spotlight and from smaller local retailers.

Frangipani Fabrics owner Briony Alderslade said customers had been stocking up on fabric, patterns and craft kits and taking advantage of the North Hobart shop’s newly added click and collect service.

“Sewing is a mindful activity that can give people a sense of peace and creativity in this really stressful time,’’ she said.

“We’ve definitely noticed an increase in mail orders and people coming in to stock up on their craft supplies, just in case we go into lockdown.’’

The business is also making the switch from in-person sewing sessions to digital classes, which should help keep children entertained during the school holidays.

Meanwhile, garden centres report a bumper trade as many Tasmanians set up backyard vegie patches for the first time. “I think it’s a combination of having something to do while they’re locking themselves away and there might be a bit of fear about food security as well,’’ said Chandlers Nursery sales assistant Stephanie Watson.

“We normally get one delivery of seedlings a week, but we’ve been getting three and we’re still running out.’’

Fitness enthusiasts have also reported that sporting gear — including yoga mats and hand weights — have been flying off shelves at stores like Rebel Sports, Kmart and Big W as Tasmanians rush to set up home gyms to help them stay fit during social isolation.

[e-mail]