• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2026 Survey »

Ideas

Hoodiegirl3

Active Member
Messages
26
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Hi guys.
My exams went great, ended last Friday, had a school trip this Thursday, was supposed to give a speech, got to the front of the room and had a panic attack. Now I’m tryna make summer plans but not considering my blood sugars so that’ll probably end badly. Also a non related question… been a year since I wanted a violin, should I start selling my crochet and diy jewellery to save up… but I really want to get one before the start of the next school year because near Christmas time I want to be able to perform at a cathedral near my home (I know it’s unrealistic but I can try) so what’re your opinions?
Also always thanks for the great advice on my last posts
 
@Hoodiegirl3 I did very well with my playing and making in the years after leaving Portsmouth Polytechnic.
t has made quite a difference to my life since leaving home.
Back then I used to crochet caps with peaks - they were all the rage back in the days of hippies. I still make them, - since Outlander was screened people want 'authentic' Scottish bonnets.
You might be able to find a small folk club and start playing there. Build up your confidence.
 
Can you already play the violin or do you want to learn? Is there anywhere around you that rents them out? Does your school know anywhere?

You can certainly try selling your crafts. Maybe see if there are any makers fairs round you. Where I am in Cumbria there is one that encourages young makers.
 
I was going to suggest seek out a music instrument store that maybe would rent a violin, @Hoodiegirl3 . Where I live there are a few such stores. They offer rental, because it gives people a chance to try the instruments, before making a purchase, in case they don’t like their choice. They also have info on where they can find lessons at reasonable cost. Maybe there is a college or university with music students who would be willing to teach you?

Seem to remember you are doing DOE award? Perhaps the leader of this could help you find away to learn violin, as one of your challenges?
 
Is your diabetes control so bad that you could end up in intensive care? If not, you can plan your summer as you want. At most, you'll lose a couple of hours a day to normalizing your bg, but not the entire summer.

If you're good at handcrafting, selling your work is a good idea. You could also try freelancing. Freelance platforms often offer tasks even a teenager can handle. I was a little older than you when I started earning money, but there was no AI when I was young. I also had a colleague your age who worked part-time, so it’s quite realistic to find a summer job. Generally, I think teenagers are much more tech-savvy than adults.

Youth is a wonderful time. Don't let diabetes ruin it.
 
I do volunteer at a charity shop but for work that’s not voluntary I don’t think a charity shop is the best idea so I’m just trying to look for places close to me, as for my diabetes, a lot of it depends on how I feel too like if I wake up feeling bad my sugars are affected for the whole day and if I feel good it’s a similar thing
 
At the risk of cross posting @Hoodiegirl3 I understand where your coming from, & at your age you are also dealing with all sort of hormones & body changes and it can be a scary time & difficult to navigate for any teenager never mind one dealing with T1 and all that brings
 
Broaching the subject of violins.

I’m not sure of your skill level?

They do range in price. Some can be affordable for the tighter buget including some electric violins? (After doing a search on a website I use for non-violin related music gear.) some seem cheaper than computer games?

I’m not sure about performing in licenced alcohol venues at the age of 14. I was lucky & did a couple at 15/16. & my cousin performed in a punk band at the same age. But that was a different era… 1980s.

You could try community hall events or open air Community festivals held in local parks?
Or as I saw once 15 years ago at a local hall “benefit gig” for JDRF, a young 10 year old T1 playing violin.. :)

Hope this helps.
 
would recrememnd checking out some charity shops :) managed to pickup a fairly cheap reasonable violin for daughter £30 that was 2 years ago. she has a ton of instruments. violin was restrung for that price and included the bow. regarding panic attack sorry to hear: Here is a wee workbook that may help a little. https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk...1/08/moodjuice-dealing-with-panic-booklet.pdf have you thought about perhaps school event - tabletop sale or something would likely help with selling some of your crochet/jewellery
 
Thanks so much. All brilliant ideas. Grantg- I had my eyes on a violin near the same price but I was told cheap ones are a ripoff… Jaylee- again amazing advice, I can play piano self learned but I think violin is harder to self learn
 
Grantg- I had my eyes on a violin near the same price but I was told cheap ones are a ripoff…
the one I got for daughter was Yamaha V3 brand new would of been about 285 which is mid-low range charity shops worth a wee browse sometimes can be some really good bargains to be had. Worth some research. Would totally agree some of the extremely cheap versions (eg cheap from likes of gear4music or similar) not worth
 
the one I got for daughter was Yamaha V3 brand new would of been about 285 which is mid-low range charity shops worth a wee browse sometimes can be some really good bargains to be had. Worth some research. Would totally agree some of the extremely cheap versions (eg cheap from likes of gear4music or similar) not worth

Been looking at gear4music for a while, thing is, I really want a white one (for multiple reasons) but all of their white ones are over £100
 
Hi guys.
My exams went great, ended last Friday, had a school trip this Thursday, was supposed to give a speech, got to the front of the room and had a panic attack. Now I’m tryna make summer plans but not considering my blood sugars so that’ll probably end badly. Also a non related question… been a year since I wanted a violin, should I start selling my crochet and diy jewellery to save up… but I really want to get one before the start of the next school year because near Christmas time I want to be able to perform at a cathedral near my home (I know it’s unrealistic but I can try) so what’re your opinions?
Also always thanks for the great advice on my last posts
You could try eBay which has some good prices right now!
 
but I think violin is harder to self learn
It definitely is! There are books and even teach yourself violin videos online. I don't know if you are anywhere near an Oxfam bookshop, but they often have this kind of thing. There are also graded books which help you feel that you have achieved something early on.
 
Back
Top