Crocheting in public

Where do I crochet outside of the house? Basically everywhere. Well, anywhere I'm sitting for a long time. If I'm going for a long drive, I'll bring it. (As long as I'm not driving, of course.) If I'm going to the doctor's and I know I'll be sitting in the waiting room for a while, I'll bring my crochet.

I've taken crochet projects to school concerts for my kids and grandkids, their plays, performances, and football and ball games, sitting in a park, camping, and airplanes… anywhere it's acceptable to crochet and I know I will be sitting for a long time.

Who talks to me

I always get someone who will stop and say, "Oh, you're knitting. I love your knitting," and then they want to know what I'm knitting. I politely tell them that this is crochet, and they usually admire the fact that I'm doing something with my hands.

They'll tell me that their grandmother used to crochet, and they'll tell me the memories they had of their grandmother crocheting things for them. Men usually don't say too much. Women have usually stopped me, but kids are very curious and like to know.

The best conversation

Some of the best conversations I've had with strangers started because of crochet. I've had people stop and tell me they crochet too, and before you know it, we're talking about patterns and yarn, projects and crochet websites and anything else that's crochet related.

I've made little friendships through crochet which I think is pretty cool. There is something about finding another crocheter that makes you feel like you discovered a member of your own little secret club. I could talk about crochet all day long!

The worst reaction

I haven't really had anybody react badly or say anything rude, thankfully. I usually just get "Oh, I didn't know people still did that." Thankfully, nobody's been truly mean, and if someone thinks crochet is outdated, that's OK. I'll just be over here with my yarn, minding my own business and know they're wrong.

At work and on planes

I can't really crochet during work; my hands are being used for entering things into the computer. Sometimes I'll have a long meeting where I don't really need to speak or contribute, so I will pick up my crochet and get a few stitches in.

I work from home, so sometimes I'll crochet on my lunch break. When I worked in the office, I used to have people question me about crocheting. They would admire my work, and a few people asked me to crochet things for them, and I sold a few of the things I had made. I sold some amigurumi stuffed toys and some Chapstick holders.

Would I crochet on a plane? Absolutely! Crocheting makes the time pass faster, so I highly recommend it on an airplane. I have restless legs syndrome, and crocheting helps take my mind off my antsy-feeling legs and helps me keep my sanity. I've never had any issues with TSA. I make sure to bring tiny little scissors that are TSA-safe and a plastic crochet hook. I've never been stopped or had an issue.

Whether I'd recommend it

I would absolutely recommend crocheting in public. I think it's wonderful to see people doing something that they enjoy, whether it's crochet or any hobby. I especially love seeing young people crochet. There is something really special about watching a craft that's been around for generations continue on with the new generation.

My advice would be to start small. Take a small project with you. If you're going to crochet in public, bring a small, easy-to-carry bag with colorful yarn, hooks, scissors, and a pattern. Be sure it's somewhere that you feel safe and comfortable. Make sure it's a place where it's appropriate to crochet. You never know; it might spark someone's interest.

Enjoy what you're doing, let people come to you, and, most importantly, try not to be offended when someone asks what you're "knitting." Just smile and say it's crochet, and then go back to stitching.

Keep reading

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• What’s in my project bag
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