Reactions to knitting and crocheting

Hi everyone

I just read this article about the different reactions people have when you tell them you knit (probably similar with crochet)
1. Can you knit something for me?
2. Isn’t that something old ladies do?
3. Can you teach me how to do that?
4. I could never do that
5. Why don’t you just buy the sweater?

How about the rest of you?
Do you also have experiences with knitting in public? When or where do you knit?
What are people’s reactions when you wear something knitted or crocheted?

I’ve spent a lot of time in doctors’ waiting rooms over the last two weeks because my oldest got braces and had dental surgery. I knitted while I was waiting. Most of the time, people either smiled at it or ignored it; no one ever said anything to me about it ;-)

When I wear knitted things, though, people often comment on them. Especially in the last few months, people have often asked about my hats—whether they’re knitted or crocheted because they look so different from Boshi hats, or where I get the yarn, or things like that.

The funniest experience I had was once when I was wearing a beige-brown knitted skirt, along with a scarf in the same shade.
We were at a restaurant ordering food for a confirmation celebration. The restaurant specializes in using as many organic products from the region or fair-trade products as possible. The owner then set out lots of packages of different grains and rice varieties in front of me and explained everything in detail. When we were done, he said he could tell right away that he’d be able to get me excited about it because I looked so eco ;-))) LOL

Ever since then, my sweetheart has been bombarding me with eco comments whenever I wear that skirt ;-)


It would be nice if you shared what experiences you’ve had

Best wishes and happy Easter egg hunting

Nici

http://blog.loveknitting.com/5-reactions-you-get-when-you-tell-people-youre-a-knitter/

Oh, I forgot the link to the article:

 

Hey there.... Basically, I feel the same way. From enthusiasm to being ignored to being laughed at.

I always crochet at the doctor’s, too. I always have something with me. But I’ve never had quite an experience like the one you had at the restaurant

But it’s so nice to wear something handmade and unique!
I think it’s a shame that you have to put up with such stupid comments, like the ones under numbers 2 and 5.

I have to tell you that you’re hitting a sore spot with me there. As a man, I know exactly what “being laughed at” means. Especially as a teenager, I had to put up with quite a bit because I really appreciate handicrafts. You can surely imagine the comments from my classmates!

But luckily, there are also positive reactions! That’s what you have to focus on :)

When you’re crocheting in waiting rooms and places like that, do other people’s conversations and the comings and goings bother you or make it hard to concentrate?

Nope.... I’m great at tuning that out

No, none of that bothers me either. I can also knit while watching TV, or while playing with my little one, or when I'm chatting or something (of course not during some highly intellectual lecture, but with the family ;-)   )

Actually, I don't have to concentrate that much when knitting or crocheting; for me it's more about relaxing.

Best wishes and have a sunny Good Friday

nici

So far, I’ve only had positive reactions, ranging from “What’s that going to be?” to “That looks cozy.” I also crochet and knit everywhere—especially during those pointless waiting times at the doctor’s office, which are a great way to pass the time before I start reading the tabloids.......
I can knit without looking, in front of the TV, and even hold a conversation while doing it—but that’s not really possible with crochet, since you have to count more and pay attention to where you insert the hook.

As a young girl, I was also smiled at or even laughed at, with comments like, “You must be a grandma already...”
I’ve been working at a needlework shop for several years now, where wearing handmade items is actually encouraged, so since then I’ve naturally only had positive reactions.
Some customers often come into the shop just to see what lovely thing I’m wearing this time.
I take a 30-minute bus ride to work, and that’s when I take out my needlework too. At first, people did look at me strangely, but now everyone’s gotten used to it.
Besides, I only wear jackets I’ve knitted or crocheted myself, so I suppose no one is surprised anymore :-)

I knit almost all the time and everywhere—no one has ever complained. But sometimes I get strange, almost pitying looks. It doesn’t bother me.

Well, I’ve never gotten any weird comments—mostly just admiration.

If I crocheted in public as a man, it might provoke some interesting reactions. That’s why I only crochet at home.
Richard

I don’t crochet in public—I much prefer the coziness of my living room with my comfortable armchair.

I also get mixed reactions. They range from “You’re really so eco” (with a negative undertone) to “That’s just for grandmas.”
When I crochet or knit accessories, the reactions tend to be positive; with clothes, they’re more negative.
Funnily enough, sewing seems to be more highly regarded…

I think it’s a shame—sometimes those negative comments really get to me…

But sewing is done less “in public,” isn’t it?
I somehow imagine it would be difficult to sit in a waiting room with a needle and scissors.

Oh, a mini sewing machine like that fits in any handbag ;)

No, I didn’t mean sewing in public—I meant, for example, being asked about self-sewn clothes that you (or she or a child ;) ) happen to be wearing.

And you don’t just get those reactions when you’re caught red-handed in the middle of a craft project—you get them even when you’re just talking about your passion for crocheting, knitting, or whatever. 

 

Oh,
so that’s why some women always carry really big handbags—
so their travel sewing machine fits in there too. : )
When you talk to other people about your hobbies, you might get some weird reactions now and then,
but if you’re lucky, you might find someone who likes exactly what you like. : )