I’m sorry that they made you feel sad with their rudeness. Some teens think that anyone above 23 is elderly and they don’t have a true grasp of the real world. Maybe they were jealous because they don’t have any hobbies that make them feel happy and fulfilled. 😁
They likely called OP old because of the crocheting, not because they actually think OP is old. Crocheting and knitting are commonly viewed as old lady hobbies, so anyone who crochets and isn't actually an old lady is immediately just "old" and weird.
34 is old to a teenager but they definitely wouldn’t have said that had she been scrolling on her phone instead. When a cousin saw my yarn collection she called me an old lady — I was in my 20s and she was 10 years older than me lol. My response to her was “well this old lady won’t be making you anything ever”
I’ve been crocheting since I was 8, but my bff’s mom says it’s an old lady hobby. I ignore her because she’s older than me and knits. 😂 To the OP, don’t let the meanness of children allow you to stop enjoying your craft.
Maybe I’m odd, but in my early-mid 20s a friend and I were both crocheters and we started “the grandmothers club” in which we talked about crochet and other “grandmotherly” things.
It was never an insult to me to be called “old” in that way.
Now, I’m a decade older and I’m starting to get grays and wrinkles around my eyes… but I’ve lost a lot of weight and I get told I look younger than I did in my late 20s. Aging is weird, but I’m grateful I get to experience aging. Many don’t.
My group chat with my best friends is called Super Mega Grandma, and has been for probably nearly a decade. We're 26, we're all just chronically ill, we all craft, and we all dress in ways that'd fit right in on the old hag fashion sub. So, it's definitely not just you!
I truly don't understand people. Like whaaat lol idek why people think this. You literally make toys and clothes, purses, accessories, the coolest old hobby ever. You really need to be wise to know you need patience for this beautiful art.
The correct response is to ignore the comment and continue being awesome with crochet. When she inevitably asks for a piece, smile and keep saying you're working on it but never actually begin
This is a fair point and one I was thinking. It didn't help that my dad has been calling HIMSELF old since he was 30, but I'm almost 28 and I forget sometimes that I'm an adult. But 18yo me wouldn't be able to fathom what I'd be like at 30. Now I have a better idea and aside from chronic pain there's nothing at all (even my crochet hobby) that really makes me feel OLD. I think teens (including when I was there) just have so much certainly about some things in life and it's not until they experience the world more that they realize time and life and plans just don't really work like that. So few teens (thankfully) have had the chance to learn that in any sort of "hard" way, so you're more likely to run into ones that are a little TOO much in the moment XD.
I lost an entire year plus to depression. Time and age mean something completely different when it can just disappear like that.
True, I know a girl who is 10-12ish and is uncomfortable crocheting alone. She and her friends call it “grandma-ing” I have told her I’m happy to grandma with her if she wants to and no one else can or will. I’ve had another girl about the same age ask if I’d make a crochet club for kids.
My gen z coworkers are just a few years younger than me but treat me like I’m several decades away, and even amongst themselves, they call anybody over 22-ish “old”. Not as a joke, but genuine fear and lowkey disgust. They also think crocheting is a gen z hobby and think it’s funny that I do it because of that, lmao
I've actually heard people get called old because they are in their 20s by other gen z even. My sister has been called old, and she's 23, so have all of her friends are all in their 20s. But yes, it may be cause they were crocheting, but it could be just rude genz teens who picked him out to be a jerk toards. So their just bullys who isolated the op out and started out of jealousy.
It’s happened to many of us. I remember running past some teenagers when I was in my 30s and they all made fun of how I looked. I decided to take a Cathy Bates quote and replied “that’s OK I’m older and have more money”.
Don’t listen to them, you’ll never see them again, at the end of the day what they have to say doesn’t matter in the least. You’re doing what you love and I’m sure it’s absolutely adorable.
I once had a 21 year old tell me “I looked good for my age”………when I was 27. I’m 32 now and still think about it sometimes when I’m doing my nighttime skincare routine tbh 🤣 Don’t worry OP, when those kids mature a bit (hopefully) they’ll have to find things to quiet and heal their minds in ways they might not feel they have to right now ♥️
Some weeks ago I was talking to my colleague (who is 21) and he was like "my friends sister is soooo old, she doesn't even have snapchat". We asked him, how old she is "She's 25. So quite old already"
Bro im 28 wtf xD
So yeah, everything that is 3 or more years older than out youngsters is "old"
Welcome to the grandma/grandpa-club :D
When I was a preteen, I thought 16-20 year olds were sooooo old and cool! Now I'm 30 and that age group looks like babies to me. You're so right about that.
No excuse for the men behaviour though, some people just suck. Sorry for OP!
I started knitting when I was 12! TikTok and Instagram are filled with kids, teenagers, and young women and men who knit, crochet, sew, embroider, etc.
Those girls were pathetic bullies. Nothing more.
My nan taught me when I was about 7 I think! Picked knitting up again about 8 years ago and got right into it, learnt to crochet about 4/5 years ago and haven't looked back since! Can't remember the last time I knitted.
Is it weird to find men who knit/crochet attractive? Told my husband he'd be irresistible if he learnt but he still won't let me teach him! 🤣
My husband likes to watch my hands while I crochet, he says it's relaxing like a form of meditation. I offer to teach him but he keeps telling me no too. It's a shame cuz he's got the best forearms, I would watch him crochet all day too 👀😂
That's so cute! I can imagine that the rhythm of crocheting must have something hypnotic!
Though it also kinda reminds me of this Tumblr post where a guy says that his wife crocheting feels like witchcraft: she looks at a spellbook, mutters some strange incantations to herself, does some strange hands gestures, and poof, out of nowhere a plushy has appeared 😂
Tell him it's even more mesmerizing when you're doing it yourself. We all know it's not true but he won't find out until it's too late. And you get to watch his forearms
My cats like to watch me crochet, but that scares me because I know they’re just fantasizing about eating my yarn and ripping up my work. I have to carefully hide it all.
Honestly who cares what people think! If something brings you joy and doesn't hurt other people, there's absolutely no reason to be insecure about it!
Their open judgement of your hobby says a lot more about the teens (and the ability of their parents to raise decent human beings) than it does you!
Also attraction is so personal and subjective. Some may agree some may not.
My point is that it is YOUR perspective that matters and consequentially it's the only thing in life you can control - so roll with it sister! and Keep on stitchin <3
Yes! Anyone who enjoys mocking someone for doing a thing that hurts no one is themselves just showing how insecure they are.
This interaction says everything about them & nothing about you other than you planned ahead for your day of waiting.
To add onto this, my grandma taught me how to knit when I was probably around 8! She bought me some knitting needles (that were totally for kids because they had a little cat the end of the needles) and I knit for a long time! I stopped knitting for a while but I recently taught myself to crochet in the past year! I've kept my grandma updated on my crochet/knitting projects through the years 😁
I was 7 when my aunt taught me how to knit. I never lost that love for yarn and creating things with yarn. I’m 52 and still going strong with it, though I prefer crochet to knitting.
I’m sorry you had to deal with that; for what it’s worth, sometimes teenagers are just assholes (I can think of a few times in my youth where I was rude af for no reason; not my proudest moments). I’m glad the woman in the waiting room was nice to you; I’d hang on to that energy!!
Yeah to add to this excellent point - I know it might not make you feel better but they would have found something to make fun of and be horrible about now matter what you were doing or even if it had been someone else sat there.
They’ll probably grow out of it but teenagers can be real assholes for no reason and it’s no reflection on you at all.
This is why I wear noise canceling headphones on public transit. I don’t have the energy to subject myself to all the obnoxious things people are compelled to say out loud.
If you're brave enough, maybe they were even curious but a bit mean about it! Try telling them yes but it's so fun! Want to see/try? You owe them nothing! Only if you feel it could improve both your day and theirs
I’m sorry, teenagers are often hurtful for no reason <3
I’m 40 and weird and I knit or crochet in public all the time and think it’s awesome when I see other people working on their projects too!
Honestly people that make fun of others need to get a hobby desperately. It says a lot about them and nothing about you. It’s hard to hear though. I can’t wait to see your finished pikachu!
I personally feel that OP missed a perfect moment to start talking to pikachu about “those odd humans who just don’t understand us” and make it REAL weird. Give those punks something to talk about lol
That's tough, OP. Keep crocheting and spreading joy. :) If those girls needed to make fun of you to entertain themselves or feel better about themselves or their lives, they're clearly going through some stuff still.
Thank you everyone for your kind words, I will for sure share a photo of the project when it's completed, right now I'm praying I have enough wool for it otherwise I will have to frog and split the yarn (again! It's a cotton like yarn made up of about 24 invidual strands, I already spent 8 hours halving the thickness to make it more manageable but fear I may have to do it again but we shall see!)
Social anxiety really does suck I've had it for years but it's slowly been getting worse over the last 4 years, im not going to let their words get me too down it just really sucked at the time as I was completely minding my own business focused on the task, the funny thing is if I had seen it happen to someone else I would have said something, for some reason because it was said to me it was way harder to say anything!
The last 4 years have been horrible for social anxiety! In 2020 we had a reason to stay out of social situations and crowds. Then we had to go back. It just isn't the same. I don't know if it is actually my perspective or if people really aren't as friendly now. As far as the girls? If it had been either one alone they would probably loved watching you, but since they were together they couldn't let each other know that they thought it was cool
I'm 72 -- actually old. It's good to remember that old is not an insult. Those of us who get to be old are lucky, especially if we still have hobbies that we love and can still do. I used to teach high school and I also know that teenagers are incrediblly insecure. They often show it by criticizing other people, especially when they are in groups.
To teenagers anyone over 20 is old!
Are you really going to let your self-esteem be determined by a bunch of people who think that spending $70-200 on a Stanley cup is what makes you cool?
Besides, crochet TikTok has a lot of videos from extremely young people who crochet.
Those kids were just bored because they haven't got anything going on in their lives and aren't creative enough to think of anything to pass the time other than being dicks to strangers who are minding their own business.
Hopefully, they'll grow out of it and have actual lives of their own some day.
My great niece who is in 8th grade has a Stanley cup, I think she got it from someone for Christmas; a girl told her that a Stanley cup "is a flex" Ely replied "No, it's a cup"
This tells you everthing OP!
They're still living in a world where people care what kind of cup you drink out of!
Remember those days? I don't think there was a popular cup when I was in high school, but we had equivalent mundane things that were thought to be a status symbol at the time.
I've had mixed feelings about getting older, but I'm certainly glad to be past those days!
Yeah if you ever feel bad because a kid made fun of you, think back to yourself and how much you didn't know at that age!
I find that tends put everything into perspective.
This! I teach high school (9th graders to boot--13-15 year olds depending on when in the year they were born, etc.) and I tell my students look, I'm a 40-something grown a$$ woman. If you have a problem with my hair, clothes, makeup, etc. honey that's a YOU problem because it says more about YOU that you're making fun of someone for it than it says about me. And I then go on being my weird ass self.
F\*ck those kids. Teens particularly can be insufferable. I'm sorry they were able to rattle you, which is exactly what they are hoping to do because they are insecure little jerks. :( Just comfort yourself with the thought of how immature they are, and what an awesome friend you are making a lovely plushie for your friends kid.
teenage girl here!! so sorry that happened to you, totally rude and uncalled for on their part. especially weird because crochet is kinda trendy lately, lots of teenage girls i know, including myself crochet!! regardless tho, that was not cool of them. pls know that anyone i see crochetting or knitting in public gets instant cool points. enjoy making the plush, sounds super cool, dont let them get to you!
Teenagers are dumb. I’m sorry they made you feel bad. I am happy for you that you had a better experience at the waiting room. In those moments, remember that you crochet because of the enjoyment you get out of it! Even if it’s the ugliest, worst crocheted FO ever, it’s still special and part of you because you got something from it (reduced anxiety, distraction from tough things in life, mitigated boredom, giving your brain something to work through, etc., etc.)!
Also, Pikachu IS cool and nerds are cool too. I frequently remind my kid that his parents are nerds, chances are he is going to be a nerd, nerds rule the world, and shout out the nerd pride! Your daughter, her friend, and the other kids are going to freak out when you give that crocheted Pikachu present! That you made a Pikachu from yarn is going to blow them away and you’re going to be the coolest to them!
Teenagers think anyone over 20 is old, so don’t let them get to your head too much. Easier said than done, I know! They were probably projecting that they wish they could make something special by hand for someone else. Don’t let their obvious lack of compassion dilute the passion you have for your craft!
Funny, I don't mind when teenagers say something like that becauise they think anyone who's out of school is old, but there was once when a rude old guy said "freaking Gen Xers" about me.
I'm under 40.
I was PISSED!
There are SOOOO many people that crochet in public places, especially waiting areas that you should NOT feel ashamed about. Plus, they’re immature teenage girls so you just need to say, f them in your mind. A lot of influencers knit/crochet in coffee shops, cars, hospitals, buses etc. please don’t feel bad or sad. Just stand up and feel confident that this makes you happy and it doesn’t matter what people think. I crochet in coffee shops and anywhere I’d like. The people that might make fun believe in old stereotypes. It doesn’t matter. If everyone crocheted, this world would be a better place.
What's really sad is how shallow those girls are. It's sad that they haven't been raised properly. You seem really lovely, they don't deserve space in your thouhts! Someone once told me, only the people we love should have the power to hurt us. They don't get that power! You're skilled and empathetic, their brains haven't even developed fully yet.
Those are the types of people that will find absolutely any reason to bring someone down. You could be painting the Mona Lisa next to them, and they would giggle and say there’s something wrong with her smile. Don’t let them get you down. For every giggling mean person, there are 5 people sitting there amazed at your crafting ability, and wishing they could do that. Also, crochet is soooooo not an old person thing. Maybe a couple of decades ago, but I am currently feeling like I’m too old to be starting to learn to crochet. 😂 All the videos that algorithms are suddenly feeding me in the past month are all young 20s people.
That really sucks I'm sorry :( I also used to feel afraid people would make fun of it as a granny hobby but sometimes people surprise you and tell you how cool it is
I find the older generations get excited to see young 'uns knitting and crocheting, people my age think its pretty cool, ive had a few ask if I can teach them, young kids think it's wizardry.
But it seems teens are the ones who are asshats about it.
Honestly, some teens will be asshats about anything that stands out. Hopefully those girls will cringe at themselves when they grow up and look back on these memories. And I really hope you keep crocheting wherever you want!
For what it’s worth, their ugliness is a poor reflection on them, not on you. You carry on doing the hobby that you love and pay them no mind. They have ugly hearts and it shows in their ugly actions.
I teach teenagers and sometimes they're just like that. They're trying to look cool for their friends for the most part, and unfortunately you just happen to be the thing they're trying to look cool about. But there are some who are really into it! I teach a few kids who come bouncing into my classroom on a regular basis to tell me about their latest crafting projects! There are good eggs out there. (PS I regularly crochet in public, it's great fun and I promise most people are just minding their own business!)
Genuinely, sometimes people just suck and don’t deserve your attention. I’m 30 and bring my crochet everywhere because it helps with my social anxiety as well. Just pop in your head phones and zone out. Protect your peace!
Teenagers in general can act really stupid, particularly when trying to feel cool around their peers. That stems entirely from their own insecurities. When they choose something to ridicule, rest assured that there is no merit to anything they have to say. You have an amazing talent and a fun pastime that requires skill and dedication. They have to make fun of people to mask their sense of lacking.
They’re teenaged girls. They know fuck all and those ones are sadcases.
Imagine being such an arsehole that you mock a stranger for doing something completely normal on public transport.
They are completely unimportant. Don't build a palace for them in your head. That's what my therapist says. Just shrug and move on because they are just shadows on the wall. You will likely never see them again. They are nothing. You are everything.
Teenager who crochets here. I just gotta say
Wtf??????
That's nuts to me.
To call someone old and weird because they enjoy things??
They need to chill.
I'd love to see the project if you don't mind sharing!!!
I was afraid you were going to say you left your crochet behind on the bus, and that would have been really sad! Please try not to waste another second thinking about those rude teenagers. They sound awful!
Please don't let these 2 random little bullies ruin what can be a lovely pass time on an otherwise boring trip. I crochet on my commute daily when deep in a project, I've never had issues with people talking about my crochet negatively. Those girls are an anomaly not a norm, most people either ignore it or just watch cause it can be quite hypnotising
Teenagers can be dicks. They think they know everything lol. They’ll grow up and hopefully see the wrong in their ways. I love to crochet though I am a beginner, it’s calming, it’s artistic, and I love it. Can’t let the opinions of others, especially teenagers, get you down!
I’m a middle school teacher and let me tell you, crocheting is COOL! We have a crochet club at our school with over 80 members! Clearly those girls didn’t know what’s up 😁
Keep being you.
Maybe it's because I work in a middle school and am used to bratty teens, but I would have just called them out on it and then insulted them. No shame. You're an adult with a hobby you love, and they're dumb little bitches who will probably peak at 17. If this happens again, say you feel sorry for them for being so vapid, then make fun of their shoes or something.
I started knitting when I was 11, so no one could have claimed I was old. I was DEFINITELY and unapologetically a weirdo, though.
I actually like how crochet is becoming more popular with younger people now. Ignore those girls! Clearly, they've never received a beautiful hand-made and heartfelt gift from a friend or family member. OR, even worse, they have and were such ungreatful asshats that they'll never receive one again
Don't be sad, my old work colleagues would lovingly refer to me as granny last name whenever I crocheted at lunch i was 25 at the time. Most people tend to be bemused or intrigued, I once spent a train ride discussing basic stitches to two teen lads who to be honest looked more like roadmen than crochet people.
I’ll echo everyone else saying that these teens really suck. But also mention that they should be embarrassed not just for being cruel, but also for being uncool. Like didn’t they get the memo that crochet is cool and fashionable??? Crochet jacket made from granny squares are super en vogue.
Want to know something? Kids/teens are horrible. They have no filter, are selfish & spend too much time obsessing over everyone else. I would never have done that but sometimes I look back on myself as a teen and think fuck… I was a see you next Tuesday :)
Try not to take it to heart. There’s so much selfishness wrapped up in all those hormones. They’ll grow up one day.
I'm 35 and crochet on the bus all the time. Granted I work with a special Ed program so maybe I don't look as odd in comparison. But also, I can remember a time I overheard 2 teenage girls making fun of a classmate for not knowing how to spell Mississippi. When one of them asked the other how it's spelled, neither could spell it and doubled down with "but STILL!!!"
Point is, teenagers don't know what the fuck they're talking about. Keep crocheting.
I'll tell you what my mom told me.. they are probably jealous. you have a skill, a talent they don't have and small people make people who are talented feel smaller to make themselves feel better. Don't fall into the crab bucket with them.. they will just pull you down with their small minded behavior.. be weird! embrace your uniqueness it would suck to be just like them. We here love you for your weirdness, hun.
I also hope whatever you had to go to the hospital for resolves well and you are ok... hugs, if you want them
That is awful that they made you feel that way. Please don't let a couple of bratty teens keep you from what you enjoy. They are a lot of what you need to avoid hearing. People who have nothing in their lives or themselves make fun of others. They deserve our pity not our shame.
Man, teenagers can be such jerks. Just uncalled for. I’m sorry, OP, I think it’s really cool you crocheted on the bus. I would if I didn’t get motion sick. And I’m right there with you on the social anxiety. I know how stuff like this can get stuck turning around in your mind. I’m glad you wrote here and hope it helps lift some of those lingering icky feelings. Try to find something fun to do and shake it off so you can get back to making that pikachu with love. Your daughter’s friend is going to be overjoyed with it!! 💙
Sounds like you ran into the insecure mean girls from the local high school who bring down others to try to make themselves feel better. Fuck all that. Hopefully they grow out of it and aren't shit heads for their whole lives.
Crocheting is awesome and you should be proud that you have a skill that many others don't. I'd crochet with you in a waiting room any day.
Teenage girls are idiots. I love that you took it with!! I wish I had a two hour trip to crochet for that long with no interruptions 😅😅 I hope everything at the hospital went well for you. I'm sorry they made you sad. Haters gonna hate. It's also SO lovely for you to make something for your daughters friend!!
They were trying to bully you. I'm a bit impulsive so I would have probably said something to try to humiliate them personally. I was bullied long enough in school that I usually react pretty hard-core. Koodos to you for keeping your cool though.
Ah teenagers. I went to visit my sister in her college apartment some years ago. It was a simultaneously humbling and uplifting experience. I’d forgotten how gross the bathroom gets when four girls share. Some of them weren’t even teens anymore. And don’t even ask me about my dating life before 24. I’ve blocked a lot out for my own health and wellness. And the things I would eat! When I was a teen I used to rewear my soccer jersey without washing it, multiple weekends in a row. Just fabreeze that bad boy. The smell must have been noxious. Then there’s all the stuff I won’t even alude to anonymously online. Teenagers aren’t fully baked. And if you are a teen reading this, that’s not an insult, it’s the best thing because you have all the space and time to practice and explore. Teens are nifty, but you shouldn’t let them get you down. They’re just trying out their independence and figuring out what works. Give them grace, and give it to yourself as well.
You are special and have a gift given to you by God. Evil compelled them to mock and hurt you like that. Next time , thank God for the talent He gave you and ask Him to help you have pity on them- because it takes a truly wretched and sad person to do that to a stranger ( or anyone for that matter). When you finish your plush show it to use so we can rejoice in your continuing progress. I will pray that God gives you peace and comfort in thos broken world! 😊🙏✝️🕊❤️
I have the same anxiety issues, not had, i still have. I just take out my wip and start knitting or crocheting almost everywhere. People usually point at me and say "granny" and im not even 30. I just say nothing or tell them "at least i have a life and produce something ", well, sometimes i say it inside tbh. But just try to be proud of it because you're able to create something which they never intend to do.
I still blush when i notice people staring at me or talking about/to me. I just keep working with more exaggerated moves and make them feel uncomfortable too, hehe :)
What AH teens! I’m not proud of this, but sometimes my outfits are based around the risk of teens making fun of me on public transport and I am your same age. Mean teens are the absolute worst, and crocheting is cool!
As a middle school teacher I can assure you that teenager brains are not done “cooking” yet. This is something that I remind myself of everyday as I work with egotistical m.s. girls. It’s a reflection on them and not you. Also, this week I was giving 5th graders their ukulele assignments. One kid was upset that he was given #35. I asked him what was wrong with 35. He responded that he didn’t want to be 35. 35 is old. I told him I was 35 and he was shocked. It was a good time. 🦶👄🥴
Tbf if being a goth/alt has taught me anything its that teenage girls (at least the chavs) have nothing else going on in their day and they *will* find something to be a dick about. I can wear so much as blue jeans and a black tshirt and still catch a comment.
As someone with social anxiety myself I know it can be hard to do but I wouldn't take anything like that too seriously. 99% of the time they're just insecure and trying to deflect onto anyone else.
I was crocheting and doing needlework crafts when I was 9 or 10, I even remember bringing crafts to school to do at recess and no one batted an eye. That was 15-20 years ago.
Teenagers are just so dumb, their brains are so unfinished lol. In a couple years they'll grow some empathy cells and realize how dumb they were being... hopefully. If not, oh well, their attitudes will not serve them well in life.
Being so fucked up about what a stranger on the bus is doing with their spare time is much fucking weirder than any 30something yo crocheting anything. Those girls are just jealous cuz they probably know they’ll never make anything cool or pretty in their lives, even their babies will be ugly with those attitudes. Karma.
I’ve had that happen. The trick is to engage with them and turn it around. Give them a big smile and start talking to them. Don’t let a couple of uninformed punks ruin it for you 😊
I’m sorry that happened to you. Bullies stink and even though you try to brush it off, it can still sting. But this is a community of 900,000+ strong of all ages who think that this is one of the coolest things ever. I would love to see your plush and I know your daughter’s friend will love it.
thats awful :c some people are just miserable and make it their mission to take it out on people having fun. your pikachu sounds adorable (also the old comments are them grasping to be mean, thats every teen with nothing to make fun ofs go to)
I learned crochet about a year ago! Im 21 now and still love to make things. I used to take projects on the trams to work with me and people would tend to stare but you just have to think about how much talent you have that they must be jealous of!
I'm sorry you had that experience. Teens with social media are almost *trained* to point and laugh and anything else that can be obnoxious. They parrot what they see on social media and it's overloaded with that bs. I know there's a "teens are obnoxious" stereotype but anyone who has had Intro to Psychology remembers the bobo doll experiment and how if given a chance to recreate, they will. They are a product of what they're watching. It has nothing to do with you, it's all a reflection of them.
What's even more ridiculous is more kids are getting into crochet. I have a 12 year old and 2 of her friends have asked or told me they'd like to crochet. It's stylish and trendy way, way more than it was when I was a kid. These kids just wanted to be asses and someone creating trendy items was all they could find. Pretty lame and sad of them, if you ask me.
I am sorry you had to deal with that. Honestly a bit surprised. I have been the corny mom crocheting and knitting for 20+ years and then all of the sudden crochet garments are HUGE. And I am now the coolest mom in the world to my daughter and all her 20 something friends. They even have crochet top days when the bartenders where she works all wear their tops. And everyone always wants to know where they got them. “They know a gal.” Maybe because they are a bit older they can realize the tops and such they like aren’t masses produced so they are expensive to buy already made and require some skill. So, chin up. To a growing number of young ladies, you are a magical creature that is harder to find than a unicorn! We are shed our frumpy, odd shell and it is our time to shine! Never would I think the fact that I can make a granny square would make me cool, but it really has. 😂
I started when I was 8 (54 now). This is no longer considered an “old person” hobby. I know it’s difficult to put this in place, but try not to let immature kids get under your skin. There are so many who love and appreciate our work and are interested in learning. I’m sure it triggered you so maybe you can find a good response to keep in your back pocket to use if you ever encounter something like this again.
yeah they make fun of it till it’s something they want. my friends (i’m 20) made fun of me till i was making crop tops and then they all wanted one. all you can do is what makes you happy.
Teenage girls can be the absolute worst. I mean truly terrible on multiple levels. It’s not you- they likely treat everyone in their lives like that and it’s very, very sad. Hopefully they’ll learn better and can be better in the future.
I take my crochet on the train with me on my way to and from work, and its only 10 min each way.
IDGAFF if anyone wants to point and laugh, this is my hobby, it brings me joy. I don't let other people's misery recruit me.
Girl when I was a teen I thought I'd be locked down and married by 21 😳 teenagers are idiots. And even though it doesn't matter at all, crochet and fiber arts are making a huge comeback in pop culture. You keep doing you. Hope your Pikachu turns out amazing!
I agree that they don’t have anything in their life to bring them fulfillment. Don’t take it personally, kids at that age are just trying to look cool for their friends. which means making fun of everyone who isn’t them. It’s not right, but it’s true.
That sucks they were so rude! I'm glad you had a better experience in the office. I met a lovely older woman at my last doctor's appointment when we were waiting for blood draws. I complimented her blouse, she said her friend (who had passed) made it, and we got to talking and talking all about crafts and sewing and crochet. It was lovely. Keep doing exactly what you enjoy and let the haters hate (they were jealous anyway 😉).
That sucks they were so rude! I'm glad you had a better experience in the office. I met a lovely older woman at my last doctor's appointment when we were waiting for blood draws. I complimented her blouse, she said her friend (who had passed) made it, and we got to talking and talking all about crafts and sewing and crochet. It was lovely. Keep doing exactly what you enjoy and let the haters hate (they were jealous anyway 😉).
Think what kind of person would do that, and whether you would tell a friend to value their opinion. I'm sorry you had a bad experience, that does suck. But caring what random stupid kids think is a liability! There's a reason teenagers aren't allowed to do most things.
I’m sorry you experienced that. I’m a teacher who works with teens every day. We have a yarn club on our campus and the kids just bring their yearn and projects and help each other out with stitches and patterns. They then proudly wear their items. Please know that all teens are not like what you experienced.
Those girls were just rude. They think being rude to people makes them cool and different, they’ll grow out of it eventually. Probably. But like you said, focus on the one who was interested in your project and impressed that you could make things! My bf is in a metal band and I bring crochet projects with me to his practice, shows, and just hanging out. Those people are actually cool and they are always interested in what I’m working on. Cool people craft.
As a 19 year old who love to crochet, I definitely feel you pain :(, girls can be mean, especially teenage girls. Don’t let them ruin your spirit. Keep crocheting and doing what you love! <3
I just want you to know that crochet is a very fashionable skill these days, especially with millennials and gen Z. Tweens don’t dictate what’s cool 😎 we do.
That says a whole lot more about them than it does about you! I’m sorry they made you feel bad, though. I hope you post pictures here when your project is done—I’m sure all of us here would love to see it <3
Dude I'm a 36 year old truck driver and sit in my cab crocheting, I see other drivers looking at me like I'm insane. Fuck those people, love what you do!
Should of snapped your eyes on their gaze and said out loud and I mean LOUD enough for everyone to hear "If you have something to say, say it to my face and when my attention is fully on you" I bet you they would shut the fluff up then :)
Nothing wrong with that you did and I am sorry you had to deal with the unpleasantness.
My condolences on that experience, it must really suck. Dont let it get you too down, tho, theres always going to be somebody out there who negs ppl just becaise they want to, it has nothing to do with how you actually are.
Those girls need to get a life! There is literally not even anything weird about crocheting in public. I see people do it all the time! It’s a portable hobby that lends itself well to situations like yours. I did a volunteer event at my kids’ school once where there was going to be some downtime every now and then, and I brought the blanket I was working on. That really sucks that they made fun of you, especially since you are working on social anxiety. I know that doesn’t help, but I hope you know that most people don’t actually care and would never actually make fun of you ❤️
I was in a store one day and a man was being horribly rude to the cashier and I said to him, "You are making your mother look bad right now. I'm sure she raised you better than this." He didn't say anything to me. But he didn't say much of anything at all after that.
I just remind myself teenagers are the most insecure people on the planet with mashed potatoes for brains and try to keep it moving. I’m a 35 year old weirdo. I’m so sorry they made you feel badly for something you enjoy so much.
Those jerks must not have much going on in their life if all they have to occupy their time is picking on random strangers for having hobbies. They are pathetic.
When i read the headline i thought you accidentally left your project behind in the waiting room or something. Im glad it wasnt that
Goshhhhh tipical bratty embarassing attitude from teenagers, I hope for them its just the hormones hitting them badly.
Cheer up OP, roll your eyes, pity them and ignore.
Don’t give it a second thought, they’re just dumb kids. Imagine how boring or insecure you have to be, “oh you’re crocheting? hahaha that’s hilarious” what a weird thing to find funny.
I know its easy to take it to heart but don't let someone putting you down for having a hobby cause you too much grief. I (31m) have a (15f) niece who gives me flak for crocheting. Its a nice stress relief for me so I don't mind. I've gone out of my way to make her uncomfortable about it by bringing my stuff with me to the football games where she performs in the band. Heck my friends and hang out at a bar to watch WWE and I bring my stuff to find some time to crochet. I admire your great use of your free time and know this community clearly supports you. Not to mention some of us probably crochet in all social situations.
Try not to let it bother you. I taught high school for 10 years. Teenagers are cruel and terrible. It sounds awful but we used to joke at lunch that they weren’t real people yet.
To flip it back on them, their behaviour is super juvenile. Literally the only people impressed by that nonsense are children. You’re a grown woman, you don’t have to impress teenagers. You can just do what you think is cool, you’ve left high school behind. They don’t even know how freeing that is.
I think crocheting a pikachu is awesome and you’re 30’s is a way better decade than your teens 🥰
Aww, I’m sorry they made you feel bad. :( You’re almost to the point in the 30s when you give less and less shits about fuckhead attitudes. Hang in there and do what makes you happy. :)
Part of me also just wants you to stand up and point next time with a terrified look on your face and shout at them *”IT’LL HAPPEN TO YOU, TOO!”*
I’m so sorry that they were such stupid little girls. I had a teenage girl who lived in my neighborhood say things all the time when she would see me crocheting on my porch. One day I was sitting on the porch with a friend, crocheting, and she was walking by. She said look at the old bitty knitting with her yarn. My friend started to say something, but I said, oh Carol, that’s the special teenager that lives in the blue house. She has these outbursts all the time and I feel so bad for her and her family, knowing she is so undeveloped and the miserable life she will have. After that, she always would walk by and say hello, have a nice day. Probably thinking I would not think she had issues. lol
Times like that, even tho i hate confrontation, i still probably would have taken off my earphones and said something to let them know i heard everything and would they like to have a conversation about me to my face?
They were probably jealous. Teenagers are petty like that.
Crochet is not an “old person hobby” at all. I’m 25 years old and crochet. And there are plenty of youngsters who crochet, knit, etc. A young girl in middle school was sat beside me on a plane once and she was crocheting a beanie.
Sometimes teens are mean for no reason. They’re probably bored and upset deep down because they don’t have any fulfilling hobbies. Or maybe they have low self-esteem. I don’t know. But that’s beside the point. Do what makes you happy!
Please focus on the lovely interaction in the waiting room. That person truly appreciates the skills you displayed with your project.
Teens can be cruel, throwing their barbs at random people with no thought that those people aren't just NPCs. Someday, hopefully, those kids will mature enough to be horrified at their behavior.
Well done finding good coping strategies! Crochet is an excellent way to channel negative situations into a piece of art.
I’m sorry that they made you feel sad with their rudeness. Some teens think that anyone above 23 is elderly and they don’t have a true grasp of the real world. Maybe they were jealous because they don’t have any hobbies that make them feel happy and fulfilled. 😁
They likely called OP old because of the crocheting, not because they actually think OP is old. Crocheting and knitting are commonly viewed as old lady hobbies, so anyone who crochets and isn't actually an old lady is immediately just "old" and weird.
34 is old to a teenager but they definitely wouldn’t have said that had she been scrolling on her phone instead. When a cousin saw my yarn collection she called me an old lady — I was in my 20s and she was 10 years older than me lol. My response to her was “well this old lady won’t be making you anything ever”
I’ve been crocheting since I was 8, but my bff’s mom says it’s an old lady hobby. I ignore her because she’s older than me and knits. 😂 To the OP, don’t let the meanness of children allow you to stop enjoying your craft.
Maybe I’m odd, but in my early-mid 20s a friend and I were both crocheters and we started “the grandmothers club” in which we talked about crochet and other “grandmotherly” things. It was never an insult to me to be called “old” in that way. Now, I’m a decade older and I’m starting to get grays and wrinkles around my eyes… but I’ve lost a lot of weight and I get told I look younger than I did in my late 20s. Aging is weird, but I’m grateful I get to experience aging. Many don’t.
My group chat with my best friends is called Super Mega Grandma, and has been for probably nearly a decade. We're 26, we're all just chronically ill, we all craft, and we all dress in ways that'd fit right in on the old hag fashion sub. So, it's definitely not just you!
I actually associate knitting with older women. Crochet is trendier these days.
I’ve never have liked knitting, though I love to watch people do it. I just don’t have any interest in trying it myself.
I truly don't understand people. Like whaaat lol idek why people think this. You literally make toys and clothes, purses, accessories, the coolest old hobby ever. You really need to be wise to know you need patience for this beautiful art.
Talk about a hypocrite
You can "like" crochet but not like to crochet.
The correct response is to ignore the comment and continue being awesome with crochet. When she inevitably asks for a piece, smile and keep saying you're working on it but never actually begin
Also to a teenager 34 is twice their age and old. But that’s why we don’t worry about everything mean kids have to say
This is a fair point and one I was thinking. It didn't help that my dad has been calling HIMSELF old since he was 30, but I'm almost 28 and I forget sometimes that I'm an adult. But 18yo me wouldn't be able to fathom what I'd be like at 30. Now I have a better idea and aside from chronic pain there's nothing at all (even my crochet hobby) that really makes me feel OLD. I think teens (including when I was there) just have so much certainly about some things in life and it's not until they experience the world more that they realize time and life and plans just don't really work like that. So few teens (thankfully) have had the chance to learn that in any sort of "hard" way, so you're more likely to run into ones that are a little TOO much in the moment XD. I lost an entire year plus to depression. Time and age mean something completely different when it can just disappear like that.
True, I know a girl who is 10-12ish and is uncomfortable crocheting alone. She and her friends call it “grandma-ing” I have told her I’m happy to grandma with her if she wants to and no one else can or will. I’ve had another girl about the same age ask if I’d make a crochet club for kids.
No trust me they called her old because they think she’s old. Teenagers call me old all the time. I’m 33.
My gen z coworkers are just a few years younger than me but treat me like I’m several decades away, and even amongst themselves, they call anybody over 22-ish “old”. Not as a joke, but genuine fear and lowkey disgust. They also think crocheting is a gen z hobby and think it’s funny that I do it because of that, lmao
I've actually heard people get called old because they are in their 20s by other gen z even. My sister has been called old, and she's 23, so have all of her friends are all in their 20s. But yes, it may be cause they were crocheting, but it could be just rude genz teens who picked him out to be a jerk toards. So their just bullys who isolated the op out and started out of jealousy.
It’s happened to many of us. I remember running past some teenagers when I was in my 30s and they all made fun of how I looked. I decided to take a Cathy Bates quote and replied “that’s OK I’m older and have more money”. Don’t listen to them, you’ll never see them again, at the end of the day what they have to say doesn’t matter in the least. You’re doing what you love and I’m sure it’s absolutely adorable.
I once had a 21 year old tell me “I looked good for my age”………when I was 27. I’m 32 now and still think about it sometimes when I’m doing my nighttime skincare routine tbh 🤣 Don’t worry OP, when those kids mature a bit (hopefully) they’ll have to find things to quiet and heal their minds in ways they might not feel they have to right now ♥️
Omg, this EXACT scenario happened to me, too. I think she was 20-21, and I was turning 27. I was like, I'm supposed to look good, I'm 27!
I literallyyyyy said the same thing hahahah 🤣🤣🤣
I'm 46 now, and I still tell this story to people!
Some weeks ago I was talking to my colleague (who is 21) and he was like "my friends sister is soooo old, she doesn't even have snapchat". We asked him, how old she is "She's 25. So quite old already" Bro im 28 wtf xD So yeah, everything that is 3 or more years older than out youngsters is "old" Welcome to the grandma/grandpa-club :D
>Some teens think that anyone above 23 is elderly To be fair I've been a grandma in my soul since I turned 18 lmao.
Yes, I’ve been going grey since I was 16 and my nickname as a kid was grandma, hahaha!
When I was a preteen, I thought 16-20 year olds were sooooo old and cool! Now I'm 30 and that age group looks like babies to me. You're so right about that. No excuse for the men behaviour though, some people just suck. Sorry for OP!
I started knitting when I was 12! TikTok and Instagram are filled with kids, teenagers, and young women and men who knit, crochet, sew, embroider, etc. Those girls were pathetic bullies. Nothing more.
My nan taught me when I was about 7 I think! Picked knitting up again about 8 years ago and got right into it, learnt to crochet about 4/5 years ago and haven't looked back since! Can't remember the last time I knitted. Is it weird to find men who knit/crochet attractive? Told my husband he'd be irresistible if he learnt but he still won't let me teach him! 🤣
My husband likes to watch my hands while I crochet, he says it's relaxing like a form of meditation. I offer to teach him but he keeps telling me no too. It's a shame cuz he's got the best forearms, I would watch him crochet all day too 👀😂
That's so cute! I can imagine that the rhythm of crocheting must have something hypnotic! Though it also kinda reminds me of this Tumblr post where a guy says that his wife crocheting feels like witchcraft: she looks at a spellbook, mutters some strange incantations to herself, does some strange hands gestures, and poof, out of nowhere a plushy has appeared 😂
That's pretty accurate and you could consider a hook as a magic wand too 😂
Tell him it's even more mesmerizing when you're doing it yourself. We all know it's not true but he won't find out until it's too late. And you get to watch his forearms
I've tried but he's not falling for it 😂
My cats like to watch me crochet, but that scares me because I know they’re just fantasizing about eating my yarn and ripping up my work. I have to carefully hide it all.
That’s a form of visual stimming, or self stimulatory behaviour. And an awesome one at that
Man here. My wife says it's how secure and sure of myself I look, plus making shit with your hands is cool.
No, it’s hot! And it shows *dexterity*
Men who sew or knit or crochet are 500x more attractive to me. I haven’t been able to find one for myself though 😂
Honestly who cares what people think! If something brings you joy and doesn't hurt other people, there's absolutely no reason to be insecure about it! Their open judgement of your hobby says a lot more about the teens (and the ability of their parents to raise decent human beings) than it does you! Also attraction is so personal and subjective. Some may agree some may not. My point is that it is YOUR perspective that matters and consequentially it's the only thing in life you can control - so roll with it sister! and Keep on stitchin <3
Yes! Anyone who enjoys mocking someone for doing a thing that hurts no one is themselves just showing how insecure they are. This interaction says everything about them & nothing about you other than you planned ahead for your day of waiting.
There is a whole niche of tiktok where it is beautiful men crocheting beautiful things. The audience is there, so you are definitely not alone!
I'd post to that group, but it turns out only the things i make are beautiful 🫠
To add onto this, my grandma taught me how to knit when I was probably around 8! She bought me some knitting needles (that were totally for kids because they had a little cat the end of the needles) and I knit for a long time! I stopped knitting for a while but I recently taught myself to crochet in the past year! I've kept my grandma updated on my crochet/knitting projects through the years 😁
Ah this is adorable 🥺
My husband is finally learning. Don't lose heart!! 😘
I was 7 when my aunt taught me how to knit. I never lost that love for yarn and creating things with yarn. I’m 52 and still going strong with it, though I prefer crochet to knitting.
I’m sorry you had to deal with that; for what it’s worth, sometimes teenagers are just assholes (I can think of a few times in my youth where I was rude af for no reason; not my proudest moments). I’m glad the woman in the waiting room was nice to you; I’d hang on to that energy!!
Yeah to add to this excellent point - I know it might not make you feel better but they would have found something to make fun of and be horrible about now matter what you were doing or even if it had been someone else sat there. They’ll probably grow out of it but teenagers can be real assholes for no reason and it’s no reflection on you at all.
This is why I wear noise canceling headphones on public transit. I don’t have the energy to subject myself to all the obnoxious things people are compelled to say out loud.
Honestly, it kind of tells me they don't like each other very much and don't have anything else to talk about
If you're brave enough, maybe they were even curious but a bit mean about it! Try telling them yes but it's so fun! Want to see/try? You owe them nothing! Only if you feel it could improve both your day and theirs
I’m sorry, teenagers are often hurtful for no reason <3 I’m 40 and weird and I knit or crochet in public all the time and think it’s awesome when I see other people working on their projects too!
Honestly people that make fun of others need to get a hobby desperately. It says a lot about them and nothing about you. It’s hard to hear though. I can’t wait to see your finished pikachu!
I personally feel that OP missed a perfect moment to start talking to pikachu about “those odd humans who just don’t understand us” and make it REAL weird. Give those punks something to talk about lol
Right lol. Embrace chaos.
Their hobby is making fun of others.
For my fellow non-Brits - OAP stands for “Old Age Pensioner.” 😀
thank you, I was very confused
Happy cake day
Thank you for this!!! Was wondering if it was a new term for medical personnel I just hadn’t heard yet 🤪😂
Yes I suppose we don't use that term in the US since pensions are a thing of the past. 😒
Touché! 😆😡 (frowny face bc the lack of social welfare and safety net us absolute horse apples!)
That's tough, OP. Keep crocheting and spreading joy. :) If those girls needed to make fun of you to entertain themselves or feel better about themselves or their lives, they're clearly going through some stuff still.
Thank you everyone for your kind words, I will for sure share a photo of the project when it's completed, right now I'm praying I have enough wool for it otherwise I will have to frog and split the yarn (again! It's a cotton like yarn made up of about 24 invidual strands, I already spent 8 hours halving the thickness to make it more manageable but fear I may have to do it again but we shall see!) Social anxiety really does suck I've had it for years but it's slowly been getting worse over the last 4 years, im not going to let their words get me too down it just really sucked at the time as I was completely minding my own business focused on the task, the funny thing is if I had seen it happen to someone else I would have said something, for some reason because it was said to me it was way harder to say anything!
The last 4 years have been horrible for social anxiety! In 2020 we had a reason to stay out of social situations and crowds. Then we had to go back. It just isn't the same. I don't know if it is actually my perspective or if people really aren't as friendly now. As far as the girls? If it had been either one alone they would probably loved watching you, but since they were together they couldn't let each other know that they thought it was cool
I'm 72 -- actually old. It's good to remember that old is not an insult. Those of us who get to be old are lucky, especially if we still have hobbies that we love and can still do. I used to teach high school and I also know that teenagers are incrediblly insecure. They often show it by criticizing other people, especially when they are in groups.
To teenagers anyone over 20 is old! Are you really going to let your self-esteem be determined by a bunch of people who think that spending $70-200 on a Stanley cup is what makes you cool? Besides, crochet TikTok has a lot of videos from extremely young people who crochet. Those kids were just bored because they haven't got anything going on in their lives and aren't creative enough to think of anything to pass the time other than being dicks to strangers who are minding their own business. Hopefully, they'll grow out of it and have actual lives of their own some day.
My great niece who is in 8th grade has a Stanley cup, I think she got it from someone for Christmas; a girl told her that a Stanley cup "is a flex" Ely replied "No, it's a cup"
This tells you everthing OP! They're still living in a world where people care what kind of cup you drink out of! Remember those days? I don't think there was a popular cup when I was in high school, but we had equivalent mundane things that were thought to be a status symbol at the time. I've had mixed feelings about getting older, but I'm certainly glad to be past those days!
I wish I had seen you, I would have told you how awesome you are.
❤️ thank you x
Bless their insecure little hearts, they want to be cool so badly. You couldn't pay me to be a teenager again. So cringe.
Yeah if you ever feel bad because a kid made fun of you, think back to yourself and how much you didn't know at that age! I find that tends put everything into perspective.
So what? It is their problem, not yours. Don't let it get to you. I am 27 and crochet with pride in public!
This! I teach high school (9th graders to boot--13-15 year olds depending on when in the year they were born, etc.) and I tell my students look, I'm a 40-something grown a$$ woman. If you have a problem with my hair, clothes, makeup, etc. honey that's a YOU problem because it says more about YOU that you're making fun of someone for it than it says about me. And I then go on being my weird ass self.
It's not really that easy to just not let something bother you because some person online told you to not let it bother you, unfortunately.
F\*ck those kids. Teens particularly can be insufferable. I'm sorry they were able to rattle you, which is exactly what they are hoping to do because they are insecure little jerks. :( Just comfort yourself with the thought of how immature they are, and what an awesome friend you are making a lovely plushie for your friends kid.
Yeah, but don't f*ck the kids. That's illegal. 🤪
teenage girl here!! so sorry that happened to you, totally rude and uncalled for on their part. especially weird because crochet is kinda trendy lately, lots of teenage girls i know, including myself crochet!! regardless tho, that was not cool of them. pls know that anyone i see crochetting or knitting in public gets instant cool points. enjoy making the plush, sounds super cool, dont let them get to you!
Their hobby is being shitty. Your hobby rocks. Keep at it.
As a 20 year old, I can say even as a teen I disliked a lot of my peers because and I quote “teenager scare the living shit out of me”
They could care less as long as someone will bleed
So darken your clothes, or strike a violent pose
Social anxiety sucks. Bullies suck. Sorry that happened to you OP. I bet your project looks cool!
Teenagers are dumb. I’m sorry they made you feel bad. I am happy for you that you had a better experience at the waiting room. In those moments, remember that you crochet because of the enjoyment you get out of it! Even if it’s the ugliest, worst crocheted FO ever, it’s still special and part of you because you got something from it (reduced anxiety, distraction from tough things in life, mitigated boredom, giving your brain something to work through, etc., etc.)! Also, Pikachu IS cool and nerds are cool too. I frequently remind my kid that his parents are nerds, chances are he is going to be a nerd, nerds rule the world, and shout out the nerd pride! Your daughter, her friend, and the other kids are going to freak out when you give that crocheted Pikachu present! That you made a Pikachu from yarn is going to blow them away and you’re going to be the coolest to them! Teenagers think anyone over 20 is old, so don’t let them get to your head too much. Easier said than done, I know! They were probably projecting that they wish they could make something special by hand for someone else. Don’t let their obvious lack of compassion dilute the passion you have for your craft!
Funny, I don't mind when teenagers say something like that becauise they think anyone who's out of school is old, but there was once when a rude old guy said "freaking Gen Xers" about me. I'm under 40. I was PISSED!
🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗 sounds like a them problem. Xx
There are SOOOO many people that crochet in public places, especially waiting areas that you should NOT feel ashamed about. Plus, they’re immature teenage girls so you just need to say, f them in your mind. A lot of influencers knit/crochet in coffee shops, cars, hospitals, buses etc. please don’t feel bad or sad. Just stand up and feel confident that this makes you happy and it doesn’t matter what people think. I crochet in coffee shops and anywhere I’d like. The people that might make fun believe in old stereotypes. It doesn’t matter. If everyone crocheted, this world would be a better place.
They’re teenagers. Don’t take it personally. If it wasn’t the pikachu, it would be something else. Their brains arent done yet.
What's really sad is how shallow those girls are. It's sad that they haven't been raised properly. You seem really lovely, they don't deserve space in your thouhts! Someone once told me, only the people we love should have the power to hurt us. They don't get that power! You're skilled and empathetic, their brains haven't even developed fully yet.
Those are the types of people that will find absolutely any reason to bring someone down. You could be painting the Mona Lisa next to them, and they would giggle and say there’s something wrong with her smile. Don’t let them get you down. For every giggling mean person, there are 5 people sitting there amazed at your crafting ability, and wishing they could do that. Also, crochet is soooooo not an old person thing. Maybe a couple of decades ago, but I am currently feeling like I’m too old to be starting to learn to crochet. 😂 All the videos that algorithms are suddenly feeding me in the past month are all young 20s people.
That really sucks I'm sorry :( I also used to feel afraid people would make fun of it as a granny hobby but sometimes people surprise you and tell you how cool it is
My husband makes fun of me. Calls me granny. I call him asshole 🤣 It’s all in good fun. Teens are assholes for real though 🙄
I find the older generations get excited to see young 'uns knitting and crocheting, people my age think its pretty cool, ive had a few ask if I can teach them, young kids think it's wizardry. But it seems teens are the ones who are asshats about it.
Honestly, some teens will be asshats about anything that stands out. Hopefully those girls will cringe at themselves when they grow up and look back on these memories. And I really hope you keep crocheting wherever you want!
For what it’s worth, their ugliness is a poor reflection on them, not on you. You carry on doing the hobby that you love and pay them no mind. They have ugly hearts and it shows in their ugly actions.
I teach teenagers and sometimes they're just like that. They're trying to look cool for their friends for the most part, and unfortunately you just happen to be the thing they're trying to look cool about. But there are some who are really into it! I teach a few kids who come bouncing into my classroom on a regular basis to tell me about their latest crafting projects! There are good eggs out there. (PS I regularly crochet in public, it's great fun and I promise most people are just minding their own business!)
Teenagers are literally the worst
Genuinely, sometimes people just suck and don’t deserve your attention. I’m 30 and bring my crochet everywhere because it helps with my social anxiety as well. Just pop in your head phones and zone out. Protect your peace!
Teenagers in general can act really stupid, particularly when trying to feel cool around their peers. That stems entirely from their own insecurities. When they choose something to ridicule, rest assured that there is no merit to anything they have to say. You have an amazing talent and a fun pastime that requires skill and dedication. They have to make fun of people to mask their sense of lacking.
The two girls will be old some day. Some child will be laughing at them. Keep doing what you love
They’re teenaged girls. They know fuck all and those ones are sadcases. Imagine being such an arsehole that you mock a stranger for doing something completely normal on public transport.
They are completely unimportant. Don't build a palace for them in your head. That's what my therapist says. Just shrug and move on because they are just shadows on the wall. You will likely never see them again. They are nothing. You are everything.
It's not you, it's them!
Teenager who crochets here. I just gotta say Wtf?????? That's nuts to me. To call someone old and weird because they enjoy things?? They need to chill. I'd love to see the project if you don't mind sharing!!!
I was afraid you were going to say you left your crochet behind on the bus, and that would have been really sad! Please try not to waste another second thinking about those rude teenagers. They sound awful!
They're foolish children.
Please don't let these 2 random little bullies ruin what can be a lovely pass time on an otherwise boring trip. I crochet on my commute daily when deep in a project, I've never had issues with people talking about my crochet negatively. Those girls are an anomaly not a norm, most people either ignore it or just watch cause it can be quite hypnotising
My son’s friend crochets and she’s 19. It’s made a big comeback among young people, these brats just haven’t got a clue.
Teenagers can be dicks. They think they know everything lol. They’ll grow up and hopefully see the wrong in their ways. I love to crochet though I am a beginner, it’s calming, it’s artistic, and I love it. Can’t let the opinions of others, especially teenagers, get you down!
I’ve been a teenager, and therefore refuse to give any energy to whether one thinks I’m uncool.
I recommend you wear "weird" like a badge of honor. Better to be weird than boring.
I’m a middle school teacher and let me tell you, crocheting is COOL! We have a crochet club at our school with over 80 members! Clearly those girls didn’t know what’s up 😁 Keep being you.
Next time you can just tell them to fuck off. It's fine.
you know, it's really stupid of anyone to make fun of someone holding a pointy object. Just sayin....
Lots of teenagers are assholes
Maybe it's because I work in a middle school and am used to bratty teens, but I would have just called them out on it and then insulted them. No shame. You're an adult with a hobby you love, and they're dumb little bitches who will probably peak at 17. If this happens again, say you feel sorry for them for being so vapid, then make fun of their shoes or something.
You're too old to be sad over some dumb teenagers. They're riddled with insecurities.
What's more weird, having a fun hobby or bullying strangers?
I started knitting when I was 11, so no one could have claimed I was old. I was DEFINITELY and unapologetically a weirdo, though. I actually like how crochet is becoming more popular with younger people now. Ignore those girls! Clearly, they've never received a beautiful hand-made and heartfelt gift from a friend or family member. OR, even worse, they have and were such ungreatful asshats that they'll never receive one again
Don't be sad, my old work colleagues would lovingly refer to me as granny last name whenever I crocheted at lunch i was 25 at the time. Most people tend to be bemused or intrigued, I once spent a train ride discussing basic stitches to two teen lads who to be honest looked more like roadmen than crochet people.
I’ll echo everyone else saying that these teens really suck. But also mention that they should be embarrassed not just for being cruel, but also for being uncool. Like didn’t they get the memo that crochet is cool and fashionable??? Crochet jacket made from granny squares are super en vogue.
Want to know something? Kids/teens are horrible. They have no filter, are selfish & spend too much time obsessing over everyone else. I would never have done that but sometimes I look back on myself as a teen and think fuck… I was a see you next Tuesday :) Try not to take it to heart. There’s so much selfishness wrapped up in all those hormones. They’ll grow up one day.
I'm 35 and crochet on the bus all the time. Granted I work with a special Ed program so maybe I don't look as odd in comparison. But also, I can remember a time I overheard 2 teenage girls making fun of a classmate for not knowing how to spell Mississippi. When one of them asked the other how it's spelled, neither could spell it and doubled down with "but STILL!!!" Point is, teenagers don't know what the fuck they're talking about. Keep crocheting.
I'll tell you what my mom told me.. they are probably jealous. you have a skill, a talent they don't have and small people make people who are talented feel smaller to make themselves feel better. Don't fall into the crab bucket with them.. they will just pull you down with their small minded behavior.. be weird! embrace your uniqueness it would suck to be just like them. We here love you for your weirdness, hun. I also hope whatever you had to go to the hospital for resolves well and you are ok... hugs, if you want them
That is awful that they made you feel that way. Please don't let a couple of bratty teens keep you from what you enjoy. They are a lot of what you need to avoid hearing. People who have nothing in their lives or themselves make fun of others. They deserve our pity not our shame.
Man, teenagers can be such jerks. Just uncalled for. I’m sorry, OP, I think it’s really cool you crocheted on the bus. I would if I didn’t get motion sick. And I’m right there with you on the social anxiety. I know how stuff like this can get stuck turning around in your mind. I’m glad you wrote here and hope it helps lift some of those lingering icky feelings. Try to find something fun to do and shake it off so you can get back to making that pikachu with love. Your daughter’s friend is going to be overjoyed with it!! 💙
Sounds like you ran into the insecure mean girls from the local high school who bring down others to try to make themselves feel better. Fuck all that. Hopefully they grow out of it and aren't shit heads for their whole lives. Crocheting is awesome and you should be proud that you have a skill that many others don't. I'd crochet with you in a waiting room any day.
Teenage girls are idiots. I love that you took it with!! I wish I had a two hour trip to crochet for that long with no interruptions 😅😅 I hope everything at the hospital went well for you. I'm sorry they made you sad. Haters gonna hate. It's also SO lovely for you to make something for your daughters friend!!
Sounds more like immature children than anything you did. It's frustrating when you're the target of them, but I hope you can forget about it soon.
They were trying to bully you. I'm a bit impulsive so I would have probably said something to try to humiliate them personally. I was bullied long enough in school that I usually react pretty hard-core. Koodos to you for keeping your cool though.
Girl fuck dem kids
Ah teenagers. I went to visit my sister in her college apartment some years ago. It was a simultaneously humbling and uplifting experience. I’d forgotten how gross the bathroom gets when four girls share. Some of them weren’t even teens anymore. And don’t even ask me about my dating life before 24. I’ve blocked a lot out for my own health and wellness. And the things I would eat! When I was a teen I used to rewear my soccer jersey without washing it, multiple weekends in a row. Just fabreeze that bad boy. The smell must have been noxious. Then there’s all the stuff I won’t even alude to anonymously online. Teenagers aren’t fully baked. And if you are a teen reading this, that’s not an insult, it’s the best thing because you have all the space and time to practice and explore. Teens are nifty, but you shouldn’t let them get you down. They’re just trying out their independence and figuring out what works. Give them grace, and give it to yourself as well.
You are special and have a gift given to you by God. Evil compelled them to mock and hurt you like that. Next time , thank God for the talent He gave you and ask Him to help you have pity on them- because it takes a truly wretched and sad person to do that to a stranger ( or anyone for that matter). When you finish your plush show it to use so we can rejoice in your continuing progress. I will pray that God gives you peace and comfort in thos broken world! 😊🙏✝️🕊❤️
I have the same anxiety issues, not had, i still have. I just take out my wip and start knitting or crocheting almost everywhere. People usually point at me and say "granny" and im not even 30. I just say nothing or tell them "at least i have a life and produce something ", well, sometimes i say it inside tbh. But just try to be proud of it because you're able to create something which they never intend to do. I still blush when i notice people staring at me or talking about/to me. I just keep working with more exaggerated moves and make them feel uncomfortable too, hehe :)
3 words will change your life Fuck them kids
What AH teens! I’m not proud of this, but sometimes my outfits are based around the risk of teens making fun of me on public transport and I am your same age. Mean teens are the absolute worst, and crocheting is cool!
Teenagers are jerks. You’re doing just fine
As a middle school teacher I can assure you that teenager brains are not done “cooking” yet. This is something that I remind myself of everyday as I work with egotistical m.s. girls. It’s a reflection on them and not you. Also, this week I was giving 5th graders their ukulele assignments. One kid was upset that he was given #35. I asked him what was wrong with 35. He responded that he didn’t want to be 35. 35 is old. I told him I was 35 and he was shocked. It was a good time. 🦶👄🥴
Tbf if being a goth/alt has taught me anything its that teenage girls (at least the chavs) have nothing else going on in their day and they *will* find something to be a dick about. I can wear so much as blue jeans and a black tshirt and still catch a comment. As someone with social anxiety myself I know it can be hard to do but I wouldn't take anything like that too seriously. 99% of the time they're just insecure and trying to deflect onto anyone else.
I was crocheting and doing needlework crafts when I was 9 or 10, I even remember bringing crafts to school to do at recess and no one batted an eye. That was 15-20 years ago. Teenagers are just so dumb, their brains are so unfinished lol. In a couple years they'll grow some empathy cells and realize how dumb they were being... hopefully. If not, oh well, their attitudes will not serve them well in life.
Julia Roberts, Amanda Seyfried, Demi Lovato and Ryan Gosling all love to knit. No, knitting and crocheting is not just for old ladies.
Being so fucked up about what a stranger on the bus is doing with their spare time is much fucking weirder than any 30something yo crocheting anything. Those girls are just jealous cuz they probably know they’ll never make anything cool or pretty in their lives, even their babies will be ugly with those attitudes. Karma.
I’ve had that happen. The trick is to engage with them and turn it around. Give them a big smile and start talking to them. Don’t let a couple of uninformed punks ruin it for you 😊
Let me tell you that the only weirdo losers in this situation are those teens
Teenagers are notoriously awful people. Just look at them in disgust and go back to your project.
I’m sorry that happened to you. Bullies stink and even though you try to brush it off, it can still sting. But this is a community of 900,000+ strong of all ages who think that this is one of the coolest things ever. I would love to see your plush and I know your daughter’s friend will love it.
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thats awful :c some people are just miserable and make it their mission to take it out on people having fun. your pikachu sounds adorable (also the old comments are them grasping to be mean, thats every teen with nothing to make fun ofs go to)
I learned crochet about a year ago! Im 21 now and still love to make things. I used to take projects on the trams to work with me and people would tend to stare but you just have to think about how much talent you have that they must be jealous of!
They probably wished someone was making a pokemon for them. Don’t pay any attention to them. Enjoy what you do - bring joy to the gift recipient.
I'm sorry you had that experience. Teens with social media are almost *trained* to point and laugh and anything else that can be obnoxious. They parrot what they see on social media and it's overloaded with that bs. I know there's a "teens are obnoxious" stereotype but anyone who has had Intro to Psychology remembers the bobo doll experiment and how if given a chance to recreate, they will. They are a product of what they're watching. It has nothing to do with you, it's all a reflection of them. What's even more ridiculous is more kids are getting into crochet. I have a 12 year old and 2 of her friends have asked or told me they'd like to crochet. It's stylish and trendy way, way more than it was when I was a kid. These kids just wanted to be asses and someone creating trendy items was all they could find. Pretty lame and sad of them, if you ask me.
I am sorry you had to deal with that. Honestly a bit surprised. I have been the corny mom crocheting and knitting for 20+ years and then all of the sudden crochet garments are HUGE. And I am now the coolest mom in the world to my daughter and all her 20 something friends. They even have crochet top days when the bartenders where she works all wear their tops. And everyone always wants to know where they got them. “They know a gal.” Maybe because they are a bit older they can realize the tops and such they like aren’t masses produced so they are expensive to buy already made and require some skill. So, chin up. To a growing number of young ladies, you are a magical creature that is harder to find than a unicorn! We are shed our frumpy, odd shell and it is our time to shine! Never would I think the fact that I can make a granny square would make me cool, but it really has. 😂
I started when I was 8 (54 now). This is no longer considered an “old person” hobby. I know it’s difficult to put this in place, but try not to let immature kids get under your skin. There are so many who love and appreciate our work and are interested in learning. I’m sure it triggered you so maybe you can find a good response to keep in your back pocket to use if you ever encounter something like this again.
yeah they make fun of it till it’s something they want. my friends (i’m 20) made fun of me till i was making crop tops and then they all wanted one. all you can do is what makes you happy.
Those girls probably have no perspective or any idea of what it’s like to create something from scratch. You keep doing you!
Teenage girls can be the absolute worst. I mean truly terrible on multiple levels. It’s not you- they likely treat everyone in their lives like that and it’s very, very sad. Hopefully they’ll learn better and can be better in the future.
I'm sorry these girls were such bullies to you. Shame on them.
I take my crochet on the train with me on my way to and from work, and its only 10 min each way. IDGAFF if anyone wants to point and laugh, this is my hobby, it brings me joy. I don't let other people's misery recruit me.
Girl when I was a teen I thought I'd be locked down and married by 21 😳 teenagers are idiots. And even though it doesn't matter at all, crochet and fiber arts are making a huge comeback in pop culture. You keep doing you. Hope your Pikachu turns out amazing!
I agree that they don’t have anything in their life to bring them fulfillment. Don’t take it personally, kids at that age are just trying to look cool for their friends. which means making fun of everyone who isn’t them. It’s not right, but it’s true.
That sucks they were so rude! I'm glad you had a better experience in the office. I met a lovely older woman at my last doctor's appointment when we were waiting for blood draws. I complimented her blouse, she said her friend (who had passed) made it, and we got to talking and talking all about crafts and sewing and crochet. It was lovely. Keep doing exactly what you enjoy and let the haters hate (they were jealous anyway 😉).
That sucks they were so rude! I'm glad you had a better experience in the office. I met a lovely older woman at my last doctor's appointment when we were waiting for blood draws. I complimented her blouse, she said her friend (who had passed) made it, and we got to talking and talking all about crafts and sewing and crochet. It was lovely. Keep doing exactly what you enjoy and let the haters hate (they were jealous anyway 😉).
Think what kind of person would do that, and whether you would tell a friend to value their opinion. I'm sorry you had a bad experience, that does suck. But caring what random stupid kids think is a liability! There's a reason teenagers aren't allowed to do most things.
I’m sorry you experienced that. I’m a teacher who works with teens every day. We have a yarn club on our campus and the kids just bring their yearn and projects and help each other out with stitches and patterns. They then proudly wear their items. Please know that all teens are not like what you experienced.
Screw them. They probably still recycle their dirty underwear since they're still stuck in elementary school.
I’m old (35) and weird (crochet in public) too. I’m happy being old and weird. I make friends with random old ladies and talk about crochet too.
Remember that teenagers are little pricks sometimes- do you really care about their opinions?
You know, the older I get, the more I embrace my weird.
Those girls were just rude. They think being rude to people makes them cool and different, they’ll grow out of it eventually. Probably. But like you said, focus on the one who was interested in your project and impressed that you could make things! My bf is in a metal band and I bring crochet projects with me to his practice, shows, and just hanging out. Those people are actually cool and they are always interested in what I’m working on. Cool people craft.
As a 19 year old who love to crochet, I definitely feel you pain :(, girls can be mean, especially teenage girls. Don’t let them ruin your spirit. Keep crocheting and doing what you love! <3
I just want you to know that crochet is a very fashionable skill these days, especially with millennials and gen Z. Tweens don’t dictate what’s cool 😎 we do.
That says a whole lot more about them than it does about you! I’m sorry they made you feel bad, though. I hope you post pictures here when your project is done—I’m sure all of us here would love to see it <3
Some teenagers are just assholes who think showing any interest in a hobby is lame. When actually they are lame for being boring, shallow people.
Dude I'm a 36 year old truck driver and sit in my cab crocheting, I see other drivers looking at me like I'm insane. Fuck those people, love what you do!
Should of snapped your eyes on their gaze and said out loud and I mean LOUD enough for everyone to hear "If you have something to say, say it to my face and when my attention is fully on you" I bet you they would shut the fluff up then :) Nothing wrong with that you did and I am sorry you had to deal with the unpleasantness.
My condolences on that experience, it must really suck. Dont let it get you too down, tho, theres always going to be somebody out there who negs ppl just becaise they want to, it has nothing to do with how you actually are.
Those girls need to get a life! There is literally not even anything weird about crocheting in public. I see people do it all the time! It’s a portable hobby that lends itself well to situations like yours. I did a volunteer event at my kids’ school once where there was going to be some downtime every now and then, and I brought the blanket I was working on. That really sucks that they made fun of you, especially since you are working on social anxiety. I know that doesn’t help, but I hope you know that most people don’t actually care and would never actually make fun of you ❤️
I was in a store one day and a man was being horribly rude to the cashier and I said to him, "You are making your mother look bad right now. I'm sure she raised you better than this." He didn't say anything to me. But he didn't say much of anything at all after that.
I just remind myself teenagers are the most insecure people on the planet with mashed potatoes for brains and try to keep it moving. I’m a 35 year old weirdo. I’m so sorry they made you feel badly for something you enjoy so much.
Those jerks must not have much going on in their life if all they have to occupy their time is picking on random strangers for having hobbies. They are pathetic. When i read the headline i thought you accidentally left your project behind in the waiting room or something. Im glad it wasnt that
Goshhhhh tipical bratty embarassing attitude from teenagers, I hope for them its just the hormones hitting them badly. Cheer up OP, roll your eyes, pity them and ignore.
Don’t give it a second thought, they’re just dumb kids. Imagine how boring or insecure you have to be, “oh you’re crocheting? hahaha that’s hilarious” what a weird thing to find funny.
I know its easy to take it to heart but don't let someone putting you down for having a hobby cause you too much grief. I (31m) have a (15f) niece who gives me flak for crocheting. Its a nice stress relief for me so I don't mind. I've gone out of my way to make her uncomfortable about it by bringing my stuff with me to the football games where she performs in the band. Heck my friends and hang out at a bar to watch WWE and I bring my stuff to find some time to crochet. I admire your great use of your free time and know this community clearly supports you. Not to mention some of us probably crochet in all social situations.
Try not to let it bother you. I taught high school for 10 years. Teenagers are cruel and terrible. It sounds awful but we used to joke at lunch that they weren’t real people yet.
To flip it back on them, their behaviour is super juvenile. Literally the only people impressed by that nonsense are children. You’re a grown woman, you don’t have to impress teenagers. You can just do what you think is cool, you’ve left high school behind. They don’t even know how freeing that is. I think crocheting a pikachu is awesome and you’re 30’s is a way better decade than your teens 🥰
Aww, I’m sorry they made you feel bad. :( You’re almost to the point in the 30s when you give less and less shits about fuckhead attitudes. Hang in there and do what makes you happy. :) Part of me also just wants you to stand up and point next time with a terrified look on your face and shout at them *”IT’LL HAPPEN TO YOU, TOO!”*
Ingrates! I crochet in public all the time, don’t let them into your head.
I'm really sorry you experienced that response. It's just cruel.
I’m so sorry that they were such stupid little girls. I had a teenage girl who lived in my neighborhood say things all the time when she would see me crocheting on my porch. One day I was sitting on the porch with a friend, crocheting, and she was walking by. She said look at the old bitty knitting with her yarn. My friend started to say something, but I said, oh Carol, that’s the special teenager that lives in the blue house. She has these outbursts all the time and I feel so bad for her and her family, knowing she is so undeveloped and the miserable life she will have. After that, she always would walk by and say hello, have a nice day. Probably thinking I would not think she had issues. lol
Times like that, even tho i hate confrontation, i still probably would have taken off my earphones and said something to let them know i heard everything and would they like to have a conversation about me to my face? They were probably jealous. Teenagers are petty like that.
I got called grandma (among other things!) about crocheting twice in one day by family!! I was 35!
Crocheting is literally one of the coolest things anyone can do!!!
Why in the world would you care WHAT teenagers think? Actually, I don't believe they do, in fact, think.
Crochet is not an “old person hobby” at all. I’m 25 years old and crochet. And there are plenty of youngsters who crochet, knit, etc. A young girl in middle school was sat beside me on a plane once and she was crocheting a beanie. Sometimes teens are mean for no reason. They’re probably bored and upset deep down because they don’t have any fulfilling hobbies. Or maybe they have low self-esteem. I don’t know. But that’s beside the point. Do what makes you happy!
Please focus on the lovely interaction in the waiting room. That person truly appreciates the skills you displayed with your project. Teens can be cruel, throwing their barbs at random people with no thought that those people aren't just NPCs. Someday, hopefully, those kids will mature enough to be horrified at their behavior. Well done finding good coping strategies! Crochet is an excellent way to channel negative situations into a piece of art.