Tas over at Little Boozle wrote a post about the ettiquette of crocheting/ knitting etc. when people come over to your house say, for dinner. Not only do I think this it is OK and I would also add in embroidery, sewing little faces onto these and mending holes etc in clothing to the list of activities I think are ok to do in front of other people. It is not like I am sitting there touching myself! Anyway I raised the point that not only do I do it at home ( the crafting I mean!) I will take crocheting when we go to other peoples houses for dinner- quite often I will be making a beanie for one of their kids but it has never once occured to me that people would be offended by it? I just don't cope with idle hands. I still contribute to the conversation and make eye contact, I don't see the problem.
Also if you are at all interested the lovely Cam interviewed me at her blog Curlypops as part of her Creative Peeps series, awfully nice of her I do think.
I've had this same issue come up amongst a group on non-crafty friends. It was a dinner party, and after dinner, one of the girls started knitting and took herself out of the social conversation that was going on. Others in the group thought it was weird.
ReplyDeleteI think that if she'd been knitting but also kept socialising with the group, then it wouldn't have been an issue.
People who don't really craft seem more bemused than offended when I take my port-a-project out. And I agree with Cam - as long as it doesn't exclude you from being involved with the conversation, it's generally absolutely fine! And also, how are we supposed to educate the masses about handmade if they're never exposed to making?
ReplyDeleteHmmm... not sure. I think it's probably more socially awkward than rude - I think it's partly the company you're keeping. I have no problem sitting down to watch tv or have a conversation with family members and knitting at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI haven't really done it with anyone else, because most of those situations mean I am around a couple of toddlers and that just wouldn't work.
Reading a book would be rude.
Just saw your comment over at Little Boozle, perfectly acceptable! But then, my guests are usually familiar with my habits...I also make them pie so, I figure I can do what I please.
ReplyDeleteIf there is any truth to that then I am the rudest hostess/guest/friend there is. I knit and crochet whenever I have a spare moment. I assume everyone who knows me understands and accepts this. to be honest if they don't then I don't really care anyway. I hate to waste a moment. I have so much to make and like you don't like to have idle hands.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great question to ask. Being a recent convert to crochet, there is many a time when I just want to be busy making my things.
ReplyDeleteI think that when someone is in my home, they should not think anything of it. It is your home and you are just behaving as you normally would. As long as you are not being rude, no problems at all keeping fingers busy!!
Taking things with me is where I struggle! Many a time I have taken my projects along with me to places, but I just cant seem to pull it out and get on with the project, as I always worry about what people will think. I find it hard, as I am the only person I know in a wider circle of friends who does any type of craft. My close group of friends would think nothing of it.
If you can keep up with the conversation and eye contact I don't see what difference it makes. Maybe they are just jealous they didn't think of it!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your wonderful house story on my blog. Got everything crossed that it all works out with ours!
Beth
My daughter only said to me yesterday , why can't I just watch tv like normal mothers ???
ReplyDeleteI've taken my knitting to conferences, where I'm sure they think i'm not paying attention, in fact it keeps me awake! But have also pulled it out after dinner and not gotten involved with cleaning up = naughty, so it depends on your situation, I guess. If no one else minds, I think it's fine. I'[d love it if someone did it at my house, i'[d join em and leave the dishes for the next day!
ReplyDeletegreat question!
ReplyDeletehow would you feel cath if i came over and whipped out my dslite to play at the dinner table?!!!
:-)
I think it depends on the company. I have so much trouble concentrating on two things at once, I don't think I could anyway!
ReplyDeleteI love watching my sister knit, and she can certainly talk!
I think it depends on the company sometimes...but I definitely do this when family are over :)Great question...I wonder if I could get away with it at work? Hmmm...worth a try!
ReplyDeleteHow's this for undecided: I voted for the top two options! Probably because I think I once thought it terribly rude and because I. can't. keep. my. hands. still!
ReplyDeleteI usually take something along, people are interested and often want to know how it is done.If they are your friends, they won't mind, should be glad you feel confortable enough in their home to take something along - same in my house too :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think it is rude as long as you can do it and still be part of what is going on. Having said that, there rae places I wouldn't take it as I know those friends just don't get it and would think it is rude. We had some of my husband's work colleagues over for dinner on the weekend, and one of them pulled out the sock she was knitting after dinner.
ReplyDeleteBetween crocheting, hostessing and drinking my coffee, I do find myself wondering how people just sit and don't do anything. What a waste. And how boring.
ReplyDeleteHi Cath, I grew up with this being totally acceptable amongst my extended family and thankfully it still is to this day. We chat and craft and love it! Unfortunately, that is not the case with my in-laws or many of my friends. I often pack something compact like knitting or crochet when going to visit but don't feel comfortable getting it out in many cases.
ReplyDeleteHmm this is an interesting issue. I have never thought to crochet in front of people but this week I tested it out a bit after reading this post. I blogged about it this morning. I think it's a bit hard if the people you are crafting in front of don't understand the passion for it.
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