I got that look again today...

[That70sHeidi]

The first time I stitched at work my boss was startled, then disbelieving, then asked if I was stitching "bats and hexes."

...

Many of the ladies couldn't believe I was a stitcher. And when I got my equally "not that type" best friend doing it, it was even more, shall we say, ostracizing. It's not that the coworkers didn't like needlework, it was just US doing it somehow sullied the craft.

Over half a dozen years later, we rewind and replay the scene.

So today, before I even arrived at the office I'd hit my 40 hours and was 1 over. In addition, I was there at 6:30am, through no fault of my own, and knowing all this I brought my darn Random Blocks piece with me to do at lunch. If one is going to work an 11 hour day of straight overtime, one needs a distraction, correct?

I went out to an area away from everyone, where usually a few people come to use the bathrooms (you know, the "distant" bathrooms, so as not to offend the coworkers, which incidentally makes it really uncomfortable for those who spot you sneaking off to take a quiet poo because now we KNOW you're sneaking off to take a quiet poo, brilliant job there Stealth-O).

And of COURSE we had several people go past or at least see me that were open-mouthed astonished that I was sitting there stitching happily.

You'd think I rode a broom to work, or sacrificed small fuzzy animals in my leisure time or something, the way people react to this!

I understand that yes, it's a little bit of an "older person" hobby, but if you just look at my darn pattern you'll see it's not the usual "Cat on a Fence" or "Adorable Chicken and Future Nuggets," no no no. It's stuff in keeping with the sarcastic, overly chill, witty and sometimes naughty admin you all know and adore!

On the positive side of all this is that I am, in fact, getting older, inching ever closer to the age more appropriate of a bag of floss beside her and a needle clenched in her teeth. But good grief, is it too much to ask for the common courtesy to mask the shock or horror of me wielding tiny scissors and a feisty gleam??

[Rose]

I have had many people stop and ask WHAT I am doing but more just curious as it seems no one cross stitches not so much that I am a 3 eyed ogre.

Now when I am crocheting you would think I was spinning straw into gold or some such thing.

[Jilly]

I don't go in for stitching in public places much,I did do some in the hospital waiting room when my Daughter had her scans etc, I was aware of being noticed,but had no comments. I have just prepared my travel cross stitch bag again as she is having her next baby in June,so her first scan is due on the 19th

[Serinde]

Congrats, illy!

I exaggerate slightly when replying to this poll. I rarely stitch in public mainly because my pieces usually are too big and complicated. And because I need a magnifier for the finer fabric I often use. However, on the rare occasions I'm out and about with a needle, I mostly get excellent feedback: I'm sure several people had strained neck muscles on that Stirling to Edinburgh train! I also was (when younger) stitching by my mother's hospital bedside. The nurses were all very interested and complimentary, which (given the circumstances) was rather thoughtful.

[ConnieO]

I'm with you Serinde, most of my projects are simply not that portable.

But my favourite is flying, you can spot your fellow stitchers quickly and everyone usually likes to have a peek at each other's work. Great way to pass the time on a trans-atlantic!

[Rachael]

I would and have stitched in public ,but I don't go anywhere to take it with me,If I am in a waiting room I tend to take a book which is quicker to put the bookmark in between pages, than making sure I have all my stash items when my name is called, But if we go anywhere I have the kids to sort so stitching is not Ideal,but if the situation is right I would happily take my stitching!

[Jilly]

I have found that simple designs are a must for me if I stitch away from home, Mouseloft do some very cute kits that are very useful for cards.

[mags]

I like blackwork or monochrome for away from home projects. There's only one colour floss to grapple with and the patterns are easier to concentrate on when there is 'stuff' happening around you.

mags

[Kitsune]

I (being a cute 27 year old) tend to get the "Really, what's that?" sort of comments.

Then I took my christmas stuff to gaming and one of the new players looked at me with astonishment and couldn't get over the idea of somebody (anybody!!!) doing that sort of stuff.

He said it was an exinct craft and that nobody did stitching anymore, not even embroidery!



I gave up correcting him at that point and continued stitching.

I do however, still take my stitching to work for lunch hours and breaks. Usually only during the cold times of the year though... I'm usually trying to finish a Christmas gift.

[Rose]

Isn't it amazing how people just assume that no one does "that" sort of thing anymore. If no one is doing this type of thing then why are there so many books, magazines and other crafting supplies out there and on the web.

[Kitsune]

Because there's a lot of stuff for insane people to spend their money on when surfing the web? Whether you're part of minority hobbie or not?

[Genevieve]

When I was in hospital another patient came across and said 'Oh, I thought it was only me who did that sort of thing' and wandered away again!

But you're right, Rose - there's an awful lot of money being made from people who still enjoy this 'extinct craft'. 'Go figure' as you say across the pond.

[rubyviolet]

i hate it when people say "don't old people do that?" my boss' son always calls me a granny when he sees me doing it i didn't know you had to be a certain age to enjoy a hobby...

[Ekidna]

I stitch in public when I have appointments or tests that I know will take forever, ( I have a thing about picking up books and magazines in these places, I can literally "see" all the germs that are multiplying on every surface), if I'm travelling, or if I go out for the day where the people I'm with are likely to want to wander about and generally do things that require more energy than I have got, I take my stitching. Not my huge pieces on frames, just little hoop pieces that are handy.

I have noticed that people ALWAYS come and have a look at what I'm doing, either out of curiosity or because they or someone they know are stitchers, I quite enjoy it actually, especially if I'm on my own, nice to be able to chat away about stitching!!

I will add however that it can be a disadvantage as each hospital visit I've had for tests and so on, I have been last in because I've got something to do. Even though the letter they send to EVERYONE does say to bring a book or something to do while you wait WITH you! I don't mind most times as it means hours (usually) of uninterrupted stitching!!

[That70sHeidi]

There was a woman on the bus (when I commuted) that would sit in the sideways seats up front and work on needlepoint and a felt xmas stocking for the hour-long ride home.

I couldn't watch her. Seeing her doing this while rocking sideways just made ME motion sick!

I want to do more in public, especially some of my text designs, but I'm having a hard time finding fonts that translate well to stitching.

[Serinde]

I found the huge alphabet thread for you, and have left a message on it so as to bring it up to the surface again. Hope it helps.