Crafty pastimes are making a comeback
Crocheting is just one of the many “grandma” hobbies trending on social media among young people looking for creative outlets.
Old-fashioned pursuits, such as knitting, baking, gardening, scrapbooking and embroidery have made a comeback as more Millennials and Generation Zs have been putting down their phones in favor of “grandma” hobbies that have been trending on social media. Record players and old-school cameras are examples of how young people are embracing slow living, nostalgia, coziness and simplicity. Even bird watching is trending.
Ashley Hansen (19) saw a certain style of crocheted hat so she decided to try her hand at making it. “Almost all of my friends craft, whether it is crocheting, drawing, painting, collaging or making/altering clothing and jewelry. We all love spending our time in the arts,” Ashley stated.
The beauty of all these hobbies is that the stakes are low yet the results are tangible, giving young brains a technology rest and a creative reward. “I am overstimulated all day with screens, so embroidery is super therapeutic and restful but it is also fun to complete a project,” said another young adult. “Embroidery has a low barrier to entry because it is inexpensive, the project doesn’t take up much room and it is easy and satisfying.”
While it is fun and relaxing to be cozy at home doing a hands-on project, many of these crafts are portable so they can easily be brought along on trips or done alongside friends. Hobbies offer the opportunity to connect with others over shared interests such as joining a knitting club or taking baking classes.
Hobbies teach young people that they do not need to earn an achievement award to have fun, and it is okay if it is not perfect. According to Harvard Health Publishing, hobbies involve creativity, sensory engagement, self-expression, relaxation and cognitive stimulation, which are linked to good mental health and well-being. Hobbies may help young people battle anxiety, depression and loneliness. It is less important what the hobby or craft is, and more about the interest and engagement.
“We all tend to reach for our phones out of habit, but when my hands are busy drawing, I don’t even think about my phone,” said Katie (25). Screen-free entertainment is easy to find; there are hundreds of online tutorials for cross-stitching, baking bread, collaging, making jewelry and just about any hobby. If one is lucky, there may even be the possibility of asking grandma.
Embroidery is another relatively easy, inexpensive, portable and gratifying hobby that is hugely popular right now with young people.
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos
