Trying to get up enough courage to beat back my social anxiety and go to Knit Night at my local yarn shop. I’d love to get out of the house. But I’m kinda nervous about crocheting in front of people because I’m super slow at the best of times. 😂
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You’re singing my socially anxious song. I hope you can face down those invisible demons. It’ll probably be welcoming and lovely. And if it isn’t, you can give ‘em the finger on your way out.
I’m sure it will be. There are a couple other crocheters that usually go. I’m just so not good with group situations. I’m a very introverted person who wants desperately to be an extrovert. 😂
Go. Knitters are kind and we all need community right now. They may ask questions because they are curious. Breath and remember you belong too. And, if they are a click of school girls, you have the right to leave ( but hopefully unlikely)
I would imagine that most people be concentrating on their own needlework and not looking around at what everyone else is doing. (But then again I don't get out much)
Go! You won't be the only slow one there. I was nervous about going to the gym thinking I'd be surrounded by major magnificent bodies. NOT so. People of all shapes, sizes, and ages.
I have the same anxiety; with a lot of therapy and practice been able to learn that people are focused on themselves and not actually judging me, and if they are they are they're ones with a problem. Talk yourself into going and if gets bad, claim a migraine and leave. Reward yourself if you go.
I have social anxiety as well and this is my “go to” way of getting myself out and about.
I tell myself that I can always leave.
Just get thru the door and decide then and there.
One day at a time.
Go! Your nervous system will thank you! I’ve been crocheting, scarves and hats and things since the election. I just give stuff away in my town, but it has helped my nerves. Go and relax! Just my opinion.💙🇺🇸💙🇺🇸💙🇺🇸🫶
Most people that are really talented at those skills are there to mentor and help you learn. I would think you will not be looked down on but learn lots of great techniques and hacks. If anyone there IS like that, I bet they get shot down fast. I say work up the courage once and go see.
I totally understand the social anxiety. 🫂🫂 Give it a try. I don’t think they’ll be judging you. I think these groups are more about community than anything. 🫂🫂
I did end up going. And I had a really good time. Two of the women who were there are also nurses/nursing instructors. So we gave everyone a refresher course and why nurses are very rarely invited anywhere. 😂😂
So am I. Both to the social phobia and slow knitter/crocheter. Ask people what they’re working on. If someone is rude enough to comment on your pace, say “the joy in crafting is the act of crafting itself, not the result. So why would I rush?”
I had this same issue but with speaking Dutch at the Dutch restaurant/store in Denver two days ago. I look at it as a start and the people I got to speak with were happy that I was even trying. Go do it! You will be glad you did.
Maybe this’ll help: I started CrossFit 1yr ago, 64yo chair job for 40 years. Couldn’t jump or run. Coaches have to mod exercises for me. We all cheer each other on. Now, I can jump 12”. The camaraderie is the same.
It’s a social activity, not a competition; they’ll love you no matter your level.
I don’t know you, but think of all of the years of quilting bees and craft nights. My experience is that most would comment on your work id they have a gentle suggestion to help you get better. Let us know if you go! I really hope so!
I’m sure others feel worried too, but I honestly feel that most of us would be more worried about our own stitches and hoping to add some social time than picking apart someone else’s stitches.
Aww. Would the women really judge you for speed, tho?
Just go. Sometimes we psych ourselves out for no reason.
One time I went to a ladies craft night & assembled a diy hinge for my fridge door that kept falling off, no one gaf.
You are lucky to know how to crochet. I have tried numerous times, even had a private teacher, an Amish lady but I just can’t do it 😡. Now knitting is another issue. I love it. 3 years ago I took all my old yarn scraps and knitted 60 scarves and 30 hats for a homeless shelter.
I'll bet you'll find that no one cares about the pace of your crocheting whatsoever. The best way to get through the current chaos and anxiety is by building community, relying on each other and staying close.
After prayers, my yoga instructor used to remind us all that we are all where we are. There's no shame or pride in this. You can be a beginner - fabulous! You have the intent to learn and improve your skills, or someone with 10,000 hours of practice and an expert. Doesn't matter.
1/2
You have this - I can tell you want to learn, that you're trying. Don't worry about what others in the class think. Focus on whether you're making the progress YOU want to make. If you're not, then you're holding yourself accountable, not letting others beat up on you
Honestly, I don’t think anybody going to knit is judging how fast or how well you knit. I think people are just there for the camaraderie. You should go, relax, enjoy yourself and not worry about what other people think. Be yourself and enjoy the moment.
Just go. I've found the fiber arts community to be very accepting. I've learned so much from my local knitting group, some of it even involving yarn. Good luck.
Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. And I beg the Knit Night goers will love what you’re making as much as you do. I hope you make a friend or 10 while you’re there 💛
Oh I hope you go! ou won't regret it. My sister just joined one in Dec and loves it. She's not the best but getting better and better. It's really such a cool idea
It's worth it - you will learn new techniques and get solid tips to improve your own work. They are just there to have fun and enjoy social chatter for an evening. Usually there aren't super judgy people there.
I'm trying to start up a Sunday Zoom craft circle, if anyone is interested. I'm on Pacific time but flexible as to what works for everyone. If you would like crochet lessons or tips or very basic knitting, I'm happy to help there, too.
I joined a ping pong league last year. Hadn’t played since I was a teen in the 70’s. All the other players, including a teen girl, were “Olympic” level. Got my ass handed to me, came in last. But I just signed up for this year’s again. I enjoy it, I get to ‘adult’ with others.
You got this👏🏻
Do it! I was in exactly the same position, and now 6 months in, most of the time everyone else is paying attention to their own projects. The rest of the time, we all compliment each other on our yarn skills.
This idea always stuck with me from a not Bridget Jones Helen Fielding book: if you're worried about other people watching you, odds are they're too worried about other people watching them to be watching you.
It's at least helpful in theory. Harder to remember in practice...
I dared to drive to Joann's for much needed white thread. The place had only 5 people working and many empty display racks, limited choice, high prices. It has been actually about 5 years since I last went. I am blessed with a basement of quilting fabric stash and machines.
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Keep us posted!
Good for you!
GO!
Maybe it’s “careful and precise”
Maybe it’s “mindful”
Probably the speed freaks will admire your style!!?
I tell myself that I can always leave.
Just get thru the door and decide then and there.
One day at a time.
Good on you woman!
It’s a social activity, not a competition; they’ll love you no matter your level.
Just go. Sometimes we psych ourselves out for no reason.
One time I went to a ladies craft night & assembled a diy hinge for my fridge door that kept falling off, no one gaf.
Go.
1/2
Intrinsic - you do something because you know it's right or important to YOU.
Extrinsic - you look to others to provide motivation and affirmation
I encouraged them to ALWAYS be self motivated
And remember - You are loved
Also, I get it.
Go look at and praise other people’s projects ❤️. There will be people looking at and praising your work, too. Promise.
I hope you go & enjoy the atmosphere. In trying social times, a feeling of community is like a salve.
You got this👏🏻
It's at least helpful in theory. Harder to remember in practice...
Enjoy the experience.
They will be delighted to have you there.
Xx
I would posit much like an exercise class no one is gonna be watching you and judging
If anything they’ll be looking at you to connect which sound like it would be amaze for the soul
Besides I’ve never seen “knitting games” for ranks
That knit night needs you!