Crochet Isn't 'Just for Grannies'
Ok I'll be honest with you, when I first started to form an interest in crochet I did associate it with little old ladies meeting for tea and a chat while knitting and crocheting their new grandchild a blanket or bonnet. This has totally changed now with my presence on social media, particularly Twitter and Instagram. I have found a community of young, trendy crocheters all creating trendy products that I know myself and all of my young (20-25 year old) friends would love to own (cottage-core vibes with my headscarves anyone?).
For instance, crocheted bralettes are becoming wildly popular among the confident young girls stamping out their place in the world on Twitter, take @doedeercrochet who has created a vast following of young adults who adore her pieces and routinely sell out her collections. I could survey 100 of my lecture mates at uni and I can guarantee at least half will have considered buying or already own a crocheted or otherwise handmade bralette. They're totally in fashion with us young-uns, particularly the itty-bitty boobie brigade who dont obsess so much over support and having in-your-face-honkers as much as perhaps those a generation above us. Those who I've talked to are far more into comfort, particularly in this COVID lockdown, I for one do not want to be poked by wires all day unless I absolutely have to! The crocheted bralette is an absolute win for boobs in 2020!
What about other items like granny square or cable cardigans? The more mismatched and grungy looking the better! This is a generation who, particularly because of the eco-lifestyle resurgence went absolutely mad for thrifting and finding cool vintage pieces so a one of a kind mismatched granny square cardigan or jacket is right up our alley right now. Take a look at @rainbowdropz_ on Instagram who is creating wildly popular pieces for a market of young professionals, in bright, contrasting colours that can instantly become the centrepiece of any conversation. Cute vintage-feeling fashion is on an uprise while there's also a huge market for festival wear, with the popularity of social media moving peoples 'fits' to be the centrepiece of their festival experiencing, making or breaking their posts. This young design caters perfectly to this market with lovely wearable cardigans an bucket hats in beautiful colour combinations just begging to be photographed in a pub garden, in front of the big tent at Glasto or on a picnic with pals.
With all of the bright dyes and innovative types of yarn being produced currently, more spectacular pieces are being made and with the use of social media these pieces are reaching a large audience who appreciate and support the craft, the current market is ideal for the young crocheter!
Beyond the love for comfortable fashion and vintage vibes is the rise in eco-friendly lifestyles. Young people are consistently faced with details about how we are destroying our own planet, battling with this and many people who do not believe this is the truth, organisations and governments who do not care, and people who are unwilling to learn how to change their lifestyle for the better of the planet many younger people have turned to ensuring their own lifestyle is as sustainable and planet-friendly as possible.
For example, the makeup industry has recently been the centre of much controversy over the large amount of waste produced, particularly in the form of single-use cotton pads and makeup wipes that create an extraordinary amount of waste. Creators such as @raescrochetgifts have turned to making, alongside their usual goodies, popular reusable face scrubbies to replace these single use products, enabling purchasers to reduce their waste creation while supporting a small business. This is another important passion of many of those in younger generations who have witnessed the damage done by and do not agree with policies and treatment of staff by large corporations and instead turn to small business where possible, supporting those who often cannot get a foot in the door with larger suppliers and sellers due to the hold that many larger corporations have over particular areas of business.
Other creators such as @ilovemango0206 on Instagram are creating holders and covers for reusable bottles which have become a key part of most working young people's lives due to the wish to reduce plastic waste. The creation of a more customisable product is key to defining an individuals style, so the option to customise a water bottle with a crocheted holder or cover is a great option for those who wish to use a reusable bottle but feel it doesn't fit in with their particular style. Style has always been important in defining a person but with the current fast fashion market and the availability of the latest fashions almost instantaneously, customisation and choice in the form of accessories and key pieces (looking at you again @rainbowdropz_) is key in defining who a person is and how they navigate their own life.
In 2020 and beyond there really is no need nor space for the belief that only old people enjoy yarn crafts, there is a place here for every person from every background if they wish to be here, they need only pick up a hook to become part of our community. Whether you crochet for yourself, your friends or for a wider market of customers, whether you create homewares or garments, bright modern pieces or more traditional styles there is a place waiting for you in this community and you will be welcomed with open arms.
Happy hooking,
-MW
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