If you are a Boomer or a member of the elite Generation Jones, you probably have the odd hobby. Crochet, knitting, needlework, baking, gardening, woodworking. Stamp collecting. Or maybe you play bridge, canasta, or mahjong. I hear Mexican dominoes is quite the thing.
Did you know that these types of activities are categorized as granny core? Say what? Yep, granny core. Granny core has been around for a long time but became quite trendy about five years ago when it revolved mostly around fashion and home décor. The aesthetic is inspired by the so-called charm of a grandmother’s living room or kitchen, conjuring up warmth, coziness, and an image of a sweet old lady in an apron stirring up a batch of some delicious treat. My grandmothers, who were both very warm and lovely women, would cringe if they knew about this trend. Their décor was born out of necessity and artfully put together with what was on hand. And my mother was more content buying a cake than spending time in the kitchen baking. My dad was the baker in our house. Me? Well, I’m not a grandmother and I sure don’t fit the image. I do have fond memories of my Scottish grandmother crocheting while watching her favourite hockey team, the Montreal Canadiens. It amazed me how she could get fired up, yell at the TV in Gaelic no less, and not miss a stitch. Now that I crochet and watch TV, I am even more impressed. I end up frogging more than I crochet! And I sure don’t do anything as intricate as what she did.
I had never heard of the term “granny core” until a fellow mahjong player told me about an article she read stating the increase in young mahjong players. Generation Z, to be exact. For those of you who are like me and have trouble keeping track of the “generations,” Gen Z was born between 1997 and 2012. They are known for their skills in technology and social media because they have grown up in a digital world. Yikes!
Apparently mahjong is the latest “granny core” activity.
Yes, granny core is no longer restricted to just aesthetics. It is now creeping into activities and hobbies that us older folk have laid claim to. We’re talking activities that don’t require the digital nod. Namely, needlework, knitting, crochet, and baking. There are also a lot of young spinners and weavers coming up through the ranks. Just take a scroll through Instagram. You’ll be surprised. Even Etsy has jumped on the bandwagon with merch and other supplies you absolutely must have for your new hobby. Mahjong is also now on the list. I am not surprised. I coordinate the mahjong program with the Saskatchewan Seniors Fitness Association, and I can’t keep up with the number of seniors who want to learn and play. But Gen Z?
Perhaps Gen Z is looking for relief from a life of digital connections or screen overload. That’s kind of ironic, considering seniors are spending an increasing amount of time scrolling on Facebook, Pinterest, and Reddit. At least the young’uns are attempting to make some of these activities their own. Mahjong nights are now being held in clubs, handiwork circles have moved into coffee shops, and cooking workshops are touted as major social events. Eventbrite reports massive growth in the number of people seeking more authentic, hands-on, and in-person events.
Perhaps Gen Z is wanting a more intentional, slower-paced life. That can definitely be found by embracing mindful activities such as crafting, knitting, crochet, and embroidery. Even gardening! It is about getting back to the basics, forgoing store-bought items and growing your own. Baking your own bread and raising sheep for wool. You get the picture.
I think it’s great that younger people are taking an interest in activities typically enjoyed by seniors, or their grandparents. Sharing common interests truly brings people together. This sharing gives us something to relate to, something to talk about. Look at the popularity of ‘stitch and bitch’ groups. They aren’t to be taken lightly! What a great way to spend an afternoon: sitting around stitching and visiting with like-minded people. You can support and be supported. No strings attached. Unless they’re attached to the scarf you’re knitting!
Social connection is so important in a world where so much is available with just one click. We have become such anonymous creatures. But in the world of granny core, that anonymity is lost in the stitch count. You need to be present and intentional. No doom scrolling allowed!
So, yet again, score one for age and wisdom. We must hold our vintage heads up proudly. We are responsible for this granny core trend. Let’s flaunt our floral wallpaper and our striped sofas! Raise our hooks in the air! Pull out those mahjong tiles! Who knows what we will come up with next!
Interesting Reads & Things
https://heartscontentfarmhouse.com/grandmacore/
https://www.goodnet.org/articles/young-people-are-exploring-granny-core-hobbies
Wanderings Art 