Jada John may not be a grandparent, but she’s embraced a growing trend among young people - “granny hobbies”. John, a second-year medical student, recently showcased her talents at The UWI Pop-Up Shop, an artisan market held on June 4 in the JFK Auditorium and Undercroft, and Engineering Undercroft.
“Granny hobbies” include crafting, embroidering, knitting, sewing and John’s hobby of choice - crocheting. A talented crochet artist and the proprietor of Croje, her online shop, at The UWI Pop-Up Shop, John displayed her crocheted animal dolls, also known as amigurumis. A keen interest in Japanese culture led to John making amigurumis - a Japanese-style, small, stuffed animal. Reflecting on her experience, John expressed delight at witnessing people’s enthusiasm and fascination with her creations. The event provided tangible evidence of her diligence and dedication, proving that the public was interested in her work. At first, John was pleasantly surprised by the quantity of pieces she had to display and how quickly her collection had grown. However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. When John first learned to crochet from YouTube, she harboured a fear of completing projects, anxious that they might not turn out as desired. Fortunately, John’s parents played a pivotal role in encouraging her to persist and take the plunge. “My parents always ensured that I finished what I started. They pushed me to realise my potential,” says John. Despite the challenges, John finds crocheting to be a relaxing hobby. According to John, “Pursuing a degree can be stressful, regardless of the field.” She believes that having hobbies that serve as a counterbalance to the demands of academic life is essential for overall well-being. As a medical student whose life purpose is to help people, Jada hopes to donate her dolls to needy children in the future while also helping to promote the craft nationally. She aspires to build a vibrant community of crocheters where support and motivation can be shared.
Visit John’s online store, “Croje: From Hook to Heart,” on Instagram:@crochet_croje.
