I don't crochet much in public, so I can't say anything for that. But knitting... When I knit, people tend to stare, especially when I have my eyes closed and keep knitting (maybe they're wondering if I'm doing it in my sleep? XD). Some of them try to talk to me, but I often have my ipod on, or at least I'm wearing earplugs, to prevent social interaction. Misanthropy, that's me!

Knitting is stress reducing for me, too, but for that reason I often look like I'm possessed, swinging my needles around and poking everywhere.