At Woodgrove’s Knitting and Crochet club, students are bringing back the art of hands-on projects, ditching online activities, and getting back into the art of crafting. The club creates a variety of products with a wide range of pieces varying by the students’ level of expertise. Meeting on blue club days in the library, the members, along with the club’s advisor, get together and enjoy the art.
Club advisor Ms. Amy Spencer has been sponsoring the club for roughly three years, witnessing members’ abilities grow and even learning a few things along the way. Spencer stated, “I like seeing the talents that the students have and letting them teach me new things as well.” As a well known activity, and often being called a “grandma hobby,” knitting and crocheting is an art that is at risk of passing from sight. Spencer explained, “Generationally we are losing some of those fabric arts like cross stitch and embroidery and even knitting and crocheting are kind of disappearing.” Witnessing what you can create can bring a sense of pride, whether it be a striped scarf or dish rag. It is something made by your own hand, and that is what the club emphasizes.
In the Knitting & Crochet club, exchange student Thea Kalek brings a long-time passion for yarn crafts to the group. For Kalek, knitting and crocheting have always been part of her free time, mainly because of her grandmother who inspired her. She described how she first became curious watching her grandma work, being especially amazed that her grandmother was so experienced. Kalek shared, “She is so good at it that she doesn’t even have to look at her project anymore.” Starting at around seven years old, Kalek learned the basics step by step, beginning with her very first project: a small potholder.
For Kalek, crafting is not only a hobby but also a way to relax. Currently, she is knitting a top for herself, a project she started on her flight to the U.S. during the beginning of her exchange year, but she has not finished it yet because life as an exchange student keeps her busy. Even so, she believes everyone should at least try crafts, even if the first results are not perfect. Her message to beginners is clear: “My only advice is: don’t give up and keep trying.”
Joining the club during her freshman year, current sophomore Elia Pauksty started crocheting during the Covid pandemic and quickly realized how much she enjoyed it. Paukstys explained, “It’s really fun and we make little crochet projects for the sales and markets we do at Woodgrove.” In the club, students spend time crocheting together. The club works on small projects that can later be sold at school events, like the Transition’s Club Winter and Spring markets. When they are not doing something for Woodgrove, many of the students bring pieces from home, like sweaters, blankets, and hats to work on during the club’s meeting time.
Not only is knitting or crocheting a way to make something for yourself or others it is also a way to relieve stress and activate your brain. It does not matter if you are making an intricate sweater or just crafting to have something to do, knitting and crocheting works the mind and promotes cognitive benefits.
