Everyone has a craft. For many students on campus, crochet is a talent they have or aspire to acquire.
It’s never too late to pick up a new hobby, and the Crochet Club makes sure of that. When each club member takes a seat in Elizabeth Alfving’s classroom, they are intent on learning the craft and feeling the sense of community by trying.
“My favorite thing about the Crochet Club is the people,” Maritza Diaz, club member, says.
As every club meeting is packed with curious students every Tuesday, it’s easy to depend on one another for guidance.
“The environment is so lively, and people are willing to learn something new. What’s especially rewarding is the fact that it isn’t a
n easy task, so seeing others be just as excited as I am to learn and develop new abilities is that much more rewarding,” she adds.
Nick Madrigal, President and founder of the club, says “we welcome them by providing them with as many resources as possible and by being as sympathetic as possible because any skilled crocheter has had to start somewhere.”
The club is a new opportunity to bring a personal hobby into the shared space of others who are alike in interests.
“Most of us started out completely new to the craft in September! Our leaders here created tutorials and are always happy to help.Each week the leaders teach a new step or skill,” says Club advisor, Alfving.
“The Crochet Club is always open to new members, so if anyone were to come in, our club members and the club council will be of service to them. Exactly how we introduce them into knitting is by making live demonstrations, providing online demonstrations through google classroom, as well as providing tools to put their skills to the test,” Diaz adds.
Crochet is unique from knitting, and the difference is identifiable by its appearance and the manner it is made. Crochet typically uses a hook to weave “knots” rather than using a needle to form interlocking loops.
“I myself can say I have learned more about crocheting than knitting, but at some point my skills and knowledge of crocheting will apply into the action of knitting,” Diaz says.
Not only can you craft new bonds and crochet pieces within the class, you can share it outside of the class.
“My favorite piece has to be the rug I made for my girlfriend’s grandma. It took me forever to start it, but once I finished she loved it so much,” Madrigal says.
As a beginner, Diaz’s favorite piece is what’s called a “granny square.”
“Not many students are at the same level, so I hope to be of some help to those who need it the most!” says Diaz.
For many students within the club, there is a sense of pride seeing their craft come to completion. However, since pieces may vary
depending on the length of time it takes to finish one, time management is a consideration when it comes to the days the club meets.
“As far as I go, I do wish there were more club meetings. However, because of the students’ schedules, it becomes difficult to create more meetings and such,” Diaz says.
Diaz attends every meeting, as does Madrigal who wishes there were more meetings as it is really a challenge to teach and learn crochet by only doing it once a week.
With avid learners of crochet, there’s much to be taught in little time.
“We all enjoy having a space to share our passion for crafting and it’s fun to be surrounded by people who love the craft as much as you do,” Alfving says.
“I hope my club can live on past my time at Sanger High School. Crochet is truly a wonderful craft and I hope people will discover it and enjoy it through crochet club as a way to relax from a hectic day of being a high school student,” Madrigal says.
