Introduction

Crocheting. The process that uses a crochet hook to create textiles by interlocking loops and stitches of yarn or thread. The word is derived from the French term crochet, which means hook. Some people fondly see crocheting as a way to connect with older family members like their grandparents, or as a comforting way to pass the time while learning and creating.

Younger generations are keeping this skill alive by passionately learning about different ways to crochet and create the things they wish to bring to life. At MHS, it is something that is shared between the members of the crochet club, where they meet, learn, and help one another get to the point where they want to be. Personally, I see this as something that more people should be aware about, and to participate in.

Club History

The beginnings of this club can be attributed to Mrs. Dodd. At the Mayfield Middle School, Mrs. Dodd runs her very own crochet club for the students to partake in. There have been all kinds of students who have come to the club, all depending on schedules. Because of their neighbor who does crochet at the middle school, and because Alana Estrin taught her daughter – Grace Sheppard – the skills and how to do it, Mrs. Sheppard agreed to help create and advise it. She has been given constant support by Mrs. Dodd, who had given the club yarn and thread to be used in club meetings, to help them get started.

Pointing out a fake rat sitting in the corner of the room, on top of a large storage container, she mentioned one of the projects she’s looking forward to seeing completed is a scarf – being made by Alana – for the rat. She inherited the rat along with the room, and now it is an active piece of their club. 

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Curious if she would have taken up the opportunity to learn crocheting in her own high school, I asked if she would have joined this club if given the chance. Honestly, she admitted she may not have. “I don’t know. I may not have. If there was an opportunity. It is a matter of outreach and getting kids who want to come to go.” 

About the Club Members

Seeing everyone work and converse was a great feeling, and getting to know them was just as fun. Grace Sheppard, Mrs. Sheppard’s daughter and senior at MHS, had a goal of eventually reaching the point of crocheting a stuffed animal. Along with this goal, she wants  to be able to work on uncompleted projects she has left abandoned or unfinished. This connects to her biggest struggle, which is having a hard time finishing these kinds of projects that are left alone for long periods of time. 

Riley McCarthy, another student at MHS, decided to join the crochet club because she’s “always liked crochet and wanted to find a community that also likes crocheting.” 

Purva Punyan, a junior, joined this club with prior knowledge of how to crochet. She had credited a family member with a crocheting youtube channel who had helped her start off five years ago.

In one’s life, there is only so much you can learn and accomplish in the time you have outside of school and work. Not everyone is up to taking their time and thoroughly expanding their skills and knowledge in a certain topic or area. Sometimes going too fast means it’s hard to slow down and enjoy your time being creative and having fun. Which is why crocheting might just be the answer. You can take a step back and realize that every step of the way is crucial in the process. Like how one must go stitch by stitch, careful of any loose threads or yarn.