Gibson Southern’s Crochet and Textiles club, advised by art teacher Laura Russell, is back up and running for its second year. The school club currently meets every Tuesday and Wednesday, but no meetings are mandatory. There are no fees to join, as the group relies on donations to keep it running. Students and people in the community have helped donate supplies, like hooks and yarn, to help students get started.
Russell wants the club to provide everyone a safe space to go to after school and for everyone to feel welcome to learn new things.
“I want everyone to feel like nothing is a competition because everyone is at different levels,” club president Regan Wolak said.
The club is always welcoming new members. Even if students cannot attend every meeting, they are always welcome to come when their schedules are open.
Some might confuse the Crochet and Textiles Club with the Art Club at Gibson Southern, but they are completely different and based on different ideas.
The school club is based on crocheting technique and reading a pattern, according to Russell.
Monthly meetings are mostly student-taught, but the time at the meeting is open for anyone who has questions or if someone is not picking up a certain skill and needs to ask for help.
Any students who have backgrounds in crochet can teach the class if they wish, providing guidance for those who are just starting out with their crocheting hobby.
Russell likes to keep the group’s Google Classroom updated with plenty of information, including videos for anyone who has questions at home or in between meetings.
Since the club is meant to be a relaxing environment, those leading try to think of every possible way to make the classroom serene.
“During the meetings, calm music is playing, which is relaxing for a more peaceful environment,” senior Alexis Vaal said.
As the club continues throughout the school year, members are encouraged to bring anyone who wants to be in an open environment to learn and hang out. Russell, Vaal and Wolak are always prepared to help members learn new crochet techniques and grow their abilities.
“It (Crocheting) gives someone a hobby they realize they can do anywhere and at any time,” Vaal said.
Those interested in learning more about the Crochet and Textiles Club can visit the art room from 3:15 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
