Often confused with knitting, crochet is the process of stitching interlocking loops of yarn together, forming stiff knots. Crocheting uses a hook to create the stitches, whereas knitting uses two needles, creating a looser, more stretchy stitch.
Many crocheters follow patterns. These patterns tell you how many loops you will need or what type. There are many types, including single crochet, slip stitch, and double crochet. The loops form a chain as you continue creating stitches. Eventually, you will end up with a finished pattern.
What you might think would be a hobby for old ladies has gracefully made its way into our generation’s culture. In a world where fast fashion and cheaply made items command most industries, individuals are embracing the old-fashioned and vintage feel of a more thoughtful approach to creation. Some of Leesville’s students have embraced their creativity and developed crocheting into a passion.
Macy Hurley
Macy Hurley, junior, started to crochet in 7th grade when a club sparked her interest. There, she learned the basics, and as she got older taught herself more complex patterns.
Hurley finds the most joy in sharing her love for crocheting. “I have made so many gifts! I love seeing the pure joy and amazement on people’s faces. You can truly see that people appreciate the time you put into making their gift,” said Hurley.
She has made countless gifts for her friends and family including; a dinosaur for her cousin, a gnome for her mom, and a pumpkin for her grandmother.
Hurley has also taught many of her friends to crochet as well.
Since crocheting is so versatile, Hurley’s biggest struggle is having too many ideas.
“The most challenging part of crocheting is definitely sticking to a project. There are just so many things that I want to make that cause me to get distracted and unmotivated with my current project,” said Hurley.
Whether she learns patterns off YouTube or is just freehanding, Hurley feels the impact it is making on her life.
She said, “It’s a way to wind down and relax as well as feel productive and keep myself engaged.”
Renna Farthing
Renna Farthing, senior, learned how to crochet in 6th grade from a beginner plushie-making kit. She supplemented her learning with countless YouTube videos and lots of practice.
Farthing can knit and crochet, although she finds crochet easier and a lot more forgiving when it comes to mistakes.
Farthing said, “Crocheting lets you do more. I think it’s a bit more freeing, and it’s really easy to undo if you make mistakes.”
Farthing is currently working on multiple projects including; two blankets, a cardigan, and a doll for her cousin’s Christmas present.
“People think it’s really nice that you put in time and effort to make them a gift, so I love making this for other people,” said Farthing.
She continued saying, “It is really fun–it’s a hobby I really enjoy–you can bond with people over it too.
Farthing is the president of the Fiber Arts Club, but she likes to call it Crochet Club because members frequently spend their meetings crocheting.
Fiber Arts has crocheted hats for a local hospital where patients are undergoing cancer treatments, and they are working on making blankets to donate.
After they finish gathering yarn donations, Fiber Arts will be crocheting rectangles and sewing them all together to produce high-quality blankets for people.
Chris Rodriguez
When Chris Rodriguez, senior, saw a TikTok of someone crocheting it instantly grabbed his attention, now his life is consumed by yarn and never-ending projects.
Rodriguez first started learning how to crochet during his freshman year and began with small projects and practiced patterns from YouTube tutorials.
If you’ve ever had a class with him you might have seen him working on all kinds of projects.
“I’ve made a lot of tote bags, stuffed animals, some cardigans, some sweaters, dresses, and socks,” said Rodriguez.
By far, Rodriguez’s favorite thing to make is clothes. He said, “I love looking up new clothes to add to my wardrobe because it saves me money, and I can customize it exactly how I want it.”
What started as just a hobby has turned into a business; friends and family will pay him to crochet something specific for them. Rodriguez loves doing this for people because he can make something special that is customized perfectly for his customers. It’s also a great way to fund his hobby; yarn is not cheap and considering Rodriguez spends most of his free time crocheting this is a great way to cover expenses.
His most popular creations have been crochet flowers and bouquets.
Crocheting has provided Rodriguez with a calming outlet to unwind, and he reminds beginners to stick with it even when it gets challenging because one day you will be able to create anything you imagine.
Farthing, Hurley, and Rodriguez are just three of the talented crocheters at Leesville. Many students in the Fiber Arts Club have taken up the hobby since joining, and it is a great place to learn. The welcoming atmosphere is always open for new members looking to embrace their creativity. You can join them at their next meeting in January or try finding a tutorial video to start your first project.
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