If you stop by Ms. Beth Winkowski’s room during fifth block, you’d expect to be greeted by a bustling group of pre-calc students. But on certain Wednesdays, you’d be surprised to be greeted by both math students and a group of knitters and crocheters.
Knitting and Crochet Club, known by some as Haven Yarnheads, is a yarn-based club that meets about once a month on Wednesdays during fifth block in Room 406. Experienced knitters and crocheters have the ability to work on their own projects, while those who are just learning the skill can be taught by club leaders and other members.
The club is rebuilding this year, with many new members and new leaders. This year’s president is junior Ella Brook, who first offered to help reconstruct the club last school year.
“Ms. Winkowski was my math teacher last year, and she would talk about Knitting Club and how she was really sad it wasn’t still a big thing,” Brook said. “And I said ‘oh, I crochet, I could start it up for you.’”
Brook is no stranger to the world of crochet: her family connections to the hobby is what first interested her in the concept of a yarn club.
“My mom and dad are really good at crochet, and my mom teaches it to fourth graders at [Swarthmore-Rutlege School],” Brook said. “A lot of [club members] were taught by my mom, so it’s kind of just a connection and people think it’s really nostalgic, and so do I.”
Junior Maisie Sentivan also serves in leadership for the club, and she was similarly inspired to participate due to her background in the skill.
“I’ve been crocheting since fifth grade, and wanted to continue doing that, as well as learn new things, like knitting, and how to make more advanced projects with different designs,” Sentivan said.
At a typical meeting, club members have the option to bring in and work on their own projects, or use some of Ms. Winkowski’s yarn and tools. Then, members can either work individually, or receive help from an experienced knitter or crocheter, learning how to make certain projects or even how to just start a chain.
A rewarding aspect of the club for Sentivan is teaching others about different knitting and crochet techniques.
“My favorite part is teaching new people, and them having fun and learning how to make new things that you can use every day,” Sentivan said.
Taking place during fifth block, the club also offers a chance to reset and take a mental health break after a long school day, as maintained by junior member Joanna Lin.
“I like how it’s really relaxing, how we’re able to take our time off of work from school, and then also bond with our friends,” Lin said.
Brook has many ideas planned for the club as it gains new members and traction during the coming months.
“We kind of just work on making chains and we’re going to work on making scarves or blankets for [those in need], but that’s still in the works,” Brook said.
Anyone who is interested in joining the club can reach out to Brook to be added to the Schoology, and she hopes that the club will pick up new members as the year goes on.
“It’s not a very big club, and we don’t meet super often, but I want to try to get it to be more popular and more frequent,” Brook said. “So anyone who’s reading this, join the club!”
