Crochet Club is one of the many clubs here at Wakefield, yet they are one of the few clubs that promotes positivity to places beyond the school itself. Crocheting is a needlework technique for creating fabric designs by interlocking loops of yarn, thread or other materials using a single-hook needle known as a crochet hook. Typically, crocheting is used to create blankets, sweaters and scarves, but the Crochet Club is taking it one step further by crocheting stuffed animals for children in hospitals.
Senior Katherine Topp has been a member of the Crochet Club for some time. She taught herself how to crochet through online services, and now spends her time making blankets and stuffed animals to give to children at local hospitals who might not be fortunate enough to have such things.
“I really like the cause,” Topp said. “It goes towards giving stuffed animals to kids who might not get [them] otherwise. I think that’s a really cool idea.”
The club advisor, Emmett Kelly, oversees the club and manages the more technical side of it. Members of the club say he is also there for comedic relief. Even as an advisor, Kelly can feel the community and comfort the club provides for the members.
“It’s a nice, comfortable [and] safe space for kids to just kind of learn a new skill or practice something they already do,” Kelly said.
This safe space has been made possible by the president of the club, senior Katie Scannell. In the 2024-2025 school year she founded the club, and at the time, it consisted mostly of seniors. As they graduated, the club quickly expanded to a handful of underclassmen, as well as the rising seniors.
“I’m hoping I can find an underclassman who really enjoys crocheting,” Scannell said. “[One who is] going to the meetings that can continue [the club] next year.”
Matea Zimmerman, one of said seniors in the crochet club, receives more than just a place to crochet, but a community to support her too. While she has learned several things about crocheting though the club, it also provided her with more opportunities to create friendships and get out of her comfort zone. The atmosphere of the club exudes bubbling positively, regardless of one’s skill level.
“It’s a great community,” Zimmerman said. “I’ve been learning a lot since I’ve been going.”
The Crochet Club is more than your average extracurricular. They provide a camaraderie filled with joy for all of their members and make a lasting impact on the community at large.
“[The Club is] a really chill place to hang out,” Zimmerman said. “You can learn something new or just work on a hobby if you already do know how to crochet. [You can also] make some new friends and have a place to be.”
