The Crochet Club at Taylor Middle School began when one student approached librarian Renee De Hoyos about the possibility of finding someone to teach the skill to a small group of friends during lunch.
De Hoyos contacted Taylor-Aides, a parent driven group of volunteers that watch for opportunities to help in the schools. Taylor-Aides put out the call, and word spread, eventually reaching Erica Urbanovsky.
Urbanovsky now meets with the Crochet Club every Wednesday during seventh and eighth grade lunch, and TMS teacher Cristni Hinesley has started a group during sixth grade lunch.
“They caught on really quickly,” said Urbanovsky. “Hopefully, the kids here will be able to make things and either sell them or give them away as gifts. It’s one thing you can do in your spare time, while sitting and waiting and being productive at the same time.”
Students are making hats, scarves, blankets and a cardigan. A couple are focusing on learning the skill and will decide what their creation will become as they get further along. For now, they all enjoy getting together once a week to work on their projects.
“I like working with my hands and creating things,” said Jovin Maybin. “I’m not sure what mine will be, I’m just crocheting and will decide later.”
“I love it,” said another student. “We get to be with our friends and we have the freedom to make anything we want.”
