“Stitch It Up” was organized to teach students to crochet, knit, and/or loom, and has encouraged them to create hats and scarves to benefit community members in need.
Coventry High School, with the help of advisors Ms. Plante and Madame Teixeira, was proud to introduce one of it’s newest clubs this past October. “Stitch It Up” was organized to teach students to crochet, knit, and/or loom, and has encouraged them to create hats and scarves to benefit community members in need. The Entry was fortunate enough to interview the creator of the club, Ms. Plante, to get more information about the club.
Q: Why did you choose to start this club?
Over the past few years I’ve been crocheting frequently, and students in my classes always seemed to be interested in it. Then, JoAnne’s fabric was giving away free “Learn to Crochet” kits to teachers and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to finally get students involved. Eight teachers from the school signed up to receive these kits, which included yarns, patterns coupons, and hooks, and several students and parents have donated supplies. When we began to spread the word about the idea for this club, so many students were excited about the opportunity to learn, to help the community and to get NHS hours, that we had to make sure it got approved.
Q: How many items have been donated and how many students are involved?
We have over 100 items at this point, with more than 25 students currently participating. Many of the students just learned how to crochet/loom in October at the beginning of this project; very few had prior experience.
Q: How are students receiving community service hours for this project?
Juniors and seniors that are involved in this project are receiving 2 hours for every hat that they make, and 3 hours for every scarf. They will also be receiving hours if they choose to help sell the products in December.
Q: Where are the proceeds going?
All of the money will benefit students within the community that are in need. Hats and scarves will be sold for $8 each, or 2 for $15, but we will also be offering a bargain bin filled with the students’ first works. All items are being offered in various sizes, so there’s something for everyone.
Q: What makes this club different from other clubs at the school?
I love that it’s an “open door” policy for after school meetings — students can drop in and learn, sit and stitch, talk about life, meet new students from other grades. There’s a classroom page where I post useful videos and helpful hints, but I love that when we get together students are not connected to technology. Instead, they actually have face-to-face conversations, make new friends and learn from one another
Q: What have you enjoyed about running this club?
I’ve learned some new stitches and techniques from students, even after crocheting for close to 15 years. I also love that the students get to show how much they care about people in need by donating so much of their time making these hats and scarves. I am ecstatic with the response this project has received — from students, teachers, and even parents who voiced their approval at conferences
Q: Do you plan to continue this in future years?
Yes, definitely. The experience has been so nice, and I feel like it has brought a lot of kids together.
If anyone would still like to participate, donations are being accepted until December 12th in room 508, and meetings are held after school on Thursdays with Ms. Plante in the same room.
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