The art of crochet has seen a surge in popularity, particularly with young people, since the pandemic. Due to videos on social media sites like Instagram and Tik Tok, members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha have expressed an interest in learning to crochet because it is sustainable, inexpensive, creative, and even therapeutic. Students at Wallace Middle School were interested in learning so teacher, Rhonda Newman, answered the call.

“In the second week of school, a student in my homeroom, Madison Southern, asked if I knew how to crochet,” said Newman. “When I told her I did, she was excited and asked if I’d show her how because she’s been wanting to learn. Then a couple of other girls, Moriah Eskew and Kezia Williams, overheard and got excited about it. I brought my crochet projects and supplies, so we could all have fun during lunch or on Fridays when work was completed.”

Finding the time to work with the three girls was a bit of a challenge so she decided to start a club that would meet before school one day per week. Newman thought she might have those three and a few others. But she was completely blown away when 73 students showed up for their first meeting. The Club has now grown to over 100 members. Due to the large number, she has had to split meetings into two days with 5th graders meeting on Thursday mornings and 6th graders on Fridays. She even has staff members join as well.

The club members meet once per week in the Wallace library. Newman sets up an iPad that projects to a large TV and slowly demonstrates step by step so the students can follow along. Members have learned to create chains and are working on connecting them into rows and 12×12 squares. The Club is currently working on creating lap blankets to be delivered to residents of some local nursing homes on December 13.

Photos:

1: Wallace teacher, Samantha Blanton, assists Marcelina Ortiz

2: Mia Jimenez (right) helps Axel Tapia get started

3: (L to R) Mallory Mancera, Josie Rodriguez, Yamilex Rodriguez, and Valerie Aguilar work on their projects during lunch