Students start crochet club at Gunn Junior High

Over 50 Gators crochet every Tuesday

Keep calm and crochet on!

The new Crochet Club at Gunn Junior High and Fine Arts and Dual Language Academy is weaving together both creativity and compassion.

"It's so fun," eighth grader Kelsey Erlandsen said. "I get to see my peers do what I love to do."

Started by Erlandsen and her classmate Arabella Bentley, over 50 Gators join together to participate in the school's Crochet Club every Tuesday afternoon. Students can also work on their projects in Canva.

"It's hard to think that students could create clubs and do big things like this," Bentley said. "But if you try, you can make it happen."

Both students fell in love with crochet in different ways. Bentley learned from her aunt, while Erlandsen picked it up in a Spanish art class.

"I really enjoyed it and decided it was something I wanted to keep doing," Erlandsen said.

With supplies provided by Title I funding and community donations, the club is open to everyone at no cost.

"Our objective was to be inclusive and welcoming to everybody," said Gunn librarian and Crochet Club sponsor Katie Thayer. "I love that so many students, whether they're advanced or a beginner, have taken interest in crocheting."

As the club's crochet demonstrators, Erlandsen and Bentley lead each session with enthusiasm, sharing their skills and encouraging their peers.

"It feels good that so many of my peers actually want to learn how to do it," Erlandsen said. "It's an art that's kind of gone away and I'm so happy we're bringing it back."

Not only are they sharing their passion, but they're also crafting for a great cause. The club's goal is to donate plushies to the local children's hospital and other items they make to area senior centers.

"When we started this, we felt inspired to make this something we could do to help others," Bentley said. "It's amazing to see a large group of people who want to make a difference in the world."

But the fun doesn't stop at Gunn. Yarn-ing for a new hobby? You can join crochet clubs at Arlington High SchoolArlington College and Career High SchoolMartin High School , too.

With each stitch, Arlington ISD students are helping to make the world a little brighter, one crochet project at a time!