“We train anyone who wants to learn how to knit or crochet. You don’t have to be an expert, you can come in like I did without any knowledge whatsoever and still learn.” Lauren Silverstein ‘23 was a first-year when her friend Maxine Stone ‘23 took her to a KnitWits meeting for the first time. Silverstein was unsure about whether she would be good at knitting or whether the club would be a good fit for her. Now, Silverstein and Maxine are the president and the vice president of the KnitWits and are looking to expand their club in all aspects for the new semester.
After that first meeting, Silverstein ended up really enjoying being a part of the KnitWits and attended every meeting. Silverstein became the treasurer during her first year and sophomore year, eventually taking on the role of president from junior year until now. The KnitWits have always been a small club and Silverstein indicates that they tend to lose members towards the end of the semester. For this reason, one of Silverstein’s biggest goals for the upcoming school year is to broaden the club’s audience and to cater to everyone, whether they have experience in knitting or not.
“It’s a social club so while we might be knitting during the meetings, we’re also getting to know each other.”
– Lauren Silverstein ‘23
Silverstein hopes to continue conducting workshops for people who want to learn how to knit or crochet but do not know where to start. Last fall, the KnitWits partnered with Make One, a company that hosts workshops teaching people how to knit. They learned how to knit items like blankets, hats, gloves, elephant stuffed animals and more in the span of 10 workshops. Silverstein aims to continue conducting workshops for anyone to participate in, this time having club members sign up to lead them. This ensures that everyone has the opportunity to display their individual talents and to feel really involved and appreciated within the club. The KnitWits will also continue having weekly meetings. This is a more informal setting where people can learn how to knit or simply talk about their week while knitting. It is a relaxed environment and a great place for students to ask questions since everyone has different levels of experience. Silverstein says, “It’s a social club so while we might be knitting during the meetings, we’re also getting to know each other.”
Other members of the club’s executive board this semester include Dylan Sheppard ‘25 as social media manager and secretary, Kayla Hartman ‘24 as treasurer, Maxine Stone ‘23 as vice president and Emily York ‘23, who helps run meetings. It is clear that Silverstein feels confident in the board’s abilities to carry out the goals of the club along with her. Hartman said, “My favorite part about the club is that the goal is to create a fun and encouraging environment for all members. I didn’t know how to knit at all when I joined, and now it’s an important hobby of mine.” She indicates that she has been friends with Stone and York since they all joined the club, and their experience since first year makes her confident that the two know how to help run the club in a way that embraces trying new things. Silverstein knows she can rely on the club’s executive board to work as a team to keep the KnitWits going strong this semester.
“I didn’t know how to knit at all when I joined, and now it’s an important hobby of mine.”
– Kayla Hartman ‘24
Silverstein says, “You can also have some skill and want to just improve that skill, or if you want to have a space to socialize and just knit or crochet. You can have someone keeping track of how well you’re doing. It’s really helpful to have a weekly meeting to get you enthusiastic about actually knitting in your free time or crocheting in your free time.” Weekly meetings for the KnitWits take place on Sundays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. They are also planning member-taught workshops throughout October and November. The KnitWits are also hosting a sale in Seegers on Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Seegers, where they will sell knitted goods in order to fundraise for the club.
Hartman concluded, “It’s also mainly a social club, so it’s been a great place to meet people and make really good friends. It’s just a supportive, friendly club, and it’s perfect for crafters of all skill levels!”
