Hooked on crocheting

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Hooked on crocheting

Sophomore Caitlin Savage uses her unique creative outlet to help both herself and the environment around her

BY NATALIE SCHWART, STAFF WRITER

Courtesy of Luke Savage

A SINGLE THREAD AND hooked needle are used to create looped stitches, which are then interlocked to create the art of crocheting. Though it simply began as a way for sophomore Caitlin Savage to occupy her time during the COVID-19 pandemic, it quickly turned into a creative outlet and hobby that helps her deal with stress and gives her a sense of motivation to overcome challenges.

“I use crochet as a way to release stress. It relaxes me because it gives me time to relax and think. While my hands are busy crocheting, it becomes a subconscious pattern that gives my mind space to process other things like watching a movie or listening to music,” Savage said.

From bucket hats to stuffed animals, Savage aspires to use her talents to captivate the world. In addition to taking requests for items to make, she makes beautiful pieces for friends and family.

Savage’s friends have been touched by the effort and intricacy that go into her gifts, one being a stuffed bee. The complex stitch work and patterns never fail to make someone smile.

“It was such high quality, I thought she bought it from a store. I was so surprised and moved by the fact that she made something so nice for me,” sophomore Naomi Galex said.

Her favorite piece she has ever made is a strawberry bucket hat. While she does not regard it as the most impressive piece she had made, it is very close to her heart because of the complex designs as well as the fact that it was one of the first big projects she completed on her own, that is, without any help from the internet.

Crocheting helps Savage develop skills that she would not have had prior, such as memorization and concentration, since crocheting requires focus and awareness of the different stitches and patterns. It also improves memorization skills because the number of stitches made must continue in a consistent pattern. These skills allow her to be a successful person in many areas of life, both in and out of school.

In addition to crocheting, Savage has many other hobbies that occupy her time, such as cooking and reading. She feels that being productive in free time is an added bonus while doing something that brings happiness.

“Essentially, crocheting makes me happy since it allows me to express myself in a unique way. I adore the fact that I can release these creative ideas through a special medium of art,” Savage said.

A future goal for Savage is using her skill for the greater good, selling her pieces and donating the profits. She wants her hobby to progress to a point in which it is not only benefitting herself, friends and family, but also her community.

“I support environmental causes through organizations such as 4Ocean, Greenpeace and the Rainforest Alliance because they strive to improve the health of our planet,” Savage said.

Savage is an avid member of both Interact and Key Club, already holding a board position in both. Savage is also an active member of Gables Earth, which she uses as an outlet to express her passion for the environment. She hopes to use her involvement in these clubs to help communities in need.

Savage recommends crocheting to anyone who is looking for a new hobby. While she acknowledges that the activity may appear to be challenging, she has also learned that after overcoming the obstacles, it is well worth it, as one is able to make virtually anything they put their mind to creating, just as she has. h

The crocheting starter pack

Scissors

Crochet hook

Yarn

Projects for beginners

Baby blanket

Scarf

Scrunchie