Club Feature: The Crochet Club

Third-year Redeemer University student Sophia Siconolfi has a passion for creativity and sharing her art with those around her. One of Redeemer’s newest clubs, the Crochet Club, is a result of her artistic talent and passion for helping others.

When asked why she decided to start the club, Sophia said she was inspired to start crocheting by her friend’s mother. She soon realized she loved the creative process involved with her newfound hobby. Her hope for the Crochet Club is to bring people together who share a common interest and create meaningful items that can help people in need. “The overarching goal is that people grow and develop in their crocheting skills and that they feel supported by other people who have similar interests as well as providing assistance for DEEDZ,” says Sophia.

Sophia intended to start up the crochet club with her friend Olivia last year, but unfortunately it was too late in the school year to officially introduce it so this year marks the first year of Redeemer’s new crochet club. 

While she was preparing to start the club, Sophia connected with Madison Reid-Welford, who is involved with DEEDZ, a ministry in Hamilton that many Redeemer students have volunteered with and been a part of. DEEDZ makes weekly trips into downtown Hamilton to help the homeless and others in need by handing out hot chocolate and various supplies. Sophia decided she wanted the Crochet Club to get involved by making mittens, hats and other items for DEEDZ to distribute to the homeless population in Hamilton. This unique partnership between the two organizations will allow the Crochet Club to have a real-world impact within the city of Hamilton as well as giving DEEDZ another avenue to help people who are struggling. Sophia described the partnership as “a great way to not only have fellowship and community with Christians but also showcase God’s love.” 

Sophia explained that each club meeting will focus on one or more specific projects. She will send out a document in advance with the week’s pattern, so club members know what to expect. Beginner crocheters will receive instruction for a specific project, while the more experienced members will either help beginners or crochet their own advanced projects. Attendees will be grouped by skill level and over the course of the meeting will work toward learning how to crochet items that will grow their skills and make a tangible difference in the community.

The club will be meeting every other Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Shire Building on campus. All skill levels are welcome, and are encouraged to come and learn together. Instruction will be provided for those interested, but members are also encouraged to work on their own projects! For more information about meetings and getting connected, visit the Crochet Club’s Instagram page: @crochetclubru