Two things inspire Alyssa Moore’s love of crochet: “You have yarn and possibilities.”
Her passion for the craft began 10 years ago and her desire to share it with others led to her approach Anythink Huron Street Library Guide Tiffany Sharpe about starting a new group. Crochet Club was born as a result, led by Sharpe and Moore.
Crochet Club meets from 5 – 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month at Anythink Huron Street. All are welcome regardless of their experience level. Folks don’t need to come with supplies — yarn and hooks are provided.
A multigenerational group, their most recent meeting included a preteen and several seniors. They typically have at least one “newbie” join, too.
“We often get people who have never crocheted before, and Alyssa will get them started,” Sharpe said. “We go from absolute basics to working on something tangible.”
Moore offers assistance to folks on their projects, even creating custom patterns tailored to members’ experience levels and interests.
“I love to teach,” Moore said. “There’s something about seeing people go from, ‘I don’t know how to do this’ to ‘look, I did it.’”
Rahem joined the group around five months ago with little experience out of desire to learn something new. She’s since made a hat, fingerless gloves and cardigan. She’s currently tackling a skirt pattern.
“This really excites me because I can do it,” she said of being able to make her own projects from start to finish. “I think this is a really good resource for the community.”
Even outside of class, Moore continues to support Rahem on her projects.
“I would email her pictures and she’d give feedback,” she said.
When she wears the cardigan that she made with Moore’s guidance, people are shocked to learn it’s handmade.
“They don’t believe I made it,” Rahem said.
She also said the group’s social aspect has been really meaningful.
“It’s been wonderful meeting other people and seeing what they’re making.”
Moore agreed that a community has emerged, saying she enjoys the group’s diversity and learning about their individual stories.
“Everyone’s doing something different, but we’re all working together.”