In a world that often feels disconnected, the Knots of Love Club at Arroyo Grande High School is weaving a tapestry of friendships and support. This group of students are passionate about community service and growing a tight-knit group of people, proving that even simple acts of love can tie us together.
“Knots of Love is a nationwide charity organization and individuals, or clubs in our instance, crochet beanies, hats and sleeves for people’s arms,” club advisor Miranda Gasenica said. ”Mainly [the club exists to support] individuals who are in the hospital who have cancer. So the sleeves and hats will, if [the patients] are getting chemotherapy, keep them warm.”
Through Girl Scouts, Gasenica learned to knit and needlepoint (a form of embroidery).
“[The club is] really just a way to crochet things and then donate them to organizations who then give them to these patients,” Gasenica said.
Similarly, club president Lauren Childs (‘25) has knitted for years.
“I crochet [as a] pastime. It keeps my hands busy, and this foundation gave me an opportunity to do it for a good cause,” Childs said.
The club’s former president Dariana Leon graduated last year, and the position was given to Childs.
“Dariana Leon introduced the club and I found out through a mutual friend over COVID,” Childs said. “I got into crochet because I was very bored, and since she’s graduated, I’ve restarted it.”
Childs wants to be clear that the club isn’t only for experienced knitters. People of all skill levels are welcomed, and lessons along with materials are provided for beginners.
“We get together every Thursday at lunch. I provide the yarn, the supplies, the hooks, everything,” Childs said. “So far we’re mostly learning how to crochet. A lot of people are beginners, so we’re doing lessons on the fundamentals of crochet and triple crochet.”
In reality, new club member Marco Auyong joined the club for the tasty treats and his girlfriend.
“I joined this club to learn about crocheting because my grandma does it,” Auyoung said.
Although Auyoung lacks the many years of knitting experience that Childs and Gasenica have, he hopes to learn through the in-depth lessons and hands-on teaching the club offers.
Childs is adamant about having a positive impact on the community.
“I imagine this club to form a cohesive group of people who have free time and like to keep their hands busy and care about the community,” Childs said. “So just working hard to provide items for people in need.”
Childs wants this club to be more than just a group focused on crafting. She hopes to create an environment for members to express their creativity while bonding over the shared ideal of bringing smiles to those they crotchet for.
Nonetheless, Childs acknowledges, crotchet is no easy activity.
“It seems like something that just grannies do, but it’s not easy, and it takes a lot of time,” Childs said. “One little beanie probably takes five or six hours for a normal person to make.”
Childs is excited about the club’s future and is using her knowledge to help others.
“I’m really happy that I’m able to teach people and spread the word,” Childs said. “A lot of people don’t know how to crochet or knit, and I enjoy getting to teach people, provide supplies, and create a group of people who have the same vision as I do for giving back and making your five or six hours [of crocheting] meaningful.”
