With so many clubs at Grimsley, it's hard to pick which ones to pursue. There are clubs dedicated to almost anything from arts to cooking to philosophy. There's something for everyone!

 

 With so many differing interests and hobbies, new clubs are popping up every year, like the Grimsley Needlework Club! Sophomores Claire Slate and Faith Chenail founded the club this year.

 

Slate was first taught knitting in third grade by her longtime best friend, freshman Samantha Balkind. She eventually took up crocheting during the pandemic. Chenail also was taught how to crochet by a friend in 7th grade and has been doing it ever since. 

 

Being taught by their friends inspired them to want to teach others as well, and so the club was started. After lots of struggle to find a sponsor, Mr. Bretan, the Hebrew and AP Human Geography teacher at Grimsley, agreed to be their advisor. 

 

By the end of September, they were finally able to hold their first meeting. 

 

 “I remember feeling super anxious seeing everyone who showed up for the first meeting”, Slate said. “I was already nervous but there were a lot more people than we expected, but it also made me excited seeing how many people were interested”.

 

For their very first meeting, almost the whole classroom was full. There were students who have been crocheting or knitting for years and ones who were completely clueless about both.​​​​​​​​​

 

The club is inclusive for any experience level. Even for those just starting out, it's a great place to be around friends who can help them learn. Experienced needleworkers can come and pass on their knowledge to others, or just relax with their friends and work on their current projects. 

 

The first meeting went over the basics of crocheting with the material they provided for the club members. By the end of the meeting all nervous feelings were gone, and Slate was looking forward to the next meeting.  “There was a good energy, which made me excited,” she said.

 

In the meetings since, they have been making progress teaching everyone the basics.

 

In the future, the club leaders want to serve the community. “We eventually hope to work towards making things to donate to hospitals, ideally small gifts and warm things to give to patients,” Chenail said. 

 

Where: Room 102, Mr. Bretan

When: Every Monday, 4:30-5:30 pm

Insta: ghs.needleworkclub

Remind code: @grimsleyne or text @grimsleyne to 81010