By Contributing Writers Ella Azria (’25), Olivia Conley (’25) & Lillie Fowler (’25)
Picture your grandmother sitting on the porch of an old house in her rocking chair, with her cat purring on the windowsill as she crochets you a new sweater. That’s what most people think about when the topic of crocheting is brought up, but there is so much more to it than that. The stereotype around crocheting should be long forgotten. Paving the way through this stereotype is junior Lyla Rivard.
However, before Lyla is introduced, here is some background on crochet. Crocheting dates back to the late 1800s, but the actual date of origin is unknown. It often is compared to knitting, but it’s very different. Knitting uses a pair of long needles making many loops to create something. Whereas crocheting only uses one or two hooks, making the activity much easier to pick up. Both techniques include similar hand motions and yarn, but crocheting is a lot easier on your hands. Crocheting can help decrease stress and increase productivity in other activities. Crocheting is also surrounded by the idea of a community that many crocheters feel comfortable with.
Lyla Rivard, a junior at Jamesville-DeWitt High School, has been crocheting since late 2019. Lyla started to pick up crocheting during the Covid-19 pandemic when she had a lot of free time on her hands. She said, “Crocheting helps [her] relax and it’s something [her] brain can focus on that’s easy.” Lyla has always been a natural artist. She makes incredible art pieces and makes her articles of clothing with crochet.
Lyla’s hobby extends beyond just a fun way to pass the time, it’s something she has become very passionate about. This hobby can be pursued not only in one’s home, but anywhere one desires. This could be a park, the movies, or even at school. Lyla was asked if she sold any of her creations and how she prompted them. “I have sold some of my projects in the past, but I mostly make them for fun or for people who ask. I have an Instagram and a TikTok where my projects and artwork can be found,” Lyla said. Her Instagram handle is “lylas_version” and “lylar330” is her TikTok handle.
The Crochet Club was a great way for Lyla to share her creations and knowledge. The idea was first given to her by her English teacher Ms. Myers. The club meets on Fridays after school. You can provide your materials, but most of the materials used by the club are donated by teachers and faculty. They get together to work on personal projects and share ideas. They work on group projects together as well, for example right now the club is crocheting a blanket to donate to a homeless shelter. The club is also just a great way to meet new people and pick up an easy skill that you can do all your life.
The revolution of “cool crocheting” is rapidly approaching and there is no stopping it. Crocheting isn’t just an activity your grandmother does in her spare time on a Sunday, it is innovative, creative, and plain old fun. The stigma around crocheting is being broken by people like Lyla, paving the path to something wonderful for everyone.
