By Sophia Harris
Editor-in-Chief
Early each Tuesday night, you might hear peals of laughter and conversations about getting that perfect stitch.
You definitely would not be able to hear a pin drop.
Alexis Claudio, a senior majoring in fashion merchandising, started a knitting and crocheting club, “Little Loopers.”
The small but mighty club gets together every Tuesday night to create goodies to donate to local hospitals.
These items include baby socks, hats, and blankets as well as scarves and gloves. At the end of the semester, the finished products will be donated to Shriners Children's Hospital in Boston.
The members will work on these items throughout the semester, hoping to make a meaningful contribution by the end of the year.
“It’s all about learning, sharing, and giving back,” Claudio said. “We’re trying to make sure the community feels connected through this craft, and we also want to donate as much as we can to help those who need it.”
This is Little Loopers' first year as a club, and because they do not have any funding yet, Claudio bought all the knitting and crocheting supplies for the club herself.
Claudio said the club “Is more than just a space to craft - it’s a community-building initiative with a big heart for charity.”
The club was inspired by a similar organization at Claudio’s friend’s previous school, and since its inception, it has been dedicated to both building a supportive community and making a difference through handmade donations.
“The main reason that I started this club was just to build community amongst us as a group. I know that for me, learning how to knit and crochet was really hard on my own. So giving people the opportunity to be able to learn from other people physically, rather than just online, is a much better experience,” Claudio said.
Little Loopers isn’t just about knitting and crocheting in isolation. They plan to collaborate with other campus organizations to spread their love for crafting.
On March 4, the club teamed up with the fashion club to create crochet coasters, offering members a chance to learn and share skills through a new project.
Vice President of Fashion Club Eilish Heffernan said it was amazing to see some “familiar faces as well as students from all over campus” during the collaboration.
She added during the meeting, she learned how to crochet and she was happy that the partnership informed both parties about how to expand their crafts. Publicist of Fashion Club Kenzy El Sayed said, “I think it was a great collaboration - especially since it was a crochet workshop, which combined a common interest of both clubs.” In addition, the club will be supporting the upcoming Fashion Show on May 4, at which they will be displaying their crocheted creations. The club is also planning field trips as part of their programming. They intend to visit a senior citizen home to knit and crochet with the residents, fostering intergenerational bonds and spreading warmth through their creations. Another exciting plan is a visit to a JOANN Fabrics store before the chain closes so members can obtain supplies to support their ongoing projects. Claudio said one of the driving forces behind the club is the desire to create a physical environment where students can come together to learn, share patterns, and support one another. With a thriving online resource collection - thanks to sophomore Kendall Winston, who has provided various patterns and tutorial videos - the club also encourages members to meet in person to build stronger connections. “The dorms are filled with students who enjoy knitting and crocheting,” Claudio explained. “The club allows them to take their passion to the next level and really bond over a shared interest.” During the Tuesday night meetings, members share stories about what inspired them to start knitting and crocheting. Winston, who transferred from the Maine College of Art and Design, learned the craft from a friend and saw it as an opportunity to connect with others. “Making things for people in need just feels really rewarding,” she said. She added, “It’s an easy way to make other people happy because even something that takes an hour for me to make - it might mean the world to someone else.” Many club members shared they learned the skill from Winston herself. Through these small acts of kindness, the club members have created a vibrant, supportive group where everyone is encouraged to learn and grow. Little Loopers has a busy semester ahead with a packed calendar of events, field trips, and collaborations. Members will continue to hone their skills and learn techniques like the mattress stitch and reading patterns. With the continued growth of the club and its ongoing charitable efforts, it’s clear Little Loopers is weaving a strong and compassionate community - one stitch at a time. Sophomore Joneisha Zuniga, vice president of Little Loopers, said the club means a lot to her because volunteering her time and skills to brighten the days of the children she will be donating to makes her reflect on her time as a pediatric patient. “I was a pediatric patient, and I’m familiar with the hospital setting because of the many surgeries I’ve had,” Zuniga said. “I always looked forward to gifts that were donated. I want to offer back that same joy that I received.” She added along with crocheting for this cause, she is also making “great connections with others. We learn a lot from each other and have a great time!” Winston said, “Some people think this is an ‘older generation thing’ but I think it’s fun to keep it alive.” Claudio said, “We’re here to learn, create, and give back. This club is about more than just crafting - it’s about making a difference together.”