By: Jai McDonald ’27
Alright, picture this: you’re on campus, right in those cozy nooks where the winter breeze is playing tag with the finals stress. Now, in the middle of all those textbooks and late-night cram sessions, there’s a bunch of college kids onto something kinda magical— they’re diving into the chilled-out world of crocheting. As snowflakes, or the lack thereof, tap on the library windows, these cool students are swapping their pens for crochet hooks, turning their study spots into this awesome mix of yarn and good vibes. With every stitch they throw down, they’re not just creating intricate patterns; they’re also knitting a warm, fuzzy atmosphere that’s all about creativity and sticking together. Winter and finals might be throwing their best punches, but in this laid-back corner of the college scene, the click-clack of crochet needles is like the chill-out soundtrack of resilience and imagination.
On December 5, 2023, the
Honors College put on their “Sleigh Crochet” event in the Honors Lounge. Walking into the event, I immediately felt the cozy vibes. The entire lounge had been transformed into a Winter Wonderland. The walls and ceiling were adorned with snowflakes and fallen leaves. To set the mood, a fireplace video played on the TV while our favorite holiday hits filled the background. Students were also treated to hot chocolate and donuts to munch on while they knit. Our Honors Advisory Board events team succeeded in creating a cozy little nook away from the cold.
Now onto the actual crocheting. Seasoned knitters could obviously bring their own materials and go nuts. However, the event team also did an excellent job of actually teaching people how to do it. On a cute blue table, students got to pick their color of yarn. We aren’t talking grade-school primary colors either. It was the whole rainbow and then some, which offered students a wide variety. Along with the yarn, crocheters were given little pink crochet hooks to use.
From there, students could scan one of three QR codes which would give them a design and how to accomplish it. The best part: they were all penguins! Each design was a variation of these adorable little penguins. My favorite was the one with the fish hat. The penguins were really simple to make too. They had a white belly with the outer color being whatever color you wanted. The head was just a round sphere with two safety pins for eyes. Simple, cute, and crafty.
During the actual crocheting process, everyone lounged around and talked to each other. It was especially helpful being able to talk to people who knew what they were doing. People really got the chance to decompress, even if only for an hour. It was very much appreciated and needed.
As we wrap up this tale of winter whimsy and crochet creativity, let’s give a round of applause to the Honors College for putting the “Sleigh Crochet” event on the map. On December 5, 2023, the Honors Lounge wasn’t just a place; it was a Winter Wonderland, complete with snowflakes, fallen leaves, and a cozy fireplace flickering on the TV. The Honors Advisory Board events team sure knows how to turn a regular lounge into a chill-out haven.
As the penguins came to life, so did the conversations and connections in the room. Whether you were a crochet pro or just getting started, the vibe was all about chilling out, crafting, and maybe learning a thing or two. In the midst of winter and finals chaos, the “Sleigh Crochet” event proved to be a much-needed escape, where stitches and stories intertwined to create an hour of pure, cozy decompression. Cheers to the Honors College for giving us a break from the cold and finals frenzy, leaving us with the warm memories of penguin crochet and the joy of a well-deserved crafting session! Until next time, may your hooks be swift and your yarn be ever colorful. Happy holidays!