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Posted January 11, 2008

Out There: New AMS class teaches art of crochet

Taylor Sullivan's eyebrows were bent in concentration as she tried not to get herself all tied up in knots.

The Assumption Middle School seventh-grader wasn't stressing out about midterms -- she was learning to crochet.

It's part of a Team Skills Class, an exploratory class new to this year's curriculum.

"I hope to teach them a skill or a hobby they could continue in their life and help someone at the same time," said JoAnn Goodness, who teaches Team Skills and science.

"They're making 7-inch by 9-inch rectangles," Goodness said. "That's the plan anyway. Then, we'll be putting them together to make as many afghans as we can."

The afghans probably will be donated to the Family Resource Center. Fleece blankets made for Make A Difference Day in the fall go to The Family Center.

The boys, who meet separately from the girls for most classes, started crocheting Tuesday. They were a little skeptical about the craft, Goodness said.

"They did very well," she said.

The girls started Thursday, and Goodness, along with a couple of adults, hovered over the young hands.

"There are all kinds of things to think about," she said as she guided Kara Pulcinski, 13, through the steps.

Jessica Meza, 11, said it was a little frustrating, but she kept working on it. Taylor's eyes lit up when she looked at her growing chain.

Hannah Bovee, 12, started crocheting a few months ago and was the most experienced rookie.

"I just thought it would be cool," she said. "I saw a book in the library and asked my mom if she could teach me and she did."

The project was made possible by a Schools Plus grant from the Community Foundation of Greater South Wood County, written by Goodness.

"We'll see how this goes," she said. "If it works out really well, we'll make it an annual project."

Out There is a Tuesday through Saturday column, written by Deb Cleworth. Contact her at deb.cleworth@cwnews.net or 422-6730.

Taylor Sullivan, 12, concentrates as she works on another row of a crochet square at Assumption Middle School on Thursday. The seventh-graders will combine completed squares to make afghans, which will be donated to the Family Resource Center. Deb Cleworth/Daily Tribune