Schools

High School Students Knit for Good Cause

Scotch Plains-Fanwood High's knitting club started in December.

Knitting may seem like an unlikely pick for the latest teen obsession, but students at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School say it's all the rage this year.

From stitching loops between periods to sneaking in a few minutes with their knitting needles during class—students are hooked.

Now, one group of students at the school is hoping to use their skills to create winter wear for the needy, and they're looking for the community to help with their efforts.

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With the encouragement of her guidance counselor, SP-F junior and avid knitter Lilia Perez formed a knitting club at the high school in December. She started by teaching the craft to a group of about 30 other students. Now about 20 are contributing to the club on a regular basis.

On a recent weekday afternoon, the students were working to assemble small knitted squares they'd all created to make a patchwork blanket, which they hope to donate to a local hospice center.

Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The group's first donation—scarves and hats—went to the Scotch Plains Giving Tree. Chemo caps and helmet covers for soldiers are on their radar for the future.

Perez says she first started knitting in 8th grade, when the principal at the private school she attended at the time taught her and a group of other students the basics.

She's since moved on to make, hats, scarves, blankets, baby clothes and even Halloween masks for her friends. She's currently working on her first sweater.

"I always wanted to start a knitting club, but I didn't think that many people would be interested," Perez said. "Once I realized people were, I decided I wanted to do it for a good cause."

While the club has mostly been a student effort so far, Perez says anyone in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood community who's got an interest in knitting is encouraged to join.

"This isn't just a high school thing," she said.

The group is also seeking donations of yarn. Perez said the students have purchased their own knitting needles, but that she hopes to provide all other materials and would appreciate anyone who has spare yarn to donate it.

The club is small now, but continues to grow as students gain interest. Even guys are in on the effort.

"I'm the male representative," student Chris Gilman said with a smile.

Perez says that while they've currently focused on making winter wear, she doesn't want to see the club die down in the spring and summer. During those months, she hopes to move on to other projects, including afghans for Afghans, a humanitarian and educational project that sends hand-knit and crocheted blankets and sweaters, vests, hats, mittens, and socks to the people of Afghanistan.

"I want this to keep going through next year, definitely," Perez said.

Those interested in donating or getting involved should e-mail spfknittingfortheneedy@gmail.com .


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