On November 13th, we partnered with Student Engagement and Warm Up America for a cozy, creativity-filled service event that brought students together to learn, create, and give back.
Using a large donation of yarn from the former Smathers Libraries dean, Judy Russell, and Chair of Resource Description Services, Chelsea Dinsmore, we invited students, staff, and community members to stop by during a two-hour session to crochet or knit 5″ x 7″ squares. Some participants were already seasoned crafters, while others learned to crochet or knit for the very first time at the event.
Our goal was simple: create as many squares as we could to donate to Warm Up America, where they would be stitched together into blankets for shelters, hospitals, and community organizations supporting people in need.
Even though the event took place in the middle of a weekday afternoon, participation was steady and enthusiastic. Over the course of just two hours, our makers created 22 completed squares!
Beyond the final tally, the best part of the day was the atmosphere in the room: students laughing as they learned new stitches, experienced crafters helping beginners get started, and people settling into the relaxing rhythm of working with yarn. It was a reminder that making doesn’t just produce objects, it builds connections.
We’re grateful to everyone who joined us, to Student Engagement for their partnership, and to Warm Up America for giving our community a meaningful way to contribute. We’re already looking forward to hosting more craft-for-good events in the future.