Knitting.
For most people, this word evokes an image of an old woman sitting in a rocking chair, two knitting needles in clutch.
But not so to the students at Ojai Valley School.
Knitting at OVS is a popular elective where students sit in a circle, chat about their day, make jokes, eat chips, drink sodas, and, oh yeah, knit.
“Knitting is the highlight of my Tuesdays, after a stressful day of homework and strenuous classes,” says knitting club member Maya Mullins. “It’s very relaxing.”
This is the goal of the knitting elective, after all.
The elective was founded by two OVS teachers, Jody Cooper and Gretchen Stevens, with this objective in mind.
“It’s super relaxing,” said Mrs. Stevens, “It’s all for fun. There’s no pressure.”
And the knitting club is a very popular elective choice, for knitters experienced and inexperienced alike.
“At first I didn’t think I would be able to learn to knit, I thought it would be too hard,” said knitting elective member Bill Liu. “But it’s a really fun elective and a nice way for me to spend my time.”
The elective is even popular among the students who don’t attend it.
“Knitting has always intrigued me,” said sophomore Nolan Colborn. “If I had the time, I’d love to join. It sounds like a lot of fun.”
At OVS, classes are difficult and the homework is copious. Students often find themselves needing a break from the stress of an everyday college prep lifestyle, which this knitting club provides.
There are currently eight students who regularly attend the knitting club on Tuesday afternoons: Molly Taylor, Joy Campbell, Clara Addison, Celeste Addison, Bill Liu, Maya Mullins, Lucy Orgolini, and Clover Griffin.
Each of these students looks forward to Tuesdays and the knitting that awaits.
Beyond the benefits of relaxation, the elective also offers a chance for students to bond with the faculty over their dropped stitches or garter stitches.
“We’re laughing and talking,” Mrs. Stevens said. “It strengthens the relationships between us [the faculty] and the students.”
Students also feel that knitting is a time they feel they can form a bond with their teachers.
“I feel I am able to really build a relationship with my teachers in the small group setting of knitting club, away from the classes,” sophomore Lucy Orgolini said.
Overall, the Knitting Elective at the Ojai Valley School has been an incredible success, and is a place where students feel like they can unwind, have fun, talk to their teachers, and knit.
And this is just the beginning. This new club will certainly continue to grow and expand from its already beloved and praised standing.
