As robots are being built, kings being put in check, and pickleballs are being smashed, junior Soren Saye sifts through unorganized clumps of yarn searching for the perfect color.
He pulls out a vibrant pink ball of yarn, and begins to methodically wrap and twirl the wire around his crochet hook, as his next project has just begun.
The Spanish classroom headed by veteran teacher Gretchen Wachter has become a haven for the students who want to escape the fast-paced school day.
Several years ago, she started the Knitting Club with former ceramics teacher Jody Cooper because she has a passion for knitting.
Ms. Wachter and Mrs. Cooper used to have a dedicated group of knitters whom they would take on field trips to local knitting stores. The club disappeared for several years before returning this past year in the form of an H block.
“We started it a long time ago,” she explained. “It was before we had H blocks. I don’t even remember what it was called.”
H blocks like knitting provide students with a space to take a break from their academics and explore some other interests. Ojai Valley School has put an increasing importance in this, and the students appreciate it.
“It is definitely a nice break between my academics,” Soren explained. “It gives me a chance to pursue one of my passions.”
The H block is currently full of knitters at varying skill levels, from beginners to experts, all working on incredibly different projects.
“I joined the knitting H Block because I wanted to learn to make things,” said junior Dylan Hamilton-West. “I wanted to discover a new creative outlet.”
Dylan only recently started knitting, but already has high ambitions of making a hat, a difficult project.
Soren is the only member of the knitting H block who regularly crochets.
“I started crocheting last year,” said Soren, who is crocheting a farmhouse with little animals like pigs. “It quickly became one of my passions.”
One of the experts is senior India Getty-Pruss, who has been knitting since she was 11 years old.
“I would go knitting every Sunday with a couple of old ladies,” she explained. “It would just be me and the ladies; we’d knit and crochet and just talk about things.”
India has taken her skills to the next level. She sells knitted balaclavas as a part of her own brand, IMGP the Brand.
“I’ve probably sold six balaclavas,” India said. “People seem to really like them, so I just keep making them.”
India’s experience also allows her to act as a teacher for the new knitters.
“India has been super helpful, being able to teach everyone,” Ms. Wachter said. “She adds a different perspective, she’s a super patient, good knitter, and I think students like to learn from other students.”
Ms. Wachter also enjoys the benefits of knitting, especially in the age we live in. It is becoming increasingly difficult to step away from technology.
“Knitting is really good for both sides of your brain,” she explains. “It is good that kids can do something with their hands, that is not sitting on their phones… and learn a skill they can pass down to their kids.”
Data also supports Ms. Wachter’s claim. The Kim Foundation states that knitting helps with serotonin release, resulting in feelings of calm and happiness in the brain.
“It’s a really relaxing activity,” India said. “I think a lot of people could use something like it in their lives.”