HOLDEN — Fifteen-year-old town resident Jianna Bixho is sharing her passion for fiber arts with others through her recently launched Kitty Crochet Club.
The Notre Dame Academy sophomore recently held her first instructional class for beginners at her Holden home, and has other classes coming up on Jan. 27, Feb. 17, and Feb. 20 for all levels. Kids ages 8 to 12 learn step by step how to make an adorable whale at the January class and a pink whale at the February classes using crochet skills such as magic ring, single crochet, increases, decreases and color changes.
The $50 cost includes all materials and hot cocoa is served during the classes. Those interested in signing up can text or call 774-253-1707 or Facebook message Jianna’s mom Ilda Bixho.
“I want to share my love for crochet with other kids who love to crochet,” Jianna said of what inspired her to start Kitty Crochet Club.
She had two “very interested students” join her for the first class: Mountview Middle School 7th grader Sophia Ng, 12, and Davis Hill Elementary School 4th grader Aurelia Gayle, 9.
“The first class went great,” Jianna conveyed. “We were able to overcome any challenges we faced during the class, and the kids went home with their own cute crochet whales.”
Jianna, who lives in Holden with her parents and brother, said she began crocheting last summer “when I wanted to learn a new hobby.”
“My grandmother taught me the basics of crochet when I was younger, which helped me learn quickly over the summer,” she said. “I enjoy being able to make crochet stuffed animals.”
She plans to offer two classes a month, and said her next class will be three or four girls.
“I am looking toward to teaching a larger group of girls for my next class,” Jianna said. “I’m super excited for it.”
Some of her personal crochet creations include super soft and colorful chenille yarn sea turtles and a sweet little light blue elephant. Jianna said she enjoys crocheting, which allows her to “express my creativity and explore different yarns and color patterns.”
“I find crocheting to be a relaxing and meditative activity. I appreciate the sense of accomplishment when completing a project, while others find joy in making handmade gifts.”
