Nora Meeks, Special to The Denisonian–
Have you ever wanted to learn how to knit? Crochet? Sew? Are you lost and unsure where to start? Do you already know how to do these things and want a community of other passionate people to do them with? There is a new club starting at Denison that can help make these dreams reality.
The Fibers Arts Club is the newest of the 160+ student run organizations on Denion’s campus. It is a beginner friendly community of people who want to advance their skills in any and all fiber arts. The club was founded and is led by Denison sophomore Mary Beshuk, a Columbus native.
Beshuk first learned how to knit in high school by watching youtube videos and teaching herself. She has been sewing since elementary school and works in the Denison costume shop. She defines fiber arts as “making anything out of textile materials.” This can include knitting, crochet, sewing, and quilting. When Beshuk first came to Denison she was surprised there weren’t any knitting or fiber arts clubs already on campus. She noticed other schools, such as Kenyon College, had clubs that nurtured the type of artistic community Beshuk was looking for.
“Starting a club is really difficult,” Beshuk said. She has been working since the beginning of the year to get the club off the ground. While it has been a long time coming, the Fiber Arts Club will have its first meeting Wednesday, April 3.
“We’ll just teach them how to cast on and create a slip knot. That’s our goal for our first meeting,” Beshuk said, making it clear that this club is meant for people of all skill levels. She wants the club to be a place where people can advance their skills through a relaxing art form.
“It’s my favorite thing to do, just sit in front of my TV or listen to an audio book and just knit because it just shuts your brain off.” She hopes through this club she is able to share her passion with students. Beshuk already has plans for future meetings.
One project Beshuk wants to bring to the club is making child-safe crocheted octopuses for intensive care premature infants.
If you have any interest in the Fiber Arts Club they are meeting Wednesday, April 3 at 5pm on the 3rd floor of Fellows Hall, in the Foresman lounge. You can also follow them on instagram (@denisonfiberarts).