Student-run organizations nationwide were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Between social distancing and virtual learning, funding concerns, and societal changes, many student clubs on campus suspended their operations or shut down entirely. But now, four years after COVID’s arrival, student organizations are returning and forming once again.
“Threads” is one of the new clubs on campus. It’s an interest club for all forms of fiber arts: knitting, crochet, sewing, weaving, and more. The club is somewhat unique for its cross-campus involvement, holding meetings on both Riverpark and Main Campus.
The Uproar sat down with Anna Adams, founder and president of Threads, to learn more about the club. Here’s what she had to say.
Anna Adams can often be found working in the Art Research Library. She’s a senior art history major who’s also working on an English minor and is possibly CSU’s last Medieval Studies focus student. She’s typically seen wearing a crocheted purse and sometimes Victorian-style shoes.
“I am a self-taught craft artist with a focus on crocheting, sewing and clothing,” Anna told The Uproar. “My interest in fashion and fashion history led me to fiber arts.”
Threads promotes textile and fiber arts on campus by providing a social space for crafters each week. Students at club meetings work on projects together, chatting and sharing tips and tricks with each other.
“I wanted to create an environment that supports textile and fiber arts,” said Anna. “We have a standing invitation for people with little to no experience to come learn with us.
“I made the club because of my interest in fashion and textile history,” Anna said. “After noticing people crocheting around campus, I wanted to make a space to foster connections.” Many fiber arts such as knitting, sewing, and quilting have historically been social activities. Working with experienced crafters makes learning more fun and easier.
Anna has a variety of projects in mind for the club. The first was a series of sewing tutorials for all experience levels. Sharing sewing machines and scrap fabric, participants have already created their own tote bags. “I also want to do weaving, spinning and dyeing, and I’m open to suggestions,” she noted.
The club is also interested in inviting guests to teach demos and share their knowledge with students. Anna mentioned Cathy Fussel, a local artist who makes quilted maps, as an inspiration whom she hopes to invite as a guest speaker.
Anna mentioned that she wanted to show CSU the interest in fiber arts and hopes that CSU will offer sewing classes in the future. She also wants to use the club to connect with artists outside of CSU and build a community of fiber artists.
Threads meets on Riverpark Campus on Mondays from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the ARL or Seaboard Depot. Its Main Campus meetings are held on Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Davidson 258.
