When she was 7 years old, junior Maria Fetter started crocheting and has been creating pieces for friends and family. She’s used her creativity to spread joy by gifting sweaters, bags, and even stuffed animals. When Maria started her journey it was just a simple request from her mother. She explains, “My mom wanted me to make a blanket for our Easter basket to get blessed, so she taught me and my sisters how to crochet.” Little did she know that a new talent and hobby would emerge.
Once she learned how to make a blanket she expanded her horizon into making different things. Making blankets was only the beginning. She found that she was drawn to making people things, for birthdays, events, or just because. For her friend Brooke Coll, Maria made a special birthday gift. Maria knew that Brooke would love a crocheted whale. Brooke said, “The moment I opened the bag I was in utter shock. I can’t believe how she’s so talented and knows me so well. It was just so thoughtful and I really appreciated it.”
Maria has also made things for herself. On her recent beach trip, she made a beach bag to carry her belongings, using her creativity and making something her own.
While people already have a difficult time making a simple pattern, it’s even more difficult to make blankets and clothing. Maria is beyond simple crafts. She says, “I’ve crocheted tank tops, sweaters, stuffed animals, swimsuits, coasters, blankets, keychains, and flowers.” She’s inspired by things while scrolling on social media. “I get most of my inspiration from Pinterest but I get it from everywhere; clothes in stores, window shops, shows, Instagram, etc.” With the world now with social media, she can get ideas and share ideas with people with the same interests. She can get tips or tricks from YouTube, even learning how to make new things step-by-step.
While the end product of crocheting is beautiful, the process is a tough and time-consuming task. As Maria levels up her expertise, the more challenging it is. Maria stated, “The most time-consuming projects I’ve done are sweaters and blankets. Blankets take a long time just because of how large they are compared to other projects. Sweaters take a long time due to some of them having intricate designs or because I am creating the designs as I go along.” Creating something from scratch can be difficult, but once the piece is finished, Maria is proud to say that she has created something so unique as some of her projects.
The dream for Maria doesn’t stop here. She wants to help others in need. With the cold winters in Pennsylvania and surrounding areas, some families can’t afford simple needs such as the basic winter gear. She’s planning on making a club to help these people in situations like these. She talks about her plans to give back. She said, “I was going to start a club to donate things so I’ll do that maybe in the upcoming future. I would donate like winter hats and gloves and things like that. That would be cool, scarves too.” Maria uses her talent to give to others, not because she has to, but because she wants to.
Maria is representing Greater Latrobe Senior High with pride. She uses her power to be a leader and to be selfless. She has found a way to express herself and show that to the world. “Crocheting has bettered my life because it’s another way I can use art as a creative outlet for myself. Art has always been a big part of my life and I love that there are
multiple ways to express that.”
