Making Connections, One Stitch at a Time

A simple love of crochet is creating meaningful connections at Coppermine Place II. When resident aide Tipton started crocheting in the common area, residents noticed – and a class was born.  

 

The class meets four times a month on Mondays and has grown from seven participants in its first session to 20, a testament to how much residents enjoy it. Beyond the numbers, crochet offers more than a creative outlet. For older adults, it provides mentally stimulating activity, helps reconnect neural pathways, improves hand-eye coordination, and fosters a sense of accomplishment and pride. Most importantly, it combats social isolation. Many residents who rarely left their apartments, now gather in small groups outside of class, sharing stories, laughter, and support. 

 

Through the program, residents also experience the joy of giving. Last year, each participant made a scarf to donate to individuals experiencing homelessness, blending creativity with community impact. Some have returned to crocheting for their grandchildren, while others who never tried before are now participating through accessible adaptations, like finger knitting. 

 

“It feels more like a community,” Tipton says. “You can tell it’s made a difference in their overall demeanor and health. It makes me so proud.” 

 

What started almost two years ago as a volunteer idea has blossomed into a vibrant, well-loved crochet class that’s changing lives. Its success inspired Tipton to expand to another Wesley community, The Fallstead in McLean, and launch his own business, Sensible Creations LLC.