After months of planning, countless crochet patterns, weaving ends, and sore hands, Fiber Arts Club members were ready to announce and begin their annual Spring Fundraiser. On Thursday, April 16, the Fiber Arts Club attracted a swarm of students, teachers, and staff to their colorful booth in the atrium by selling fuzzy plushies, keychains, and spring-themed coasters they made the month prior.

The Fiber Arts Club made it a goal to donate all earnings from the sale to Project Linus, a nonprofit organization that supports children who are terminally ill, traumatized, or in need of emotional comfort by making and delivering handmade blankets. Inspired and moved by the mission of this organization, Fiber Arts Club members took it upon themselves to benefit the community, establishing purpose in every stitch. 

“Knowing that I got to spend time working on projects that went toward showing someone a little extra love has always been what has kept me in this club,” Lyla Caballero ‘26 said. “I get to craft and create what I love while sharing my love for crochet and helping people in need.”

Announcements on the intercom and social media drove customers from all age groups to be the first ones at the booth to buy their own crochet creations. The swarm of customers and positive feedback helped the officers operating the booth realize that there’s a crochet creation for everyone. 

“It was interesting seeing all the crafts the club members made for the fundraiser,” Christine Kim ‘26 said. “I was very surprised by the effort [the members] put into this and am very happy with my purchases. I liked my funny square red guy. I didn’t know what he was but I love him with all my heart, and the whale pouch was a very cute and cool idea.”

When planning which products would be sold, the officers thought of what they would buy at a crochet booth, realizing that cuddly plushies of signature bees, flowers, whales, and fruits would be a hit. In addition to creative and soft creations, they made practical creations such as coasters and keychains to merge functionality with cuteness.

“I began by thinking about what people in my age group would gravitate towards crochet-wise.” Caballero said. “Then, I went off of what I would have wanted to see at the table, which led me to search for cute crochet patterns on the internet that would either be practical or just plain cute.”

The booth attracted a wide range of students and staff, from casual passerbys to those who have a deep relationship with art. Customers understood the time and effort that went into making the high-quality creations, fostering a sense of support and admiration for student artists.

“I was drawn to stop by because of how much variety in options there were to buy. I was also captivated by the high quality of the items themselves,” Trish Tang ‘26 said. “I was definitely more excited to know that it was handmade because it gives the items a more homely feeling and also makes me very proud to know I’m supporting artists who spent real time and effort into these creations. Knowing it supported a good cause was also a very pleasant add on to it.” 

After they sold their last item and packed up, the funds were counted up to a total of $815.62, causing yells of triumph from the club officers. With the calculated total, this Spring Fundraiser was their most successful sale in the history of the club. Customers were left with a lasting impression from the creative capabilities of the Fiber Arts Club, leaving students and staff anticipating the next Spring Fundraiser.

“As more and more students and teachers began showing up and supporting our cause, I felt a sense of thankfulness that we have such a supportive community here at Westwood,” Caballero said. “When people asked what the fundraiser was for, I got to see their eyes light up as they learned about Project Linus, knowing that their patronage was going toward something good.”