Crochet enthusiasts in Bahrain will come together to mark I Love Yarn Day, a major global celebration dedicated to sharing the joy of knitting, crocheting, weaving and yarn crafting, observed on October 10.
Bahrain Crochet Club is set to stage a fun session for members at Innovation Themes in Galleria Mall, Zinj. Founded in 2023 by Pakistani expatriate and creative entrepreneur Fakhira Syed from Manama, the group is a women-only platform dedicated to the craft.
Currently, there are around 35 members across nationalities and ages, who meet every month and participate in various activities.
“The idea was to gather ladies who crochet and want to crochet together,” Fakhira told GulfWeekly.
“My friend suggested we set up a group and it has been a wonderful journey so far. Members learn from one another and share patterns. Having structured monthly project deadlines offers a helpful, encouraging nudge to overcome procrastination and creative brain fog,” she added.
The upcoming event will also mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month as members knit pink ribbons, expressing solidarity with the cause. It is open to the public with prior registration.
“This is a guest-friendly meetup and will bring crafters together to celebrate our shared passion while supporting a meaningful cause,” added the educator, who conducts knitting classes and makes customised crochet items.
She recounted taking up the craft in school when she was 13. However, she started pursuing it seriously during the Covid pandemic – a time when many around the world turned to the arts.
“In 2017, I thought of creating a page and making something for friends but during the pandemic, things clicked and it was the actual start of my project, you could say,” explained the 35-year-old.
Crocheting is the craft of making fabric, clothing, or other items by interlocking loops of yarn, thread, or other fibres using a single-hooked needle called a crochet hook. Some have claimed its ‘therapeutic’ effects, as it comprises repetitive stiches.
“It is very therapeutic and during the pandemic it was my escape. It gave me comfort and peace. Many of our members have also found it relaxing,” added the professional user experience designer, who has studied the science behind making digital products like websites and applications easy for users to navigate.
Echoing her sentiments is Raji Murali from Hoora, who has found the club’s sessions to be enriching.
“Although I joined the group only recently, I was impressed from the outset by the members’ enthusiasm and the strong sense of sisterhood they share. The group is special to me because it provides a welcoming space where we can exchange ideas about crochet, colours and yarns, and celebrate our shared passion for the craft.
“My most memorable experience was the project we completed in September to mark the club’s third anniversary. It gave us an opportunity to hear members speak about their creations and the personal stories behind them, making the project especially meaningful,” added the Indian expatriate and quadragenarian.
Raji learned to crochet from her grandmother when she was a teenager and working with yarn makes her feel ‘warm and protected’, instantly taking her back to her childhood. “Crochet involves repeating patterns to create something new. The process occupies the mind, helps us relax and allows us to turn stress into something beautiful,” added the educator.
For her part, Bahraini teacher Rawan AlHamad from Hidd is enjoying meeting people with the same passion.
“I made a hooded scarf that I’m really proud of,” said the 27-year-old.
Meanwhile Fouzia Fazal, aged 41, revealed how crochet helped her heal after she lost her mother.
“After losing her, I found myself wanting to do the things she used to do. Crochet became one of those,” added the accountant from Hamad Town.
For more information, follow @bahraincrochetclub on Instagram.
