Teen creates handmade items for classmates
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“I caught some flack when I first started, people at school saying I was gay and stuff, but it doesn’t bother me because I know I’m not. It used to get me mad, but not anymore,” he said.
Anderson, a Warren County High School sophomore, said he learned to crochet in January while in the adult living class of teacher Ann Terry. When the class moved on to other skills, he said he liked it so much he just kept doing it. The hobby has made such an impression, he even carries his crochet hook and yarn around with him at school, pulling them out to work when ever he has free time.
“It’s something that keeps me out of trouble. It’s my anti-drug,” he said. “It’s hard work, hard on your hands sometimes, but I enjoy it.”
A sampling of Anderson’s work is currently being exhibited in a display case outside of the library in the school’s main lobby.
Hats are his favorite items to crochet, particularly the beanie style now popular with the younger crowd. He can complete one in about 30 minutes, he said.
Anderson recently combined his talent and his entrepreneurial spirit to go into business selling the items he makes to his fellow students. Beanies are the most popular items, he said, followed by scarves and blankets. He was recently commissioned to crochet a bedspread for a Mother’s Day gift.
While he’s gotten a lot of orders, he admits he hasn’t made that much money, only about $20 in fact.
“I charge $5 for a hat and $5 for a scarf, but I end up giving away a lot of what I make, especially to the girls. For most of them I do it for free,” he said.