April 17, 2025
Looking for a fun, creative way to boost hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and even practice a little patience and mindfulness? Dive into the world of fiber arts!
“Crochet is the kind of art that uses your creativity but also is a bit methodical and analytical,” Carolyn Sehgal said. Sehgal teaches Crochet for Kids, a new offering at Palatine Park District this summer. “The benefit in my mind is that crochet is the kind of task that forces you to focus, and in a world where there are so many things demanding our attention, it can be meditative to sit and focus on one task.”
Sehgal has spent most of her life interested and trying her hand at various arts and crafts. “Most of my experience has been in art and illustration, and I currently work as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator,” she said. “Crochet, like many of the crafts I do is my creative outlet beyond my day-to day job.”
Sehgal says crochet is a craft you can learn at any age. “I picked up the hobby later in life because my kids wanted to get those crochet kits. I got one for myself just so I would know the steps and it quickly became a hobby I couldn’t put down.”
Crocheting provides an alternative to technology and the distractions of daily life. “I think my favorite part about crochet is that it is a very manual task that allows me to disconnect from all the alerts and notifications that pull at my attention.”
If sewing is more your style, meet Emilee Peterson, the Park District’s sewing instructor. A former competitive ballroom dancer, Peterson launched her costume design business in 2003. Her work has even been featured on America’s Ballroom Challenge, the TV show Smash, and during the 2019 Winter Olympics!
With a degree in Fashion Design, Peterson created The Youth Fashion House to pass on her love for fashion and teach kids the art of sewing and clothing construction. “I started with youth sewing classes at a local homeschooling co-op and loved it,” Peterson said. “I wanted to bring that same joy to the wider community.”
This summer Peterson’s line up at Palatine Park District includes Intro to Sewing, Continuing Sewing, Upcycling Sumer Camp, and Doll Clothing Summer Camp.
What is the attraction to sewing? “It gives the kids a chance to be creative and experience the reward of accomplishing a goal and making something special for themselves,” she said. “It’s so exciting when they finish their projects! I also think, for the parents, the attraction is that the kids are learning a skill that has been somewhat pushed to the side for several generations.”
And like crocheting, sewing is a great way to relax. “Sewing can be very meditative; it’s generally very peaceful,” Peterson added. “Most students start out unsure of themselves, but many discover a hidden talent and a new passion!”
So the next time you or your kids think about picking up a device or a game controller, consider picking up some sewing needles or crochet hooks instead! You’ll encourage focus, patience, a sense of accomplishment and maybe even a life-long hobby!
Check out all the summer classes here: Palatine Park District 2025 Summer Program Guide
