Knitting and craftwork may once have been viewed as hobbies for older adults, but some Gen Zers are challenging that stereotype and carving out their own spaces. Enter Arden Siadek, a Gen Z crafter who found her way to Inglewood’s craft community, The Knitting Tree, and now works there while hosting its new and rapidly growing Gen Z biweekly Knit Night gatherings.
Craftwork has seen a recent surge as people look for offline spaces disconnected from social media. The event, which launched in February, has steadily gained popularity.
Gen Z Knit Night is Siadek’s brainchild. She noticed a gap in programming for younger crafters and set out to fill it. Since its launch, the event has drawn between 40 and 50 attendees.
The LA Local attended a recent gathering and spoke with Siadek about its success.
Before joining the Knitting Tree, Siadek had been crafting for about 15 years, a practice introduced by her grandmother. Her interest ebbed over time, including a long break after struggling through her first project — a scarf.
That changed when she was preparing to leave for college and rediscovered yarn in her closet. The find, combined with the unexpected free time during the pandemic, reignited her interest.
“Something just clicked for me in a way that you’re still making something artsy and creative, but you’ve got a structure that you can rely on, so it feels really comfortable and meditative,” Siadek said.
Nearly two years ago, she began spending more time at the Knitting Tree and eventually joined the staff. She saw an opportunity to build a “third space” where people could connect offline and step away from the constant noise of social media and the news.
“I was looking for a space like a club where I could knit and craft with other young people,” Siadek said. While the Knitting Tree has hosted potluck meetups for years, the gatherings were not specifically geared toward younger crafters. “I really wanted something specifically for younger people because yarn shops can skew a little older. We wanted an additional space — a ‘yes, and.’”
She pitched the idea to owner Annette Corsino-Blair, who supported it.
During a recent Knit Night, the shop buzzed with conversation as young crafters worked on projects ranging from sweaters and scarves to socks, flowers, Dungeons & Dragons-themed crochet and even “emotional support chickens.”
Attendees mingled, debated the merits of knitting versus crochet and formed new friendships. Some arrived with friends; others came alone and quickly connected with others. The event offered a welcoming alternative to bars, clubs and digital spaces — a place to disconnect and create.
Participants said the gathering provided a sense of relief and community.
“This is getting me off my phone,” said Gemma Chao, a knitter in her 20s, as she worked on a crocheted flower.
Another participant told The LA Local that they loved that they could disconnect from the heaviness of the world in a place where the responsibility of life and work — and mean girls — could not reach her.
