Martyna, a fourth-year graphic design student, and Diana, a fourth-year illustration student, are the co-founders of a growing initiative at WDKA: a knitting and textile-focused club aimed at fostering creativity and connection among students. What began as a shared hobby between flatmates has now evolved into a vibrant community for those seeking to explore old crafts in new ways.
A shared passion for craft
Martyna and Diana’s journey began in their first year at WdKA, where they bonded as flatmates and friends. Both had an interest in creative projects, and their shared hobby of crocheting became a bridge between their academic pursuits and personal lives. Martyna’s passion for textiles deepened during her second-year project exchange in Boston, where she majored in fibers and experimented with material thinking. Diana, inspired by Martyna, discovered crocheting during her first year and incorporated it into her illustration coursework, including a costume design project centered on alter egos.
The two friends see their love of crafting not only as a personal creative outlet but also as a way to challenge the traditional boundaries of their disciplines. For Martyna, textile work bridges the gap between graphic design and hands-on material exploration. Diana, on the other hand, values the ability to make unique clothing and personal items, turning what could be a casual hobby into a meaningful form of self-expression.
Revival of craftsmanship
Martyna and Diana both see a modern revival of traditional crafts like knitting and crocheting. They believe this resurgence reflects a deeper shift among young people: a move away from fast, impersonal production methods and toward slower, more intentional processes. “Our grandmothers did this out of necessity,” Martyna explains, “but we’re taking it further, creating something unique not out of need, but out of passion.”
Diana notes that this renewed interest in crafts is visible within WdKA itself, where students are increasingly gravitating toward hands-on practices such as ceramics, analogue photography, and textile arts. “It’s not just a trend,” she emphasizes. “Making something yourself and following the process creates a different kind of satisfaction. I hope it’s something that continues to grow.”
Building a community
Recognizing the need for connection and creative outlets, Martyna and Diana launched their knitting club at WDKA. The club meets every two weeks in WDKA Haven, a cozy space where students can gather, learn, and create. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, complete with snacks, tea, and an array of yarn, needles, and books provided by the club.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with the first meeting drawing 20–30 participants from a variety of disciplines, including illustration, graphic design, fine art, and product design. The club has become a space for first-years and experienced students alike to connect, learn new skills, and exchange ideas. “It’s amazing to see someone go from knowing nothing to making an entire scarf,” Diana says.
Looking ahead
The knitting club is still in its early stages, but Martyna and Diana have big plans for its future. They hope to organize more specific workshops focusing on advanced skills, host small exhibitions to showcase members’ work, and even take the club’s activities outside the walls of WdKA Haven.
“This first half-year was a test,” Martyna explains. “We’ve seen how much potential it has, and now we want to focus on building the community aspect further.” Both founders agree that the club is about much more than knitting. “It’s about creating a space for connection,” Diana says. “We hope it helps people feel welcome and gives them a reason to step out of their homes.”
For Martyna and Diana, the club is a reflection of their own experiences at WDKA. “When we were younger, there weren’t many initiatives like this,” Martyna says. “It’s so nice to now create a space where connections are being made, where students can learn from each other and build relationships across different majors.”
Diana adds, “I used to feel very lonely, especially in the beginning. Having a place like this makes all the difference.”
The club’s next meeting will be announced on their instagram, and everyone is welcome to join. Whether to knit, learn, or simply connect, the initiative continues to grow as a meaningful addition to the WdKA community.
