Knit and Natter is a calm, creative club that has quietly become a favourite for students across the school. It is run by Mrs Prestney, Teacher of Geography, alongside Mr Coma, Teacher of Art and Head of Junior Year, and began life as a textiles club.
“We started off doing small sewing projects,” Mrs Prestney explains. “But sewing machines got complicated quite quickly, so we thought, let’s try knitting as it’s much easier to pick up, and it just grew from there.”
Knit and Natter runs every Thursday lunchtime in the Art Department, is open to all year groups and requires no previous experience. The club welcomes anyone who wants to knit, crochet, learn a practical skill or simply enjoy a calming environment amid the busy day.
“There’s no pressure. You can bring your own project, join in with what we’re doing that week, or just turn up and give knitting or crochet a go,” says Mrs Prestney.
Club projects change with the seasons, from crocheted Christmas decorations and pom-poms for the Trinity Community Garden to spring flowers and granny squares. Sometimes patterns are projected on the board so everyone can work together, step by step.
Beyond the crafting, it’s the atmosphere that students value most. “It’s really calm and gentle,” Mrs Prestney says. “Sometimes we have music on, sometimes we sit outside in the garden in the summer. Students from different year groups – who might not normally mix – chat, relax and just enjoy being creative together.”
The club has also helped students and staff pick up unexpected life skills. “Mr Coma and I have upskilled, and now I have my own projects at home. Last week a student needed help sewing a button back onto their blazer,” Mrs Prestney laughs. “That was a lovely moment.”
The club welcomes expert crafters too: Mrs McDonald, Head of Learning Support, is an expert crocheter and makes beautiful animals and creatures, she visited the club to share tips. The mother of Mx Peers, Assistant Librarian, is a skilled knitter, and also joined Knit and Natter for a session.
Jesse, a Junior Year student, joined Knit and Natter in September with no previous experience of knitting or crochet. “I’d never done anything like this before,” Jesse explains. “But it’s really satisfying. You start with just a ball of yarn, and by looping and knotting it, you actually create something.”
Like many Trinity students, Jesse takes part in several clubs, including Gardening, Philosophy and Technical Theatre. “Before Knit and Natter I have Games, which can be quite tiring, so coming here afterwards is really relaxing. It’s a very calm environment.”
With its open-door approach and welcoming feel, Knit and Natter offers a peaceful antidote to busy school life.
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