Between classes, college applications, and extracurricular chaos, senior Florence So finds peace in the rhythm of her knitting needles. For the past two years, Florence has dedicated her GT Independent Study to knitting – a hobby that has become more than just a way to pass the time.

Last year, she started with the basics: learning simple stitches, figuring out how to read patterns, and even practicing healthy habits to avoid sore joints and repetitive stress injuries. Her proudest accomplishment within her GT so far is finishing her Rabbit Cowichan sweater, the second sweater she has ever made. It was her first time doing colorwork by following a chart, sewing separate pieces together, and attaching a zipper. “Some people think it is store-bought at first,” she expresses. “It is very comfy and keeps me warm in the freezing classrooms.”

This year, Florence decided to take things to the next level. She is working on more complex projects like a cable-knit sweater, a colorwork design, and even a piece she’s designing herself – a knitted qipao, or mandarin dress. “My focus this year is more on getting used to these higher-difficulty patterns and exploring different cultural motifs/styles in clothing,” she says.

Knitting, for Florence, has become more than just a skill. It has taught her patience, adaptability, and the value of planning ahead. “A lot of my projects were unraveled and re-knit at some point,” she says. “I think these traits, and the creativity I was able to practice through this GT, are ones that I can apply to my future work and life in general.”

As she finishes her senior year, Florence plans to keep knitting for as long as she can – hopefully not until her fingers fall off, as she jokes.

“Life is unpredictable,” she says. “The best I can do is plan, be patient, and be ready to do things several times over when they don’t work out the first time.”

The Hilltopper wishes Florence So all the best on her journey through knitting!