Old at Heart is a crafting club run by Julya Metschke, who started the club back in March of 2025 because she really enjoys crafting.   

“I really enjoy doing things that I’ve been told are like, old lady-like and I wanted to build a community around the concept of doing old lady activities and like old people crafts,” Metschke said.   

Old at Heart has meetings on the first and the third Thursday of each month. At the first meeting of the month, they have an activity night.   

During the activity nights, they provide materials to do projects so the members can learn how to do something new and those are led by members. For example, the club had a patchwork shirt night on Apr. 2.    

The group learned how to crotchet, embroider, sew and make pop-up cards. At the second meeting of the month, they have something Metschke called “BYOP,” or bring your own project.   

“Our members bring whatever they’re working on,” Metschke said. “Luke, he’s really into crotchet. Tory will bring her coloring books. I sometimes bring my junk journal. We had a guy he brought in his mini figures to paint one time.”   

Old at Heart also does a monthly service project where they go to the nursing home to hang out with some of the residents. Sometimes they play games, other times the residents teach them crafts.   

When the patchwork shirt night began, Old at Heart provided sewing needles, fabric and thread. The activity was self-led and most participants already had experience sewing.   

There were many creative designs such as  a goose, fish, an American flag, pendants, a heart and a foot. Member Luke McFarland chose to cut the sleeves off his shirt and crotchet new ones.   

Some participants struggled a little bit more with the activity. They were new to sewing and were easily frustrated by the activity.   

Other newcomers with experience sewing had no problem diving right in and even helped people who weren’t sure where to start.   

Many participants decided to take their craft home so they could use their own supplies  

“If it doesn’t look nice, it’s an experience,” said McFarland.   

Old at Heart will be hosting a tea party in celebration of grandma’s day on Apr. 25. 

 They encourage students to bring their projects as they reflect on the semester with tea sandwiches and a presentation.   

Old at Heart’s next meeting will be on Apr. 17 in the Conn Library at 7 p.m.