Woven into the fabric of the university’s creative community is a growing student-run craft business known as “Cozy Crochet.”
Founded by Emilia Sementilli, a junior graphic design major, the brand has quickly gained recognition at Student Arts League craft fairs, where students gather to showcase and sell handmade work.
Sementilli’s crocheted hats, scrunchies, and accessories often stand out among the tables, drawing attention for both their texture and individuality. Each item is made by hand, offering a contrast to mass-produced fashion and emphasizing the value of time-intensive craftsmanship, she says.
Sementilli first learned how to crochet as a child, taught by her great aunt. The skill remained constant in her life, as she continues to visit her aunt to work on projects together.
What began as a casual hobby gradually developed into something more meaningful, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. With more time at home, she began practicing more consistently, refining her technique and experimenting with different materials.
Over time, she says her abilities improved significantly and the idea of turning crochet into a business began to take shape. Along the way, she developed clear preferences for certain materials, favoring those that offered both comfort and durability.
“I really like to use alpaca,” Sementilli says. “It’s way more squishy than synthetic.”
That attention to material is reflected in the final products, many of which require hours to complete.
Sementilli emphasizes that each item is made ethically and by hand, often with contributions from other members of the Student Arts League. The process prioritizes quality over speed, reinforcing the uniqueness of each piece.
The Student Arts League itself has played a key role in the development of Cozy Crochet.
Once inactive due to graduating members, the club has recently been revived, providing a space for artists across campus to collaborate and share their work. Under the leadership of Meghan Bosworth, a sophomore public health major and current club president, the organization has regained momentum.
“It’s a great opportunity for artists on campus to get their work out there,” Bosworth says.
The group meets every other Monday in Earl Hall, where members work on individual projects while engaging in conversation and collaboration. Some meetings are held in the Makers Space on the lower level of Buley Library, allowing students to access specialized tools and equipment. The environment is designed to be welcoming, encouraging creativity at all skill levels.
In addition to regular meetings, the Arts League hosts a craft fair once per semester. These events provide student artists with a platform to present and sell their work to the broader campus community. At recent fairs, Cozy Crochet has emerged as one of the most popular booths.
“Mia is our star,” Bosworth says.
Beyond campus events, Sementilli has expanded her business to online platforms such as Etsy and Depop, where she offers a wider range of items, including larger, more intricate pieces.
She has also begun promoting her work through social media, posting short videos and product showcases to attract a broader audience. Her Instagram account, @cozy_crochet.16, has gained steady engagement, though the response to posts can be unpredictable.
“It’s crazy,” Sementilli says. “You could post something completely random and that’s what brings the most attraction.”
Balancing a growing business with academic responsibilities presents its own challenges.
As a full-time student, Sementilli often finds herself managing limited time, sometimes integrating crochet into other parts of her day. She works on projects during lectures or while watching television, using the repetitive motion as a way to stay focused.
“It gives me something to do with my hands and helps me focus more,” she says.
Still, the demands of her major can make multitasking difficult.
Graphic design coursework often requires full attention, limiting the time she can dedicate to crochet. Despite this, she remains committed to continuing her business as she works toward completing her degree.
At craft fairs, Sementilli typically focuses on smaller accessories, which are more practical to produce in larger quantities.
However, she continues to accept custom orders for more complex items through her social media platforms. These pieces require significantly more time and planning but allow for greater personalization.
The Student Arts League remains open to all students and can be joined through the university’s OwlConnect platform. The organization encourages participation from individuals with all levels of artistic experience, offering both a creative outlet and a sense of community.
Sementilli’s journey reflects the impact that supportive environments can have on creative growth.
When she first joined the Arts League, she was uncertain about her direction and whether she wanted to continue pursuing art at all. Over time, that uncertainty shifted into confidence, supported by the connections and opportunities the group provided.
Now, “Cozy Crochet” stands as both a personal and communal success, shaped by collaboration, persistence and a renewed commitment to creativity.
