🧶 Ode to a reluctant model

This week, as we’re scurrying around preparing to reveal our 37th Hot Loops project wall…

The “OG” Hot Loops model is graduating from college.

Since we opened the doors of our first yarn store in 2005, you’ve watched my youngest, Mallory, grow up.

Funny story: Mal has always been a bit of a reluctant model. At the photo shoot for the very first Hot Loops Wall, she got annoyed and stuck her tongue out. We instantly knew we had the perfect photo for our store banner! But she knew it, too - and renegotiated on the spot to double her fee. 

Is it any wonder she’s graduating with a major in business (with a minor in social and economic justice)?

As we traveled together through the murky waters of adolescence, there were some reluctant photo shoots that tested both our patience.

And some moments where, looking through the lens, my breath would catch - as I got a glimpse of the future and the woman she would become.

And a memorable one on the beach of Punta Cana during her high school senior trip, after they all partied to 4am (well it was memorable for me, anyway!)

It was Mallory who gave me the courage to get on my first overseas flight to film for Knit Stars, and we’ve been so fortunate to be together in places beyond my wildest dreams, sharing the adventures with our Masterclass owners.

She’s grown into a fierce and fearless, kind and compassionate young woman who’s determined to find a way to “do business for good.” Her father and I could not be prouder.

And you’ve been a big part of her journey.

I’ve long since lost count of how many times I’ve heard over the years, as someone checks out with a bagful of hand-dyed yarn, “I’m helping put your kids through college.” 😆

But the truth is, you did help.

You helped her learn to work hard, hauling boxes, shelving yarn and reluctantly modeling from age six on.

You helped her learn the thrill of making her own clothes that expresses her own unique style.

You helped her embrace her inner sense of adventure and find her inner artist.

For all of this, I thank you.

Congratulations, graduate. Can’t wait to see what’s next for you.

xoxo,




P.S. Hundreds of Yarnies signed up for our Hot Loops all-online party, Saturday, May 20th starting at 6 PM Central and hosted by the fabulous Gaye “ggmadeit” Glasspie, featuring custom-dyed yarns by Rachelle of Moondrake Co.

Register for the online Hot Loops event FREE here.

The Yarniverse is on fire right now!

We welcomed a slew of new members last week! Plus had not one but TWO Yarniverse LIVE online events with Season 6 Star Felicity “Felix” Ford revealing her newest passion project, and Season 7 Star Mieka John revealing the next Yarniverse quarterly make-along box…a collab with Rachelle from Moondrake featuring a Corriedale yarn in a knockout custom red she named “Mischief.”

Join the Yarniverse for the Founding Member price of just $39 a month here.

In addition to being able to order the member-exclusive kit, you’ll get instant access to 45+ Knit Stars Masterclass workshops personalized to your own journey, so you can make REAL progress.

For this week’s recipe, I asked Mallory her favorite thing I cooked for her growing up. Lucky for you, she reminded me of this super-simple, quick-to-make salad that was her weekly request! All you need is a rotisserie chicken from the market and the stuff for the dressing, which is the real star here - the rest can be any combination of greens and veggies in your fridge.