I’m writing to you late Tuesday night after a very full day of filming our 8th cinematic masterclass of Season 10 with Samantha Brunson.

This one was really special, for a bunch of reasons…

For starters, I had a feeling it was going to be amazing when I found out Samantha has a supremely lovable dog named Shelly.

And even more serendipity…my pup Charlie is hanging out while I’m gone, with his best friend… named Sam!

So I should’ve known this filming trip would be loaded with magical moments.

When we arrived in Rutherford, New Jersey, to meet up with Sam, she had flowers in cute mugs for Brad and I. “I know hotel rooms can be kind of lonely so I wanted to brighten yours a little,” Sam said. 🥹

Then our favorite Queen of All Things Orange, GG, arrived from nearby Clifton, and we all got to hang out for dinner!

And it turns out, flowers are kind of a thing here in this charming town of Rutherford. Sam’s family has deep roots here that go back 3 generations. It was like stepping back in time, where everyone knows everyone…and yet from many vantage points, you can see the New York City skyline on the horizon.

And apparently in Rutherford, which is “one mile by one mile” according to Sam…they can get a little up in arms about change. One of my favorite stories was about a local neighbor who erected a gargoyle statue in his yard. Some neighbors were so upset, they raised a stink…so he erected two, even bigger gargoyles. Now it’s become something of a landmark. You can’t miss it!

After a short night’s sleep, we started bright and early filming Sam’s interview and masterclass. And in another Knit Stars first, we finished filming it all before lunch!

OK, lunch happened at almost 2pm…but still a record.

Sam was like a beautiful onion – we kept uncovering more layers. She once (actually twice!) worked with Donna Karan. She once stumbled into a college lecture with Tim Gunn. She partners with Lowe’s and does DIY home projects. She loves Keanu Reeves and mentions him every time she signs off a YouTube video.

And in another Knit Stars first, Sam cooked us breakfast and lunch (see recipe section below for her pasta salad recipe).

I can’t wait for you to get to know this kind, thoughtful, wildly talented human when her Season 10 Masterclass debuts this fall.

Meanwhile, you can follow her @bobbleclubhouse on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, and access all her patterns, blog and DIY projects at her website bobbleclubhouse.com

Tomorrow, Brad and I hit the road in the rented Knit Stars minivan, headed for New Hampshire and filming with the legendary Norah Gaughan. Tune in next week for the picture postcard!

xoxo,

During filming, I asked Season 10 Star Samantha Brunson how she wants to be known in the yarn world, and she replied “as the ultimate bag lady.” Her bag designs – both crocheted and knit, and often beaded – are fashion-forward, functional, and often made with accessible, budget-friendly yarns.

Her top seller on Ravelry is one she calls the Postcard Purse.

She says she can often be seen on the streets of Rutherford carrying not one, but three of her bags!

The me-made bag Sam reaches for most often is her Saddle Bag. The curved lines and black-and-white color scheme make it a classic that goes with anything, she says.

Right before flying to Rutherford, I finished up my daughter Mallory’s debut design, the Effortless Cloud Cardigan. I ended up reworking the first sleeve, adding a couple of inches to the stockinette and an inch to the cuff to give the balloon sleeve a little more oomph.

I have pretty narrow shoulders and it kept falling off, so I added a crochet edging that beefed up the shoulders a bit, and finished off the edges nicely. I love it so much!

You can buy the pattern here.
And pre-order the exclusive Moondrake Arupaka yarn (in 4 colorways just for us) here.

Sam’s Pasta Salad

As promised, here is Sam’s recipe for her pasta salad, in her own words. 🤩 “This recipe serves about 15–20 polite people — or 8–10 of me, especially with a good bottle of wine lol! It’s perfect for your next summer cookout. Happy eating!” – Samantha Brunson

Ingredients:  

• Rotini Tri-Color Pasta (two 12 oz boxes)
• Sweet Whole Kernel Corn (15.25 oz can)
• Sliced Ripe Olives (3.8 oz can)
• Medium Red Onion
• Red Wine Vinaigrette (15 oz bottle… grab two if you have a sweet tooth!)
• Chickpeas (15 oz can)
• Whole Milk Mozzarella Cheese (8 oz block)
• Small cherry tomatoes. (optional) I grew up with them in this salad, but it’s not my preference (don’t tell my ancestors), so I leave them out in my household!

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta to your liking. I like mine al dente, but you do you.
2. Drain and transfer the pasta to your serving bowl. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes – 1 hour, or until the pasta has fully cooled.
3. While the pasta is cooling, chop up the red onion. I like small slices about a half-inch long so you get a nice crunch in every bite.
4. Cut the mozzarella into roughly ½-inch cubes. No measuring tape needed! Just aim for bite-sized pieces that fit nicely with a forkful of pasta.
5. Once the pasta is cooled, add all the dry ingredients to the bowl with your pasta. Mix as you go, you don’t want one lucky guest getting all the mozzarella while everyone else goes without!
6. Pour about ¾ of the vinaigrette over the pasta salad and mix thoroughly. Make sure every noodle is coated, no dry noodle left behind!
7. Cover and refrigerate overnight if possible. If you’re short on time, chill it for as long as you can. But overnight really lets the flavors come together, and this is one of those magical recipes that tastes even better as leftovers!
8. When serving, place the extra dressing on the table so guests can customize to their taste. This is why I recommend picking up a second bottle. I love a generous pour of vinaigrette, but not everyone shares my sweet tooth. This way, everyone’s bell is happy!