🧶New: a Smoothie Operator 😎

Watch this clip from Masterclass Season 5 and hear GG’s secret to authenticity.

If you follow @ggmadeit on Instagram or YouTube, you know that Gaye Glasspie, the iconic orange-loving goddess and Knit Stars Star Advisor, has been seriously under the weather. In the hospital for 25 days with double pneumonia, followed by recovery at home for the past month.

This week in her newsletter, GG shared something that really spoke to me personally:

“Last week I had a meltdown because I felt like I should be more like my old self. I then saw a meme that said ‘when you come out of the storm you won’t be the same person that walked into it.’ I realized I needed to give myself grace.”

Have you just come through a storm? 

Haven’t we all?

This is your reminder to give yourself some grace this week. Bake yourself a cake. Give yourself just a few more minutes in that shower. 

Knit with the good yarn. 

And if you’d like to support GG and her recovery in a tangible way, consider shopping the yarn and projects she co-curated for our Hot Loops Wall. 

You can find them all here.

🔥 Hot Off The Needles 🔥 Janet just finished this Sexy Shoulder Tee, a Knit Stars Original design by Jane Bolen.

Janet used just 2 skeins of brand-new “Loops Luxe Smoothie” merino/silk blend in a drapey, delicious fingering weight. 

“Smoothie” is part of our current Hot Loops collection, which means Gaye “GG” Glasspie earns a commission with any color of Smoothie that you choose for your top.

Plus, the yarn is made just for us in Peru and it’s a nicely accessible price point for a silk blend of this quality.

Shop for your favorite color of “Smoothie” - for this top or any other fingering-weight pattern in your queue - right here!

If you’re in a part of the world that’s currently experiencing the crazy heat wave, this next project is for you!

The Outline Tank by Jessie Maed Designs can be created with just 1-3 skeins of “Smoothie” depending on your size. And all of Jessie’s designs are size-inclusive up to a 62” bust! 

Structural dropped stitches frame this modern, minimal make, a cropped tank with the perfect amount of airiness and ease for warm weather wear. Check out Jessie’s project page on Ravelry for gorgeous photos of all body types rocking this hot, speedy project.

You’ll need 2(2, 2, 3, 3){3, 4, 4, 4} skeins of “Smoothie” to make an Outline Tank to fit finished bust sizes 28-30 (32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46){48-50, 52-54, 56-58, 60-62}”. Jessie uses a range of yardages- we have listed the skeins needed for the upper range here.

Shop “Smoothie” yarn here. 

(And again, note that all “Smoothie” sales this month will generate a commission for GG🧡)

Love Jessie Maed’s Outline Tank, but prefer a bit more coverage?

Check out her amazing “Outline Tee” made up in LolaBean Dream Bean merino/cashmere/silk 🤩

Everyone who puts this on in our Flagship Store doesn’t want to take it off.

It’s universally flattering and the "Island Blue" Dream Bean colorway - recently restocked - is especially fab!

And fun fact…

Since LolaBean “Dream Bean” yarn is currently featured on the Hot Loops Wall, both Adella (head of LolaBean) and GG earn commissions when you buy this yarn. 

You won’t be sorry…this fiber blend is addictive and Jessie’s projects just fly off the needles and onto your body!

Shop yarn for the Outline Tee here.

We'd love to see your color choices, cast on and finished projects! Be sure to tag us on Instagram @knitstars.

xoxo,

This healthier version of Nashville-style “hot chicken” from Half-Baked Harvest is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Plus, it’s quick to make and you can sneak in a few rows while it bakes in the oven. Buttermilk is a surprise tenderizer that adds a tangy flavor at the same time. Try this dish with a bright, simple salad and fresh fruit. Tastes like summer!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs (you can use skin on or off, but I used skin off)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 3 cups finely crushed corn flakes
• 3 tablespoons whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• extra virgin olive oil, for brushing

Hot Honey

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• kosher salt

Instructions
1. Add the chicken to a gallon size zip top bag. Pour the buttermilk and salt over the chicken. Toss well, cover and refrigerate 20 minutes or overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.

3. Add the corn flake crumbs, flour, thyme, and a pinch of salt to a medium sized bowl. Stir to combine.
4. Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, and dredge through the crumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the chicken has been used. Make sure not to crowd your pan, if necessary use two baking sheets. Lightly brush the chicken with olive oil. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, then flip the chicken over and continue cooking another 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. If using thighs, you may need to cook the chicken a little longer 
5. Meanwhile, make the hot honey. Melt together the butter, honey, cayenne, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. 
6. Brush or drizzle the chicken generously with hot honey and serve warm Enjoy!