Kathy Mahon: Hook and Needle Knits
At this time of year, at least here in the coastal mid-Atlantic region, the weather vacillates from not quite dead-of-winter to damp-but-not-quite-warm. The quickest way to warm up—and to look stylish doing it—is to toss on a scarf or shawl. Just ask Kathy Mahon, proprietor and head crocheter of Hook and Needle Knits.
We talked with Kathy after a recent craft sale at The Grand Hotel in Cape May. “I do a mini pop-up there in January and February,” she told us. “They have Girls Getaway Weekends and invite us to set up in the ballroom in the mornings for a few hours.”
As for the other craft shows in the area, Kathy has learned what works for her. “I only participate in local craft shows in November and December. I’ve tried to take part in shows in warmer weather, but everyone walks by and says ‘Oh, your things are so beautiful, but it’s just too hot for scarves!’” Kathy credits her daughter Amy for encouraging her to jump into the craft show world, and she has an Etsy store. “I also post my scarves and shawls on Facebook and Instagram, and they always sell well there.”
Kathy has been a crafter most of her life, starting out with Crewel Embroidery. “And then I moved onto needlepoint,” she said. “After that I started Counted Cross Stitch on perforated paper with embroidery floss and seed beads. I made hundreds of bead pins for all holidays; I was known as the ‘Pin Lady.’ I did craft shows and sold them to local teachers, ladies who worked in banks, etc.” But that work became too time consuming and tedious for her eyesight. She had knitted for a long time and made her daughters’ sweaters while they were growing up. “I finally picked up the crochet needle and started making infinity scarves, and I was just giving them away.”
A quick scroll through Kathy’s Instagram account (@hookandneedleknits) makes it clear why “giving them away” became “selling them.” Gorgeous kaleidoscopes of color—some bold, some soft and muted—can be found for every aesthetic: chunky infinity scarves, luxurious pocket shawls, and rainbows of wrap scarves—all made by hand.
As an assistant front desk manager and gift shop buyer at an oceanfront hotel in Wildwood Crest, Kathy works seasonally from February to October, and has lived in the Wildwoods since 1955. “I love my job!” she says—indeed, she’s been there 30 years. “I have so many ideas in my head to crochet other items! However, since I still work it’s just impossible since it is all handmade.”
When she’s not crocheting “which takes up most of my spare time” or working, Kathy enjoys a little retail therapy with girlfriends. “I also love my front porch and enjoy reading there, and on the beach on warmer days.” Otherwise, she’s home spending time with her husband and Simon, their cat. “I also have two daughters who live in Ocean City and when we can find the time, we spend it together.”
