Meet the members of Team Lovely

Melissa Salzman, Shop Owner/Chief Yarn Slinger

I’m a Baltimore native with a background in Studio Art. My husband, David Showalter, also an artist, and I share our Mt. Vernon apartment with 12 fish all named, "Jimmy". When I have free time I like to be outside running around.

I'm a good knitter, a dubious crocheter, an intermediate drop spinner, and a beginner weaver. I took up knitting for the second time about 21 years ago (the first was as a very small child) when a friend suggest we knit instead of snacking while watching TV. Now, I'm just into everything; I want to know how to do ALL of the things!

I feel very lucky to have a job that feels doesn't feel like work. I enjoy the company of my creative cohorts, Lynda and Jayne as well as the community of makers who frequent my shop. My advice to you is to take a class and learn a new skill to up your game and add more tools to your belt. We have some wonderful instructors here who can help guide you on your creative journey.

Jayne Trentanove, Knitter/Problem-Solver

The only non-Baltimorean in the bunch…I am a native New Yorker (born in Brooklyn, raised on Long Island) who now resides in Original Northwood. I learned to knit literally at my Grandmother’s knees when I was about 8 years old. I still have items she knit for my Mother in the 1940s (so take care of your knits for future generations to enjoy). Knitting was my first fiber craft. I later ventured into needlepoint, rug hooking, counted cross stitch and sewing, but came back to knitting full-time about 20 years ago.

I discovered Lovelyarns shortly after I moved to Baltimore from the DC-area about 13 years ago. From the start, the shop has had a warm, welcoming vibe and it became my LYS. About 6 years ago, I started working here part-time. I hesitate to use the term ‘work’ as being in the shop is a joy and not work. This is such a happy place. Fiber people are generally happy, pleasant people and even if they have a problem with their WIPs, they are generally still in a good mood. My favorite part of the ‘job’ is helping anyone who runs into a problem with their WIP or is feeling a bit frustrated. I cannot say just how much I love turning that frustration into an HA-HA moment of understanding. Also, I’m a knitting nerd. I love learning obscure tidbits about knitting. For example, where did the terms Raglan and Cardigan come from? Hint: It has to do with British aristocracy and two wars. Yup, real nerd.

Lynda Del Genis, Yarn Enabler/Project Instigator

I’m thrilled to be on Team Lovely! I’ve been knitting since age 4 and crocheting since age 8 so I’ve been training for this my whole life. I come from a long line of fiber artists and crafters and am proud to carry on the family tradition of making beautiful things. In addition to my mad yarn skillz, I also embroider, cross stitch, tat, weave a little (if friendship bracelets count as weaving) and make a mean sock monkey.

People often ask me which is better/easier/more fun: knit or crochet. I say reject the false binary! They are horses of two different colors and each scratches its own creative itch. Knitting is typically more structured and soothing, while crochet is generally more spontaneous and imaginative, but not always! There are no rules, except maybe don’t throw cashmere into the washing machine.

Come and play! I know tons of tips and tricks (both useful and maybe not so much) and there’s always new stuff to learn. Ask me anything…if I don’t know the answer, we’ll figure it out together. I can’t wait to see what you make!

Sarah Mikkelsen, Knitting, Crochet, Macramé & Spinning Instructor

I have been a fiber arts addict for over 20 years. When not enabling others by teaching knitting, crochet, spinning, or macramé classes, I enjoy making sweaters, lace, doing Kung-Fu, cooking, and watching anime!

Clare Nicholls, Weaving & Tatting Instructor

I'm a weaver, lace maker, and spinner. Also a Baltimore native, I enjoy living down the street from Lovelyarns! Teaching weaving on floor looms is one of my passions, and I love helping students find their creative voices on the loom. When I'm not obsessively immersed in a fiber project, I'm reading about astrology, taking nature walks, or taking a nap with my cat.

Tara Robinson, Knitting Instructor

Tara has been a serious knitter for over 12 years and has taught knitting classes at Lovelyarns, Black Sheep and WoolWorks (when it was open)! She teaches all levels of ability, from beginner to advanced, using individual and small group instruction. Tara also works at the Waldorf School of Baltimore.

Hamna Ali, Crochet Instructor

I'm an avid crocheter, attempting to become a knitter, spinner, and dyer. I learned how to crochet in high school and let the skill hibernate until I picked it back up in 2020. I love making funky patterns and when I'm not crocheting you'll find me re-watching Lord of the Rings or hiking on the Appalachian Trail. I'm so happy to be a part of Team Lovely and share the gift of crafting!