Founder of Thatched Roof Cottage

Allyson took her first knitting class over a decade ago, and the rest — as they say — is history. With patience, steady practice, and the kind guidance of a sister-in-law, she found her rhythm, became a knitter, and began exploring other fiber arts, eventually learning to dye yarn. Along the way she has dabbled in rigid-heddle weaving, learned to spin on both wheel and drop spindle, and even tried her hand at nålbinding. Somewhere in that journey, she discovered that when life grows too loud, a quiet moment with yarn and needles can bring a deep sense of calm and clarity.

Before starting Thatched Roof Cottage, Allyson served as an Assistant District Attorney in a U.S. metropolitan area, working to bring justice and protection to victims in some of the most difficult cases involving sex crimes, aggravated domestic violence, and child abuse. That chapter led her to international work — from anti-human trafficking efforts in Russia, to addressing various forms of violence against women in Iraq, counterterrorism work in Afghanistan, and helping get women's and children's centers up and running in Northern Iraq for survivors of the Yezidi genocide. 

After years of intense and demanding work, she developed a deep appreciation for resilience, restoration, and the quiet moments that help us begin again. She picked up a pair of knitting needles… and here we are.

That perspective eventually led her to create Thatched Roof Cottage — a welcoming space centered around knitting, fiber arts, and the joy of making something by hand. Here, the focus is not perfection, but presence — learning, creating, and finding small moments of quiet in the midst of everyday life.

Her first yarn line, Americana, is inspired by the colorful character and spirit of America’s amazing small towns. She later began developing the Signature Collection, a celebration of the colors and textures of everyday life. While both lines are currently on pause — because life sometimes calls for a shift in plans — she is focusing on other fiber arts projects. One of those projects is maintaining a comprehensive Fiber Festivals & Events List, which she researches and updates throughout the year using official event information from across the U.S. Though she plans to return to yarn dyeing (hopefully soon!), these days Allyson also pours her energy into curating cozy goods, designing approachable knitting patterns for beginners, and knitting goodies for friends and family.

Pull up a chair and make yourself at home. Whether you’re winding yarn, dreaming up your next project, or just pausing for a moment of inspiration — the kettle’s on, and there’s a spot just for you.