Molla Mills is a superstar in her world. Going against the grain, her rocker image is not what one expects from someone who spends their time crocheting: monochrome DIY clothing, tattooed arms and striking make up.
Molla Mills at work with her crochet hook in Florence’s piazza Santo Spirito
Mills recently came to Florence for two weeks to seek inspiration while developing a capsule collection for Prato-based firm Bettaknit. I met the lovely Molla one lunchtime to chat about her flying Florentine visit and first time in Italy.
Her first impression of the city? “I was really surprised at the number of tourists. I had a few problems finding out why my train was late from Rome, but the train ride itself was lovely. I took the slow train on purpose so that I could enjoy the views.”
Coming from a spell in Brooklyn, Molla has embraced the slow life that Italy has to offer. “It’s been a welcome change in pace to New York, where everyone rushes everywhere all of the time.”
These two weeks have not been a holiday, however, for the Finnish writer of international bestseller Modern Crochet (and other books). “Bettaknit brought me the yarns the day after I arrived in Florence and I’ve been crocheting and biking every since. I go to see places and I croquet, then I go back home. What I’ve noticed is that people have been coming up to me and commenting on my crocheting, which doesn’t happen everywhere. It’s nice.”
Finnish bestselling crochet book author Molla Mills (right) and editor-in-chief of The Florentine Helen Farrell (left)
Has Florence helped Molla on the creative front? “I like the small, quieter corners. There’s definitely something inspiring in the air.”
Follow @molla.mills and @bettaknit on Instagram to find out more about the upcoming line, which will feature household items and bags.
