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Majic Carpet Dyes?

8/12/2014

14 Comments

 
Hand me a bowling ball.....STRIKE!
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The lack of Majic Carpet dye availability is becoming a desperate situation and anxiety is growing faster than mold in a damp basement.  I am constantly asked what is going on, through several emails and phone calls a week as supplies are being exhausted all over North America.   There are businesses out there, like us, who depend exclusively on the MC dyes to sell wool in their shops. Panic is setting in and after another frantic email yesterday, and phone call this morning, I thought I would cover it in today’s blog.     

Truthfully I know as little as the next person.  The situation is either unknown or people aren’t talking.  I’ve put feelers out but nothing comes back.   I’m not a cold, heartless bastard.  I know something drastic must have happened to the players who manufacture the dyes…I sympathize, but that doesn’t help the fact that we are suffering here, and are scared shitless that the MC dyes are over.    I have employees who depend on me and a business to run; I need answers to see what the future will hold.  All I want is an answer to the question we are all thinking.....what is going on? 

I feel, with our many dye books,  that we have helped put the MC dyes on the map and it would be respectful to let us know one way or another if our business will be able to survive, give us the opportunity to plan for the worse scenario or just wait out this bump in the road until we see the light at the end of this tunnel.   We are now so close to running out of blue we’re sweating bullets.  We live in the Maritimes, wool for bodies of water and sky are staples to our stock. There are two more colours down to fumes so our dye pots are dangerously close to being retired.    

For years our dye books have been hugely popular with our intricate formulas and rich colour combinations.   We’ve built our business on these dyes, and have thousands of dollars’ worth of books stored in the closet.  So I have a lot of paper to burn if the dyes are no longer available.  Maybe I’ll wallpaper them to the kitchen walls as a constant reminder not to put all our eggs in one basket.  Too bad outhouses weren’t still being used; we could throw out the Sear’s catalog and use the dye books, keeping the townsfolk in paper for a year. 

I’m trying to make jokes and be optimistic, not exactly a quality I’m intimate with, especially being faced with pending doom.  On occasion I’m known to be a  glass half empty kind of soul who needs to constantly remind myself how fortunate I am in all things, but in this particular situation I need to have hope so desperately that I am willing to put on a smiley face and believe that everything will be okay.   

My son is freaking because his job is on the line.  No dyes, no work.   I try to diffuse the angst by convincing him that whatever is going on will get straightened out, but in my head the words are caked with fear.   I have sent off several emails saying that I would be more than happy to buy the rights to the dyes, that I would fly there to discuss the possibly, but they haven’t acknowledged the receipt of my offers.   They don't answer the phone.  Shane would be fabulous at mixing and supplying the dyes.  His abilities for accuracy and strict attention to detail would make him a skilled chemist in mixing and blending the powders.   

In the meantime we are being forced to diversify.  I will have to buy other dyes to sell and use in the shop.  If need be, I am hopeful we can adapt other dye powders to achieve the same colours we are known for. With a bit of work and a whole lot of patience it can be achieved, at least for the shop to continue offering the spectacular colours we supply the faithful customers who rely on our wool.   And not to worry just yet, our shelves are stocked to capacity but by the end of summer if we don’t pick up the slack with other colorants it will start to look sad around here. 

Maybe we will come up with our own dyes, who knows, the possibilities could be endless if we want them to be.  Together, Shane and I could work it all out, we are two smart enough cookies.  I only wish we knew one way or another the future of the MC dyes are so we can stop stressing over the unknown and start rebuilding from the ground up.   We can’t afford to wait much longer and the longer we delay the harder it will be.   In retrospect we should never have put all our eggs in one basket, and now that they are a rotten, scrambled mess, we have to think outside the box and come up with a plan B. 

If anyone out there knows what the situation is, please take pity on us and email me privately to tell us one way or another, so we can choose which direction to follow and begin to pull our heads above water.   I promise to be discreet.  

P.S. - I wrote this several weeks ago in a rather dark moment but thought it best to wait a while longer, hoping against hope that word would come.  But nothing has so we bit the bullet and stocked the shop with Jacquard Acid Dyes.  Shane has been in the dye pots full time pumping out spectacular colours.  We are very optimistic for the shop as they are a superior product and offer 40 colours to play with.  Stay tuned for us to knock your socks off, or dye them if you wish!

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Dyes are $5.50/Bottle
14 Comments

Announcements!

5/2/2014

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NS Guild Rug School is on again!

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Our 2014 Nova Scotia Guild Rug School
starts this weekend and runs until Friday of next week.
I will gladly, stay open late or open the shop evenings and on Sunday if anyone wishes to take a drive to Mahone Bay as long as you phone, FB or email to say when you are coming! Have a great time everyone! Toll free 1-855-624-0370.

Exciting news!

PictureTrish Johnson with her rug, "My Grandmother's Diary".
Guild member named Canada’s Rug Hooking Artist of the Year A member of the Georgetown Rug Hooking Guild has been named as Rug Hooking Artist of the Year for Canada.

The Hooked Rug Museum of North America (HRMNA) made the announcements for the “Rug Hooking Artist of the Year” for Canada and the United States last month. Representative samples of the artists’ work will be displayed as a special featured exhibit at the Museum for the 2014 season.

The winners are chosen because of their special attributes and their contribution to the contemporary advancement of the art of rug hooking and its gradual transformation over three centuries of development in North America, according to Chairperson of the Board, Suzanne Conrod.

“This assessment of rug hooking in comparison to an early stage of hooking, offers an opportunity to learn more about the amazing talents that exist in the art,” says Conrod.

Conrod announced Trish Johnson of Toronto as the Canadian Rug Hooking Artist while Sibyl Osicka of Ohio is her American counterpart.

“Being chosen as Rug Hooking Artist of the year is a dream come true.  I’ve wanted a show of my work for a long time,” said Johnson. “Finally, my work will be shown as part of a larger body of work.  Every rug has something to say but together they say more.  Hopefully the viewer will be able to see the themes I have been exploring.  Most of these rugs are about “Home” and what is dear to my heart.”

Johnson has been hooking since 1988. She was self-taught for the first four rugs then joining the Georgetown rug hooking group in 1999.

“I used to live in Fergus and drive to Georgetown to hook. Now I live in Toronto and still go to Georgetown. It is such an active group. I joined a beginner class of Shirley Lyons after I had been hooking on my own for a few years,” she said.

She has taken many hooking workshops and belongs to the teacher’s branch of the Ontario Hooking Craft Guild, the Georgetown Rug Hooking Guild and the Upper Toronto Hooking Guild.

“I like the feel of wool,” Johnson said. ” I like the soft warm fuzziness of hooking a rug, especially on a cold winter night.  I feel content, hooking at home, alone but I also like hooking with others.  We hook together, share the stories of our lives and have become friends.  ”

Johnson hooks rugs about places that are important to her family history, trying to answer questions about what “home” means to her. Home is where the heart is and all of her rugs are about things and events that are dear to her heart. She designs her own patterns, mostly from her own photographs; dyes most of her own wool (especially the skies) and likes to use some recycled wool from Goodwill. Johnson has been featured in Rug Hooking magazine’s “A Celebration of Hand Hooked Rugs”.

The Hooked Rug Museum of North America is operated by a non profit society dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the art and traditions of hooked rugs and is located at 9849 Highway #3 (St. Margaret’s Bay Road), in Hubbards, Nova Scotia, telephone (902) 858-3060, www.hookedrugmuseumofnorthamerica.org. It is open from May to October.


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Congratulations Trish Johnson!
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February POM Winner!

5/1/2014

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Rosemary Malone

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Rosemary wins a 3 Pack of Dorr Natural wool!  What a great present to receive in the mail!  Hooker's Gold!    Congratulations Rosemary!!!!

May's Calendar Pattern of the Month is ready to go.   May had a lot of events and special days but for me it's all about Mother's Day.  Not everyone likes to hook people so I opted to do a whimsical mother cat and a basket of kittens.  The heart shaped flowers spell MOM.  This pattern is free with purchase or you can order it to be sent to you automatically each month for $10.00 plus shipping.   Pattern is for personal use only.  Submit the finished rug by the end of July to qualify for a 3 Yard Pack of Dorr Natural.  Complete all 12 and win a $500.00 shopping spree at the studio!  Click this link to read about our contest.   http://www.encompassingdesigns.com/contests.html

May's POM

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MS and a little bit of rug hooking!

4/18/2014

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Click on this link below to hear about a new drug offering hope for MS patients. Dorothyanne Brown, our Facebook friend and fellow rug hooker tells her story and she is rug hooking while doing the interview.  Her project happens to be our "Pattern of the Month Club" rug.   Great job Dorothyanne Brown spreading awareness for MS patients.....not to take away from your important message.....I love what you are doing with your March pattern! 

http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/new-drug-offers-new-hope-for-ms-patients-in-canada-1.1780694

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DOROTHANNE BROWN
If you are interesting in joining our Pattern of the Month Club & Contest click for details.  It's never too late to join!  
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Next Daytime Hook-In....come and join us!  

3/8/2014

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No fees to pay.  Tea, coffee and refreshments will be served. 
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Two Day Special!!!!

3/6/2014

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We did it! 
4009 "LIKES" on FaceBook and counting! 
Thanks to everyone for making our page a success!  
So lets commemorate this landmark with a special!

https://www.facebook.com/EncompassingDesigns?ref=hl

Any pattern in the $40.00 - $49.95 range will have free shipping! 
As long as the burlap price is in that range you can order the linen pattern even though the price is 35% more.   
You can order as many as you like...share with friends! 
Today and Friday only!!!!

Free shipping is only for the pattern or patterns. Shipping free in North America only.
4 Comments

We are now Accepting PayPal!!

2/25/2014

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2 Comments

New at the shop!!!

2/19/2014

1 Comment

 
Very distinctive, one of a kind boxes.  Unique, hand-painted, vintage, shabby chic, upcycled keepsake boxes.  Perfect for a collections of hooks, love letters or photos. 
Each box is lined with a coordinating wool. 
Made by Sue of "Perfectly Imperfect' 

Click the link for details. 
http://www.encompassingdesigns.com/extra.html
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Florida State Fair winner!!!!!

2/16/2014

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This rug won a first place ribbon at the Florida State Fair!  Hooked by Deborah Schrang! 
She says, "Thanks Sue Cunningham for such a great pattern!"

This fun design is called "
Beached".  Click the link below to see more of Sue's designs!
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http://www.encompassingdesigns.com/sue-cunningham.html  
1 Comment

Valentine's Day Special

2/11/2014

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Valentine's Day Special!

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Any item in the shop that is pink or red or has those colours in it is

20% off! 

That includes hooks, wool, sari silk, felted items, yarn, book bling,
frame covers, coloured burlap or linen!


Sale will end February 14th, 5:00 pm 
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February Pattern of the month is now available!

2/3/2014

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February's pattern is now available for the Pattern of the Month Club & Contest.  Of course you can still purchase January's design anytime if you decide to join later!   February's design is a mixture of symbols. 

February is Black History Month, a must mention, so the linking arms form from the top of a heart and end with the clasping of hands.

The hands can also represent Friendship is celebrated within
the month as well.

Of course most of us think of February as the month of love, Valentine's Day.  The heart comes complete with a keyhole to be unlocked to welcome love in.  Thence the key.
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If you are just tuning in and would like to know about our contest, click this link for all the information and prizes!
http://www.encompassingdesigns.com/contests.html
Also!
Only two days left for our Plaid & Texture Sale! 
To read click the link! 

http://www.encompassingdesigns.com/1/post/2014/01/plaids-and-textures-sale.html
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Plaids and textures sale

1/31/2014

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We have over 1000 yards of plaids to choose from!
Buy 2 yards, get a 3rd yard at 1/2 price!
Buy 4 yards, get a 5th yard free and a surprise!
Great Stash builders! 
Sale ends Feb. 4th!
Click the link to view individual wools up close! 
http://www.encompassingdesigns.com/plaids--textures.html

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And more all over the store!!!!!  We are drowning in wool,
but what a way to go!!!!

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Pattern of the Month Club & Contest

1/25/2014

1 Comment

 
Still time to join the exciting
PATTERN OF THE MONTH CLUB & CONTEST


Click the link below or information on how it works and the prizes to be awarded! 
http://www.encompassingdesigns.com/contests.html
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To be awarded monthly and then a Grand Prize at the end of the year!!!!!
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Update on Pattern of the Month Contest

1/11/2014

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I'm excited by the interest our contest has generated in just a few short days. Several of you have offered interesting and helpful recommendations to the contest rules and format. This is my first attempt at a contest so your words were food for thought and here are some changes.  


1.  Paper pattern will continue to be free with a purchase either by mail order or drop in during the month it is featured. 


2. Or you can purchase the paper pattern for $10.00 plus tax (if applicable) and mailing during the month it is featured, no other purchase is required. (We can set up an account and send them out automatically each month)


3.  For those who do not want to transfer the design themselves, we will offer the pattern for sale on Burlap $29.95
-  Linen $40.43.


4. If you wish to purchase the grid lines on a piece of burlap or linen to fit all 12 images, phone ahead to have it ready when you arrive otherwise, there will will be a short, 10 - 15 minute wait while we make it up.  If you are ordering it by mail we will send it out the same day.   Burlap $30.00, Linen $42.00.
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Announcing - The Pattern of the Month Club & Contest!!!

1/9/2014

2 Comments

 
Year end duties kept me from announcing this at the first of January, but for each coming month the new pattern will be posted on the 1st to give you all plenty of time for hooking!  All mail orders since the 1st of January will automatically be sent the design....if you've been in shopping let me know and I will make sure you get a copy as well.   The paper pattern will be in four pieces that will be taped together to make the actual size of 17" x 12"
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ATTN -- UPDATE FOR CONTEST
I'm excited by the interest our contest has generated in just a few short days. Several of you have offered interesting and helpful recommendations to the contest rules and format. This is my first attempt at a contest so your words were food for thought and here are some changes.  


1.  Paper pattern will continue to be free with a purchase either by mail order or drop in during the month it is featured. 


2. Or you can purchase the paper pattern for $10.00 plus tax (if applicable) and mailing during the month it is featured, no other purchase is required. (We can set up an account and send them out automatically each month)


3.  For those who do not want to transfer the design themselves, we will offer the pattern for sale on Burlap $29.95 -  Linen $40.43.


4. If you wish to purchase the grid lines on a piece of burlap or linen to fit all 12 images, phone ahead to have it ready when you arrive otherwise, there will will be a short, 10 - 15 minute wait while we make it up.  If you are ordering it by mail we will send it out the same day.   Burlap $30.00, Linen $42.00.
This is the is the pattern representing the month of January.   Whether you choose to hook the 2014 is up to you.  If you decide against it when drawing the horse on your backing it needs to be adjusted slightly to the right to be centered. The Chinese characters represent "Happy New Year" in Mandarin. 
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FYI - This outstanding bronze horse has become an iconic emblem of China. Racing through the skies, it treads on a stylized swallow (base of statue) that looks up in amazement. Unlike Pegasus, the Western flying horse, the wingless Han steed is meant to be understood metaphorically rather than literally; it represents an ideal horse that can gallop so fast that it seems to outrun the wind.  The sculpture is perfectly balanced on only one hoof, to complete the illusion of flight.
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Tax Free Day at Encompassing Designs!

12/6/2013

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Tax Free Shopping!!
Saturday December 7th
10:30 - 5:00

Celebrate with extra savings during the

Father Christmas Festival this weekend!

In store shopping or mail orders welcome!

Christmas is a comin so save like Scrooge! 
One day only! 

Enjoy a refreshing organic Apple Cider cuppa! 


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Scarecrow & Antique Festival

10/5/2013

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 Encompassing Designs will be open Sunday 12:00 - 5:00
Mahone Bay has a festival happening this weekend!  The weather is perfect, the scarecrows are plentiful and the halls are filled with antiques!
 
http://mahonebay.com/festivals-events/great-scarecrow-festival-antique-fair.html
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Shop closed on Monday....... 

8/31/2013

1 Comment

 
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The shop will be closed on
Monday for the


Labour Day Holiday

 We wish you a safe and fun filled day!
See you Tuesday!


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Answer to the puzzle Sid & Sadie

8/24/2013

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So the answer, as I saw it is 54!  Lori of  loridenisepars@hotmail.com is the winner!
It was love at first sight.  Sid saw Sadie across a crowded toy room and was smitten immediately.   He put his best (foot) forward and courted Sadie and the (pair) became inseparable.  Within a few weeks they tied a (double knot).   

They were quite the (pair) walking down the isle and at their reception they danced (toe to toe), taking a bit of (needling)  for acting like a couple of (crazy socks).   Everyone they knew attended the wedding; distant cousins the (Anklets) and (Kneehighs), Uncle (Tube) and Auntie (Crew).  A jock friend, (Athletic) arrived last minute, while the (Thrum) family flew in from Newfoundland.  Grandpa (Argyle) arrived from the British Isles.  The (cast) of characters filled the first three (rows) in the church and Sid's brother (Bobby), a (sock) of the (cloth), officiated at the ceremony.  

Like Noah's ark they arrived in (pairs) and pretty much everyone made it accept for a couple of (Leotards) that were totally out of fashion and not missed.    At the reception, the crowd was (scarfing) down the food and watched as Sid did the (garter stitch) and made a few (yokes) about his bride.   The guests threw (rice stitches) as they left for their honeymoon.  

Their wedding was a blissful (yarn) and during the honeymoon, a (seed was stitched)  and nine months later they were (stocking) their family tree with a pair of little (sockettes), (Knit) and (Purl).     Unfortunately tragedy struck and the (Knit one) went missing in an unfortunate dryer incident and the (Purl one) disappeared after being (tinkered) by the (Afghan) Hound, family pet the following week.  Devastated by the loss Sid and Sadie didn't have the (Red Heart) to make any more little (socks).  

And because (knit) happens, in the fifties, during a mid life crisis, Sid got an (itch) and became a (woolmanizer), falling head over (heels) in love with Barbie,  the new toy in the box.  He gave Sadie the (slip knotty) boy, to pursue his new paramour but there was no (stuffing) to their relationship, she was only using him to keep her (feet) warm and (dropped him like a stitch) once Ken came on the scene.  

Sadie had been terribly hurt, what was she a (muggle)?   Sid knew he was a (heel) and didn't try to pull the (wool over her eyes) with lies but hoped they could (stitch together) their life and get over this rough (patch).   He wasn't about to push his
affections on her when she had (two long sharp sticks) but dropped to his knees and begged for her forgiveness, and when it came down to the (knitty gritty), she decided to give him a second chance but not before (dropping a few stitches) on his legs so he couldn't wander off again.  He was eternally grateful for her forgiveness and it saved him from totally (unraveling).
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Kaleidoscope Designs for rug hooking....

8/19/2013

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Kaleidoscope Universe, designed and hooked by Charlene Scott for Art Hits The Wall 2013
A kaleidoscope is a cylinder with mirrors containing loose, coloured objects such as beads, pebbles and bits of glass.  As the viewer looks into one end, light entering the other creates a colourful pattern, due to the reflection off the mirrors.  Coined in 1817 by Scottish inventor Sir David Brewster, kaleidoscope" is derived from the Ancient Greek kalos, "beautiful", that which is seen; hence observation of beautiful forms.  

A Kaleidoscope operates on the principle of multiple reflection, where several mirrors are placed at an angle to one another, so they form a triangle.  The angle creates several duplicate images of the objects.  As the tube is rotated, the tumbling of the coloured object presents varying colours and patterns. Arbitrary patterns show up as a beautiful symmetrical pattern created by the reflections. 

Modern kaleidoscopes are made of brass tubes, stained glass, wood, steel, gourds or 
almost any material an artist can use. The part containing objects to be viewed is called the 'object chamber' or 'object cell'. Sometimes the object cell is filled with a liquid so the items float and move through the object cell in response to a slight movement from the viewer.
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Recently a customer requested a Kaleidoscope design and having never done one I needed a bit of background.  As my son says to me, every time I ask a question pertaining to the computer, Facebook or otherwise....I hear the annoying three words..."Google it mom!"  I find that rather annoying when I just want the answer yesterday.  I don't have time to waste on research when I have a perfectly computer literate, genius son available at my beck and call. 

Apparently Kaleidoscope designs are relatively easy to construct in Photoshop if you know how to manipulate the program, so I turned to Shane to learn the technique and come up with a few designs.  This is just one example using a simple Destilfink found on the internet.   Two of the designs have the bird's head toward the center and the middle one is with the tails forming a cross as the center motif.   he first and third design is the same except for the little hearts I had him add around the center square that seemed more interesting than the little smiley faces. 

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The bird's heads are together and the design is untouched.
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The bird's tails are together creating a neat cross like center.
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The bird's heads are together with hearts added around the center square.
Art Hits The Wall - Rug & Quilt Show
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Kaleidoscope designs were the topic of this years Art Hits The Wall  rug and quilt display.  Try and catch the show – you have several venues to choose from up until Nov 24!! 

What do you see when you imagine a Kaleidoscope? 
Entrants have captured these images in fiber art for the 2013
Art Hits The Wall event.  

Imaginations have run wild with vivid colours in various
shapes and sizes.  Designers have created pieces of art as unique as they are for this juried show.  Don't miss it!
Aug 6 – 19
Coastal Queens Place
8100 Hwy 103, Port Mouton, NS
  902-947-3140

 
Sept 3 – 28
Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design
322 Charlotte Street, Sydney, NS
902-539-7491


Oct 7 – 19
Nova Scotia Fibre Art Festival
Cumberland County Museum and Archives
  150 Church St.,
Amherst, NS
902-667-2561


 Oct 23 – Nov 24
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Yarmouth
341 Main St.,
Yarmouth
902-749-2248

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For Sale - Fraser 500 cloth slitting machine

8/17/2013

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I have a Fraser 500 cloth slitting machine for sale. It is virtually new, was only used for a couple of demos in the shop. It comes with a #8 blade and is priced to sell. The first person to contact me and it will be sold!

Call my toll free number 1-855-624-0370

Price is a firm $285.95 plus shipping and taxes.

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Search Feature

8/9/2013

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For your convenience, we have added a search feature to this page that will check the entire website for a requested item.   Take note of the white box on the right. 
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Shiver Me Timbers....the pirates are a comin!

7/26/2013

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Shiver Me Timbers by Emily Trimm
Arrr matey....shiver me timbers!  Soon the pirates will be weighing anchor and sailing to the waters of Mahone Bay.  We have a festival every year that brings the scallywags out in droves, donning eye patches and parrots and adopting the swashbuckler slang to get in character.  

I personally don't get the need to fall over a dirty, rum soaked, middle aged man living some fantasy of raping  and pillaging, but the tourists seem to like them with their manly swagger and rough talk.   I've had a few laughs seeing women posing with the pirate actors for pictures and there's breathless swooning as if these facsimiles are god's gift.   I prefer my men clean shaven and smelling soap fresh so I don't get it.  I see the appeal of a man in uniform, something clean and smartly cut,  but scruffy, dirty looking costumes and dirt smudged faces aren't my cuppa.  Different strokes for different folks I guess.   I prefer my pirates in a rug and came up with this cute little pirate weather vane a few years ago.  Mary was the first to hook it and the rug is in the shop on display. 

The Pirate Festival & Regatta brings a fair amount of people to town and the chandlery tent on the government wharf usually yields a must have treasure for my shop and maybe a mermaid or some nautical paraphernalia for the house.  That's about all I have time to participate in as the shop is usually busy. 

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Shiver Me Timbers hooked by Mary Doig
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Shiver Me Timbers hooked by Sue Cunningham
http://www.mahonebay.com/festivals-events/pirate-festival-regatta.html

The  Mahone Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 2013 Mahone Bay  Pirate Festival and Regatta on August 2-5.

The  festival continues to build on 23 successful years of the Wooden Boat Festival  and more recently the Pirate Festival and Regatta. It's all about a community's  celebration of our region's historic and sometimes playful relationship with the  sea. Classic boats, pirate exhibits, marauding buccaneers, musicians and  competitive sailing events will entertain and engage the whole family.

Mahone  Bay has been a treasure since 1754. Piratical activity in Atlantic Canada has  been well documented but rarely witnessed.

Join  us in Mahone Bay for exhibits on the history of local piracy. Experience pirate  history for yourself and go on a tour of Oak Island.  Watch out for the  200th anniversary of the Burning of the Young Teazer.

Good  food and music are synonymous with Mahone Bay festivals. Watch musical buskers  performing throughout town. Pick up a commemorative coin. Enjoy a drink, try  some local seafood and take in the beauty of Mahone Bay. There is no doubt you  will bump into someone famous and rub shoulders with a pirate or two.

Classic  and modern yachts, large and small vessels will compete for prizes and trophies.  Less formal competition is planned just for fun; build and then race a boat completely made from recycled cardboard or compete in the famous dory races in  front of the three churches. There are many prizes but expect stiff competition  from marauding pirates. Prizes are awarded daily. Visit our famous summer flea  market, our shops and restaurants and experience the beauty and excitement of  the 2012 Mahone Bay Pirate Festival and Regatta. Parking areas are located  throughout Town. If you come by boat, take advantage of the marina facilities that are available, including hot showers and tender service. Join us, but remember: DRESS LIKE A PIRATE!
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Rug hooking travelers in the area....what to do and see!

7/20/2013

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South Shore Rug Hooking Groups

Rug Hooking Guild of Nova Scotia monthly guild meetings:  Last Thursday of each month except July, August and December from 10 am to 2pm. Morning coffee break provided. Bring your own lunch.  Church hall at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 25 Phoenix St., Bridgewater.  Contact Heather Gordon, 902-640-2369, hagordon@eastlink.ca

Hebbville at the Hebbville Fire Hall, Thursdays from 10 – 2.  Tea and coffee provided.  Bring your own lunch.  September to June.   Contact  Jean Wentzell, 902-354-3550.

Trinity – the Rose Bay/Riverport group, every Tuesday (September to April)  1 - 4 pm at Trinity United Church , Rose Bay  Contact Carol Harvey-Clark  902-624-9312  or chclark@tallships.ca

Spruce Top at Spruce Top Rug Hooking Studio, 255 Main Street, Mahone Bay.  Sundays 1 – 4 pm   Contact Carol Harvey Clark,  902-624-9312  or chclark@tallships.ca

Main Street Hookers at Encompassing Designs Rug Hooking Studio, 498 Main Street, Mahone Bay, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays year round from 7 - 9 pm   Contact Christine Little  902-624-0370 or clittle@encompassingdesigns.com  Visitors and travelers welcome.

Liverpool on Mondays from 10 – 2 at the Superstore meeting room, Liverpool.  Bring your own lunch.  Contact Rose Decker  902-354-5597   pdecker@ns.sympatico.ca

Shelburne on Tuesdays from 10-2 at the yacht club on the waterfront. Bring your own lunch.  Contact Gail Daniels   902-656-2574  gailannedaniels@hotmail.com  Continues through the summer.

In addition to these larger groups, there are several smaller groups that meet at the member’s homes.  We will try to provide information for newcomers when possible.

Summer Hook-ins for 2013 River House on Thursdays July 11 and 25, August 8 and 22.  10 am to 2 pm. Join the Hebbville group in Petite Riviere this summer.  Come and hook by the river.   Contact Jane Steele at 693-3111 or riverhousejane@eastlink.ca

Bell Island on Mondays   July 5 until end of August, except for August 5.  10am to 2 pm at the LaHave Islands Community Centre next to the LaHave Islands Marine Museum.  Earl Smith’s famous blueberry scones and cinnamon buns, tea and coffee are available by donation.  Travel across beautiful Crescent Beach and enjoy a day on the islands.

Summer Shows for 2013 From Mat To Masterpiece  –  Lighthouse Rug Hookers - July 2 - 28th at the DesBrisay Museum

From the Beginning  – A Retrospective by Doris Eaton -  opens July 6 at River House 

Out of the Box  – Innovative pieces by The Square Zebras – opens September 7 at River House


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"My English Garden" by Doris Wentzell
from Mat to Masterpiece

Welcome from the South Shore Lighthouse Rug Hookers.


We are delighted to support the DesBrisay Museum’s summer theme of Women At Work.  Traditional rug hooking has been an important part of women’s lives in this area since the mid-1800’s.  At first, hooked mats were used to provide comfort on drafty wood floors and to add a touch a colour to the home.   As women’s lives and roles changed, rug hooking evolved from a household chore to a form of artistic expression.  The display areas in this show reflect different periods and styles to show how changes in women’s lives are reflected in changes in rug hooking. 


There is a tendency to regard heritage pieces simply as drab old mats. We challenge that perception.  Considering the circumstances under which they were made, each and every one is, in its own right, a masterpiece.  Each mat reflects the artistic spirit of the maker.

Although it is no longer a necessary activity, rug hooking is not a thing of the past.  There is an active and vibrant rug hooking community on the South Shore preserving traditional styles and experimenting with innovative fibre techniques.   Please feel free to drop in and visit one of our summer hook-ins and shows.


Keeping Traditions Alive

As you enter the show, you will see how traditions are being kept alive.  These pieces are hooked with original patterns and designs, using traditional hooking styles and materials, yet they have a very modern look - a contemporary colour palette, a new dye technique, or an unusual treatment of a traditional design.


Traditional Hooking

On the fireplace wall, you will see wonderful heritage mats, early hooking tools, original Garrett Bluenose patterns, yarn hooking and new mats hooked in traditional Nova Scotia styles.

20th Century Revival


In the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s , a period of greater affluence and increased leisure time, there was renewed interest in rug hooking with emphasis on new dyed wool, shading and swatches, formal  Rittermere, Moshimer and Pearl McGown patterns, all hooked in fine cuts (mainly #3) and fine shading.  This was the period of the first guilds, early rug schools and development of teacher training and certification. A selection of these beautiful classic rugs extends down the center of the display.  

Contemporary Hooking


Multi-fibre pieces, wall hangings, modern folk art styles, a proliferation of original designs - the sky is the limit for artistic expression.  We now enjoy story mats, hooked portraits, abstract designs and multidimensional creations.  Many are unique and innovative.  Others reflect innovative application of traditional influences, which takes us back to Keeping the Traditions Alive and back to the entrance of the show. 


Thank you for visiting from Mat to Masterpiece

DesBrisay Museum
130 Jubilee Road, Bridgewater, B4V 2A7
Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 - 5 and Sunday, 1 - 5
902-543-4033


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Linda Ruth & Friends Hooked Rug Loft

7/3/2013

1 Comment

 
By Guest Blogger Sue Cunningham
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Designed and hooked by Sue Cunningham for the Hooked Rug Loft at Come by Chance Antiques. The background of this rug is our Razzle Dazzle spot dyed formula that Sue likes to incorporate in her Women of Abundance bathing suits. What a fantastic spot if I do say so myself!
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My friend, Linda Ruth Beck is a long-standing and very talented member of our Main Street Hookers Group. She is also the proud owner of Come by Chance Antiques something of an institution here in the Chester area on the south shore of Nova Scotia.

Linda Ruth's shop is a veritable cornucopia of wonderful treasures just waiting to be discovered in every nook and cranny. Everything from rope to rocking horses to baskets to buoys, tables to teapots, cabinets to carriage clocks.

In a world where genuine antique shops are becoming rarer and rarer, Linda Ruth has stuck with it and works hard to gather the best and most interesting items from the past. This year she celebrates her 34th year in the antiques business. Many of her customers are regular visitors who stop by every year during their vacations to Nova Scotia. 

This season Linda Ruth decided to shake things up a bit. She has turned a wonderful loft area at the top of her antiques barn into a hooked rug loft from which she and her hooker friends offer for sale their beautiful hooked rugs. The area already had high peaked ceilings, great natural lighting and large windows. But after a coat of cheerful yellow paint, freshly cut flowers and the addition of carpet tack strips strategically placed to hang rugs of all shapes and sizes, the area has been transformed into a warm and welcoming space for showcasing the hooking talents of the Main Street Hookers.

So, if you happen to find yourself in the Chester area it would be well worth your time to stop by for a visit to Come by Chance Antiques located at 4751 Highway #3.

And if antique markets are your thing, Linda Ruth also organizes and hosts an annual antiques market in the field behind her barn. Approximately 40 vendors are planning to take part this August 4th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Live music and good eats as well.  Call 902-275-3146 to book a space to sell or drop by and peruse a field full of antiques and collectibles.  Everyone  is welcome!


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Linda Ruth Beck working in the loft.
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A plug for my son Shane who designed this flyer and the above business card for Linda Ruth.
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​so please call ahead.  If school is cancelled we probably are as well.  

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P.O. Box 437
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Canada B0J 2E0

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