Category: Announcements

Happy Canada Day!

6/30/2013

We at Encompassing Designs Rug Hooking Studio
want to wish everyone a safe and fun filled Happy Canada Day!

The shop will be open from 11:00 - 5:00
1 Day only, any plaid, dyed wool fabric or yarn
with the colour red in it will be 10% off!
View our stock on the web or drop by the shop!
http://www.encompassingdesigns.com/wool.html

We have a winner for All Gulls, No Buoys

6/10/2013

We have a winner! Monica guessed #16! Please email me your full name and mailing address and I'll post your prize on Tuesday! Congrats!

Stay tuned tomorrow to guess and win another hot off the press design!

Winner of the Giddyup design!

6/7/2013

I see the number was guessed....it was 33! The winner of the Giddyup design is Sandra Sampson!

Congrats and thank-you for all your kind words and well wishes! Sandra, please email your mailing address.

Wonky eyes...

6/3/2013

Hi all. Since that migraine last week I haven't been able to see properly. It changed my eyes and starring at the computer screen is uncomfortable, like looking through a mother of pearl haze. My glasses prescription no longer works and the only way to see up close is to put my nose high in the air and look out of the bottom of the lens. Not very comfortable. I'm trying to get an appointment to see my doctor to find out what might be happening. I'll keep you posted. Scary times!

Introducing the Wool Widget!

5/27/2013

Order the fabulous Wool Widget today! The first twenty customers will receive a fat quarter of Dorr Natural to get started!

The Wool Widget comes with instructions.

Encompassing Designs is proud to introduce the Wool Widget!

The best little gadget since the wool cutter!   It holds the wool to reduce accidents; we’ve all dropped our wool into the dye bath using pins and tongs! No more burning fingers in scalding water!!

Made in Mahone Bay!
Sits in the water while you answer the phone or mix the next solution.
The round shape fits nicely in the pot
Beautifully turned oak with sturdy spool handle for gripping
Finished with varnish
No fuss, pointed brass hooks hold the wool secure

Instructions on how to use your Wool Widget

If your wool is the same size as the circumference of the base you can attach it snuggly. Hook the wool with slightly less than ½ inch edge to have a firm grip on the fabric. If the wool is wider you can let it hang loosely by draping it from hook to hook until it fits around the entire base. The holes will not impact your hooking and will be in the end of the cut strip that will end up a tail that will be cut off.   The holes will hardly be seen once the wool is removed and dried. You can also snag the selvage edge which will be removed. The wool can also be hung slightly overlapped or double thickness.

Use a hotplate on a low table if available or on the floor so you don’t have to stand on a ladder or step stool to be able to dip longer pieces of wool on the stove burner. It is safer to work closer to the floor to avoid unfortunate accidents with hot water and splashing on the face. Big tip – don’t wear open toed shoes or sandals!!! If you have a range hood that is low and reaches out over the burners you may have to roll the stove out from the wall to clear the hood when dipping up and down. Most stoves are on rollers for ease of cleaning behind them so they slide in and out easily.

Have your formulas ready to go so you don’t have to stop between adding each colour. A practice formula is below and to lessen or intensify the colour you can add or subtract dye powder. This would dye a ½ piece of natural with a medium colouring. Don’t worry about the colours being too bright on their own. Once they are overlapped it will tone them down a bit. I use Majic Carpet dyes but any basic yellow, orange and red would work.

Equipment Needed to dip-dye Fire Formula

3 measuring cups (one cup per formula)
Dye - Stir sticks - Vinegar - Tablespoon
Pot - 12 Quart is a nice size with high walls (less splashing)
Wool widget - Wool
Heat source (stove burner or hotplate)
Paper towel - Aluminum Foil
Pan - Oven

Fire

   1st Formula 1/16 tsp. Yellow
2nd Formula 1/16 tsp. Orange
3rd Formula 1/16 tsp. Red

Mix each formula in 1 cup boiling water with 2 Tbsp. vinegar

Add your first colour (Yellow) to the hot water. Not boiling, just simmering. At no time do you allow the water to boil, if it gets too hot turn down the burner or add a bit of cold water.

Put the wool into the pot and pump it up and down in an even rhythmic movement getting the bottom third saturated with the dye. Slowly dip it farther into the pot, continuing the pump action until you reach the upper area of the wool. You can dip it right over the top of the wool by lowering the entire widget just below the water.

Never stop in the middle of dipping the wool when there is still a lot of dye in the pot or it will create a visible line. (This of course won’t impact your hooking, it just creates less of a smooth transition.) If your arm gets tired lift the wool right out of the dye bath to rest for a moment and then continue. If you are distracted by company or the phone, get a hand basin and hold it under the wool to collect the drips on the way to the counter and lay the Widget and the wool in the sink, draped over the center divider with the Widget in one sink and the wool in the other. Resting the wool will be fine until you can get back to the process.

Pump up and down until most of the dye is absorbed, this will lay down the first colour on the entire piece of wool and it should look graduated, darker on the bottom and lighter on the top. If you want the wool to be darker on top with the first colour by all means pump it up and down right to the top, the first colour won’t impact the end result as much as the other two because it is usually the lightest of the three.

This is the fastest form of dyeing wool; the pumping, up and down action will force the dye into the center of the wool so there won’t be any white core even though you are starting with hot water. Steady movement is what makes the dye grab and sink its teeth into the fabric. Also the faster the movement, the quicker the dye will adhere to the wool.

Do this until the first colour is mostly absorbed and then pour in the second colour. For this example we are creating a fiery look with yellow as the base and orange as the medium level and then red as the last infusion.

Hold the wool over the pot while you pour in all of the Orange dye. You don’t really have to stir, just start pumping the wool up and down and it will quickly blend and start the absorption of the second colour. Keep the bottom third of the wool in constant motion and slowly graduate up to the middle. For this particular dip dyed effect you want the end result colours to show yellow to light orange in the first third or top, medium orange to orangey red in the middle and then a deep version of all three colours in the bottom third. When most of the dye is absorbed you can actually dip it right up to the top to tone down the yellow with a bit of the residual orange. This is personal choice.

Once the orange is mostly or completely absorbed add the red dye and repeat. Remember the colour of the wool is always darker when it is wet.

Measuring wool for dip dyeing:

You will need to calculate the length of the wool to match the item you are dyeing it for.   If you are planning to hook for an item such as a leaf that is about three inches long you would make sure the wool length is four times that, 12 inches long. If doing larger items measure the wool accordingly keeping in mind there are limitations. Putting the pot on the floor will allow fairly long pieces to be dip dyed after that you will be up and down a ladder!

Dip dyeing can be done just as effectively with a single colour to use in place of a 6, 8 or 12 value graduated swatch. It is a much smoother transition from light to dark then you get from the half cup replacement way of dyeing. For the more dramatic look you would use two, three or more colours.

After you have achieved the look you want, remove the wool from the Widget and lay it in a pan lined with paper towel.   If the wool is longer than the pan, fold the wool over and put paper towel between the layers so there won’t be any transference of colour. Cover with foil and bake in a 250* oven for ½ hour to firmly set. You can layer several different dip dyes as long as you use paper towel in-between them to keep the colours from mixing.

Tips: Clean and dry the Wool Widget after use, especially the hooks as the vinegar is acidic and will rust them. If in time the they discolour and stain the wool, use fingernail polish to coat them and just reapply every now and then.

As long as the most of the dye is absorbed by the wool you can sit your Widget on top of the water and it will not sink.   Too much dye remaining will darken the top part of the wool that was meant to be lighter.

Over time the acidity of the vinegar and the submerging in hot water might wear away the finish of your Widget but that will not impact its use. Hardwood does not absorb colour easily and what does show generally won’t stain your wool. You can reapply a coat of varnish if you wish.

*You don’t have to use these little plastic pieces as the wool should stay on. If you get a bit too rambunctious with your dipping the wool might pop off one of the hooks but just slip it back on. Hold the wool level at all times as tipping it is what will push the wool up and off one of the hooks!

Majic Yellow, Orange & Red

Pushing the wool down over the hooks.

Ready to roll!

The pumping action has begun.

Starting to lower to dye top third.

The dye bath is almost clear.

Lowering to darken the top a bit.

Letting it rest for a moment.

Adding the orange.

Pumping up and down with orange.

Pumping up and down with red.

Finished wool in the sink.

Add more paper towel and fold over top half.

Cover with tin foil and put in 250* for 1/2 hour.

The Wool Widget.

Lay bottom part flat on paper towel.

Top half folded.

Wool spun dry and twisted to show the variance of colour from yellow to orangey red. Gorgeous for flowers, sunsets and fire.

Victoria Day Special!!!!!

5/18/2013

Free shipping on all mail orders
Monday May 20th!
Call our toll free line 1-855-624-0370!!

Beginning Rug Hooking Class

5/7/2013

The next class is scheduled for May 19th. 1:00 -4:00 pm

The class concentrates on technique. It is so important to learn proper loop formation, the foundation of all your projects to come. Simple tips can make the difference between higgly piggly loops and straight, uniform ones. Holding your hook properly dictates the neatness of your work as well as saving your wrist from repetitive stress.
In this class we concentrate on loop height and position. We practice straight and curvy lines and circles. Once you master these simple techniques you are off to the races.

Let's get you started! Bring a sense of humour because we love to laugh!
Coffee and Tea will be served. Call our toll free number to reserve your spot 1-855-624-0370

Easter Greetings!

3/30/2013

Dye Me To The Moon!

3/16/2013

Another dye book by Christine Little and Shane McWhirter, the shop dyer. He's created a lot of the new colours, clever guy that he is. Momma is proud! Exciting colours, each one more fabulous than the next! Take your colour planning to even greater heights with a new palette of fabulous colours!

32 New Formulas using
Majic Carpet Dyes

A full range of antique to happy colours, something for everyone!
Book only - $18.95
Book & Swatches Set - $82.95
Swatches only - $64.00

Dye Me To The Moon!!!!!!!!!!

3/14/2013

Our new dye book is finally here! "Dye Me To The Moon"
32 Fabulous new colours using Majic Carpet Dyes.
The colours range from antique to happy!

Cancelled Hook-in Wednesday evening!

3/5/2013

Sorry all...I'm in the red! I'm just too sick to hold the hook-in tomorrow evening....you'll thank me for not spreading this nastiness around. I don't think I'll make it through the entire work day without a lie down and a duvet. Seriously, I seem to be worse than yesterday so I might not even make it into the shop tomorrow. I'd call ahead if you are planning a trip to Mahone Bay. It's time to start taking care of myself or I'll be as useless as a broken chain on a bicycle.

Lucky Thirteen!

2/8/2013

This year salutes thirteen years in business!
I'm calling it Lucky Thirteen!
What a journey its been! Here's hoping there's plenty more!
Thank-you for all your past patronage. Stay tuned for a fabulous coupon to say thank-you for your support...without you I'd be just a room full of wool!

Happy New Year!

1/2/2013

I hope everyone had a great New Year's, whether it was a fun filled, hug and kiss everyone at midnight kind of bash, or a quiet evening at home with a few friends, or just a plunk in front of the TV. Saying good-bye to the old and welcoming the new, one wonders what might lay ahead. What new adventures await us.

Hubby and I opted for the low key, ring in the New Year with the pups and I must say, it has its advantages. No funny head the morning after or fuzzy sweater mouth. I remember the days of New Year's dances, with floor length getup's and Champagne at the twelve o'clock hour. Out on the floor dancing to "Rock Around the Clock" and the rest of the oldies but goodies. They're even older now! Balloons, funny hats and horns. Those times were fun, but if I had to choose at this point in my life, I think eating a bit of lobster and putting my feet up wins hands down. Guess I'm and old fuddy duddy now, but hey, nothing wrong with that!

Now it's back to the real world, the shop and inventory. Those wonderful year end business responsibilities. Usually I dread them but not this year. This year holds a lot of promise and I have a bunch of new, exciting ideas rambling around in my head...I think this just might be the best year yet.

Tonight is the first hook-in of the new year. I look forward to seeing all the familiar faces of my rug hooking family. Finding out about their holidays and hear laughter bouncing off the shop walls. Hopefully the cold won't keep them home. There will be hot chocolate waiting and another year of good times ahead!

Merry Christmas in all languages!

12/23/2012

Merry Christmas to all rug hookers around the world!

The Great Wall Of Wool!

11/24/2012

Well, I finally decorated the shop window just in the nick for the Festival and now I can relax a bit...not! My to-do list is looking shorter but it's still lengthy....fingers crossed by the end of this coming week I should be ahead of the eight ball.

We had to rearrange the shop to accommodate the extra wool rack we added to the existing three, so there is now an entire wall of wool. So delicious to see, all those wonderful colours, a feast for the eye! We had to shift the large bookshelf to another area but it’s all working; it’s amazing what you can fit into an already crammed space. All that's left is the ceiling and don't think I haven't considered it...gravity is the only thing stopping me! Shane has been dyeing up a storm and we have recently taken shipment of dozens of new plaids, some so beautiful I grabbed an armload for my own stash; ownerships should have some perks right?

The Great Wall of Wool! One of the seven wonders of the hooking world!

Another new addition to the shop is our coloured burlap and also something called linen/burlap.
Lots of exciting colours, seasonal reds and greens, charcoal, soft pink, periwinkle blue and a very light sea foam blue that reminds me of a cottage on the beach. There is a black and even a white; a very nautical gold and navy; the orange and rust are perfect for next fall’s projects and would look great sporting a hooked pumpkin in the center and made in to a pillow. Sue was in the states recently and said people are sewing pillows out of burlap and appliqueing a design in the center but we could hook one!

I'll take pictures of the other colours later today.

I taught a class today and got to know two very nice women. They weren’t newbies, just wanted to make sure they were on the right track.   They came bearing a gift, a Bundt carrot cake and it was a plate licker! I’m a diabetic so I really shouldn’t but I could never look a gift cake in the mouth and turn it down. I make a joke, when I cheat, that it’s so good it’s worth losing a toe over and I sometimes wonder what people must think. Of course I’m kidding and someday if one falls off I’ll kick myself, or maybe not…. The other catch phrase I’ve been known to use over a particularily delicious morsel is “It’s better than sex” but I don’t really mean that either..…at least not all the time. (Yes, I fully understand diabetes is serious…I’m just kidding around!)

For me, eating dessert means a few extra jumps on my indoor trampoline.   If you want to lower your blood sugar quickly that’s the way to fly. A couple of dozen hard pumps and running on the spot and you knock your score to normal. Too bad you couldn’t carry the thing around in your purse and whip it out every time you fall prey to a craving.

I first heard about the benefits of the trampoline a few years ago while watching the Shopping Channel and figured I'd give it a whirl...what the heck? If it didn’t work, I’d just squeeze it into the closet with all other pieces of exercise equipment I’ve wasted money on over the years.
Good intentions and all, I wonder how much money we spend on home fitness equipment that we fall out of love with, ban it to the basement, garage or closest and then doom it to the yard sale for a fraction of the price. Carrying it out to the yard is probably the most exercise it's provided!

So the trampoline is the only piece of gear I’ve stuck with and it has plenty of merit. First of all it gets your blood pumping to every part of your body, even the tiniest vessels in your feet, making you all pink and tingly! Supposedly it firms up the chest area, that’s a claim the jury is still out on, at my age how would you even tell? And of course the main reason I use it, there is very low
impact on my bad knee. But all that aside, it’s just pure fun with added benefits.   It always reminds me of jumping on the bed when I was a child. I bought it around the time I realized
my pancreas wasn’t working so efficiently and it keeps my blood sugar in check after eating too large a meal or if I’ve cheated. Oh and yes, another great benefit, it tightens up the Kegel muscles very quickly, because you have to keep squeezing to prevent wetting your pants. The first couple of times you use it, I recommend you pee first and maybe wear a pad but after that, no problem. Hmm...I wonder if any men are reading this post? Well, on that note I’m off to bed!

Father Christmas Festival

11/19/2012

What an interesting day I’ve had. A wool order arrived and I did a bit of fondling. My God, wool is nothing like it used to be, it’s soft and so snuggly you just want to pull it around you and have a nap. The colours in this batch are so inspiring I won’t be able to sleep tonight as visions of it dance in my head.

I dyed a killer red curly mohair today that I affectionately named Carrot Top.  I abrashed a skein with red, orange and reddish brown and it turned out better than expected.   “Carrot Top” was one of my old nicknames from school, that and “Pissy Chrissy”...guess not much rhymes with Chrissy. Pissy kind of implies I smelled of urine, not exactly a confidence booster when you’re trying to fit in and make friends.

I’ve never quite understood the term carrot top. To me it infers something green but maybe I don't understand the anatomy of the carrot and it really wasn’t a good fit considering I spent my first six years as a blond.  When my hair follicles graduated to strawberry blond, I guess that was the bridge to carrot top, and throw in my least favorite moniker, "chicken legs" and I was almost edible.

Anyway, this fabulous red curly mohair is perfect for a sassy mermaid’s mane or a Tango dancer's flowing locks, and then there's always Anne Shirley. There’s something about a redhead that inspires a bit of naughty. In his youth, my hubby’s dream girl always sported red hair and I think it’s a bit of a stretch for me, but he seems to think I fit the bill so who am I to argue.

Father Christmas Festival is this weekend and I’m working on my window design, well, in my head anyway, like I have the time to decorate! The season crept up on me once again, so the rug I hoped to hook for this year’s display isn’t even started. It’s the same one I planned to do for last year’s window and I think it’s still behind the chair in the bedroom. Where does the time go? I could blitz the rug and pull it out of my….um hat by the first of December but that won’t help me for this weekend’s festivities. My inner Grinch purposely procrastinates as I really have a problem decorating with any amount of enthusiasm the middle of November. Christmas comes early in retail so by the time Santa comes down the chimney you’ve overdosed on Elvis’s "Blue Christmas' and Bing’s "White" one. But you can’t fight the grain so I’ll dig out the lights tomorrow and throw together a theme before Wednesday’s hook-in. But of course don't hold your breath, I think last year I was hanging lights Friday evening as customers came through the door. I really need a PA…...

Wool For "Likes" Draw!

11/15/2012

After writing down all the names of the people who gave my Encompassing Designs Facebook Business Page a "Like" I'll probably get carpal tunnel! A lot of names! Thanks to you all for participating.

So I put all the names in a container and my son Shane did the draw. Congratulations to Marlene Weaver! Contact me to arrange to pick up the wool or make your choice from the website and we will ship it to you!

Pendleton Shirts!!!

11/1/2012

Two new bales of Pendleton shirts have arrived at the shop! Fabulous plaid shirts & skirts!

Shop Hours:
We are now open to walk in traffic.
Masks are required. Our hours are:
Monday - Friday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturdays 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
We are closed during snow storms
so please call ahead.
Toll Free: 1-855-624-0370
Local: 1-902-624-0370
encompassingdesigns@gmail.com

498 Main Street
P.O. Box 437
Mahone Bay, N.S.
Canada B0J 2E0

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