"We love the beauty around us and welcome you to share it!"
Designed by Christine Little, hooked by Jean Wentzell
This design was drawn to scale so it's a realistic portrayal of Mahone Bay's most iconic scene. The gazebo placement was artistic license and added by request of Jean Morse who wished to present this rug to a dear friend who had helped organize Jean's husband's funeral.
The receiver loved the three churches and was also a musician so Jean requested that the bandstand be worked into the design even though they don't all show from this angle. It is too bad life can't imitate art because these structures play off one another beautifully.
Unfortunately for you, the detail in the tree foliage is not clear enough to study closely because it was spectacular! I remember the amazing way she hooked the various greens to show shadows and separations from one tree to the next, making them as lifelike as one can do with wool. Her red maples were exquisite. We custom dyed a spot formula for this piece and called it Red Maple. She manipulated the darks and lights of the wool to make it highly effectual, placing each strip strategically to make the trees so lifelike it was stunning. She placed the red maples in a triangle which also broke up the large expanse of greenery.
Rosa Rugosa surrounds the gazebo and there are hits of pink for the flowers in bloom. The rocks along the shore were done in various plaids but first outlined in a very thin darker line. She kept the sky simple to further enhance the details in the remaining parts of the rug, drawing your eye to the center and bottom thirds to where the dense foliage, gazebo and stately buildings reside. This rug was a spectacular gift to receive and is now a memory from a dear departed friend.
 Designed and hooked by Mary Doig |  Design and hooked by Mary Doig |
The above two examples of Mahone Bay's finest are more primitive, simplified drawings of the three churches. Designed by Mary Doig, this little mat has been hooked and sold many times, enough that we could say it's her signature piece. She's hooked it mostly with a fall colour palette but she also has done it with various greens representing spring. Every time Mary hooks this piece and hangs it in the shop it sells, finding homes all across North America and as far away as England. I also make both of these pieces into kits and tourists love the simplicity, happily taking away a piece of Mahone Bay to commemorate their stay here.
This project can be hooked with wider cuts needing only a thin strip to outline the churches. A lot of beginners have cut their teeth on this little mat. The pattern adapted nicely into the tea cosy which Mary happily hooked up and loaned to the shop for display.
This project can be hooked with wider cuts needing only a thin strip to outline the churches. A lot of beginners have cut their teeth on this little mat. The pattern adapted nicely into the tea cosy which Mary happily hooked up and loaned to the shop for display.
Designed and hooked by Charlene Scott
This whimsical version of our churches was designed and hooked by Charlene Scott. People love the fact that the churches, even though they are clearly the focal point, do not command the entire stage. There is something interesting happening in every third. Boats are tacking back and forth in the harbour with a bit of white cap action to show movement The churches, depicted with non traditional placement give the design a more folky aspect that many admire.
The hills behind the church end with a row of pines that are silhouetted against a very whimsical, streaked sky of pinks, oranges and a blend of blues. All in all this piece is the more artsy of the three designs, appealing to an audience who love the churches but want to separate slightly from the strong religious connotation.
Chris choose Mary's pattern for her first attempt at rug hooking!
I was in Mahone Bay on vacation a few years ago and I bought a pattern from you. I'm a knitter, spinner and weaver so I taught myself to hook with yarn. I started it and put it aside to work on other projects. This month, I took it down and finished it (picture attached). I love it and think it is a fine first attempt. We are going to put in on the wall of our bedroom to remind us of the lovely time we had visiting your town.
...from Philadelphia, a heartfelt thanks for getting me interested in your craft.
Chris Simiriglia
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