Monday, June 13, 2016 – Local Artisans
Today’s email is featuring some of our local Artisans that make beautiful, yet practical pieces of ‘art’.  Each Artisans’ ability is inspiring and we, being knitting or crocheting ‘artisans’ ourselves, can appreciate the skill & ability that goes into each of their products.  So, let us all support these talented folks, while enjoying the benefit of the ‘fruit of their labours’.

“There Was A Tree” Buttons
by Local Artisan, Cara Howard
of Mount Brydges, Ontario

There Was A Tree is a local company that creates hand-crafted wooden buttons and coasters. All pieces created by There Was A Tree are made from locally sourced materials; having an Arborist for a husband and a family owned & operated tree removal company, facilitates access to a variety of local woods, harvested in a safe & responsible manner.  Each HANDMADE, solid wood button is selected for the beauty of its grain and shape, are kiln dried, making them washing machine safe and come in a variety of species and sizes, such as chestnut, cedar, ironwood, aspen, apple, cherry, pear, maple, spalted maple & locust.  The buttons range in sizes from ½” to 2 ½” & are finished using mineral oil.

As for the name, There Was A Tree, the name came naturally to the owner.  As a teacher, it is not only the beginning of her favourite children's book (The Giving Tree) but stories about meeting her husband start with the same line.

We are very thrilled to be carrying Cara’s beautiful handiwork.  Here is a sampling of the buttons currently available in our shop from There Was a Tree (with more styles on their way):

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SURPRISE!!  Cara, of There Was A Tree, also makes FABULOUS wood coasters!!  These coasters are also kiln dried to be water resistant, measure 4-inchs in diameter, have felt pads on the underside & are sold in sets of 2.  Again, here is a sampling of what we have available in the shop...

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“Covet Lacquer” Nail Lacquer
by Local Artisan Liane Boucher
of London, Ontario

An avid ‘collector’ of nail polishes, Liane would try to source out “Indie Brands”.  During her searches, she realized that there were very few, if ANY “Indie Brands” available in Canada.  So she was motivated to try her hand at making her own brand, free from the ‘Big Five’ toxins – thus the Leaf in her logo.  Her high quality artisan nail lacquers are individually hand mixed (minor variations in colour are a reflection of this process) and sold at a very competitive price point, in some amazing colourways.  Liane recommends using a good base coat & top coat with her nail lacquers – it’s like what blocking is to knitting!

All of Covet Lacquers polishes are free of the 'Big Five' nail polish toxins, meaning no Dibutyl Phtalate (DBP), Formaldehyde, Toluene, Camphor, or Formaldehyde Resin, so that you can enjoy them worry-free.

We are very excited to be carrying Liane’s beautiful handiwork.  She has designed her "Unravelled Collection" specifically with Knitters in mind.  Each of the colours are named for a knit stitch - how cool is that?!?

Covet Lacquer’s “The Unravelled Collection” Colour Choices:

• “FLICK” - Stunning! An orange-based red with amazing holographic properties.
• “PURL” - A beautiful holographic TARDIS blue.
• “TWIST” - Our #1 Bestseller! A gorgeous holographic merlot.
• “LOOP” - Our favourite! A pretty purple holographic polish.
• “STITCH” - A stunning turquoise green holographic.
• “POMPOM” - A pretty dark blue holo.

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“Nature Craft” Ceramic Yarn Bowls
by Local Artisan Shari Arnold
of Komoka, Ontario

Here is a little background about Shari: 

“Having retired from a business career in Jan 2015, with a list of things I have become passionate about in my life, with never enough time to do - knitting, pottery and gardening were at the top of list. (I have since learned from my pottery colleagues that this is called a Maker Personality)

I first tried pottery when I was 8 and loved it.  I took two courses about 10 years ago and felt the same energy and passion once again.
 
My first goal upon retiring was to take courses at London Potters Guild and become a member.   I started in January 2015 and by the end of my required 3 courses, I not only joined the Guild in June but have since become a Board member. After also taking a knitting course at London Yarns in the spring, and starting in on my flower and vegetable gardens, I came up with the idea of combining 3 of the things that I love spending time on: hand crafted pottery yarn bowls with nature - flowers and leaves, thus “Nature Craft” came to be.”

From our vantage point, Shari was a natural born Potter from the get-go!  She has created amazing yarn bowls right from the start of her pottery career.  Each HAND CRAFTED bowl is distinctive, unique, and out of the ordinary.  Hurry in for the most selection.  As well, Shari would be happy to create custom bowls upon request.

We are very delighted to be carrying Shari’s beautiful handiwork.  Here is a sampling of the bowls we currently have in stock (not all styles are pictured):


 

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Here’s a fun fact ... In a couple of Shari’s latest creations, she has used actual leaves to create an imprint on the bowls during the first kiln firing.  Here’s what that technique has produced (including the above Hosta picture):




Because Shari uses ‘Food Friendly’ Glazes, these “yarn bowls” can be used for many other things eg. snacks, candy bowls, decorative pieces, to hold beads, buttons, thread or notions.  They also make great gifts!!  No two are exactly alike!! 

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Though not located in the London area, Moosehill Woodworks Designs are still a Canadian Artisan Company and so, we would still like to share with you their handcrafted products, as well.

 

  Located in Fredericton, New Brunswick

Moosehill Woodworks

Moosehill Woodworks is dedicated to creating high quality tools from native Canadian hardwoods, for knitters and fibre artists.  Our products are designed to last, with a tactual and aesthetic appeal that enhances enjoyment and engagement with knitting and spinning activities.  Each product is handcrafted from unique hardwoods.  Top quality design and workmanship are guaranteed.  MADE IN CANADA

• Yarn Holders:    These unique holders are created using a variety of native Canadian hardwoods, to enhance your knitting enjoyment. Knitters find them a delight to use as it keeps yarn handy and tangle free.  Spinners use them as an alternate spindle or lazy susan.
• Darning Eggs:  A useful tool to assist knitters in repairing and finishing their knitting projects.
• Nostepinne: A portable yarn winder for use when travelling or attending a workshop. Also handy for winding an inside or outside pull ball from a skein or leftover yarn. A convenient way to store yarn or transfer ball to a spindle.
• Darning Needle Case:  A small wooden case (3½” long) designed to organize and store your darning needles.
• Needle Case:  A unique case to hold up to 8 inch knitting needles; created in a variety of Canadian hardwoods. 

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Class Reminders ... we still have space available in both of Janet’s Machine Knitting Classes.  If can come, please call us at 519-474-0403 to register.



LACEY FLORAL SEMI-CIRCLE ON THE LK-150
Two 4-hours Sessions
Cost:  $125 (includes $20 yarn credit & pattern workshop notes)
Dates & Times:
Session 1:  Saturday, June 18/16 from 10 am – 2 pm (bring a snack)
Session 2:  A convenient date, to be determined among students during Session 1
Teacher: Janet

This lacey half circle is really fun to knit and a great project for all machine knitters.  Use your lacey semi-circle as a “shawlette”, a baby shawl, a decorative curtain/valance, a wall hanging, a dresser or shelf scarf, or any way you wish!  The semi-circular shape is achieved by using a “short row” technique that produces knitted wedges on the needlebed.  The lace transfers create eyelet sections in each wedge that appear to swirl, giving the shawl the overall look of solid flower petals on a delicate lace background.  Once familiar with the technique, this pattern can be used with any weight of yarn, and any even number of stitches on both sides of zero giving you UNLIMITED design and size possibilities.

Our store sample (photographed) shows one border option, a modified I-Cord Edging.  During this workshop, students will learn and practice both of the border options.  Choose between the I-Cord Edging or the elaborate “knit-as-you-attach-it” Lace Border.
Rated:  Beginner to Advanced Machine Knitters.  Students should be familiar with the use of the transfer tools.
Pre-Requisite:  Owner of an LK150 Knitting Machine (to be brought to class)

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MITTENS ON THE LK-150
Three 4-hour Sessions
Cost:  $125 (includes $10 yarn credit & pattern workshop notes)
Dates & Times:
(We are offering TWO separate dates for this workshop; please choose one or the other.)
Class A – Session 1:  Friday, June 24/16 from 10 am – 2 pm (bring a snack)
Class A – Sessions 2 & 3: Convenient dates, to be determined among students during Session 1
OR
Class B – Session 1:  Saturday, June 25/16 from 10 am – 2 pm (bring a snack)
Class B – Sessions 2 & 3: Convenient dates, to be determined among students during Session 1
Teacher: Janet                    

The wait is over!  We finally have a mitten pattern for the LK150!  During this workshop we will be knitting a pair of adult size medium mittens.  Now, you may think that June is an odd time of year to be knitting mittens, but think of how many pairs you could make over the next few months ready for gift-giving and the colder weather.  June is also a great time of year for travelling for all of you loyal out-of-town machine knitters who don’t want to worry about road conditions!  These mittens are knit entirely on the LK150 using a traditional thumb gusset that creates both a right and left hand mitten.  They fit well and are comfortable, with nice detailing within the thumb and top-of-the-mitten shaping.  Our store sample (photographed) shows one of the cuff options, traditional 1 x 1 ribbing.  Students will also learn and practise 3 other cuff options including Cabled Rib, Twisted Rib, and the Ridged Cuff.
Rated:  Beginner to Advanced Machine Knitters.  Students should be familiar with the use of the transfer tools.
Pre-Requisite:  Owner of an LK150 Knitting Machine (to be brought to class)

Thanks for reading!
Patti-Ann
LONDON YARNS
519-474-0403
Website - http://www.londonyarns.com
Email - info@londonyarns.com

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