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Creative Shading Workshop with Sue Grant

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June 2017 class date coming soon.  Reserve a spot! 

“Creative Shading’ is a new workshop by Susan Grant which will be taught in the studio. Susan will teach different ways to multi-swatch where you incorporate more than one colour swatch in a flower or leaf. You will also learn how to work with dip dyed or casserole dyed wool; as well, you will examine concepts such as the Ives colour wheel and ideas of how to integrate your work. These techniques will be applied to a contemporary pattern using a #6 cut. The class will include the pattern and the wool for the “Carrie Runner” 14″ x 24″ pictured here. The prerequisite for this course is basic experience with swatches and shading techniques.  If you have taken the introduction to shading course with Susan or any other teacher you have the requirements for this workshop. Susan will also do a quick review of those techniques used in the piece.

This workshop will be taught by Susan Grant who is a talented, award winning rug hooker.  In recent years  including  2016, her rugs have been featured in “Celebrations” magazine.   Her attention to detail and the study of various rug hooking techniques over the years have allowed her to develop her superb talent for creating breathtakingly beautiful rugs.  As a retired school teacher, she is well organized, thorough and detail oriented.  The runner “Carrie” designed by Sarah Skrlj, pictured here was hooked by Susan Grant.  You are required to bring to class a hoop, hook which is suitable for a #6 cut, scissors and a lunch.  Coffee/tea and dessert will be provided.

To register for this class please contact Sue Grant via email at grant2@execulink.com  Payment for the class is required when you register.

Date:  Saturday June TBD and Sunday June TBD 2017

Time:  9:00am – 3:00pm

Cost:  225.00 (includes 2 days of instruction, Carrie Runner pattern on linen which is 14″x24″, specialty dyed wool and class instruction manual)

Location:  Martina Lesar Hooked Rug Studio.  16311 Mississauga Road, Caledon, Ontario L7C 1X8 (905)838-3022

 

 

 

 

 

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Introduction to Shading Techniques – Fine or Wide Cut

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A spring date in March has been scheduled for the “Introduction to Shading Techniques (or Shading 101)”  workshop which will be held in the studio.   This is a weekend workshop where you will learn  four basic shading techniques to achieve realism in your rug hooking.  Fine shading is traditionally done with fine cut strips; however in this class you will have a choice of working in either a fine cut (#3) or a wider cut (#6).   Learning the basic techniques of shading will inspire you to explore new possibilities in your rug hooking.

The workshop will include either a small 9″ or medium 13″ trivet sized kit  (pictured here) with the teaching pattern drawn on linen and precut wool for the flowers and leaves.  There are two sizes of kits for this class, small for fine cut and medium for wide cut.  You will be able to choose your own background wool (which is not included).  The supplies needed are a hoop or frame, hook that is suitable for the cut of wool you will be working with and small scissors.  If you don’t have some of these items, they are available in the studio.  To qualify for this class you must have beginner rug hooking experience.

This workshop will be taught by Susan Grant who is an incredibly talented, award winning rug hooker.  In recent years her rugs have been featured in “Celebrations” magazine.   Her attention to detail and the study of various rug hooking techniques over the years have allowed her to develop her superb talent for creating breathtakingly beautiful rugs.  As a retired school teacher, she is well organized, thorough and detail oriented.  The photos below are a sampling of her work.

To register for this class please contact Sue Grant via email at grant2@execulink.com

Date:  Saturday  March 25th Sunday March 26th 2017

Time: 9:30-3:00

Cost:  100.00 for fine cut or 120.00 for wide cut ( includes kit and class fee)

Place:  In studio at 16311 Mississauga Road

Teacher:  Sue Grant

Shah Abbas detail
Shah Abbas detail
Shah Abbas detail
Shah Abbas detail
Shah Abbas hooked by Sue Grant
Shah Abbas hooked by Sue Grant

 

Grant Buckingham detail
Grant Buckingham detail
Grant Buckingham detail
Grant Buckingham detail
Grant Buckingham hooked by Sue Grant
Grant Buckingham hooked by Sue Grant

 

The post Introduction to Shading Techniques – Fine or Wide Cut appeared first on Martina Lesar.

New Christmas Pattern

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Just in time for the holidays…”Holiday Blossom” is a new pattern now available in studio and on the website.  White Poinsettias are my favourite for the season.  They are elegant and brighten up your décor.  The large blossom is a natural for finer painterly style hooking, although the scale would allow for a wide cut.  This was hooked in MANY colours of the softest shades I had in cuts from 3 to 6.  It measures 14×14 and can easily be hooked up in time for Christmas, especially if you hook it in wider cuts.  The background is a winner in this piece.  I’m using “Distant Hills Dark” from my mottled dyed solids wool collection.  The rich gray/lavender colour is perfect for today’s decorating trends.  It accentuates the soft purples that are used in the shadowed area of the flower petals and doesn’t overpower the overall mat.  Unfortunately I wont finish this piece in time as I am currently working on a custom rug and on a deadline.  However, I would love to see any photos of your completed “Holiday Blossom”.  Feel free to send pictures so that I can share them.

The post New Christmas Pattern appeared first on Martina Lesar.

Ready for Christmas in the Studio

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The sun is shining and not a trace of snow but it sure feels a lot like Christmas in the studio.  I’ve been busy stocking up the shelves and now just need to do a little more dyeing.  The cabin is bursting with wonderful colour and texture!  Every wall is lined floor to ceiling with  bolts of wool.  Silk Sari ribbon has arrived and the colours are glorious.  Lots of great gift ideas are in store for your rug hooking friends or perhaps a little gift for yourself.   Co-ordinated wool bundles, holiday inspired kits, and gift certificates are always appreciated by rug hooking enthusiasts.   The studio is open Wednesday-Saturday 10:00-3:00 or by appointment if necessary.  For those who cannot visit in person, shopping on the website is convenient and secure AND shipping is free for orders over 150.00.   Hot coffee and Christmas cookies will be waiting for you every Saturday until Christmas.  Let the merry making begin!christmas-stock-5-compchristmas-stock-4-compchristmas-stock-3-compchristmas-stock-2

 

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Washing Wool to Avoid Fraying Strips

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Top strip washed in a machine with an agitator.   Bottom strip washed in front loader
Top strip washed in a machine with an agitator. Bottom strip washed in front loader

I have been cursing a wool that I am currently hooking in a rug.  It was fraying terribly and I was about to give up on it.  As a last resort I decided to try and wash another piece and to my delight it came out beautifully “fulled”.  No more fraying.  What did I do differently from the first piece?  At yesterday’s hook in, the subject about washing machines came up….top loaders versus front loaders and the old stand by, top loaders with agitators.  It suddenly dawned on me that I used my old top loader with the agitator to wash this load of wool.  I haven’t used it in about 6 months because it needed repairs and was just recently fixed.  The fraying wool was washed in my front load washing machine!   It wasn’t getting enough agitation therefore the wool fibers weren’t tightening.  That’s good news for clothing but not so good for rug hooking wool.   Many of you may have replaced old agitator washing machines with new ones which are much more gentle on your laundry and this is likely the reason your wool isn’t getting “fulled” enough for hooking.  Its not really feasible to go searching for somebody’s old washing machine so what do you do?  Here are some tips on washing your loosely woven wools.

  1.  Don’t wash your wool in small loads.  If you have only a couple of pieces of wool, throw them in with your next load of jeans or towels.  The volume creates the agitation your wool needs to become “fulled”.
  2. Wash your wool in hot/warm setting, not cold water.  Wool needs the warm water to thoroughly soak the wool.
  3. Do add detergent.  In my experience all detergents work well but avoid those with bleach additives.
  4. Dry your wool in the dryer on a hot/warm setting with a full load.  A full load will create the agitation you need to tighten the fibers.

Not all wool is created equally….tighter weaves will full easier than a loose weave.  As fellow rug hookers, I’m certain that many of you can relate to the appalling thought of throwing away a piece of wool! A piece of wool that is “so awful to hook with but the colour is just so fabulous I cant bring myself to toss it.”  Sound familiar?  If it does, then try washing it again using the tips above and just maybe it will become your new favourite…..to horde.  Now, that’s a problem I can’t help you with 🙂

Hug your wool,

Martina

The post Washing Wool to Avoid Fraying Strips appeared first on Martina Lesar.

Confessions of a Wool Addict

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I must be getting old but I prefer wise, because I’m starting to gain insight into my behavior. As the owner of a rug hooking studio, I’m surrounded by thousands of yards of wool every time I’m in the store. Lucky me, your thinking.  Guess again.  Regular shipments of wool arrive in the studio and each may contain over a hundred yards of wool.  Big bolts of beautiful textures and colours invoke ooohs and aaaahs as each box is opened.  In my mind’s eye, I can see a use for each and every wool and vow to save some for a future project.  The bolts are placed in their colour co-ordinated, neat rows on the shelves waiting to entice the next wool addict that enters the studio.  At first I’m excited to share this treasured wool with other rug hookers and every sale is appreciated.  Days and weeks pass and more people love and buy this wool.  I begin to eye the dwindling bolt and wonder how much is still left.  I start to become anxious….it will be gone before I get a chance to use it!  This is where I tear off a couple of yards and tuck it away for myself.  The wool is now down to its last little bit when a woman enters the studio in a panic.  She ran out of this wonderful wool and the little bit that is left simply isn’t enough.  What.  To.  Do.  I can suggest a different wool that she can blend in with the other wool creating a “fabulous primitive look”…which is true and this presents a solution to my dilemma of deciding whether I’m keeping my stashed wool or letting her have it.  (Now you know why we use the term: wool stash.  It’s meant to be hidden!).  Empathy wins out and I dig out my saved piece and watch it go out the door.  I console myself with the thought that perhaps one day it will be remilled and then I will definitely keep some for myself.  Fair warning……buy more than you think you will need, that big bolt will not be there the next time you visit and I’m not giving mine up so easily next time! 🙂

Hug your wool.

Martina

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A New Beginner Rug Hooking Class

First Event of 2017 – Georgetown Rug Hooking Guild Open House!


Oxwood Hooking Artisans Annual Hook In – April 1st

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The Oxwood Hooking Artisans are hosting their annual hook in and that means April will soon be here.   Once again I will be vending at this event which is one that I look forward to every year.  It is held at a great venue that is spacious and bright and the hosts are incredibly friendly.  They warmly welcome everyone to a day of hooking where you will catch up with friends and perhaps make some new ones.  Seeing what other people are creating will inspire you in your future projects.  There is lots of parking and easy access to the building.  Admittance is just 5.00  I hope to see you there.  Studio will be closed for this event

Date:                Saturday April 1st 2017

Location:         Maranatha Christian Reformed Church, 735 Frontenac Crescent, Woodstock, Ontario

Time:               9:30-3:30 p.m.

Bring:               A mug and your lunch.  We will provide coffee, tea, and goodies

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Dangerously icy conditions on driveway and walkways – Studio closed today

OHCG Annual Conference 2017

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Where has the time gone!  The annual is just 3 months away.  If you are unfamiliar with this conference, it is an annual event for all Ontario Hooking Craft Guild members.  Every year approximately 300 rug hookers descend on a city in Ontario to gather together for a weekend of rug hooking bliss.  This year it is being held in Cobourg.  In addition to the general meeting, members enjoy a gala evening, a display of hundreds of rugs, classes and workshop, vendors booths and of course rug hooking with friends.  I will be there with all the newest wools and patterns.  If you are not a member, Sunday is open to the public for a small fee of 10.00 which allows you access to the display and vendors.  You are welcome to email or call with an order to pick up at my booth to ensure that the items you want don’t sell out before you get there.  I look forward to seeing you all there.

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Studio Closed Today Wed Feb. 8th due to ice

Studio closed today too! Thursday Feb 9th.

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Woke up this morning at 3:00am to a lot of noise outside.  Loud cracking and popping noises in every direction.  I never heard this before so with a quick internet search I learned about “frost cracks”.  A quick drop in temperature will cause the sap in the trees to freeze, resulting in cracks in the bark.  We live on acreage surrounded by trees so the noise was a bit alarming.  Needless to say, the cold temperatures are not helping with the ice conditions on the drive and parking lot.  The studio will remain closed today for everyone’s safety.   Forecast shows that Friday will be 5 degrees so I’m hoping for some thaw.  Fingers crossed!

The post Studio closed today too! Thursday Feb 9th. appeared first on Martina Lesar.

Creative Shading Workshop with Sue Grant

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Saturday June 10th and Sunday June 11th 2017.   Registration is now open. 

“Creative Shading’ is a new workshop by Susan Grant which will be taught in the studio. Susan will teach different ways to multi-swatch where you incorporate more than one colour swatch in a flower or leaf. You will also learn how to work with dip dyed or casserole dyed wool; as well, you will examine concepts such as the Ives colour wheel and ideas of how to integrate your work. These techniques will be applied to a contemporary pattern using a #6 cut. The class will include the pattern and the wool for the “Carrie Runner” 14″ x 24″ pictured here. The prerequisite for this course is basic experience with swatches and shading techniques.  If you have taken the introduction to shading course with Susan or any other teacher you have the requirements for this workshop. Susan will also do a quick review of those techniques used in the piece.

This workshop will be taught by Susan Grant who is a talented, award winning rug hooker.  In recent years  including  2016, her rugs have been featured in “Celebrations” magazine.   Her attention to detail and the study of various rug hooking techniques over the years have allowed her to develop her superb talent for creating breathtakingly beautiful rugs.  As a retired school teacher, she is well organized, thorough and detail oriented.  The runner “Carrie” designed by Sarah Skrlj, pictured here was hooked by Susan Grant.  You are required to bring to class a hoop, hook which is suitable for a #6 cut, scissors and a lunch.  Coffee/tea and dessert will be provided.

To register for this class please contact Sue Grant via email at grant2@execulink.com  Payment for the class is required when you register.

Date:  Saturday June 10th and Sunday June 11th 2017

Time:  9:00am – 3:00pm

Cost:  225.00 (includes 2 days of instruction, Carrie Runner pattern on linen which is 14″x24″, specialty dyed wool and class instruction manual)

Location:  Martina Lesar Hooked Rug Studio.  16311 Mississauga Road, Caledon, Ontario L7C 1X8 (905)838-3022

 

 

 

 

 

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Ice and Snow – Time to get out of Dodge!

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I have salted 4 times now and the cold is not allowing it to do its job.  A thick layer of ice is now covered with a dusting of snow which is even more treacherous.  Unless you have cleats on your boots I would advise not to make a trip to the studio today.

I am done with this weather so I am taking a mini holiday. I’ve invited a few friends to head up to the cottage for a few days of uninterrupted hooking, good food, good wine, bad movies and lots of laughs.  I will now be able to get this little mat hooked which was supposed to be done for Christmas 2016 but now it will be done early for Christmas 2017.  Woohoo!  Studio will be closed Wednesday Feb. 15th and I will return rested and ready to start preparing for the April events.  Stay warm and safe everyone.

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Beginner Rug Hooking Class – Sunday May 28th 2017

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This is a one day introductory rug hooking class  where you will learn the necessary techniques to create your own hooked rug.  The classes run for one day  from 10:00am to 3:00pm.   Studio hooks and hoops will be used for the duration of the class and upon completion you will have the option to purchase the equipment.  The cost of the class includes the beginner pattern and  wool.

 

Payment is required at the time of registration.

Class Details:

Cost: $80.00 plus tax (no refunds within 2 weeks of class)

Date:   Sunday May 28th 2017

Time:  10 – 3 in studio

Address:  16311 Mississauga Road, Caledon, Ontario.  L7C 1X8    Tel (905) 838-3022 email studio@martinalesar.com

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Studio Bursting with Colour…..Must be Spring!

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Oh… it is definitely Spring in the studio.  New textured wools are on the way and we have been dyeing our way through many bolts of wool.  The studio is bursting with colours that are vibrant and delicious.  Exactly what we all need to shake off those winter blahs.  Carla has been busy dyeing her signature “Striated Wool” which is probably the fastest selling wool in the studio.  It usually sells out before I have a chance to list it on the website shopping page.  “Striated Wool” is one of the most versatile pieces I have ever used.  Hook the multiple values and colours from one piece of wool to create unique flowers, leaves and trees.   Excellent for landscapes too! “Pink lemonade” and the “Purple Pink” was used to hook the roses in “Abstract Roses” pattern.  All the colours are now available on the Wool page under “Art Wool” or on the New Arrivals page.

 

 

Abstract Roses pattern by Carla Kumer and striated wool in Pink Lemonade and Purple Pink

Striated wool, pink lemonade

 

 

The post Studio Bursting with Colour…..Must be Spring! appeared first on Martina Lesar.

Washing Wool to Avoid Fraying Strips

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Top strip washed in a machine with an agitator.   Bottom strip washed in front loader
Top strip washed in a machine with an agitator. Bottom strip washed in front loader

I have been cursing a wool that I am currently hooking in a rug.  It was fraying terribly and I was about to give up on it.  As a last resort I decided to try and wash another piece and to my delight it came out beautifully “fulled”.  No more fraying.  What did I do differently from the first piece?  At yesterday’s hook in, the subject about washing machines came up….top loaders versus front loaders and the old stand by, top loaders with agitators.  It suddenly dawned on me that I used my old top loader with the agitator to wash this load of wool.  I haven’t used it in about 6 months because it needed repairs and was just recently fixed.  The fraying wool was washed in my front load washing machine!   It wasn’t getting enough agitation therefore the wool fibers weren’t tightening.  That’s good news for clothing but not so good for rug hooking wool.   Many of you may have replaced old agitator washing machines with new ones which are much more gentle on your laundry and this is likely the reason your wool isn’t getting “fulled” enough for hooking.  Its not really feasible to go searching for somebody’s old washing machine so what do you do?  Here are some tips on washing your loosely woven wools.

  1.  Don’t wash your wool in small loads.  If you have only a couple of pieces of wool, throw them in with your next load of jeans or towels.  The volume creates the agitation your wool needs to become “fulled”.
  2. Wash your wool in hot/warm setting, not cold water.  Wool needs the warm water to thoroughly soak the wool.
  3. Do add detergent.  In my experience all detergents work well but avoid those with bleach additives.
  4. Dry your wool in the dryer on a hot/warm setting with a full load.  A full load will create the agitation you need to tighten the fibers.

Not all wool is created equally….tighter weaves will full easier than a loose weave.  As fellow rug hookers, I’m certain that many of you can relate to the appalling thought of throwing away a piece of wool! A piece of wool that is “so awful to hook with but the colour is just so fabulous I cant bring myself to toss it.”  Sound familiar?  If it does, then try washing it again using the tips above and just maybe it will become your new favourite…..to horde.  Now, that’s a problem I can’t help you with 🙂

Hug your wool,

Martina

The post Washing Wool to Avoid Fraying Strips appeared first on Martina Lesar.

Confessions of a Wool Addict

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0

I must be getting old but I prefer wise, because I’m starting to gain insight into my behavior. As the owner of a rug hooking studio, I’m surrounded by thousands of yards of wool every time I’m in the store. Lucky me, your thinking.  Guess again.  Regular shipments of wool arrive in the studio and each may contain over a hundred yards of wool.  Big bolts of beautiful textures and colours invoke ooohs and aaaahs as each box is opened.  In my mind’s eye, I can see a use for each and every wool and vow to save some for a future project.  The bolts are placed in their colour co-ordinated, neat rows on the shelves waiting to entice the next wool addict that enters the studio.  At first I’m excited to share this treasured wool with other rug hookers and every sale is appreciated.  Days and weeks pass and more people love and buy this wool.  I begin to eye the dwindling bolt and wonder how much is still left.  I start to become anxious….it will be gone before I get a chance to use it!  This is where I tear off a couple of yards and tuck it away for myself.  The wool is now down to its last little bit when a woman enters the studio in a panic.  She ran out of this wonderful wool and the little bit that is left simply isn’t enough.  What.  To.  Do.  I can suggest a different wool that she can blend in with the other wool creating a “fabulous primitive look”…which is true and this presents a solution to my dilemma of deciding whether I’m keeping my stashed wool or letting her have it.  (Now you know why we use the term: wool stash.  It’s meant to be hidden!).  Empathy wins out and I dig out my saved piece and watch it go out the door.  I console myself with the thought that perhaps one day it will be remilled and then I will definitely keep some for myself.  Fair warning……buy more than you think you will need, that big bolt will not be there the next time you visit and I’m not giving mine up so easily next time! 🙂

Hug your wool.

Martina

The post Confessions of a Wool Addict appeared first on Martina Lesar.

A New Beginner Rug Hooking Class

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