Over a year ago, my wonderful across-the-road neighbor gave me a huge bag of un-dyed rovings.  The wool had been washed;  there were no remnants of the oily lanolin - but there were still  many bits of grass and twigs that needed to be plucked out!

Although felting was still on the horizon for me, I knew I had received a precious gift.  So I stored the wool away until inspiration hit me.  It wasn't long before I was tossing big bundles of rovings into the dye pot - in preparation for my first project!

Freshly dyed wool fabric and rovings drying on the clothesline!

I first fell in love with needle felting - which is like painting pictures with wool.  Over several months, I created needle felted wall hangings on boiled wool. This fall, I was invited to take part in a one-day wet felting class in Lakefield.  In both cases, I love working with the beautiful colours and textures of the dyed wool, and intend to continue experimenting with the art of felting!

I've been happily back to rug hooking after a summer-long hiatus (due to a wrist injury).  Right out of the gate, I decided to take on a large project that also involved a challenge - to start using up my growing supply of  cut "strands" from past projects!   They say it can't be done .... but my supply does look somewhat diminished.

I'm offering this item for sale by contacting me directly at rdyer@nexicom.net.   As I continue hooking, I will be also be adding hooked items to my Gallery for sale through PayPal.

Hooked Rug
Wool on Burlap
Measures 37" x 22"
 $300 
SOLD

I hooked this rug last winter.  It's a dramatic combination of deep jewel tones and would add a great pop of colour to any room.  I'm also offering this rug for sale by contacting me directly at rdyer@nexicom.net.

Hooked Rug
Wool on Burlap
Measures 32 1/2" x 19 1/2"
$200
SOLD

In 1972, I received this refurbished old Singer sewing machine - a Christmas gift from my parents.  Back then, I used it to sew shifts, jumpers and  A-line skirts to bump up my wardrobe!  I have since stopped making my own clothes, but am so glad I held on to this "little beauty".  It continues to serve me well!  Recently, I've been having fun making appliqued  tea cozies and hot pads out of recycled wool blankets, as well as felt-filled coasters made from recycled upholstery samples.  These items can be viewed in my Gallery of items for sale.

On a recent beautiful fall day, I was invited to join a group of very artistic women to try our hands at wool dyeing.  When we arrived at the home of our hosts Rosemary and Alec Robertson, we found pots of water already simmering on the outdoor stoves, and lines set up to hang our newly dyed wool.  It was a magical day, and so inspiring!

I came home full of enthusiasm, and spent the entire next week just playing with different colours and combinations of dyes.... I then turned many of these boiled wool, hand dyed pieces into lovely, one-of-a-kind eyeglass cases, embellished with old buttons from my collection!

Many of these items are available for sale; just click on the Gallery tab at the top of the page.

Just a few years ago, I was introduced to the art of rug hooking.  After a few failed attempts, I finally got into the hypnotic rhythm of this primitive craft.  I now hook once a week with a wonderful and diverse group of women in Lakefield.  Many of us were coming together for the first time.  But we all seemed to bond over our newfound passion.

It was this same group of women who came to my much-needed aid when I broke my right (dominant) wrist at the beginning of the summer.  Not only could I not hook, even the most mundane of household chores were impossible.  These wonderful women (and several other fabulous friends) became my lifeline! 

Since it was the beginning of market season, and hooking was off the table for several months, I decided to try needle felting (with my left hand!).  I started to experiment with hand-dying wools (so much fun!!); and then wet felting.  The broken wrist forced me to be resourceful, and opened up a whole new world of textile art to me.

I'm so pleased to be up and running on this blog; and hope you enjoy my work as much as I enjoy creating it.

Christmas at the Marshland Centre

November 24 & 25, 2012,  from 10am - 4pm

The Marshland Centre will be decked out for Lakefield's 7th Annual Christmas show and sale.  Now a Village tradition, this boutique-style show features the work of more than 20 local and regional artists and artisans.

Donations to the Lakefield Food Bank and/or the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) will be gratefully accepted.

So please bring a friend, enjoy a warm glass of cider while you browse, and spend some time with us.