CREATIVE EVERY DAY

..... are you ready to take the CREATIVE EVERY DAY challenge?
Tomorrow is day #1. Go for it!

TIME OFF

.... a few days of good eating, family time and just plain RELAXING.
I decided that rather than knitting, weaving, felting and such, I would work on a puzzle that my father and I had planned on starting together. The "peanut gallery" has been helping me along - in many ways.

MAY YOUR SEASON SPARKLE

As the year comes to a close we wish you a peaceful winter season.
(from front to back, Allison, April, Cathy, Pinky and Pheona)

....back to the London-Wul Homepage: www.thewoolworks.com

IN THE STUDIO

SHOP HOURS

For the first time in roughly 10 years I have decided to schedule "weekends" (actually, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays) for myself.
I am exhilarated with the possibilities.......

NEW PRODUCTS

....some of the new offerings at the LondonWul ETSY shop.



...back to the London-Wul Homepage: www.thewoolworks.com

ET VOILA

... done!

SPINATHON

One kilo of Polwarth, dyed, carded and now ready to spin (bulky weight) for a Saturday Pick-up......... and away I go.

FINN

Our fearless supervisor. We love you Mister. We'll miss you always.

WE DID IT!

...we survived our Christmas show. All went well considering the blizzard like conditions midway through the event. ...super glad to be back in the studio, whew.

back to the London-Wul Homepage: www.thewoolworks.com

BUSTLE

...so, around here, it's all about getting ready for "the Christmas show".
painting mannequin heads (note the pop can and rice crispy square provisions in the background)....

finishing fringes...
packing kits......


labeling knits.....

...and so on.
In the meantime Angus has had an acute allergic reaction (as is the norm re: timing).
I brought him to the vet yesterday with a seriously swollen eye. This morning I rushed him back in a panic. His entire head is enlarged or so it seems. His ears are huge, the bridge of his nose is puffy and his already gigantic lips are thick with swelling. He has now been further medicated and, quite frankly, felt so bad for himself this afternoon that I didn't have the heart to take his picture for you. Thank goodness he comes to work with me every day so that I can monitor his well being. Can you imagine what would become of him if he was some sort of latch key Newfoundland?

back to the London-Wul Homepage:www.thewoolworks.com

FROM THE STUDIO

.... as opposed to my low level of blogging of late, the studio has been a buzz of activity.

Here's what I've been up to......

I've been dyeing sock yarn (and as a side effect; knitting socks).

spinning and dyeing a new "lopi style" yarn,

...... dyeing a new baby alpaca yarn
...for which I've made up a kit pattern
....and lots more kits, these combining handspun with other goodies hand dyed to match....

of course, dying loads fibre to spin.....

Ive been dyeing mohair and knitting shawls

I've been doing some "winter weaving" as well

most of these have not yet been listed in our ETSY shop as we are filling our "brick and mortar" shop and are about to do a large Christmas show but I will get to the ETSY postings just as soon as we are finished with the task at hand.

...and now, back to the studio.

.....back to the London-Wul Homepage: www.thewoolworks.com

WHAT'S UP?

...Lots actually,
I have been super busy putting out Lap blanket kits, handspun "lopi style" yarn and (so exciting) our new line of hand dyed sock yarn.
It has taken me FOREVER to find a sock yarn that I wanted to dye "en mass", this because I'm you're basic sock yarn snob. Long story short I found my true love and have been dyeing it steadily since it's arrival. I would love to give you a look but apparently my camera needs a new memory stick because my recent pics have gone MIA.

....much more news to come as well I will leave you with this: THINK COLOUR KNITTING
from striped scarves to Estonian socks to fair isle sweaters, the choice is yours during our upcoming ** WiNtEr KnIt AlOnG** ...starts in January..YAY!
..lots of support, tips, tricks and video sessions on jacquard, stranding, two handed knitting and more!

...back to the London-Wul Homepage: www.thewoolworks.com

SEPTEMBER REVISITED

Is it October Yet? ........ so, I have been caught in a time warp for the past few weeks (a much loved studio space will do that to you). There is no way on earth that the days could be passing by so quickly. I am fully aware that the universe has been toying with my mind and when the joke's over please feel free to let me know what the date REALLY is.

In the meantime I will play along and "accept" the fact that the month of September has come and gone - but not without adventure.To start we have had a host of fun and interesting visitors. Here are Beth, Pauline, Jill, Gloria, Gillie, Grace, Joan and Harmony from Ontario (oh and I'm in there as well). With a special thanks to Jill for peeking in at my blog and bringing the girls for a visit. As I find so often in the rug hooking community this is a group of open and adventurous gals that you just want to pack yourself alongside in the van and take off to discover something new...alas I needed to stay home and get some work done but the girls carried on to one of Deanne Fitzpatrick's life changing workshops (for rug hookers and, I would argue, anyone else who would be interested in a new paradigm).

On the topic of rug hookers being all around great folks (and me being very behind in my postings) I want to send a big THANK YOU to Lauri who named London-Wul to her "BLOGGER AWARD" list. Lauri is indeed a rug hooker, an on-line community builder and (YAY!) a new spinner as well. Feel free to visit her blog at Threads of Miz.
This vote of encouragement actually came along several month ago at a time when I had just lost my dad and was more than a little in need of a pick-me-up. Thanks again Lauri. You remind us all what a great gift it is to simply say to someone "I like what you do".

Also in September, we hosted a wonderful dye workshop with instructor Joanna Close. Joanna taught colour theory, natural and commercial dye techniques. For more information on Joanna check out our listing of further workshops (right sidebar).

And of course, September had its share of animal adventures as well. Freddy the peacock decided to vacation for several dramatically stormy days as we nervously awaited his return.

He was finally sighted stalking through the pasture where I managed to coerce him into making his way home .... and blood pressure medication was thwarted once again.

We did, however, take time out for some rather more enjoyable animal interaction and some much needed relaxation. ahhh.... that's better.

.....back to the London-Wul Homepage: www.thewoolworks.com

CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

.... London-Wul offerings, for more information feel free to call 506-382-6990 or e-mail info@thewoolworks.com

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Saturday September 6, 2008

Beginners Knitting Instructor : Tanya Stokes-Jones

Perfect project for first time knitters. Learn some of the basics and create a functional dishcloth at the same time. Perfect for gifts or a treat for yourself.

Techniques: Knitted cast on, Yarn overs and Knit 2 Together decreases , Garter stitch

Supplies: 5mm needles, 1 ball Mission Falls cotton (included in class price) , Darning needle

When: 1pm – 4 pm Cost: $35.00 plus HST (includes yarn)

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Sunday, September 21, 2008

Cozy Bedtime Socks Instructor : Tanya Stokes-Jones

Using 1 circular needle or Double points - your choice.

Soft and cozy socks for you knit by you! Terrific beginner sock knit with chunky yarn. A great class to learn how to knit in the round using double pointed needles or to try out 1 circular needle (Magic Loop Method) for socks. You will also learn increases and decreases as well as grafting. Only skill required is the knit stitch.

Techniques: Long tail cast on , Knitting with 5 double pointed needles OR Magic Loop method, Afterthought heel construction , Wedge toe , Increases and decreases , Kitchener stitch/Grafting

Supplies: 5mm double pointed needles (5) or 5mm circular 32" + , 1 skein Noro Kochran 100g , Darning needle

When: 1pm – 4 pm Cost: $30.00 plus HST , (London-Wul Materials purchased separately)

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Saturday, September 27, 2008,
MULTI-TECHNIQUE DYE WORKSHOP
Instructor Joanna Close

A fine arts graduate, (Master of Arts in Textile and Fibre Art
Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton, UK)
textile artist Joanna Close works as a professional weaver, spinner and dyer. Joanna has spent several years hand-dyeing wool for Rug Hooking artist Deanne Fitzpatrick. She has compiled substantial research in natural dye techniques and has developed a signature body of one of a kind hand dyed, hand woven landscape designs.

Learn how to dye wool and other animal fibres (mohair, llama, alpaca and silk), for all your fibre projects. We will use acid dyes as well as natural dyes to dye fabric, yarn and fleece. Each student will bring home their own dyed samples.

This class will encompass a number of dye theories and techniques including,
colour theory, dyeing proteins, cellulose and synthetic fibres, safety precautions when dyeing, dyeing for striped knitting, dyeing solid colours,
dyeing mottled coulours (space dyeing), dyeing for a warp and weft), dyeing techniques for hooking

When: 10am-5pm Cost: $150.00 plus HST includes all materials

Note: Please bring a lunch and your sense of adventure!

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Sunday, September 28, 2008

Toe Up Socks Instructor : Tanya Stokes-Jones

Are you tired of having too much sock yarn left over? Have you been looking for a new way to knit socks? If so, this class is for you. We will be learning how to construct a sock from the toe up. During this class you will work on a baby sock to allow us to tackle each section but you will go away with the know how to make your favorite cuff down sock patterns from the toe up.

Techniques: Eastern Cast On, Backward loop Cast off , Short Row heel , Translating Cuff down sock patterns to Toe up patterns.

Supplies: 1 ball Mission Falls Wool , 4 Double pointed needles (3.75mm) , Darning needle

When: 1pm – 4 pm Cost: $35.00 plus HST (includes yarn)

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Sunday, October 5, 2008

Cabled Hat Instructor : Tanya Stokes-Jones

Ready to branch out from scarves and rectangles? If yes, this project is perfect for you. This chunky cabled hat is a fast knit and can be done with or without the cables. You will learn to knit on circular and double pointed needles as well as learn a basic cable and increases. All you need to know is how to knit and purl comfortably in ribbing.

Techniques: Long tail cast on, Knitting in the round with circular needle , Knitting in the round with double pointed needles, Decreasing , Basic cable

Supplies: 1 skein of Noro Iro OR 2 balls of LOPI , 6mm 16" round needle , 4 or 5 double pointed 6mm needles , Cable needle , Darning needle

When: 1pm – 4 pm Cost: $30.00 plus HST , (London-Wul Materials purchased separately)

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Sunday, October 19, 2008

Extreme Mittens Instructor : Tanya Stokes-Jones

These mittens work up in no time with this chunky colorful wool. You will learn all of the techniques needed to follow a conventional mitten pattern. A great class to learn how to knit in the round using double pointed needles, increases and decreases. All you need to know is how to knit and purl.

Techniques: Long tail cast on , Increasing and decreasing , Knitting in the round with double pointed needles , Kitchener stitch/grafting

Supplies: 6mm double pointed needles (4) , 1 skien Noro Iro 100g OR 2 balls of LOPI, Darning needle

When: 1pm-4pm, Cost: $30.00 plus HST , (London-Wul Materials purchased separately)

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Sunday, November 2, 2008

Burning Blossoms Felted bag, Instructor : Tanya Stokes-Jones

Felted Purse (part1), Felted Purse (part2, Sunday November 16, 1pm-4pm)

Learn how to felt this fabulous firey bag just in time for Christmas. You will learn two great felting techniques, fulling and needle felting, and will be able to make your own individual creations using these. Must have basic knitting skills such as casting on and knitting

Techniques: Knitting in the round on circular needles, Machine washer fulling , Needle felting

Supplies: 7-9mm 24" round needle , 2 balls of Lopi , Felting needle

When: 1pm – 4 pm, (parts 1 and 2) Cost: $45 plus HST, includes 2 classes (London-Wul Materials purchased separately)

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Sunday, November 23, 2008

Cables in The Bag Instructor : Tanya Stokes-Jones

Learn how to follow a chart to make various cables that turn into a wonderful bag. Must have basic knitting skills such as casting on, knitting and purling.

Techniques: Chart reading , Knitting cable patterns

Supplies: 6.5mm straight needles , 2 skeins Briggs & Little , Darning needle , 2 round bamboo handles

When: 1pm-4pm Cost: $30.00 plus HST , (London-Wul Materials purchased separately)

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Sunday November 30/08

Weaving on a Simple Loom Instructor: Heidi Wulfraat

Practice the basics of weaving on a rigid heddle loom.
Choose your materials and create a complete project during this full-day workshop (one Christmas gift checked off of your list:).
Learn to *choose appropriate materials for warp and weft *calculate yarn requirements to complete a given project * decide which reed is best suited to your project *warp a rigid heddle loom *weave a gorgeous scarf of your own design

When: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Cost: $85.00 plus HST, plus materials purchased during the workshop. Looms provided
Notes:
* please bring both a lunch and you're sense of adventure!
* for maximum attention this workshop is restricted to two people. If you and a friend would like to participate on a date other than November 30/o8, bookings can be arranged

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December 4 and 5, 2008

Bookbinding Workshop , Instructor Joanna Close

A native to New Brunswick, fine arts graduate, (Master of Arts in Textile and Fibre Art
Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton, United Kingdom)
Joanna Close works as a professional weaver, spinner and dyer. Apart from an active scheduling of solo exhibits as well as selected group showings, Joanna has been excellently received as a fibre arts instructor throughout Atlantic Canada and in Dawson City, Yukon.

Workshop Description
Learn how to make three kinds of hand bound books, Hardcover, Japanese stitched and Accordian style. We will also make our own book cloth to cover the hardcover book, please bring ½ meter of 100% cotton fabric for this purpose. Great for Christmas gifts!

When: 6pm-9:30pm Cost: $175.00 plus HST, materials included

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January 24th 2009

The Art of Fibre Workshop, Instructor Joanna Close

A native to New Brunswick, fine arts graduate, (Master of Arts in Textile and Fibre Art
Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton, United Kingdom)
Joanna Close works as a professional weaver, spinner and dyer. Apart from an active scheduling of solo exhibits as well as selected group showings, Joanna has been excellently received as a fibre arts instructor throughout Atlantic Canada and in Dawson City, Yukon.

Workshop Description
Learn how to turn your thoughts and ideas into fibre art. Knowledge of fibre techniques is not required but may be helpful in our discussions. This class will be a theory and discussion based class focusing on using your head before your hands. We will work on creating a sketchbook of research and ideas for future projects.

When: 1pm-5pm Cost: $100.00 plus HST, includes materials.

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WEAVING WORKSHOP

Weaving on a Simple Loom

Practice the basics of weaving on a rigid heddle loom.
Choose your materials and create a complete project during this full-day workshop (one Christmas gift checked off of your list:).
Learn to *choose appropriate materials for warp and weft *calculate yarn requirements to complete a given project * decide which reed is best suited to your project *warp a rigid heddle loom *weave a gorgeous scarf of your own design

Sunday November 30/08, 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
$85.00 plus HST, plus materials purchased during the workshop.
Looms provided
Notes:
* please bring both a lunch and you're sense of adventure!
* for maximum attention this workshop is restricted to two people. If you and a friend would like to participate on a date other than November 30/o8, bookings can be arranged.
information: 506-382-6990, Sherri, Linda or Heidi

back to the London-Wul Homepage: www.thewoolworks.com

LEARN TO KNIT

Learn to Knit ....... A Dishcloth
Perfect project for first time knitters. Learn some of the basics and create a functional dishcloth at the same time. Perfect for gifts or a treat for yourself.

Techniques:
*Knitted cast on
*Yarn overs and Knit 2 Together decreases
*Garter stitch

Cost: $35 plus HST , includes yarn
Supplies:

5mm needles
1 ball Mission Falls cotton (included in class price)
Darning needle
Date: Saturday, Sept. 6 1-4pm

Upcoming Classes at London-Wul:

KNITTING: Toe up Sock Class * Lounge Sock * Cabled Hat * Extreme Mitten * Felted Purse

* Cables in the Bag * Ribbon Lace Cowl
FELTING: Sculptural felting with Heidi Wulfraat
WEAVING: Learn to Weave on a Simple Loom
SPINNING: Learn to Drop Spindle * Give a Spinning Wheel A Whorl

call 506-382-6990, Linda, Sherri or Heidi
or e-mail info@thewoolworks.com

back to the London-Wul Homepage: www.thewoolworks.com

ROUGE

.... a mountain of red Merino/Polwarth batts. First dyed in several shades of red, then carded into a blend and soon to be spun. This fibre is destined to be a wonderful, warm and spongy blanket on custom order. Matching an exact red is always a daunting task .... but I do love a challenge and this one was made all the more alluring as I begin to read "The Perfect Red" by Amy Butler Greenfield.

....back to the London-Wul Homepage: www.thewoolworks.com

SUMMERTIME

and the living is easy (particularly if you are a London-Wul critter)

CHANGE

I'm back after a long departure from my "ordinary". Change can be a good thing. It can be something new and exciting. Here are the eight finches that were hatched in the shop this past month. They are living in a beautiful flight cage that my father built. It is lovely and spacious with a peaked roof stained forest green and a big arched doorway that opens with a butterfly-shaped handle. The cage has a birch tree set in its' center upon which perches a finch sized house with a bright red roof.

Change can also be an awful thing. It can leave you broken hearted and feeling fragmented. My father died on June 30th, 2008. I thought it fair to mention, as this journal is the story of London-Wul and a story can never be fully appreciated without context.
My father was a photographer by profession. His eyes had a spark of humor and mischief that enabled him to capture the candid spirit of others. Just as he used form and line as expression on film, he developed a passion for woodworking and fashioned extraordinary pieces by hand.
He spent hours in his workshop creating elaborate, elegant and whimsical gifts for his family who meant everything to him. John Wulfraat was a quiet and gentle man. He loved children, animals, great blues music, a good joke, colour and art. He was a tremendously hard worker who gave to others without question. His nature was steady and patient and forgiving.
My father had a cat named Nigel for whom he would do just about anything.
My father would have really loved those new finches of mine.