London-Wul Fibre Arts

RECENT WORK

2009-10-30T15:45:00.003-04:00

October has been busy! I finished up these felted/quilted pieces and sent two rugs off to the Shelburne show.

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FELTING WORKSHOP

2009-10-27T17:18:00.003-04:00

We have another landscape felting workshop running on Saturday November 14th.
If you'd like to join in feel free to e-mail info@thewoolworks.com.
Choose from the following kits:

STUDIO TOUR

2009-10-03T10:10:00.016-04:00

...so here you have it. My studio Tour.

1. Here's my studio on a "company's coming" kinda day.

2. and here we are today, in the midst of packaging kits and 2 days from hanging a show.
............. some of the highlights:
3. ...lots of rug hooking and felting over the past few weeks here's my much loved snapdragon frame, hooks and felting needles:

4. ... and a little snippet of my latest rug

5. .... and here's Angus himself. He's cool with all this felting stuff.... makes for a good bed.
6. ... finishing up some felted work for hanging on Monday (Cumberland County Library in Amherst, Nova Scotia). I'm a baby Lock gal don't ya know...

7. I've also been spinning and dyeing for lap blanket kits. Drying racks seem to be popping up all over the place:)

8. and on that note, lets go out to the dye shed...

... and there you have it , for today at least. Thanks for visiting!

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STUDIOS

2009-09-30T18:50:00.005-04:00

STUDIOS MAGAZINE is having a virtual tour!
Check back on October 3rd for a virtual visit of my studio right here at London-Wul.

AND ON THAT NOTE

2009-09-30T13:30:00.004-04:00

Keith Snow also has a wonderful website loaded with good'n healthy cooking videos. Fresh from farmer to table. Why thank you Keith!

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HARVEST LISTENING

2009-09-29T16:53:00.003-04:00

..... listening to this fantastic "eat local" story by Barb Kingsolver. If you've already read it try having a listen to it. Perfectly grounding in this harvest season, and delivered by Barb herself.

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COME SKETCH WITH ME

2009-09-23T07:56:00.002-04:00

Come sketch with me on-line. It's fun and it's free!
This exercise, starting October first is located at RUG HOOKING DAILY
Check out the site. Membership is free to all. If you enjoy color, texture and visual arts I think you'll like it!
VIRTUAL RUG CAMP: SKETCHBOOK SESSIONS WITH HEIDI WULFRAAT:
...here's hoping that this camp will encourage you to fall in love with your sketch book ...never to leave home without it again! Challenges and positive provocation will be delivered monthly.

TIME TO KNIT

2009-09-16T13:24:00.006-04:00

Drop In Knitting Clinic

Project planning and instruction for:

completely new knitters

new sock knitters

new sweater knitters

….. help with hats, mitts and more.

Sundays from 11am – 12pm

Clinics start Sunday October 4, 2009

..... pay as you visit $10.00

Free with purchase of $25.00 or more

ALPACXPLOSION

2009-09-02T10:57:00.001-04:00

..... my girl has good taste in fibre. She looks so innocent doesn't she?

DORINE

2009-08-23T09:22:00.007-04:00

So when you sail across the ocean waters

And reach the other side safely

Could you smile a little smile for me

'cuz I'll be thinking about you

I'll be thinking about you

Jones-Ersahin

DIMINISHING RIB

2009-08-18T13:32:00.008-04:00

My Sister left New Brunswick with my version of the "Diminishing Rib Cardigan " by Andrea Pomerantz for Interweave Knits. I used 100% Alpaca and found the pattern wonderful to knit (top down rules!). Buuut.... the i-cord edging draped much better through the ribbed portion of the sweater than the stockinette portion. Would I knit this sweater again? probably yes, paying extra attention to a loose edge.

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FIBRE ARTS FOR the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean

2009-08-14T11:42:00.003-04:00

New Brunswick (Moncton) presents gifts to Canada's Governor General, her daughter and her husband today..... all made by my little hands:)

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IN THE NATIONAL POST

2009-08-08T08:26:00.006-04:00

London -Wul made it into the NATIONAL POST yesterday. Somehow Arnold was cited as co-owner of my business .... but I guess that's OK. He is my biggest Fan:)

The Insider's Guide: Arnold London and Heidi Wulfraat find the fun in Fundy

Locals call Moncton’s creative class its true natural wonder

Vanessa Packman, Weekend Post Published: Friday, August 07, 2009

Courtesy Heidi Wulfraat Heidi Wulfraat at the Bay of Fundy with border collie Finn and Newfoundland Angus.

Recession jitters will prompt many Canadians to stick close to home on their holidays this year. This is the ninth instalment of our summertime series of Insider's Guides to some of the country's top vacation destinations. This week: New Brunswick.

A river of chocolate? A hill where cars roll upward? Moncton, the Acadian city in the southeast corner of New Brunswick, has loads of attractions to engage the visitor, many of which Arnold London and Heidi Wulfraat, owners of the London-Wul store (thewoolworks.com), are pleased to share with out-of-towners who drop by.

Along with running one of the region's hottest fibre-arts stores and galleries, the Moncton couple are ambassadors for the city's growing reputation as a creative force. With its 126,500 residents, it is second only to Halifax as the Maritimes' fastest-growing community. Shipbuilding and farming launched the region in the early 1700s, but it's the culture and natural beauty that draw visitors to town today.

The Hub City has long been a transportation centre for the Maritimes, whether by land, air or water. First shipbuilding and later the railroad led to a century each of economic growth before their collapse. The loss of the CN Rail yards and other major employers 20 years ago forced the city to do some serious reinvention. After the initial shock, community leaders realized they had to expand the city's scope, so they built it into the vibrant cultural centre it is today.

Art is pervasive. Wulfraat and London delight in showing guests the work of local creative minds that adorns the walls of public places - either with colleagues from the Economuseum network (artisansatwork.ca) or on more casual tours through the downtown galleries and halls. This might also include a stroll through the flower-laden parks that line the Petitcodiac River, a.k.a. Chocolate River (named for its muddy banks), which runs through Moncton.

To fuel up for these excursions, the couple recommend a stop at the Taj Mahal Flavour of India on Main Street. On Saturday mornings, they will indulge in Tony Holden's famous pastries from his Moncton City Market booth (marchemonctonmarket.ca) - Bill Gates and Lady Diana are among the celebrities this pastry artist has fed in the past.

"There is so much talent out there," Wulfraat says, "and there are many more places exhibiting it. You can find art in places you wouldn't have thought of."

Back in 1775, the Acadians living here were deported from the region by the British because they refused to take up arms against France during the Seven Years War. Later, they returned and, of course, now they're flourishing. Today, the Acadian sense of flair carries over to the food, outfits and joie de vivre of the city's festivals. And the Acadian flag, with its red, white and blue stripes and a gold star in the corner, adorns everything from buildings and costumes to the minutiae of daily life. There's a European flavour to a stroll among the many downtown shops, as you hear snatches of French conversation. The bilingual population reflects the New Brunswick personality, with one-third of citizens speaking French.

Starting this week, thousands of Acadians from around the globe will be here for the Acadian World Congress. The Aug. 7 to 23 celebration is a family reunion spanning New Brunswick's eastern shore. Descendants of the families who were originally expelled mix with their international cousins as they remember and reconnect during one of the province's largest parties of the summer.

The red carpet was also out in April for the annual Northrop Frye literary festival (frye.ca). It's a point of pride for Monctonians that the influential Canadian literary theorist was raised here.

On the western edge of the city, Magnetic Hill (magnetichill.com) is an irresistible draw for visitors. Thanks to an optical illusion, car passengers can't quite believe their eyes as their car, left in neutral, appears to coast uphill. The Hill is also a magnet for musical royalty. The 2005 Rolling Stones concert here is still much discussed, as are performances by Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and The Eagles. Bon Jovi performed here in June, and AC/DC, just yesterday, drew enormous crowds. Nearby, Magnetic Hill Zoo (moncton.org/zoo) and Magic Mountain water park (magicmountain.ca) make this a popular destination for families.

For a quieter getaway, Wulfraat and London like to take their guests on a 20 minute drive to the Bay of Fundy, Canada's only representative in the recent contest to choose seven wonders of the natural world. Nestled between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, its unique shape and tidal action make it a natural treasure. "It's beautiful," Wulfraat says, "and you sometimes forget just how great it is. The mud flats, the wildlife, it's really something. It's fun showing people the Bay for the first time and seeing their expressions."

A hike with their dogs on little-known Fundy trails is one of the couple's top ways to spend a day off. Watching friends discover the shores and tides makes this couple appreciate the area even more. Kayakers, sailors and divers are also regular sights in and around the water. As well as being an important breeding site for whales, the Bay of Fundy is home to the highest tides in the world and has recently been made a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (fundy-biosphere.ca).

Returning home for dinner, Wulfraat and London will often pick up some fresh lobster from a local fisherman for a buttery feast. Savouring local fare while supporting neighbouring businesses is important for this couple. It's one small way they support a community that has been so good to them.

For more information on Moncton, visit gomoncton.ca

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TOUR NEW BRUNSWICK

2009-08-06T16:58:00.005-04:00

.... special thanks to New Brunswick tourism for noting London-Wul Fibre Arts, [Canada's Economusee (working museum) of Hand Spinning] as one of this province's best places to visit!

Check out http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/ for your guide to the spectacular province of New Brunswick. You owe yourself a visit!

Here's what New Brunswick has to say about London-Wul:

@ the Economuseum: London Wul – Feel the Warm Fuzzies…

Take those made-with-love woolen socks your Gran knit you. Add in a splash of modern technique, cross with an artist’s fine eye and sprinkle lightly with on-trend fashion. The result? Fibre arts from London Wul in Dieppe.

Much more than a simple shop, London Wul allows you the chance to visit a natural dye garden, spinning museum and gallery. You can even watch as the fibres are prepped, dyed and spun. Treat yourself to something cozy – or something pointy if hand-turned knitting needles are more your speed.

_____________________________________

Art for ART’S SAKE (A portrait of our galleries)

London-Wul Fibre Arts (HandSpinning Economuseum)

Heidi Wulfraat combines her passion for animals and her expertise in their care, to produce some of the finest quality fibers available today. From her sheep, goats, Angora rabbits and the picturesque London-Wul Farm, Heidi draws a source of creativity expressed in colour, texture and playful wool art.Join in the bustling fiber arts centre that is London-Wul. Visit the hand-spinning museum, working studio, natural-dye garden, boutique, and gallery. Watch as raw fibers are expertly prepared, dyed, and spun with traditional techniques to produce an outstanding collection of artisanal yarns, hand knits, hand wovens, and felted works. Let inspiration take hold.Treat yourself to one-of-a-kind woolen wears. Pick up a set of hand-turned knitting needles, an exquisite skein of yarn, or even your own spinning wheel.

______________________________________

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COMPANY'S COMING

2009-07-25T08:47:00.007-04:00

The summer is all about company coming which means that I am able to play with special recipes. Here's a Roquefort and pear plate for you; Lay out a light pastry shell, layer with about 1/2 a cup of Roquefort cheese, top with a sliced pear (a hard, cooking pear is best). Spread a small pad of butter and sprinkle with pepper. bake at 350 until pastry begins to brown.

At home we have been having a visit with my sister and and her husband from Montreal.

In the studio we enjoy reading the many and varied names and places of our guests. This week we had the pleasure of meeting with a delegacy out of China working in the advancement of Tibetan culture and economy through hand craft.

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WIPED OUT

2009-07-15T17:30:00.002-04:00

Whew, Wednesday, we're half way there!

...finished a dye job for an October wedding party last night,

...working on a very cool little project in an on-line class (something to get the juices flowing ... will post pics soon),

...sewed a pair of linen pants for myself on Tuesday (no one could be more astounded than myself about this),

...finished up a batch of "Heidi's Happy Winter Hats",

...prepared fleece for new felted panels to be shown in October.

...dewormed the sheep,

...had the dogs in for their vaccinations

.... spent the day with my friend who has been in the hospital for months, and is doing much better this week! (hugs to you D. , we love you)

... summer guests arrive this weekend

.... new puppy is settling in nicely, is able to sleep through the chaos though refuses to let us sleep at 5AM when she is ready to roll !

..... bring on the rest of the week. I'm ready.

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SOMETHING NEW

2009-07-04T12:22:00.004-04:00

....I've dyed some new "Prince Edward Island" roving.
also.... "CapeWalk"and "Summer Spin"

mmm....summer.

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FUTURE RUGS

2009-06-28T18:30:00.005-04:00

...spent the day washing collected wool of all variety. These will be cut and dyed in preparation for a winter of rug hooking.

Preparing for winter, it's the Canadian way...

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COME TO MAMA

2009-06-23T18:46:00.003-04:00

......this little bundle of joy is on it's way home to me.

ordered from FabricSupplies on Etsy .

..........yum.

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HAPPY FATHER'S DAY ARNOLD

2009-06-21T13:59:00.004-04:00

Dottie came home today. Do you suppose we'll get any work done EVER again?

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SEEING RED

2009-06-19T19:09:00.009-04:00

...loads of Holiday red in the dyepots today. All for my friend Sherri who now has 6 months to spin, weave, knit and Hook all of her Christmas projects.

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OH JOY

2009-06-12T12:27:00.006-04:00

My RugHooking friend Joy walked right into the shop yesterday and presented me with this:
I should say that the last time Joy was in she was wearing one such flower which I shamelessly ogled the whole time she was here. Well didn't she go ahead and make one just for me? Thanks Joy! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I love it just as much as chocolate...

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SHOPKEEP

2009-06-09T09:30:00.004-04:00

This month I have taken on the role of shop keep at london-Wul.
I am buzzing around the shop, tidying, tagging and best of all chatting with all who come along. I have been managing the shop from my place in the studio for several years now. This as opposed to the front role that I first played when the business was starting out.
It is lovely to be in the thick of things again, speaking with all of our visitors and helping out with project details, questions and color quandaries. For 10 years London-Wul has been my work in progress. Now I am enjoying this time spent in sharing the experience with our customers.
That being said, I am very fortunate to have a great support team, first and foremost the girls who help in the shop with all of the day to day activities. As the schedule would have it, both Sherri and Linda have taken some time to attend to life in general - as is good to do. I will be relieved in their return as the summer moves into full swing though, for the moment I will enjoy being right smack in the middle of it all!:)

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SUMMER

2009-06-03T10:27:00.003-04:00

.......... the summer line up will bring this little fellow to stay with us. At the moment he resides with my good friend at Kim Ellis Designs. Kim is a rug hooker, spinner, weaver and farmer (she wove the mat on which this little guy is perched). She's very "groovy" too. How great is that? A tall, blond, super slim in an oh so elegant way, sheep farmer and fibre artist. Best of all she has a heart of gold. She's been bottle feeding said lamb for the past few weeks after his having been unceremoniously deposited by an anonymous ewe who lays no claim whatsoever. Next week we will travel to pick him up and add him to the London -Wul fold:)

...... black and white, in the top right hand corner, embraced in a heap of siblings. That would be "Dottie" who will come to live with us in a few weeks time. Arnold has been without a dog for several months now (Angus is forever at MY side). Although we both projected a new pup sometime next year, it seems that the void was just too large. He found a photo of these little ones posted at the feed mill and soon went to have a visit. Mom is a Newf and dad is a Pyrenees/ Maremma. Dottie will be most likely be smaller than Angus (as are both her parents) no doubt they will make a good pair. .............. this summer will be full of "something new".

.... and finally, my summer reading has arrived. This year will be all about Donna Morrisey and Newfoundland. I have started with Kit's Law and will read through the collection in sequence. This will allow me to re-read Sylvanus Now which I absolutely loved the first time around. Lullabies for Little criminals by Heather O'Niel will add my native city of Montreal connection (thanks for the recommendation Matt) and I will settle back in New Brunswick with David Adams Richards who some find too dark but I find just..... real.

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SOCK SEASON

2009-05-22T10:46:00.005-04:00

Heidi's by Hand Sock Yarn:
Oh how I am enjoying the dyeing season once again!
My routine; put on ipod, cue a great book, lose the day in the dye shed....horrible isn't in;)

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