Saturday, December 11, 2010

Coincidence…Or Not?

We purchased our home in Nova Scotia at the end of September and in and amongst the papers given to us by our realtor was a flyer announcing that a rug hooking shop had just opened on the 20th of September about a half a mile from our house. 

Coincidence…or not?

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When we returned to Nova Scotia on the 15th of November for the closing, I was able to visit the shop and got to spend some time with the owners.  The shop used to be the neighborhood community center but due to lack of use and declining support and funding, the building was offered for sale.  Four partners…who happen to be avid and accomplished hookers…bought the building and after four months of extensive renovations, the shop opened it’s doors this past September.

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Amazing, huh?

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The shop is stocked with all kinds of hooking supplies and tons of wool.  Be still my heart!

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The finished rugs on display are to die for and most definitely a source of inspiration.

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Did you know that rug hooking originated in Nova Scotia and in New England? 

Coincidence…or not?

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Every Tuesday, the shop hosts a hook-in and when I dropped in this past Tuesday, there had to be 25 hookers ranging from basic beginners to master hookers, all working on different projects.

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The majority of the gals sit up on the raised stage area where there is lots of space with ample tables and chairs.  You should see some of the works of art.  I didn’t take these photos then but I’ll certainly try to get some this Tuesday.  There’s Blaine, one of the owners, working on a rug depicting a scene of a typical Nova Scotia fishing village.

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This photo was taken right outside the shop.  If you follow the winding road across the Moose River and up the hill to the yellow house (click to enlarge the photo), turn right, go up the hill then proceed down the road for about a quarter of a mile.  That’s where we live and remember, the kettle is always on and the ocean views are magnificent!

So tell me…coincidence or not?  *wink*

Soon to be stitching…and hooking…

Kaaren ♥

75 comments:

Gayle said...

Wow Kaaren - With that huge support group you'll be a hooking expert in no time at all! I can't wait till you get started! Looks like such a wonderful store - I'd sure love to visit!

WoolenSails said...

I love your new home and area. That is a wonderful store and so nice that you can go and meet ladies in the area.

Debbie

Marie said...

What a wonderful find and so close to the house. I am truly amazed that you were so lucky in both the house and the rug shop.

Hugs - Marie

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

How fun to have such a magnificent store so close to your new home! That sure has to help make you feel at home.

By Hoki Quilts said...

LOL, uh huh, coincidence or just 'meant to be'? How fantastic, I mean, what more would a gal like you need on your doorstep? Fab!!!
hugs
Miche'le

Darlene said...

Oh my goodness that exciting news! I think I can guess where you'll be on Tuesdays. :-)

When can I come visit? LOL

Yankee Valley Stitcher said...

You are one lucky gal!! I wouldn't be able to drag myself away from there..have fun!!

Abby and Stephanie said...

Danger ahead. Is that what the sign says on the winding road leading from your house the this fantastic woolie/hooking shop? Do they have a club...Hookers without Borders?

Anonymous said...

Oh WOW - you are so lucky! Your new house is fabulous and it's set within a thriving community of crafters with a place to hang out.... it's fate :0)

Anneke said...

it sounds a bit like heaven. so: no coincidence... what a great way to meet new people!

Jocelyn said...

Well imagine that! Right in your neighborhood! I think this is another indication that this is the right move at the right time :-)

Janet said...

Hi Kaaren: It's nice to hear a report on that rughooking shop - a friend of mine dropped in on me after attending the opening that day - she has a studio in Lunenburg and lives in NY state in the winter. Sounds like you are going to have an easy time making new friends.
Yes, indeed, the largest company on the Atlantic seaboard for rughooking canvasses - then made of stencilled burlap - was the Garrett company out of New Glasgow NS who supplied most of the big mail order catalogues and who maintained an office in Boston. I have the repro catalogue somewhere in all my chaos and a few antique rugs worked on their canvasses.
Some canvasses are now available as reproductions if you know where to look.
Janet in Hall's Harbour

paulette said...

I've packed my bags...and am on my way!!
OMGosh!! Look at THAT wool!! AND Those rugs!!You will have a network of friends in a matter of minutes!! I've always thought you'd end up being a hooker!! You have a lovely morning walk down the hill...Blaine is going to be thrilled to see! I'm sure he will have the morning coffee waiting for you!! ENJOY!
Paulette

Farm Girl said...

That is so amazing. To have that almost in your back yard. It sounds like you have found a really nice home.

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

Oh Kaaren, I am so jealous!! First a big old antique home and now a rug hooking shop within walking distance! This move was truly meant to be!! Enjoy the rug hooking and meeting new people. I cannot wait to see what you create now. Coincidence, I don't think so!! Hugs!!

Quilt n Queen said...

What an awesome find sEw close to your new home. I can only be sEw lucky when it is my turn to pack up my house and move back to Canada. I'm sEw happy every thing is working out for you. I went to the thrift shop today and picked up some !00% wool garments....I'm going to start a wool project in the new year.....not sure what I have to do to this wool but I'm sure I'll find out real soon. So glad you are settling in to your new home.

Marsha B said...

Oh my gosh, that is amazing! The shop is beautiful and it is so full of wonderful things. You will have a ton of new friends in no time. What a great treat to find in your new home's neighborhood. Enjoy!

GerryART said...

Oh, my gosh, are you kidding.
SERENDIPITY at work.
What better scenario than this lovely new-to-you village and you just this close to this brand new shop.
A woolie Heaven north of the border.
Have fun!
Hugs,
Gerry

Bunny said...

Oh my I have been thinking about you. Wow now for sure that move was meant to be. Looks like a wonderful shop. Lucky gal. I have never been to NS but one day we might take a trip there who knows.
Hug and hope you enjoy the Season.

Mosaic Magpie said...

Oh lucky you! To have a rug hooking shop that close. What a dream come true!
Debbie

Anonymous said...

WOW....your going to have TONS of friends in no time flat! The photos are wonderful.

Linda said...

Kaaren, aren't you the lucky one. A new home and new friends. You will love hooking. I have made many rugs. You never know who might visit...

Kiwifruit-Shiree said...

Hi Kaaren,
what a spectaular area, lucky you to be living there!
How amazing to find this shop, I am sure it is agreat [alce to meet some wonderful like minded friends, ENJOY!!

Karen said...

Oh, I can see dollars flying out of your purse! What a treat to have the shop so close by.
I was wondering how close you will be to crossing the border into the U.S.A. for quilting shopping trips.

Anonymous said...

This is like Kindred Spirits, you will have a great time, I have done a class once but we didn't get the right wool ( to much poly in ) and they frayed when cut in to strips.

One day I might just have to order from the US.
enjoy
Christine

Janet said...

What a joy having that shop so close by. It's as though it was meant for you. I see many hours of pleasure with wool for you. I'm so happy to se you settling in, slowly but surely.

Candace said...

Holy Cow! I think you were meant to be there, Kaaren! You'll spend many happy hours there, I'm sure!
Cheers!

Cheryl said...

You lucky dog!!

Patty said...

Karma, Baby, Karma! :^)

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Oh, wow, Kaaren, I would say you have landed in just the perfect spot for you! Beautiful scenery and a rug-hooking support group already in place. What more could you ask?

Elyte said...

It was meant to be!

Sheila said...

Oh wow now that is a store I would love to visit as well as a few of my friends .It sure looks interesting , I can almost feel that gorgeous wool .Thanks for the tour I enjoyed seeing it and must pass this info onto a few hookers I know .

~Laurie~ said...

Coincidence?? - I DEFINITELY think not!! You are one lucky duck - enjoy!! Can't wait to see what you learn and make at your new favorite shop!!

Kathryn said...

Oh how lucky. Living in Nova Scotia and close to rug hooking. I still use the little hooked mats that I bought in NS on a vacation 25 years ago. Nice to know there will probably still be some to buy on a future trip I'd love to make! Kathie L in Allentown

SueB said...

WOW..What a great find for you in your new area. A place to hang out and meet really great people that like to do the same things that you like. You are just going to love it there.

Ter'e said...

Kaaren:
Welcome to MY world!!!! The world of rug hooking. What a glorious little shop this is. Filled to the brim with gorgeousness!!!!
This is what I call a "God Wink".
You go, baby girl, GO.........I know you will love hooking too.

vernagrace said...

Welcome to the Maritimes, distant neighbour. Sounds like you are fitting in just fine in NS and already fell in love with it. I'm in NB and enjoy your blog a great deal!

Mimi said...

Oh! You lucky dog! I want that....and that....and that.... Well, anyways, I would have a hard time staying away from that place if not just for the wool. Yup, you are one lucky person that's for sure.

Larkrise garden girl said...

WOW! You are so lucky. I think it was meant to be the shop being so close to you. Cheri

jayne@~an eye for threads~ said...

SEE I TOLD YOU YOU WOULD MAKE IT YOUR HOME SOONER THAN YOU THOUGHT... What a wonderful find just around the corner,,,who knew? Imagine the possibilities now...
As always

Anonymous said...

Kaaren Hello my dear, I am so very you. "Miraculous connection've found for you, is not that great, I did not say Christmas is for you, just in this form. A very, very great 3rd Advent for all your loving family by Christine from Germany.

Deb said...

It was meant to be Kaaren, no coincidence there. How exciting for you.

Allie said...

Oh my gosh they knew you were coming!!! Kaaren, get my room ready - I would love to learn rug hooking! I think you're going to be spending a LOT of time in that shop, it is just gorgeous!

Quilts And Pieces said...

Wow, what a cool shop! And that wool is gorgeous! I saw several wool rugs I would love to have!

marina said...

sounds very fishy to me!
The shop looks gorgeous, all that wool....drool..

Lilian Pilar said...

Hola Kaaren!!!!
para mi nada es casualidad, por algo tu y tu marido estan allí en este momento....aveces creemos que todo es mera casualidad y nooo no es así....algo nos queda por enseñar y aprender en esta maravillosa vida...
...me encantaría ver algunos de esas alfombras que alli se realizan, la verdad es que han de ser una maravilla...un gran abrazo para ti.
Lily

Kaaren Hello!!
for me nothing is coincidence, something you and your husband are there now .... sometimes we think everything is mere coincidence and nooo .... it is not something we have to teach and learn in this wonderful life .. .
... I would love to see some of those rugs that are made there, the truth is that it must be wonderful ... a big hug for you.
Lily

Pieced Pastimes said...

Sounds to me like it was 'meant to be'. The shop looks wonderful and having it right around the corner is such a lovely bonus. Look forward to seeing all your new hooking projects.

edie said...

Serendipity, Kaaren, pure serendipity. I've been with you all the way on your move as we closed on our house in Texas on 11/30 and on our new house in Missouri on 12/2! You're much faster at unpacking and organizing than I. If you want to unpack more, come on down to Missouri. Happy holidays and best wishes for a new year filled with good health, joy, happiness, and lots of stitching, hooking, blogging, and things you love to do.

Anonymous said...

Great shop, and so close. I have often thought of trying rug hooking, but have too many other projects on the go right now. Will look forward to seeing your new projects. I'm hoping to make a couple of pin cushions in the winter. Enjoy. Dianne

Rumi said...

What a lucky find for you! I can see you spending many happy hours in there!

Lori said...

Isn't that exciting?! And a great place to meet like minded people when you are new in town.
Maybe thry'll add a little quilting section in the store!!

Jantine said...

Mmmm... I can see this makes you very happy with your new home. I am not going to discuss whether it is coincidence or not...

The Paisley Studio/Sarah McNamara said...

I think I need to take a trip back to Nova Scotia soon . . .

Maxine said...

NOT!!! Some things are just meant to be. Enjoy.

Quiltsmiles said...

Take about fate! Lucky you. If you ever get to the Cabot Trail, there is a lovely museum showing the history of hooking, wonderful. It's on the northern most left tip on the cabot trail. LOvely and quaint community with a history of rug hooking and lovely examples. Check it out when you get thee chance.
Jane

Deb said...

Kaaaaaren now tell us the truth, I can see you doing a little investigation before entering new horizons. Now we know why it is such a hot spot. All you need is just around the corner..LOL
Joking aside it is a gorgeous place and the Rugs are just amazing love the sheep one on the wall.
You are going to fit in like you have lived there all along. Love the view and you are lucky there isn`t much snow to talk about...yet

Carol said...

How absolutely gorgeous. I love Stephanie's remark "Hookers Without Borders" :)

Linda said...

Be still my heart is right. What a marvelous find! I am green with envy.

Needled Mom said...

Definitely NOT a coincidence. You were planted there on purpose!!!

Maggey and Jim said...

So glad you found such a wonderful shop..It looks so quaint there.. Have a great holiday.
Maggey

KaHolly said...

Ah, yes, rug hooking is big in NS, and esp. up in Cape Breton! It's a great cottage industry up around Cheticamp. You'll love it! It will be right up your alley and you'll be able to create some great new designs! ~karen

Elzaan said...

Oh, I think it was planned fromt he start *wink*
What a lovely shop, and you will have a lot of people for support and advice.
Elzaan

Mama Pea said...

Ohhhhh, so cool! I would love to visit a good rug hooking shop. It is a craft I would like to take up and feel I would need direction from a shop. Yeah, that's what I need, yet another hobby to keep up with.

Micki said...

If I was living there, I would be attending that shop for sure. It looks like fate brought you to that area. You are going to have a blast!
Micki

sunnisandy said...

How lucky of a find is this! What a great way to get to know the neighbors also, so lucky are you! Enjoy your new "hobby" of hooking.
Sandy

julieQ said...

You have already begun making yourself at home...what a lovely shop to enjoy! Would you send me your new addie??

Nanette Merrill said...

What a lovely shop. I'm so so glad you're getting all settled.

Carrie P. said...

Oh, what a nice Christmas present that is for you. YOu lucky girl. Have fun hanging out with those "hookers." lol

Carole said...

Can I come and visit you? I love rug hooking! As a matter of fact I bought a kit from an Acadian lady in Ingonish quite a while back. That's where I learned to do it! There it sits in my closet. It's one of those I wanna be but lacking the time at the moment! Oh well! Perhaps I need a bit of inspiration. DH even made me a beautiful oak stand for my frame. Thanks for sharing! Oh, I do not believe in coincidences! I call it sychonicity! ;o)

Anonymous said...

Karen, There doesn't seem to be much snow there for being that far north but it looks like a lovely place to settle. It's great that you've already found a place to meet new friends.

Siobhán said...

Okay, living in Nova Scotia, super close to a rug hooking shop. If I wasn't so happy for you, I'd be insanely jealous!!! :) I can't WAIT to hear all about your rug hooking adventures!

I am behind on blog reading so just saw your first few photos of your new house taking shape. It looks so warm and inviting. Good luck with the unpacking!

Anonymous said...

Are you sure that you didn't know about the store (giggle). It had to be. I wish a lot love and happiness in your new home.

Sandy said...

OMGosh....I would be doing the happy dance for sure. I have done hooking and in fact have a project from a retreat my DD and I took several years ago....still unfinished...for Fall. Maybe 2011 is the Fall it will be done! I truly enjoy doing it, so why not! ;o)

Cindy said...

I just loved this post, Kaaren. Are there cookies along with that hot kettle? LOL

Now come one, Kaaren, are YOU sure you didn't know you'd be a town hooker when you moved there? LOL

Oh my word - the shop is so warm and inviting with such beauties hanging all around.

I know very little about Nova Scotia and look forward to all your posts.

New home, new wonderful surroundings, warm "woolies" close by - all PRICELESS.

Hugs.

Wendy said...

Looks like you are settling in to your new environment very well. A wool shop what a nice treat for you.