With just 5 days until the start of the 76th Annual League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Fair at Mt. Sunapee, I’ve been embroidering felt hats as fast as I can.
Hand-cut caribou antler button, seed beads and ribbon embroidery on felt.
I love the over-sized caribou antler buttons on this hat (2008 #124)…
I’ll be in Tent 7, Booth 713 for all nine days of the Fair, with as much new work as I can muster!
It’s the most exciting phone call of my year: when the Balsams’ Activities Coordinator, John Kennedy, asks if I am able to return for their Visiting Artist Series this summer.
CCM at Table Rock above the Balsams Grand Resort in Dixville Notch, NH
“Yes! Please!” is my unhesitating reply.
As a Visiting Artist, I have the pleasure of conducting knitting & embroidery demonstrations and workshops with resort guests.
Felt Hat Embroidery Demonstration at the Balsams Grand Resort in Dixville Notch, NH
My first year, I even attempted a felting demonstration, with fascinating results.
The Balsams is a treasure. Luxurious accommodations and to-die-for dining are set in the northern New Hampshire wilds of Dixville Notch (where the first voting in the country happens each election).
Enjoying the bike trails of the Balsams' wilderness in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire
Hiking, mountain biking, swimming, tennis and golf galore can fill up your days, while fantastic food and dancing to Rick Erwin’s Orchestra in the ballroom complete your nights.
If you’re looking for a fabulous getaway this summer, I highly recommend a stay at The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel.
And if you happen to visit between June 29 and July 6, 2009, I will see you there!
Custom knit felt hat for the Labrador Society of Ottawa's silent auction.
Lately, I’ve been reading books about Labrador: Woman of Labrador by Elizabeth Goudie, Northern Nurse, and True North by Elliot Merrick being some of my favorites. These memoirs of rugged northern trappers and adventurers from a century ago are fascinating.
Why the sudden interest in Labrador? Well, if you happened to read my 25 Random Things about Me, you know that I’m adopted, and that I was recently found by my birth father.
Who happens to be from Labrador. My Labradad, if you will.
Suddenly, I have a whole new culture to learn about and understand. (Although, having lived in subarctic Alaska for 10 years, I feel like I’ve got a head start!)
So, this Saturday night, May 2, 2009, I’ll be at the Labrador Society of Ottawa’s Annual Dinner & Dance. There will be the unveiling of the new Labrador tartan, as well as a silent auction.
And, just for the occasion… I’ve custom designed the above felt hat.
My Labrahat, if you will!
Great great grandfather, Joseph Michelin of Traverspine, Labrador, ca. 1910.
Great grandfather, Allan Goudie, near North West River, Labrador, ca. 1900.
Carrie Cahill Mulligan 