“One day I accidentally burned a hole in a favorite sweater. As a joke that Christmas, [my partner] George bought me yarn, needles and a pattern book on how to knit, so I could make my own sweater. So I did! I taught myself to knit socks, mittens, sweaters, hats. That year I had made enough that everyone received a knitted item for Christmas.”
For years, I worked side by side with my partner George, fishing lobsters and working mussels. Prior to that, I had my fair share of diverse experiences, from retail to farming to cooking. At one point, I even ran my own business crafting ash splint baskets. Little did I know that my path would take an unexpected turn.
It all started when George gifted me a manual knitting machine, a beginner model. Little did I know that this simple gesture would ignite a deep passion for knitting on a flat bed knitting machine. My first machine wore out quickly, but then something remarkable happened. George promised to buy me a top-quality knitting machine with a ribber and punch card if he caught a Tuna. As fate would have it, he reeled in a massive catch, and I graduated to the next level of knitting.
During the winters when I had time off, I delved deeper into knitting, constantly exploring new ideas and creating original patterns. It was the pompom hats that garnered significant attention, especially after I started using genuine fur coats that were donated or purchased to craft better pompoms. Of course, I also offered faux fur pompoms for those who preferred them.
In the midst of my knitting adventures, I joined The PEI Spinners and Weavers Guild, immersing myself in the ancient art of weaving on looms. I also embraced rug hooking, a skill passed down from my Grammy, using the very hooks she once wielded. Along the way, I learned needle felting, mandala painting, and even ventured into stained glass mosaics.
Craft fairs became my sanctuary, where I could listen to the desires of customers and connect with fellow artisans. The response to my hats was overwhelming. As the physical toll of fishing took its toll on my body, I realized I needed a change. So, with training and the support of others, I put together a business plan and on June 1st, 2022, I opened my very own Studio and Store, aptly named Buoy 58 Fiber Arts Studio.
Crafts have always been a part of my life. As a young mom, I took a night class that introduced me to wreath making, corn husk dolls, candle wicking, and tole painting. I even taught at the Community School for a few years. The joy of working with different materials and techniques has been with me for years, and now I finally have the time to explore, learn, and experiment with various colors and textures in the realm of Fiber Arts.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have the unwavering support of my family, friends, and especially my partner, who have stood by me on this journey. While technology may intimidate me, I find solace and joy in the simplicity of yarn and fiber. The excitement of incorporating new yarns and colors into my creations is an ever-present source of inspiration.
In this fast-paced world, I am grateful to be able to slow down and create beautiful, handmade pieces that bring joy to others. My venture into the world of Fiber Arts has allowed me to pursue my passion and share it with those who appreciate the artistry and dedication that goes into each item I make.
The name Buoy 58 is a bit of a funny story. Out on the lobster boat the hours are long, not much conversation, no radio. To entertain myself I started singing out some bouys names; For Buoy #1, I sang - really really badly and loudly - that one is the loneliness number that you’ve ever heard. Bouy #2, two can be as sad as one…
As for Buoy #58, when I started fishing Buoy #58 was the oldest, most rough and weathered one of all. Over the years I looked out for it and one day announced it was “Me Favorite Buoy”. Much to the amusement of the crew, every time we hauled Bouy #58 I would give it a great big hug. I retired it a few years before I did, and now Buoy #58 lives in my studio today.
