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Updated: March 25, 2011
Contest closed - see bottom of post for the WINNER of the beautiful Messenger bag...
Posted: March 18, 2011
Everywhere you look in the Atlantic Provinces people are creating. Through vision and passion, craftsmanship and craftiness “One of a Kind Wonderful” things are coming to life. And nothing makes us happier here at Sea and be Scene than to discover those works of art and in turn the artist themselves.
Late last summer just such a discovery was made at a wonderful shop in Chester, Nova Scotia. The Village Emporium has over 20 different vendors all with very cool stuff – but a new one caught our eye on a visit to the store. The tags said Yarns @ Play and the pieces said “take me home and love me”. Needless to say when the editorial plan for this month called for the focus on fabulous and unique pieces…we had to feature those of Marlene Veinotte who’s colourfully designed 'eco-chic' bags are as practical as they are pretty, and then there’s her slippers, and her toys, and….
So as we continue our month long celebration of “One of Kind Wonderful” what follows is a “Q&A” as they say with Marlene Veinotte .
SABS: When did you begin creating?
Marlene Veniotte: Growing up, our Mother made all our dresses, knitted our sweaters, made slippers for everyone, as well as made doilies, blankets, macrame plant hangers, and Barbie doll clothes for my Barbies. Our Dad, (a blacksmith) was also talented with his ironworks creations.
I probably started knitting by the time I was about five. Mom tried to teach me to crochet, being unsuccessful and after much frustration, I gave up. When I reached my teens I was determined and taught myself. It's something that I could never see myself giving up. I have found my passion!
SABS: When did your passion and pastime become a business?
Marlene Veniotte: Back in 2008, my sister, Christine Covert, phoned from her home in B.C. and asked me if I knew anything about felting, and with a crafty background, and after giving it some thought, I decided to give it a try. I was hooked. As they say the rest is history. Since my sister and I came up with the idea to name the venture Yarns @ Play, it is exciting to think about ‘YAP’ brand bags being used by people throughout the world. BTW - Christine who's a Graphic Designer and Illustrator created the logo and branding!
SABS: When it comes to One of Kind Wonderful your stuff is that! What’s the process?
Marlene Veniotte: I use a variety of techniques in creating my bags, depending on the weight of the sweater. Some are created from felted sweaters, most are made from wool I salvage from unravelling sweaters. Most bags carry my "signature of flowers". I think keeping them different keeps me and others interested in what I'll come up with next.
Having the chance to use my creative energy has been an absolute blessing, and because of the nature of my craft, I can take it with me when I’m on the move. I never leave the house without my packed knitting bag! I mean it when I say it’s my passion - each morning, it seems, I wake up with a design for something new.
Yarns @ Play 
items are available at The Village Emporium 11 Pleasant St. Chester, N.S. www.villageemporiumns.com
Be sure to check out Marlene Veinotte's Cool People Profile and visit her on-line at http://marleneknits.tripod.com/yarnsatplay/
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SABS Free Stuff 4 U - CONTEST CLOSED
A chance to win this lovely brown & green 'Messenger' bag from Yarns @ Play. All you needed to do is answer the following question correctly...
Where in the Atlantic Provinces did we first discover Marlene Veinotte's work?
THE ANSWER:
Chester, Nova Scotia
(many of you mentioned the Village Emporium too...we accepted either and both...needless to say we had a lot of correct entries)
Our thanks to everyone that entered! We did a random draw of all the correct entries received and we're pleased to congratulate...
SARA BAKER
from Chester Basin, Nova Scotia
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Stay tuned for more chances to win great FREE stuff!!!
2 Comments »
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Hello Marlene
I am from Lunenburg and I love your purses, hats and slippers!!! I own a store called Window to the Sea and would love to carry your lovely creations. Thanks and hope to hear from you soon!
Catherine
Comment by Catherine Weisgarber — August 30, 2012 @ 11:28 am
Hi Catherine - I've passed along your contact info to Marlene - she'll be in touch soon! Glad you discovered her talents here on Sea and be Scene. sb
Comment by sbeaumont — August 30, 2012 @ 6:21 pm