Saskatchewan Artisans
Maureen Haddock shares the joy she experiences from knowing the stories behind the fashion pieces she has collected. Her philosophy is simple. If you don’t love something, give it away. If you see something you love, don’t be afraid to add it to your collection.
Meet these Saskatchewan artisans and learn from them. They reinvent their businesses as their lives evolve. They demonstrate passion, creativity, resilience, and determination on a daily basis.
When I asked my Facebook followers to share the names of some of their favourite artisans, many told me about Megan J Hazel. After two phone conversations, a few emails, and an in-shop meeting, our Get a Bigger Wagon production team travelled to Regina SK, to film this exclusive conversation with Megan. This artist is a warm and thoughtful human being and a great mother. Her life as an entrepreneurial artisan is constantly evolving as her family grows. Megan not only creates heirlooms, she recreates them. Brilliant!
For more of Maureen’s thoughts about Honouring Saskatchewan Artisans click here.
Sherri Hrycay knows there is a hat for every head. Maureen Haddock believes there is a hat for every mood. This video is the first in a series produced by Get a Bigger Wagon Productions about Saskatchewan fashion artisans. Sova hats become fashion heirlooms for generations to come.
Read Honouring Saskatchewan Artisans to understand Maureen’s interest in the entrepreneurial artisan.
Lee Walerius involves a customer in the design of the leather piece they are ordering, and therefore the product is likely to become a family heirloom. Even if a customer has an unusual idea for a leather product, Lee will give it a try.
Like most artisans, Lee has evolved and adapted her business to ensure both survival and fun. She enjoys her family-focused lifestyle and is never bored.
Lee made this lovely Get a Bigger Wagon portfolio for me and Gord “the boy” Haddock thinks he will use it quite often! Hmmm. I love it!
Lee’s husband and life partner passed away shortly after we filmed this piece. We share this video in memory of Clarence.
Rebecca is a talented, sincere, fashion artisan with a common sense approach to business. She began manufacturing when it became clear that hand-making every fashion piece would be impossible if she wanted to have a balanced life. Maureen Haddock enjoyed visiting with Rebecca and learning more about fabric, fashion design, and manufacturing.
It all began when Maureen Haddock fell in love with a photo of a shawl on Pinterest. She visited Prarie Lily Knitting and Needlework Shop to find a knitter to make the piece for her. Owner, Charlene Oleksyn introduced Maureen to Susan Springett, a woman who had been knitting since the age of four. They spent an afternoon in the shop talking about yarn, knitting, and the special camaraderie that this store provides for the artisans who visit here. Susan brought a collection of her work. Maureen modelled most of the shawls, bought the famous Green Dragon Shawl, and ordered a Celtic piece. Partway through the visit, weaver Gwynne Olson popped in carrying several pieces of her work. Maureen later bought one of Gwynne’s woven scarves.
This video shares many stories, set against the backdrop of the little yarn shop.
The scarf Maureen wore in The Business Advisor, December 2019, was woven by Gwynne Olson.
Mari Roosta, the owner of Mari’s Sewing, is a multi-talented artist. As a child, she pursued painting, sewing, knitting, sculpting and more. She has a passion for learning and obtained two university degrees in Iran before immigrating to Canada. She realized that sewing would be the easiest way to provide an income for her young family. Canadian certification was not required. Initially, she worked from home, then in a shop, and now she owns Mari’s Sewing at Canarama Shopping Centre in Saskatoon, SK.
I reply on Mari’s skills to make my clothes fit and flatter my short frame. We have fun deciding what to do with a garment to get the most out of it. I will share some of these stories in my blog, Glamour For Grandmothers. In this video, Mari has measured me, made a paper pattern, sewn a cotton mock-up, and whipped up the start of a new dress.
Enjoy the video and please sign up for Glamour for Grandmothers.
Maureen Haddock chats with Marion Murawsky about accessories, heirlooms, artisans and keeping only what you love. These two have been friends since 1967 and still inspire each other. Here’s to friendship and putting one’s best foot forward.
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