We are so excited to be offering this unique artist mentored rug hooking experience in Southern Ontario!
Hooked is a two-day luxury rug hooking retreat and a wonderful opportunity to explore new approaches to your own artistic practice while working alongside renowned contemporary artist and rug hooker, Alexandrya Eaton. Eaton will share her knowledge through group discussions and provide insight into her own process as inspiration for creative growth and exchange. This intimate retreat will include an evening artist talk, a mini photography workshop, an on-site wool boutique and ample time to delve into your own work while enjoying all the amenities at the Millcroft Inn and Spa, a historic knitting mill turned elegant countryside getaway in the Village of Alton, in Caledon, Ontario.
Your Hosts
Martina Lesar Hooked Rug Studio
Bear Epp, Co-Director, Black Sheep Textile Festival
Your Hooked Retreat Includes:
Two full days of rug hooking with guest artist and mentor Alexandrya Eaton. We will be spending our days in the Erin Room located within the Little Mill, a historic limestone building and the Mill’s original warehouse. The retreat is limited to 30 participants per session to ensure an intimate experience and ample space for your work and stash.
All meals and snacks are included in the Retreat package. We promise you will not go hungry! Expect award-winning cuisine from Executive Chef James Buder whose skill and creativity upholds the reputation of Millcroft’s Headwaters Restaurant as a top food destination. Vegetarian options are available upon request.
Mini pop up iPhone Photography Session: Document your work like a pro on your cell phone. You will learn some key tricks of the trade from professional photographer Sophie Hogan in this informal and informative mini session.
Complimentary Wine & Cheese Social and Evening Artist Talk
Becoming: Artist talk with Alexandrya Eaton. Join Alexandrya as she shares examples of her work and the inspiration behind her ideas and design process.
Swag! Some events hand out Swag Bags but we thought you would rather have a complimentary Swag Bundle! Upon your arrival you will receive a stunning selection of Martina’s favourite wool fabrics carefully chosen for the Hooked Retreat.
On-site Wool Boutique: An exceptional selection of rug hooking wool fabric, patterns, and supplies will be available for purchase during the retreat. For your convenience, a Beeline cutter with a full range of cartridge sizes will also be available for use.
* Participants who chose to stay at the Millcroft Inn & Spa will have full access to the Millcroft’s gym and outdoor hot spring pools for a steamy soak.

About our retreat mentor Alexandrya Eaton
Alexandrya’s career as a full-time visual artist in Atlantic Canada spans three decades with over forty solo exhibitions and many significant group exhibitions. Her career began as a painter and has grown to include both rug hooking and weaving, incorporating the same bold contemporary imagery across all mediums. Alexandrya will give insight into how she initially came to the art of rug hooking and will use examples from her work to discuss all aspects of her studio practice. She is excited to share her knowledge and how she approaches all her work with energy and colour in mind. Her goal for the retreat is that each participant leaves thinking about their own individual practice in a new way or with a new idea or approach they can take with them.
www.alexandryaeaton.com @alexandryaeaton
The Location:
Originally built as a knitting mill in 1881, The Millcroft Inn & Spa has been elaborately renovated to preserve its architectural beauty. Experience an authentic Ontario Inn getaway in a countryside setting complete with 100 acres of protected forests, a four-diamond restaurant and the renowned Millcroft Spa & Pools.
The Millcroft Inn & Spa is only an hour’s drive (or less) from Downtown Toronto, Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and most of the Greater Toronto Area. The Millcroft Inn is easily accessible via many of Southern Ontario’s major highways.
www.vintage-hotels.com/millcroft/
Accommodations:
Treat yourself to a relaxing stay at the Millcroft Inn & Spa during the Hooked Retreat!
Each room at the Millcroft Inn & Spa is accented with a mixture of European and Canadian antiques and features standard hotel amenities plus a sitting area with comfortable armchairs and writing tables, a Nespresso Mini Essenza Machine and a wall-mounted flat-screen television.
As Retreat participants, you are responsible for your own hotel room booking. We have secured the very special rate of 149.00 per night for guest rooms at the Millcroft Inn & Spa for Hooked Retreat participants only (more than 40% off regular price). Rates are valid for dates Feb. 7th – Feb. 9th, 2021
To receive this special rate, you must first register for the Retreat. Once registered we will provide you with the hotel booking code.
**If you plan to stay at the Millcroft Inn & Spa, we suggest reserving your room as soon as possible as we cannot guarantee availability.
*Retreat participants are not required to stay at the Millcroft Inn & Spa in order to take part in the retreat.

Hooked Retreat Registration Info:
Follow the provided links to register for your Hooked Retreat. Note that there are two separate dates to choose from. Click on the date of your choice to register:
Session 1: Sunday, February 7th and Monday, February 8th 2021
Session 2: Tuesday, February 9th and Wednesday, February 10th, 2021
Price: 548.00 plus tax
Cancellation Policy:
If you cancel by written request on or before December 1st, 2020, you will receive a 50% refund on your retreat investment. After December 1st, 2020 no monies will be refunded.
What to bring:
- A rug hooking project, new or in progress
- You are welcome to bring your own cutter however, we will have a Beeline cutter on site for guest use with cartridges for cuts #3-#8.
- A bathing suit for those who would like to indulge in the pool or outdoor hot spring pools
Any further questions regarding the Hooked Retreat, please send us an email at studio@martinalesar.com
Hooked: Itinerary and Culinary Menus
Session 1: Sunday, February 7th 2021
8:00 am Arrive at the Millcroft Inn and you will be assisted with unloading your vehicle and directed to the parking area. You may check in at the front desk of the main mill and your luggage will be stored safely until your room is ready.
9:00 – 12:00 am Erin Room. Your day of rug hooking commences with your fellow participants. Millcroft staff will have prepared a lovely continental breakfast buffet for you to enjoy throughout the morning session.
THE CLASSIC CONTINENTAL
Sliced fresh seasonal fruit
Fresh croissants
House made muffins and danish pastries
Local preserves, fruit compote and butter
Assortment of juices Coffee, tea
12:00 – 1:00 pm A delicious buffet lunch is served in the Headwaters Dining Room. .
Mexican Taco Lunch Buffet
Taco soup
Corn and black bean salad with coriander, chipotle vinaigrette
Mexican chopped salad
Taco station: with seasoned beef and chicken
Soft tacos
Shredded lettuce
House made tomato salsa
House made Guacamole
Sour cream
Shredded cheese and hot sauce
VEGETARIAN – Daily plated vegetarian option for vegetarians.
Spiced chocolate brownies
1:00 – 4:30 Rug hooking commences in the Erin Room. Afternoon snack and beverages will be available while you continue to work on your projects
House made root chips with house dip
Coffee/ Tea, water, carbonated beverages
4:30 -6:00 Free time to indulge in the amenities of the Mill. Indoor pool, outdoor hot spring pools, gym or book a spa treatment
6:00 – 7:00 Dinner is served in the Headwaters Dining Room. The following buffet dinner will be served.
APPETIZERS:
Seasonal soup
A selection of three House made salads
ENTREES:
Chicken Ballotine, braised greens, pearls, confit garlic
Salmon, corn, toasted garlic, fine herb beurre blanc
Roasted potatoes
Rice pilaf
Vegetarian plated dinner is an option.
DESSERT:
Chef’s dessert choice
Coffee, tea and decaffeinated coffee
8:00 – 10:00 Wine and Cheese Social featuring, Alexandrya Eaton’s Becoming: Artist talk and presentation in the Erin Room.
Session 1: Monday, February 8th 2021
8:00 – 9:00 am Buffet breakfast is served in the Headwaters Dining Room and during this time you will also check out of your guest room
THE MILLCROFT BREAKFAST BUFFET
Freshly baked pastries
Assorted home style muffins
Assorted bagels
House made granola
Mini yogurts
Fruit basket
Cured and smoked meats
Cheese platter
Smoked farmhouse bacon
Maple glazed sausage
Omelet station, made to order with assorted selected ingredients
Home fries
Farm fresh eggs, prepared to order (poached, fried, boiled or scrambled)
Pancakes
Niagara preserves, creamery butter
Fresh brewed coffee, tea or decaffeinated coffee
Fresh cranberry, apple, grapefruit and orange juice
9:00 – 12:00 Erin Room. Your day of rug hooking commences with your fellow participants. Millcroft staff will have prepared a snack table for you to enjoy throughout the morning session.
Assorted mini pastries
Coffee, tea, water and carbonated beverages
12:00 – 1:00pm Lunch is served in the Headwaters Dining Room
DELI THEMED LUNCH BUFFET
Daily soup creation
Garden greens with two dressings
Crudités with hummus
BLT wrap
VEGETARIAN: Grilled vegetable wrap with pesto and goat cheese
Assorted sandwiches on house made loafs of bread
Coconut Cream Tarts
1:00 – 4:00pm Rug hooking resumes in the Erin Room where Millcroft staff will make available an afternoon snack. Professional photographer, Sophie Hogan will demonstrate how to photograph your work like a pro with just your cell phone and a single light.
Assorted house baked cookies
Coffee, tea, water and carbonated beverages
Please note alcoholic beverages are not included in the cost of this retreat with the exception of wine at the Evening wine and cheese social.
Session 2: Tuesday, February 9th 2021
8:00 am Arrive at the Millcroft Inn and you will be assisted with unloading your vehicle and directed to the parking area. You may check in at the front desk of the main mill and your luggage will be stored safely until your room is ready.
9:00 – 12:00 am Erin Room. Your day of rug hooking commences with your fellow participants. Millcroft staff will have prepared a lovely continental breakfast buffet for you to enjoy throughout the morning session.
THE CLASSIC CONTINENTAL
Sliced fresh seasonal fruit
Fresh croissants
House made muffins and danish pastries
Local preserves, fruit compote and butter
Assortment of juices Coffee, tea
12:00 – 1:00 pm A delicious buffet lunch is served in the Headwaters Dining Room.
French Lunch Buffet
Garden vegetable and pistou soup
Salad niçoise
Spinach, walnut, grape & blue cheese salad with red wine shallot vinaigrette
Green beans salad, toasted almonds, goat cheese, honey Dijon vinaigrette
Beef bourguignon
Seafood bouillabaisse
Roast potato gratin with broccoli
VEGETARIAN – Daily plated vegetarian main course option for vegetarians
Mini profiteroles
1:00 – 4:30 Rug hooking commences in the Erin Room. Afternoon snack and beverages will be available while you continue to work on your projects. Professional photographer, Sophie Hogan will demonstrate how to photograph your work like a pro with just your cell phone and a single light.
House made root chips with house dip
Coffee/ Tea, water, carbonated beverages
4:30 -6:00 Free time indulge in the amenities of the Mill. Indoor pool, outdoor hot spring pools, gym or book a spa treatment
6:00 – 7:00 Dinner is served in the Headwaters Dining Room. The following buffet dinner will be served.
APPETIZERS:
Seasonal soup
A selection of three House made salads
ENTREES:
Chicken Ballotine, with braised greens, pearls and confit garlic
Salmon, corn, toasted garlic and fine herb beurre blanc
Roasted potatoes
Rice pilaf
Vegetarian plated dinner will be available
DESSERT:
Chef’s dessert choice
Coffee, tea and decaffeinated coffee
8:00 – 10:00 Wine and Cheese Social featuring, Alexandrya Eaton’s Becoming: Artist talk and presentation in the Erin Room.
Session 2: Wednesday, February 10th 2021
8:00 – 9:00 am Buffet breakfast is served in the Headwaters Dining Room and during this time you will also check out of your guest room
THE MILLCROFT BREAKFAST BUFFET
Freshly baked pastries
Assorted home style muffins
Assorted bagels
House made granola
Mini yogurts
Fruit basket
Cured and smoked meats
Cheese platter
Smoked farmhouse bacon
Maple glazed sausage
Omelet station, made to order with assorted selected ingredients
Home fries
Farm fresh eggs, prepared to order (poached, fried, boiled or scrambled)
Pancakes
Niagara preserves, creamery butter
Fresh brewed coffee, tea or decaffeinated coffee
Fresh cranberry, apple, grapefruit and orange juice
9:00 – 12:00 Erin Room. Your day of rug hooking commences with your fellow participants. Millcroft staff will have prepared a snack table for you to enjoy throughout the morning session.
Assorted mini pastries
Coffee, tea, water and carbonated beverages
12:00 – 1:00pm Lunch is served in the Headwaters Dining Room
Canadian Themed Buffet Lunch
Sweet potato and maple purée
Traditional Ceasar salad with aged parmesan and zesty garlic dressing.
Broccoli, apple and smoked cheddar salad with creamy cider vinaigrette
Baby spinach, strawberry & goat cheese salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Smoked pork tenderloin
Grilled salmon
Vegetable fricassée with tomato vierge
Wild rice pilaf
VEGETARIAN – Daily plated vegetarian main course option
Apple bars with caramel crumble
1:00 – 4:00pm Rug hooking resumes in the Erin Room where Millcroft staff will make available an afternoon snack.
Assorted house baked cookies
Coffee, tea, water and carbonated beverages
Please note alcoholic beverages are not included in the cost of this retreat with the exception of wine at the Evening wine and cheese social.
This adventure sounds wonderful. Unfortunately I am not going to be here but in Bermuda.
The get together with an artist and you and Bear will be a first of many hopefully.
My congratulations, Anne Boissinot
Thanks Anne. Maybe in 2022.
Martina, I would be interested in the first session. Maybe too early in the morning, but I didn’t see a registration link. Susan Clarke
To register, just click on the date that you are interested in and it will take you to the payment page.
Martina, are meals provided during the workshop hours ie lunch?
Hi Patti. Yes all meals are included. Breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as break snacks with coffee/tea/ water and pop.
Oops! Just noticed its for next year. Drat. I guess the dates are right!
I an interested in the 2021 workshop
Hi Cynthia. You can register on the website. Just click on the date of your choice. https://martinalesar.com/hooked-rug-hooking-retreat-2021/
please keep me on your email list. A future participant…
I have added you to our newsletter subscriber list!
What if I’m a total beginner? Could I still sign up?
Yes absolutely. This is for all levels.
Do participants from out of town have to pay for their room on top of the registration fee and if so what are the rates?.
Hi Eunice. Yes. Rooms are extra and the rate is 149.00 plus applicable taxes per night.
Is the $548 cost in CAD or USD?
Hi Gail. The price is in canadian funds.
I am interested in taking my hooking beyond traditional techniques and this retreat looks like it’s just the ticket! The meal package looks wonderful too, but I am allergic to garlic, and it looks like the chef uses it a lot. Will the restaurant accommodate variations?
Hi Kathleen. Yes they are very accomodating. When you book your room you can also inquire with them directly and make the request.
What is the refund policy if the retreat needs to be cancelled or altered substantially because of future Covid-19 restrictions?
Full refund if the retreat is cancelled due to Covid 19