HOOKED: Rug Hooking Retreat at The Millcroft Inn & Spa 2021

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 8^th 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 1^st, 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 7^th  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 8^th  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 9^th  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 10^th  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.