Hello. My name is Laurie Dolhan, and I am the artist behind the Hook, Line & Tinker craft studio in Ketch Harbour, Nova Scotia. As part of my journey to date, I have been a Jersey Girl, a Yukon Sourdough, and now I’m what some Nova Scotians refer to as a CFA (come-from-away). Like my favourite things, I have been lost, found, and creatively reworked. Throughout my life, I have always been making something or other. Craft has given me joy, comfort, and taught me patience too.

Hook, Line & Tinker launched in October 2017 with a line of modern embroidery patterns and kits using my own original illustrations. My business is a reflection of my values – care for people, respect for the environment, and a deep desire to create something meaningful and real through a shared act of making. I’m grateful for the opportunity to create and share my craft with you.

Process

All of Hook, Line & Tinker’s embroidery illustrations are original and designed by me for beginner stitchers. I focus on creating patterns that are unique and modern in style. The limited colour palette and use of recurring motifs is purposeful – finished hoops hang well as mix-and-match groupings and tell a cohesive story within a theme. Some patterns are easy peasy (Level 1), others are more ambitious (Level 3). But all allow for creativity, experimentation, and calm.

 Each illustration is repeatedly rendered through the craft of hand embroidery using a variety of basic, introductory stitches to build texture and a pleasing design. The 100% cotton fabric is cut and prepared by hand, and all finalized patterns are printed onto the fabric in our studio using inks that maintain their integrity during the stitching process.

Environmental Impact

Our studio is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded lands of the Mi’kmaq people. As settlers, of Halifax and the world, we make every effort to operate sustainably and with respect for our beautiful planet. All of our packaging is designed to be lightweight and compact to reduce environmental impacts via shipping. Paper, including recycled content when possible, is used in lieu of plastic. By the end of 2021, each kit will be entirely plastic free. We creatively upcycle production waste when possible.

Community Give Back

We believe in universal access to basic needs such as housing and food, and as a company, we’re committed to fighting housing and food insecurity. As of July, 2018, a minimum of 5% of profits are donated to help women and children experiencing homelessness. Hook, Line & Tinker currently supports Adsum for Women and Children through financial contributions and regular volunteer efforts. Our team also comes together to cook healthy meals through Shelter Nova Scotia’s “Adopt-a-meal” program.