A touch of Newfoundland entices holiday shoppers in Verona

Nov 05, 2014

Holiday shoppers looking to get a head start on their purchases for the gift giving season were treated to an array of possibilities at the recent craft show that took place at Trinity United Church in Verona on November 1. Close to 30 local crafters had on display their wares, which included bead, stone and crystal jewelry; a variety of knit and woven winter warmies including socks, mittens, hats and scarves; numerous comestibles; candles; Christmas ornaments and decorations; hand-crafted wooden pens and pencils; home-made treats for our four footed friends; massage gift certificates and much more.

One table stood out for me – it was laden with cozy and colorful knit booties that their creator, local Verona painter Elaine Farragher, calls Newfoundland thrummed slippers. Typical of Newfoundland they are made from wool and short lengths of un-spun wool fleece. The latter are woven into the knitted stitch, creating a heart-shaped pattern that makes a warm, fleecy inside lining. The slippers are not only unique, they are the perfect footwear for chilly winter days and nights.

Farragher started knitting just three years ago. She said she likes to make the slippers when she is “relaxing in front of the TV on those long winter nights”. She jokingly added that making them “satiates her natural inclination to be obsessive compulsive”. The booties are meticulously made and she began knitting them following a trip to Newfoundland. “I saw them there, loved them and came home and found the pattern on a website called Ravelry”, a free website dedicated to knitters and crocheters. It has thousands of different knitting patterns, including some for thrummed Newfoundland slippers. The slippers cost $40 a pair and Elaine makes them in a number of different colors and sizes for both adults and children. Like a sock, one size can fit many different-sized feet. The slippers take Elaine roughly five hours to make and are a perfect gift. They can also be stuffed with smaller gifts. For those who missed the Verona show and who must have a pair, contact Elaine at 613-374-2052.

photo 2014-Elaine Farragher and her unique Newfoundland-style thrummed slippers at the Christmas craft show in Verona on November 1