Mrs.
Twitchett went from being a mere fictional character in a Mother
Goose rhyme to a living entity in Oct. 1988 when Carolyn Mitchell
resurrected her. What precipitated this unusual transformation?
Carolyn had earned her teaching certificate from The National
Standard Council of American Embroiderers and wanted to apply
her new skills and offer hard-to-find supplies to her students.
When she resolved to open a shop, the riddle she had so often
read to her children kept popping into her head. She was then
living in the Yukon. Though an extremely harsh environment, it
presents a magnificent landscape with mountains which change
their majestic appearance with the seasons against the clearest
and bluest of skies. This visual panorama provided a never-ending
source of inspiration to Carolyn's students, all hardy souls
who braved the extreme cold to partake in social activities so
as to avoid the ravages of "cabin fever."
Mrs.
Twitchett became quite a celebrity in this remote area, but only
one year later, Carolyn's husband was transferred to Fort St.
John, B.C., in the Peace River District. By January 1990 the
family was settled in and Carolyn managed to have Mrs. Twitchett
up and running by August. She was happy, making new friends,
teaching and growing. Then the phone call came in Jan. 1991;
another transfer! Mrs. T. felt cheated; once again she was just
getting going, the second time around... The next move was to
Winnipeg the capital of Manitoba, located on the vast prairies
where the horizon stretched as far as "Mrs.Twitchett's Eye"
could see! Winnipeg boasts a deep-rooted and rich mosaic of cultures:
French, English, Irish, Scottish, Jewish, German Mennonite, Ukrainian
and Polish as well as smaller groups of Italians, Greeks, Chinese
and Filipinos. As an annual tribute to its cultural diversity,
Winnipeg has held a Folkarama festival for the past 30 years.
Each nationality presents a program featuring the traditional
foods, music, dance and costumes of their native land.
Tucked
away within the city limits is a little treasure named Mrs. Twitchett's
Eye. She set up shop here in Nov. 1991 and hopes to make this
her permanent home. Wherever Mrs. T. has opened her doors, the
key to her success has been the superb, friendly and knowledgeable
staff. This attitude translates into outstanding customer service
garnering equally outstanding customer loyalty. Her slogan says
it all: "Mrs. Twitchett's Eye is your favourite needlework
store." Carolyn, Pat, and Kathy form a cohesive team, diligently
ensuring that each customer is treated as a special guest. Each
of them have specialized knowledge in different areas and readily
share their expertise as communication is a vital aspect of Mrs.
T's. operation. The shop maintains a website and orders are filled
and shipped the following day. Automatic inventory orders arrive
monthly to replenish stock new supplies, designs, charts, books
and magazines making their first appearance on the market. Included
in these are the new shades and variations of Caron threads.
Carolyn first discovered the Caron Collection while on a shopping
spree in Calgary over 10 years ago. Needless to say, Mrs.Twitchett
was suitably impressed and they forthwith became a fixture. Mrs.
Twitchett manages to be on the cutting edge of the needlework
scene.
Mrs
Twitchett makes a special point of featuring Canadian Needlework
designers, who are often well known, but not as fellow natives.
Displays feature designs by Thea Dueck of The Victoria Sampler,
Jennifer Aikman-Smith of Dragon Dreams, Lynn Hermanson of Hermanson
Hardanger, Anna Marie Winter of Canvaswork, and Lynn Nicoletti
of Miscellany. Carolyn also features her newest designs: September
Morn, August Evening, December Dawn and Holiday Harmony as well
as the Little Holiday Ornament series. She is a seasoned designer,
having had her first two books published by Nordic Needle: Velvet
and Lace and Seasonal Samplings in Hardanger. Her most recent
works all incorporate Watercolours threads. August Evening was
inspired by her flower garden; whilst on a plane traversing Canada
she glimpsed the splendor of a new day dawning, giving rise to
September Morn. 
December
Dawn called to her next but is a design which has been part of
her consciousness for a long time, having lived for many years
where winters are so prominent. Holiday Harmony was precipitated
by the Holiday Waterlilies threads leading to thoughts of Christmas
and festive holiday gift-wrapping papers. Already fermenting
is June Bride, in remembrance of Carolyn's daughter's recent
nuptials. Meanwhile April Flowers sits quietly on the side, biding
its time, till its turn comes.
Education is Carolyn's focus, but not just teaching stitches
and techniques. She endeavors to instill an appreciation for
the art by enlightening stitchers about the fascinating evolution
of needlework, which compels her students to strive for high
quality standards. Students are encouraged to stretch their boundaries
by using new fibers, fabrics, stitches and integrating different
techniques in their work. Experimenting with color schemes which
vary from the sample being taught is recommended, even to beginners.
Carolyn firmly believes every student should feel comfortable
with what they are doing. Classes are held every day from September
to May in Hardanger, Counted Thread and Canvaswork, Bargello,
Blackwork and Smocking, along with new ones scheduled each year.
Carolyn uses her own designs for teaching or will develop classes
to cover special techniques that have been requested. Projects
are always tailored to leave plenty of room for self expression.
What
do the students and guests have to say about Mrs. T? Herewith
some extemporaneous testimonials: "When I came in for help
it was at my fingertips." (Shirley) "Knowledge, encouragement,
friendship and lots of fun." (Betty A.) "Susan's wall
sold me to come and take classes; so I did." (Cathy W.)
"They are not just here to sell products. They are willing
to help you." (Pat H.) "After taking Canvaswork classes
I am not afraid to tackle it on my own." (Patricia H.) "A
great place for comradeship and also a good stress reliever."
(Brenda R.) "A place where everyone knows your name. Didn't
someone already use that line?" (Kathy) "Mrs. T's is
addictive, calming, anti-stress and accommodating." (Karen)
"They are very accommodating; willing to let us choose our
own colours and fabrics. They warn us about all the pitfalls
if we choose different counts. I can't see those small holes.
So they adjust things for us so I can still enjoy stitching at
my age." (Mildred) "I use to have money before I started
this!" (Charlotte, Jan, and countless others!) "It
is the best place in town; a one stop shopping centre for needle
workers." (Valerie) "You can find everything you need
and if not, they will order it for you?" (Marilyn and Lorna)
A
highly imaginative and much anticipated event which Mrs.T. arranges
are PJ parties which are held from 6 to midnight. Participants
don't don PJ's, but they do come in their slippers! Soft drinks,
punch and fun finger foods abound. Games which involve stitching
are eagerly engaged in. Also featured is a scavenger hunt, with
prizes, providing plenty of excitement. Next, shop items are
put on special for just one frenzied ½ hour! In November
Mrs. T. has her Anniversary Sale weekend when everyone joins
in the fun of pulling a "percentage-off" slip from
the draw box. Winnipeg just loves a sale and Mrs. Twitchett sure
knows how to give one! The biggest event of the year is Student
Appreciation Day hosted by the staff on a Sunday in June. All
are invited to display their handiwork. Special sales complement
the exhibit, accompanied by refreshments. New Fall classes are
posted with prize drawings for free classes. A good time is the
order of the day!
Guests in the Winnipeg area are eagerly welcomed. Drop
in to say hello to a fabled storybook character come alive and
get a taste of Mrs. Twitchett's unique personality and engaging
hospitality. She's someone you won't ever meet anywhere else!
Mrs. Twitchett's Eye is located at:
1739 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3T 2G6
Hours: Monday through Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Summer Hours for Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
phone: (204) 261-7747
fax: (204) 261-7747
e mail: twitchet@mb.sympatico.ca
Website: http://www.mrstwitchett.mb.ca
