WITBY FREE PRESS, BROOKLIN SPRING PAIR, JUNE 1, 1988, PAGE A7 Joan Brak, to]psrn knittiïngsewin,floracul1tue By VERONICA COLANGELO A "Wornan of Many Talents" certainly applies to last year's winner in the knitting -and sewing category. Joan Brak also walked away with the Most overaîl points in the floraculture section at the Brooklin Spring Fair. The Brooklin resident has been placing entries at the fair for six years. But bier interest in sewing and knitting started when she was a -child, as ber mother taught, ber how to crochet and crafting with bier bands became a natural after that. Brak's first atternpt a t knitting came -wben sbe was expecting bier first cbild, a daugbter, Susan, 27 years ago. .It was a disaster, but I persevered. And she wore i! Brak says. Brak, "Not one to give. Up," continued knitting garments for bier children and bas been knitting ever since. As well as wearing apparel, she creates afgbans and blankets. Most of Braks garments are of bier own design, and one of a kind. Sbe says, "Often I don't like a pattern and so I change it." Brak owns a knitting machine, and often combines machine knitting witb hand crocheted trims and accents. Sbe says, "tbough, that tbese items can't qualify for entry in the fair because there isn't a class for articles combining band and machine work. As well as knitting she also sews and bas won prizes in the sewing categories, too. Brak considers herseif to be adventuresome, and enjoys the challenges presented by learning a new craft. Her other hobbies include neediepoint, crewel work, tole painting, oil painting and egguery. Egguery is a craft that originated in Russia and involves creating tiny vignettes or scenes inside an egg. The work is very delicate and exacting. Brak also spins and weaves. As well, she creates "Ming trees," an art formn using beads and metallie wires. Brak is interested in photography, particularly floral and nature subjects, and bas won prizes in this field botb at the Brooklin Spring Fair and in other country fairs. I do the best work that I can, and pride myseif on good work. I won't seil or complete anything that isn't perfect." Brak's advice to those interested in embarking on a new hobby or craft is to "go to the library if you want to be self-taught, flnd out if the subject. interests you, and then possibly take classes next. "Don't go to a big expense first. Find out if you like it before spending a lot of money on a hobby. Start small." Brak's creativity extends also t o ardening and horticulture. LJI ~J'.JF~III I '.J'J~./ T~.. I'4J as well as her abilities at numerous crafts, she also is an accomplished floral designer. Brak h as taught floral design' and the art of making crafts using- botanical materials. She is an expert in identifying and cooking "wild edibles," so mucb so that on June 18 she will be leading a "Walk on the Wild. Bide" that is being s osoredb the Brooklin Horticultural Society. Brak's gardening interest stems from ber father's love of the garden. She says ber favorite type of gardening is growing, vegetables because I like the taste of vegetables right from the garden." As well as ber interest in vegetables, she enjoys roses and growing perennial flowers. Brak's advice to country gardeners is to "grow perennials because they don't require as much water as annuals." She also suggests, "Plan your garden so that there is something in bloom throughout ail the seasons." Anyone entering items in the fair sbould carefully read over the rules as outlined in the booklet. "Sometimes > entries are disqualified because somnething is just not quite rigbt, and it can be r very disappointing." She also says I Àa good way to be involvedan f -enjoy entering at the fair is to be I involved on one of the organizing communities. New people are JOANBRAKalways needed and very welcomne. I I FO AL YUBUILDING NREED Ie Just CaII We Deliver Free With This Ad Ii * Expires Oct. 1j1988 SPECIAL I I i TrashCQan Storette I Reg. 82.29i I. SALE 49,99 Whe Quantities Last I Brooklin Store OnIy lHWY 7& 12, BROOKLIN f ~~ 655-3313 j LOW, LOW PRICES OPEN:Mon. 9:30-4:00 Tues. by appt., Wed.-Fri. 9:30-4:00 Sat. 9:30-5:00 4 ROEBUCK ST. BROOKLIN ONT. 655-8021(24HRS) BROOKLIN FLOUR MILLS VISIT OUR "COUNTRY STOIRE" 23 CASSELS RD., E. f BROOKLIN, ONTARIO 655-4851j BAKING SUPPLIES AND FRIENDLY SERVICE HOSTESS POTATO CHI Assorted Variet les SPECIAL 200 g Bag Wed. Junel1/88 - Sat. June4/88 Ps WHITBY 728 ANDERSON ST. PRINGLE CREEK CENTRE BROOKLIN 64 BALDWIN ST. PEOJ PLE COME FIRS TAT