One’s life journey is seldom simple. The challenges of a lifetime direct us down paths we, in our youth, would not have imagined for ourselves. But few of us have a journey that is fascinating to those who hear of it. Needlepoint artisan Toni Cole has had such a journey. I met Toni at her home where her husband, Sydney was recuperating from recent surgery. I couldn’t help but notice the stunning paintings that are hanging on the walls. Toni tells me that Sydney painted them. Then my eye looks out the windows of the porch that overlook the breathtaking gardens that Toni has created. (2010 Update - Toni's beloved husband, Sydney Cole, passed away in early June 2010. Her Farmer's Market family holds her close to our hearts as she deals with her loss.)

If needlepoint is your hobby, what is your vocation?

Needlepoint actually is my vocation, but it wasn’t always my occupation. When I was 18 years old, a friend of mine and I ran away from home to London (Toni was born and raised in England). I had already graduated from modeling school. At twenty we joined the Williams Circus, the troupe that toured Germany and Holland .I started out riding elephants and doing aerial ballet. It was great fun. I can remember the men we worked with creating a peephole to look in on our dressing room. So we got back at them by putting itching powder in their costumes.

I bet your children and grandchildren are fascinated with these stories.

No, actually – they know I’m a bit eccentric, but the circus has little to do with that perception. Though, I did take my children when they were young to see my friend Günter Gable Williams perform. We spoke with him before the show and when the performance began and he rode around the ring, he pointed to my daughter, Angel, and winked. She never forgot that thrill.

When did you come to the United States to live?

After about four years with the circuses in Europe, I came to the US to join the Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus. I met my first husband and we then moved to Sarasota, Fl, a circus town. After my husband up and left me and our two children, I supported the three of us waitressing and bartending. I started to take flying lessons. Knowing my interest in flying, someone introduced me to Sydney. I was fascinated with his background. He was Canadian and was a member of the Royal Air Force. He flew Spitfires for the Air Force. I eventually got my commercial pilots license. Sydney and I started our business “Flyview”, taking tourists and reporters up over the west coast of Florida.

Did you learn needlepoint in England?

No, no. I learned here in Blairsville after we moved to this area about ten years ago. I needed something to do to occupy my mind and my hands. The woman that owned the needlework shop showed me what to do, and I just got it. I’ve been stitching ever since.

What’s your favorite piece of equipment?

Well, I basically just use my hands. Also, my Daylight Spectrum (craft lamp).

What’s your favorite subject to stitch?

Flowers and garden themes.

How many hours do you have in a project?

In a rug, about 800 hours. It is very time consuming. There are 200 stitches to every square inch.

You needlepoint rugs and pillows. What other items do you needlepoint?

I needlepoint stool covers. I have the stools made by a local craftsman and fellow member of the Mountain Regional Arts and Crafts Guild. They come in cherry, maple and walnut. I will do commission work such as wall hangings or dining room chair seats. If people don’t see what they want, they should ask me and I’ll find what they want and make it for them.

If you weren’t a needlework artist, what would you like to attempt?

Oh, I’d dearly love to fly again.

Do you have any other hobbies?

My gardens. I love my flowers and plants. Needlepoint and gardening are my therapy.

Do you whistle while you work or listen to music?

No, neither. Gardening is my therapy. If I’m happy, I plant. If I’m working through something, I pull weeds.

What do you like best about the UnionCounty Farmers Market?

The camaraderie amongst the sellers and the interacting with the customers. I’ve met so many wonderful people – I have customers that have become good gardening friends.

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This is a second in a series of interviews we will be bringing you of the artisans that sell their goods at the UnionCounty Farmers Market. Interviews are archived. Just click the hyperlinked names in the left column to read past interviews.