Studio
Madderhouse has pivoted during the Covid-19 pandemic into garment design and production, but it is also workshop and professional development space for textile and fibre arts enthusiasts of all stripes. In addition to offering its very own line of screen printed and locally constructed garments, it hosts learning opportunities in textile printing, natural dying, sewing construction, and other textile-based practices with knowledgeable and inspiring artist-instructors from throughout the region. We also offer artist residencies, open studio opportunities, and technical support to practicing textile artists and craftspeople at all skill levels.
At the centre of a well lit, 500 square foot studio with high ceilings is a 20 by 5 foot wide felt-padded work table. The studio also boasts a darkroom and washout booth with power washer for preparing and cleaning screen printing equipment, as well as a digital scanner and large format printer for producing quality films.
It also houses an industrial sink, laundry facilities, additional work table, and plenty of storage. The space is further equipped with two industrial sewing machines (Singer 20U series), and two domestic machines (Pfaff serger and standard machine), and a collection of task specific tools such as rotary cutters and cutting boards, and measuring implements for drafting patterns.
Madderhouse is proud to contribute to the Kawarthas' rich, textile-loving community, to be a producer of unique, ethically mindful and beautifully constructed consumer goods, and to be a presenter of textile and fibre-based instructors, speakers, special event hosts, partners, and collaborators.
ABOUT The Owner
Owner/Operator, Leslie Menagh is a lifelong craftsperson and wrangler of cloth, and holds a Bachelor of Fine Art from NSCAD University. She is a workshop facilitator and community-builder with a deep enthusiasm for skill-sharing and desire to champion other artists.
“There is an etymological tie between the words textile, text, texture, or context. These are all words that give shape to things and transmit feeling. It’s never been a stretch for me to understand how running a textile studio could also be about creating a space where people craft things that express feelings, desires, experience, identity, ideas, and beliefs. I absolutely love supporting people to create and find meaning in things. And creating a space that is devoted to all things textile arts-oriented is my dream-come-true.”
– Leslie Menagh, Owner/Operator and Chief Cloth Wrangler at Madderhouse Textile Studios
Photo: Erin Ebenbauer
What People Are Saying
“…the experience was delightful. Leslie is not only highly skilled, but has everything you’d want in a facilitator - honesty, humour, problem solver, enthusiasm, passion, encouragement, guidance & patience all imparted in such a gentle and loving way! Thank you so much. And I wish you every success in this exciting endeavour! Peterboroughites are fortunate to have you…” – Fay Wilkinson, Registered Expressive Arts Practitioner (IEATA), Story Teller and Artist
“I didn’t know how satisfying and exciting it is to learn screen printing techniques, turning your imagination to fabric is something you fall in love with” – Ana Lucero Sandoval, newcomer to Canada (Peterborough Immigration Partnership Feb 2019 newsletter)"
"Working with Leslie at Madderhouse was such a great experience. Her hands-off approach allowed us to begin creating within the first few minutes of the first class, allowing more time to explore screen printing as an art and medium, with as much or as little guidance as required. Leslie is one of the coolest people I've had the opportunity to meet and work with in Peterborough, and I can't wait to get back in her beautiful, large, open and inviting studio space. I'll bring the cookies next time!" – Joanna Christina, Workshop Participant