the country register of in jan-feb 16

The Country Register of Indiana

o fo fo fo fo f In In In In Indddddianaianaianaianaiana

www.countryregisteronline.com

The Country Register Publisher Contact List

UUUUUSASASASASAAlabama: Amy & David Carter, 866-825-9217Arizona: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950Arkansas: Lenda Williams, 405-470-2597California & N. Nevada: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950Colorado: Jan & John Keller, 719-749-9797Connecticut: Michael Dempsey, 919-661-1760Delaware: Merle & Gail Taylor, 888-616-8319Florida: Amy & David Carter, 866-825-9217Georgia: Linda Parish, 706-340-1049Idaho (N): Dee Sleep, 605-722-7028Idaho (S): Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950Illinois: Lenda Williams, 405-470-2597Indiana: Gail & Merle Taylor, 888-616-8319Iowa : Linda Glendy, 641-751-2619Kansas: Cindy Baldwin, 866-966-9815Kentucky: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 443-243-1118Maine: Gail Hagerman, 207-437-2663Maryland: Amy & David Carter, 866-825-9217Mass. & RI: Michael Dempsey, 919-661-1760Michigan: Bill & Marlene Howell, 989-793-4211Minnesota: Kim & Mick Keller, 763-754-1661Missouri: Lenda Williams, 405-470-2597Montana: Dee Sleep, 605-722-7028Nebraska: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950Nevada (N): Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950Nevada (S): Glena Dunn, 702-523-1803

New Hampshire: Kathleen Graham, 603-463-3703New Jersey: Merle & Gail Taylor, 888-616-8319New Mexico: Jan & John Keller, 719-749-9797New York: Dave Carter, 866-825-9217,North Carolina: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950North Dakota: Dee Sleep, 605-722-7028Ohio: Barb Moore, 937-652-1157Oklahoma: Lenda Williams, 405-470-2597Oregon: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950Pennsylvania: Amy Carter, 866-825-9217Rhode Island: Michael Dempsey, 919-661-1760South Carolina: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950South Dakota: Dee Sleep, 605-722-7028Tennessee: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 443-243-1118Texas: Lenda Williams, 405-470-2597Utah: Daniel & Stacy Tueller, 801-592-8498Virginia: Amy Carter, 866-825-9217Washington & E. OR: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950West Virginia: Amy Carter, 866-825-9217Wisconsin: Scott & Jennifer Hughes, 715-838-9426Wyoming: Dee Sleep, 605-722-7028CANADACANADACANADACANADACANADAAlberta: Ruth Burke, 780-889-3776British Columbia: Bryan Stonehill, 800-784-6711Manitoba & Saskatchewan: Scott Kearns, 306-736-2441Ontario: Harriet Ramos, 343-882-5812

The Country Register began in Arizona in the Fall of 1988, to provide effective,affordable advertising for shops, shows, and other experiences enjoyed by a kindredreadership. Since then the paper has flourished and spread. Look for the paper inyour travels. To receive a sample paper from another area, please mail $3.00 inU.S.A. or $4.00 in Canada to that area’s editor.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.COUNTRYREGISTER.COMThe Country Register Founder: Barbara Floyd 602-237-6008, Phoenix, AZ

Publications All Across The United States & Canada

The Country Register of Indiana • Jan & Feb, 2016 • Vol. 16 No. 5The Country Register is published every other month. Copyright © 1998. The CountryRegister of Indiana, Inc. is one of a national network of independently owned andpublished specialty newspapers licensed by The Country Register with exclusive rightsto publish in the state of Indiana using logos and graphics owned by The CountryRegister. Page header and footer, and icons accompanying regular features in thisedition are copyright © 2006 by Tracey Miller and this publication and may not bereprinted. Reproduction or use, without obtaining permission, of editorial orgraphic content by anyone in any manner is strictly prohibited.Articles published in this newspaper, which are contributed by outside sources, express the opinions of theirauthors only, and may not express the viewpoint(s) of the management or staff of The Country Register.Such articles that are accepted for publication herein may be edited at the sole discretion of the publisher.Responsibility for products advertised in this newspaper lies with the advertisers themselves. Though The CountryRegister will not knowingly publish fraudulent materials or fraudulently obtained materials, we are not liablefor any damages arising from purchase or use of products advertised herein. Notification regarding any consumercomplaints related to merchandise purchased from our advertisers would be appreciated and would assist in ourpublishing efforts.

P. O. Box 128, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763Phone: 888-616-8319 • Fax: 800-609-0278

Gail & Merle Taylor, Editors & Publishers

[email protected] • www.countryregisteronline.com

Subscribe to the Country Register!Send your name and complete mailing address, along with acheck or money order to:

THE COUNTRY REGISTER OF INDIANAP. O. Box 128, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763

Subscriptions: 1 Year (6 issues): $18 ~ Single copies: $3 for postage & handling

Let’s Go Shopping-

Editors’ CornerEnjoy our annual Quilting & Needlework Issue

Quilts are beautiful and who doesn’tlike snuggling up under a favorite quilton a cold winter day? Quilts and quiltingevoke a sense of the past–when ourGrandmother’s quilted. Quilting takespatience, talent and determination. It iswith that in mind that we bring you ourannual Quilting & Needlework issue.Dedicating one edition each year to thispastime and those who practice it withsuch passion seems only right.

As you visit the fabric, quilt, sewing andneedlework shops advertised on ourpages and make your way from shop toshop in the shop hops please take yourcopy of The Country Register along.Stop in at the gift, antique and specialtyshops along your way. Who knows? Youmight find the perfect rocker on whichto display your newest quilt, a neat gift AND THE GRAND THE GRAND THE GRAND THE GRAND THE GRANDKIDS!ANDKIDS!ANDKIDS!ANDKIDS!ANDKIDS!

for the person who helped you finish yourlast project that was stalled, or even ahome decor item you just can’t livewithout.

The shop owners love to see new faces.Stop in and let them know you saw theirad here in The Country Register. It maymake their day brighter in the new year.

Check out the sales and events detailsin the ads on each page. From after-Christmas sales to events to chase awaythe winter blues, our advertisers havethought of everything you need and evena few you don’t yet know you want!..

January & February 2016

Shops are listed alphabetically by location.

Cities & ShopsCities & ShopsCities & ShopsCities & ShopsCities & Shops P P P P Page #age #age #age #age # Cities & ShopsCities & ShopsCities & ShopsCities & ShopsCities & Shops P P P P Page #age #age #age #age #

Advertiser IndexEvents ListingSee shop & show ads for complete details.

Free Pattern

Use this pattern for embroidery, wool applique, punch needle or rug hooking, painted projects orwhatever your imagination can dream up! Reduce or enlarge pattern as desired.

CommerCommerCommerCommerCommercial use is strictlcial use is strictlcial use is strictlcial use is strictlcial use is strictly pry pry pry pry prohibited.ohibited.ohibited.ohibited.ohibited.

We love to see the projects that you have made from our patterns. Ifyou decide to post projects based on one of our patterns on a blog orwebsite, please give design credit to Jacquelynne Steves. Thank you!

Find more free patterns at:JacquelynneSteves.com

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REGISTER TO WIN ONE OF THESE BREGISTER TO WIN ONE OF THESE BREGISTER TO WIN ONE OF THESE BREGISTER TO WIN ONE OF THESE BREGISTER TO WIN ONE OF THESE BOOKS!OOKS!OOKS!OOKS!OOKS!

Winners will be announced in the next paper and books will be mailedPLEASE PRINT CLEARLY - THIS WILL BE YOUR MAILING LABEL.

P O Box 128Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763

DayDayDayDayDay EventEventEventEventEvent PPPPPage #age #age #age #age #2-3 Christmas Clearance - Keepers, Lafayette ....................................................... 75-16 Discounts to Customers - Harvest Inn, Crawfordsville ............................... 6

January

6 Pajama Sale - Yoder Department Store, Shipshewana .................................. 4

FebruaryDayDayDayDayDay EventEventEventEventEvent PPPPPage #age #age #age #age #

MarchDayDayDayDayDay EventEventEventEventEvent PPPPPage #age #age #age #age #

3-5 IN Heritage Quilt Show, Bloomington .......................................................... 1010-12 Indiana Button Show, Indianapolis ................................................................ 2411-12 Pop Up Event - Honey & Me, Franklin ........................................................ 11

Angola ................................... 4Sewing TreasuresBeech Grove ........................ 11The Fussy Cut Quilt ShopBloomington ....................... 10IN Heritage Quilt ShowCenterville ............................. 8Warm GlowClayton ................................ 19Whispering Pines DesignsCorydon ............................... 20HollyHock Quilt ShopCrawfordsville ........................ 6Harvest Inn Interior Decor/GiftsDanville ............................... 19Outta the ShedDecatur ................................ 18Country CreationsEvansville ............................ 20Let’s SewFranklin ............................... 11Honey & MeGeorgetown ......................... 20The Quilting BeeGreensburg .......................... 14Tree City StitchesGreenfield ............................ 15A Touch Of HomeGreenwood .......................... 11Take Root Country StoreThe Back DoorIndianapolis ......................... 24IN Button Society ShowLafayette ................................ 7KeepersLiberty ................................... 9Pohlar FabricsMadison ............................... 17Fabric ShopMarion ................................... 5Quilters Hall of FameMartinsville .......................... 10Berries & Ivy Country Store

McCordsville ....................... 15McCordsville MercantileMetamora ............................ 21Words & ImagesMooresville .......................... 24Breezy Manor FarmMuncie ................................. 18Cotton Candy Quilt ShoppeNashville .............................. 12The Story InnNorth Vernon ...................... 16Classic Stained GlassSharynn’s Quilt BoxPlainfield ............................. 24Gilley’s Antique & Decorator MallRensselaer ............................. 7Michell’s Sewing FixRising Sun ........................... 17QuiltfestRushville .............................. 21Elizabeth’s KeepsakesIn StitchesSt Paul .................................. 14Olde Barn PrimitivesSalem ................................... 13Past N Present by MichellePast N Present TooSeymour ............................... 17Primitive CrowShipshewana .......................... 4Yoder Department StoreTerre Haute ........................... 6The Country CabinWabash .................................. 5Heaven on EarthNancy J’s FabricsWashington .......................... 20The Stitching Post

Not Classified by TNot Classified by TNot Classified by TNot Classified by TNot Classified by Townownownownownand Out of Stateand Out of Stateand Out of Stateand Out of Stateand Out of State

Out of State ........................ 22, 23Web Based ........................... 22, 23


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We are entering into a season ofthankfulness and joyful anticipation formost people. For others? Well . . . maybenot so much. I would like to take thisopportunity to reach out to those in the“not-so-much” group.

With years of giving ministry quilts, I’vecome across people in all stages of griefas they deal with tragedies and difficultsituations. Healing seems long incoming. The journey through to theother side of the valley is an on-going process. Some days go fairlywell until a hiccup blindsidesthem. Those days seem like twosteps forward; one back.Oftentimes, the holiday seasonholds its fair share of just suchdays.

Every ministry quilt I’vebeen a part of giving hasbeen given with a prayer.When asked if I can offer aprayer, no one has turnedme down. If you’re reading this and youare walking a difficult path right now, mayI pray with you?

Close your eyes and imagine a beautifulquilt wrapped around your shoulders.You’re enveloped in tangible love andcare. You are experiencing the Heart ofJesus through the hands and feet of thosedoing His work. As I stand near you, Iput my hand on your shoulder, and wego before the throne of God where Hestands ready at the right hand of His (and

Quilts That Redeem, by Sherry Osland

Virtual Ministry Quiltour) Father to hear and intervene on yourbehalf. Offer these words to Him.

“Father God, this world is a paradoxof incredible beauty; yet brokenness andpain. I humble myself before you and askfor healing, restoration and redemptionfrom this journey of pain. You are withme every second of every day. Jesus, Ithank you. Please, take my hand and

continue to walk alongside of me.Please go before me so I don’t

lose my way. Cover my back,Jesus, and give me your

strength to go forward. InJeremiah 29:11, you’ve

promised me a “futureand a hope.” Help mepersevere and trust inthat. When tempted,tired, depressed,discouraged anddoubting, be mystrength, my comfort

and my peace. Lead methrough this valley and bring me out onthe other side. Show yourself insupernatural, yet tangible, ways so I mightfeel Your Presence. Thank You. It’s inJesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

–Written by Sherry Osland of Praise WorksQuilting in Abilene, Ks. In business and

ministry for l5 years. For examples of quilting(and Quilts That Redeem books for sale) go

to: facebook.com/praiseworksquilting. Contactinformation: [email protected] or

785-263-4600.

Gather – A Vintage Market By Simone Gers

Vintage African Indigo Batiks: The Fabric of LifeWhen my husband Tray gets home

from a "picking" trip, my first question isusually, “What’s yourfavorite find?” Earlierthis year, it was VintageIndigo Batiks fromAfrica. He couldn’t stopgushing about them.And they are beautiful.

I’m a pragmaticperson so I love itemsthat have multiplepurposes and indigobatiks are soinspirational. Ofcourse, they make greatshawls and wraps andare fantastic for throws. Some people likethe lighter-weighted textiles for clothingand we like the heavier batiks for thethrows. They bringtablescapes to lifeand make gorgeoustablecloths for allkinds of dishes,especially whiteironstone andyellow or redFiestaware. Manypeople are usingbatiks for pillows,bolsters andupholstery work—and it’s no wonder because the handworkon vintage indigo batiks is inspiring.

Each batik, like a quilt, tells a story thatis handed down from father to son,mother to daughter. Sections of cloth arecomposed of individual motifs such asfish bones, little stars or hunters and eachpiece has its own unique tale to tell. Thereare some themes, like wealth and luxury,calabash flowers (a sign of prosperity),brave and fearless, yet meanings differdepending on the individual, ethnic groupor region.

African Batik was originally importedin the 19th century by Dutch merchantsfrom Indonesia where paste made from

starch or mud is used as a resist insteadof wax and the dye is made through a

process of grindingindigo plant leaves.African batiks featurelarger motifs with thickerlines and more colorsthan Javanese batik. Thecomplexity of the weave,the color and the type ofthread used determinesthe value of the fabric.

I love looking at thebatiks and wonderingabout the families whomade them and what thesymbols meant to them.

I like to compare the weaves and feel thedifferent textures between my fingers. It’sinteresting to look at the blues next to

each other andwonder how manytimes each piece wasdipped to get it to itsperfect shade ofindigo. I love thateach piece is unique.I love watchingcustomers feel thefabrics betweentheir fingers, throwa batik over theirshoulders, wrappingthemselves in

history. And when someone brings agorgeous indigo batik up to the register,I wonder what stories will be told aboutthis great, one-of-a-kind find and whatmemories will become enmeshed with thestories already woven into the fabric.

––Simone Gers began her antiquing journey35 years ago when she married Tray, an avid

collector. They still have the first piece theybought together—a pegged farm table that was

so decrepit it was behind the antique store—and they have been upcycling vintage finds ever

since. The Gers own Gather A VintageMarket in Tucson, AZ, a monthly market.

Simone has taught writing and literature at thecollege level for many years.


MARION - WABASHMARION - WABASHMARION - WABASHMARION - WABASHMARION - WABASH

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Visit us at theVisit us at theVisit us at theVisit us at theVisit us at theIndiana Heritage Quilt ShowIndiana Heritage Quilt ShowIndiana Heritage Quilt ShowIndiana Heritage Quilt ShowIndiana Heritage Quilt Show

Bloomington, IN • wwwBloomington, IN • wwwBloomington, IN • wwwBloomington, IN • wwwBloomington, IN • www.IHQS.org.IHQS.org.IHQS.org.IHQS.org.IHQS.orgMarch 3rd - 5thMarch 3rd - 5thMarch 3rd - 5thMarch 3rd - 5thMarch 3rd - 5th

Heaven on Earth

4767 N. St. Rd. 15, Wabash IN 46992(6 miles north of Wabash)

765.833.5461Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5; Sat. 9-3;

Closed Sun.www.heavenonearthofwabash.cominfo@ heavenonearthofwabash.com

Large selection of quality cottons, homespuns and woolsWe purchase full fabric lines • Friendly service

Lots of samples for inspirationLong arm quilting service

926 S Washington Street, Marion, IN 46953 (765)664-9333www.quiltershalloffame.net ~ [email protected]

Exhibit info:

The Quilters Hall of Fame is closed for the winterWe will open again on April 7, 2016

Thank you for a wonderful Year!!

When my daughter, Heidi, was littlemore than a toddler, I planned to makeher a Raggedy Ann for Christmas. Timehas blurred the reason why I didn’t get itfinished, but I do remember handing hera box of red and blue fabric and brightorange yarn, along with a hug and an IOU.

She has never let me forget it.So when a big birthday loomed ahead,

I determined to do something special forher. To make aluxurious quilt thatwould surround herwith “mommy-love.” Andabsolutely not giveher an IOU on thatmost important day!

Because she lovedRalph Laurenbedding, I searchedfor just the rightsheet to serve as the basis for her quilt.And I found the perfect pattern called“Cole Brook.” Unfortunately, it was aking-sized bed skirt instead of a full sheet.But, it had the right colors, the rightweight, and feel. A soft, cotton sateen. Itwould do very well.

In truth, I collected fabric for morethan a year. Finding only Ralph Laurenfabric proved to be too daunting for me.Eventually, I added other brands of highthread count pillowcases and luxuriousfabric samples. The big day drew closeand still, I shopped for just one more

Quilty Pleasures by Cathy Elliott

piece for an elusive quilt square. Maybe asilk plaid or a linen toile would give it thatelegant edge I wanted.

With only two weeks to go, I startedrotary cutting and stitching, piecing thequilt. I worked into the wee hours,knowing I didn’t want another RaggedyAnn moment on my parenting record.Just in time, I got the quilt top finishedand wrapped for the big party. In a

perfect world, theentire quilt wouldbe completed, but Iwas happy to handHeidi an originalM e d a l l i o n -patterned coverlet– almost a quilt.And lots ofm o m m y - l o v einstead of an IOU!I called it “Mostly

Ralph Lauren” and she loved it. Missionaccomplished.

Now, there is still the problem/promiseof that Raggedy Ann….

© 2016, Blog post reprint used with permis-sion. - Author and speaker, Cathy Elliott,

nourishes her night-owl habit by creating cozymysteries and more on her trusty laptop in

California. In addition to various articles andanthology contributions, she has authored threenovels: A Vase of Mistaken Identity, Medals

in the Attic, and her latest mystery -A Stitch in Crime.


CRACRACRACRACRAWFORDSVILLE - TERRE HAWFORDSVILLE - TERRE HAWFORDSVILLE - TERRE HAWFORDSVILLE - TERRE HAWFORDSVILLE - TERRE HAUTEUTEUTEUTEUTE

HarHarHarHarHarvvvvvest Innest Innest Innest Innest Inn

Harvest Inn InteriorDecor & Gifts1521 South Washington Street

Crawfordsville, IN 47933

765-376-5802 • Tue-Thu 10-6; Fri-Sat 10-4(across from Applebee's on 231 S.)

www.harvestinn.webs.com

We customize orders for:Furniture, Bedding, Curtains and Rugs

Lamps and Shades • Canister Sets Bathroom Accessories • Boutique items

Lanterns and Exterior Uniques

Customer Discounts Offered from January 5th to 16th

Let us help you make your home cozy for winterwith our curtains, braided rugs and lamps.

It’s a great time to spruce up a room.

We are all about youand your home!

For the New Year I’m motivated by myfriend’s great Before and After photo.

In September, my 6-foot, 304-poundfriend Mark who had high blood pressurewas also diagnosed with diabetes. Theprospect of a lifetime of drawing blood,managing his sugar levels, takingmedication, and logging food journals,was daunting. And thatwasn’t even correcting theproblem. With thatprognosis, he admitted, “Ineeded to make a seriouschange.”

When Mark asked for twomonths to try to reverse thediagnosis, the doctor wasoptimistic.

Mark read Fuhrman’s book onreversing diabetes, changed his eatingpatterns, and moved all the things hecouldn’t eat to the garage pantry andfridge. “It really comes down to a radicaldeparture from normal American eating.”This departure was not merely atemporary resolution. “I look at this as alifestyle change, not a diet.”

Mark also turned a little-used basementoffice into a workout center by investingin exercise equipment and a television.Now after work, instead of relaxing onthe couch while eating an extra late-nightdinner, he spends 60-100 minuteswatching television while exercising on hiselliptical.

By October, he described dramaticresults. “I lost 25 pounds in as many daysand was exercising once or twice a day.”

By November, at Mark’s two-monthappointment, he had dropped 39 pounds.Not only that, his fasting blood sugarlevels were not even pre-diabetic, and hisblood pressure and all cholesterolnumbers were normal. “The nurse saidshe had never seen anyone’s numbersdrop that fast.”

But the perks of Mark’s personaldownsizing extended beyond weight loss.“With healthier eating and weight loss, Ihave more energy to tackle projects thatI had put off.” Forty less pounds meantgreater mobility and easier breathing. “We

Ann’s Lovin’ Ewe by Ann Stewart

Personal Downsizingare now going through the entire houseand downsizing wherever we can. It feelsreally good.” Mark’s personal downsizingresulted in an upward swing in attitude.

“Life had felt like a depressingdownward spiral.” The heavier Mark got,the more tired and unmotivated hebecame. The less he did, the more he ate

to try to feel better. “I didn’ttake on many homeimprovement projectsbecause If it can wait 10years, maybe that is all thelonger I will be around. Sowhy bother?”

But thankfully, that wasreversed. As soon as he gets

home he tries to keep moving. Insteadof sitting around and thinking about noteating, he gets busy on homeimprovements, claiming he’s shopped atHome Depot more in the last threemonths than the previous three years.“The more I lose weight, the more energyI have to tackle things; the moremotivated I am from success. Seeingthings get done makes me want tocontinue to eat healthier and lose moreweight.”

Mark’s negative diagnosis became apositive life changing turning point. Histestimony was so inspiring that Ireconsidered the results of my last bonedensity scan and the need to start weight-bearing exercise to keep my bones strong.

I, too, have some little-used basementspace currently housing an unused Ping-Pong table. With downsizing,reorganization, and the purchase of anelliptical, the basement became aninexpensive but effective workout centerfor the New Year.

We all have some health and lifestylechoices to make. Who is your inspiration?What positive changes can you make?How will you begin? I want to start theNew Year making wise choices that willbenefit my future and those I love.

–© 2016 - All rights reserved - Used bypermission - No reprint without author’s

permission. Look for Ann Stewart’s upcomingnovel Stars in the Grass

Building Harmony By Jeff Cappis

Moose CallsThis is a piece about passion, lust and

heartbreak in a valentine story ofunrequited love.

The air was still warm, but the leaveswere softly fluttering from the trees. I wason my way out the back door with mygrandson Kane. We were going to getsome fire wood for the evening. He’s 4and to him, going to the woodshed is agreat adventure. It just sohappened that this timehe was right.

Between us and thewoodshed was a largemoose. She was gentlymunching on our lawn.Even though we didn’tseem to bother her at all,I figured we should goback.

“Maybe we should just wait inside,” Isaid while shuffling a curious Kane backin through the door. Luckily I have a fairsize tinted window near the door, so wewatched the moose from inside. She justkept on munching.

Not too much later, I noticedsomething up the hill was moving. Itstepped out of the trees with it’s longantlers and proud stance. A male moose.After spying her, he swaggered down thehill to let her know he was there. But, in away, kind of coy so as not to look toointerested. Keeping his distance at first,he struck another rather noble pose.

She took on a “I’m just hanging aroundthe forest with nothing to do but lookpretty” kind of pose. I suppose in hermind she was going to have a romanticnight under the full moon and stars, eatinggrass and leaves, with the man of herdreams (or something like that).

Diluted with self-reassurance, as guysoften are, the male began to sauntercloser. I suppose he was thinking hewould meet this other moose and talkabout the forest (or something like that).Anyway, he was starting to get all cockyand confident, unaware there was aproblem: another male moose comingalong not thirty feet behind him.

Now the female really struck a pose.The males began by slowly circling each

other, one of them snorted. Theyknocked horns a few times, but not very

deliberate. They kicked up a little sod.They had staring and pooping contests.This kind of thing went on for 1/2 hour.

By the time they were in the “I canscrape more bark off this tree with myhorns than you can” contest, it looked asif they might be actually having fun. Thefemale though, was getting impatient. Atone point she shook her moose stuff in

a provocative way, butthey ignored her. Shepaced a bit. I suppose shewas thinking “There isn’tmuch tree left. Theyshould be finished soon.Then I may choose mychampion!” (orsomething like that).Turns out, we have lotsof trees in the forest.

Even Kane got bored and went to watchTV.

The female moved in a little bit closerbut always pretend not to notice. So didthe males. They got busy knocking deadbranches off the newly naked trees withtheir antlers. After a while, the female wasgetting impatient. She got right close andmade a few snorting noises. She even gavethem that level-eyed kind of stare.

This finally got both the males’attention and everyone stopped. So therethey were, all three of them staring at eachother. Kind of a moose awkward momentreally. One girl, two dates. For a fewminutes they just stood there until finallythe two males tapped horns, pooped, andwandered off through the forest inopposite directions.

The female (she must have beenconfused, humiliated and disappointed),just went back to eating and fertilizing ourlawn.

There are a few theories about whathappened there. a) Maybe moose findother moose to be as ugly as we do or b)The two males became good friends andneither wanted to hurt the other’s feelingsby stealing his girl or c) Nobody couldget romantic because they could see wewere watching.

As it turns out, it didn’t matter. In thespring she produced a newborn calf froma previous romance. Now there are twoeating our lawn.

25th & PoplarTerre Haute, IN 47803

812.232.4635Come in now for all of yourPrimitive Decorating Needs

Olde Century PaintSeasonal Decor ~ Pictures

Hand Crafted Items ~ CandlesPrimitives ~ Furniture ~ Wreaths

Kelly Rost,Owner

Hours:Mon-Sat 10am-6pm;

Sun Noon-5pm

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Store Hours: Mon-Fri 10-5; Sat 10-6; Sunday12-5Gift Certificates Available

Handmade dealers always welcome.Antique dealers wanted. Call for details.

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Every romance starts somewhere. Imet my husband, Steve, on an onlinedating site. I’d been in “the dating pool”a while longer than he had when we werematched, and my experiences hadn’t beenpositive. In the early days of our emailcourtship, I shared that one of mypassions was knitting. He immediatelyresponded, “Cool! My momwas a knitter and my sistersknit as well.” I couldn’t haveimagined a better answer. I’dfound a keeper!

Rosemary McPeak Snookwas, among many things, awife, mother, grandmother,volunteer -- and a knitter. Herdaughters have told me sheliked to make blankets and afghans. Wekeep the baby blanket she knit for oneof her grandchildren on display, eventhough that generation is grown withhomes of their own. My husband’s oldestfriend considers an afghan she made himin high school to be one of his treasuredpossessions, because it came from Rosie.

While working in my in-laws’ home lastyear, we came across Rosie’s cedar hopechest, full of treasures from her life. Inaddition to her wedding dress, childhoodquilts and a Bible from her confirmation,we found a stocking cap and matchingsweaters she’d worked up for Steve andhis sisters when they were young. She’dchosen a “mod” 1960s turtleneck patternand used three strands of worsted weightyarn to create a bulky, multi-coloredfabric in a stockinette stitch. It made me

The Knitting SavantRosie’s Hope Chest

smile to think of the time and effort sheput into each sweater, and the fact thatshe stored them with other items shevalued told me they were meaningful toher.

In an era when we consider so much tobe temporary or disposable, I think aboutall the things that are created around the

world daily. When we’re gone,how will the things we’vemade be viewed by others?What things – if any – willcontinue after we’ve movedon? What will be our creativelegacy?

I never had the honor ofmeeting my mother-in-law.She passed away before Steve

and I met. However, I’m privileged toexperience her life through her family andfriends. I can touch the things created forothers. I get to know her through therecipes in her recipe box and the trinketsshe collected from her travels. I see thejoy in her face in photos. I know howdeeply she loved her family by the waythey continue to speak of her withaffection and longing for her presenceeven years later. Rosie may be gone, butshe’s definitely not forgotten. She leavesa legacy of love in her wake.

–Andrea Springer blogs atwww.knittingsavant.com where she helps folksremember that they have everything they need

to be successful in knitting and in life. You canshare comments or ideas with her at

[email protected] or follow KnittingSavant on Facebook and Twitter.

By Andrea Springer

Winter offers powerful lessons that itis a good time to finish up old tasks.

Of course, I’ve also received thelast phrase of that sentence in afortune cookie.

Whatever the inspiration, I’ll makeit my own: It is a good time to finishup old tasks and to allow the past tosettle into the future.

I have a tangible task; it sits beforeme in a box, waiting patiently as ithas for the last nine years. Thereis nothing onerous,dreary ordisturbing inmy box.There is nol u r k i n gr e g r e t ,s w e a t -breaking doubt or even intense grief.

There is a beautiful memory, one soheartbreakingly warm that I rarely rewindthe moment. That way, it remains vibrantand alive.

Now I wish to share it with you.It is mid-August, 2006. Three

generations of women sit together in aresident’s room at an assisted livingcommunity. The resident, the oldest atfour months shy of 100 years of age,crochets, as do her daughter andgranddaughter.

It is as it has ever been for as long asthe daughter and granddaughter canremember.

Except for the grandmother’s hands.Their efficient rhythm has lost its steadystamina. There are gentle bursts of energyand then periods of complete rest. Theprocess repeats itself until the yarn sitsstill and quiet in her lap.

All of them know that the desire to tryremains, but as the saying goes, the fleshis weak and tired. A rare sadness andpassivity creeps into the grandmother’seyes.

The granddaughter finds a pretty basketin the closet. They ask the grandmotherif she would like to put the yarn there soshe can pick it up when she feels morerested.

The grandmother nods with a relievedacceptance, releases the skeins and thepartially finished granny square into thebasket. And just like that a 91 year lifetimeof crocheting comes to an end.

Three weeks later, the grandmotherpasses peacefully away at the hospital,

The Tale of a Box from My ClosetBy Kerri HabbenTime to Finish Old Tasks

dying of aplastic anemia, wherein herbone marrow ceased to produce blood

cells and platelets.The blanket

and yarn waspacked up and theg randdaughterplaced it in hercloset with thethought that sheand her mothershould finish itone day.

She waited tofinish it becausewhat she felt fromthe blanket wasthe weakening ofstrength anddurability. Sheknew, naturally,that one day her

grandmother would no longer be living,but somehow it seemed like her handswould forever be steadily moving.

After a time, whenever thegranddaughter saw the box, she stillthought of finishing it one day. But thistime, somehow, she even forgot what wasin the box. Which meant it was more thantime to complete the blanket.

So on this winter’s day, I open the box.I remove the yarn, whereupon the squareappears lost. I reach out to embrace andreassure it and I find that instead itcomforts me.

During its long hibernation, the atrophyI feared to feel has somehow again growninto a new, deeper strength. Or, perhaps,time has the same effect on a blanket asit does on the human heart.

I pick up a crochet hook and I decideto crochet one row to outline mygrandmother’s work. And it is then that Iknow that her work never stopped at all.She is within every efficient and steadymotion of my mother’s and my hands.

The past settles into the future.It is a good time to finish up old tasks.

–Kerri Habben is a writer, photographe, andcrochet instructor living in Raleigh, NC. Anavid crocheter and knitter, she learned these

skills from her grandmother and mother. Shedonates many of her yarn creations to those inneed. Kerri has gathered a decade of essays she

is working to publish. She can be reached [email protected].


CENTERCENTERCENTERCENTERCENTERVILLEVILLEVILLEVILLEVILLE

Sometimes cash is the easiest and mostsensible way to give a gift. Make a veryspecial colorful gift with your creativehandwork. What could be better than ajingling handful of dollar coins in ahandmade drawstring bag? Here’s howyou can make it special.

You will need:• Dollar coins (e.g. SusanB. Anthony, Sacajawea,Eisenhower, Presidential)• Fabric for outside of bag,suitable for recipient - 6" x 16"• Fabric for lining of bag - 6"x16"• Thread / needle / sewing machine• Shoelace or strong ribbon for drawstring• Trinket, charm or button meaningfulto recipient. (optional)

Directions:Step 1: Sew the two fabrics right sides

together along three sides, leaving one endopen for turning.

Step 2: Turn and press. Fold in rawedges on unfinished end, press andtopstitch closed

Step 3: Fold down ½” - ¾” inch towardlining on each finished end and topstitchalong edge (not fold) creating a casing thatwill hold the drawstring.

(Optional: ends can be folded outwardto expose lining if it is a coordinatingfabric.)

(Or: Sew a ¾ “wide ribbon to outer

Special Way to Give...The Gift Money for Valentines Day

By Ann St Martin Stout

side to create casing, leaving ends open.If your ribbon is the kind that frays, youcan dip ends in diluted craft glue beforestarting project.)

Step 4: Fold lined fabric in half, rightsides together, and stitch up sides tocreate bag, stopping at the casing. Turnbag and press if needed.

Step 5: Feed drawstringthrough casings in a continuousloop (use safety pin or bodkinto help feed it through). Knot

ends of string together. If desired, youcan put in two drawstrings - one goingeach way - so they pull against each otherto gather top of bag.

Step 6: Sew or pin a special trinket,charm or button on bag or on drawstring.

Step 7: Fill and give to the luckyrecipient. He or she will find many usesfor the bag once the money is spent.(Idea: for a child just learning to countmoney put in a handful of varied coinsfor excitement, practice and money tospend.)

Note: Before the bag is sewn up thesides in step 4, some decorative quilting,stenciling, or stitchery could be added. Iused a decorative machine stitch to closethe end in step 2, and matched it, fordecoration, on other end.–© Copyright 2016 - Ann St Martin Stout.

www.leavesarefree.tumblr.com/

You know that old saying: “Jack of alltrades and master of none?” Well, that’sme with crafts – “Jo of all crafts andmaster of none.”

I’ve dabbled in crossstitching, candlewicking, tatting,quilting, painting –small houses anddesigns on clothes, cardmaking with rubberstamps, appliqué,embroidery . . .

And I have all theparaphernalia to proveit.

My mom taught meembroidery when I wasa little girl. Maybe that’swhy it is still my mostfavorite craft of all.

For Valentine’s Day, I used to decoratea shirt – a sweatshirt or a long sleeved tee– for my sister, Liz, every year. I need tostart doing that again. I really enjoyed it –and I now have a niece who would enjoyreceiving them, too.

The first few years I bought stencilsand painted on the shirts with fabricpaints. That was kind of a hassle becauseI couldn’t hide it anywhere since we livedtogether. And I always had to find a placeto lay it to dry that was inaccessible to

Jo of All Crafts – Master of Noneby Jo Branham

cats.There is no where inaccessible to cats. Then I started buying the iron-on

transfers and decorations.That ended up being a painbecause sometimes theiron wasn’t hot enough –even though I had it on thesetting they told me to. Orthe transfer was so old itdidn’t “stick.”

So then I started doingappliqué with embroideredembellishments. I likedthat a lot better.

And then I just starteddoing the whole thing withembroidery. I used chalkpaper to draw my designon the shirt. I also kept aprinted copy of the design

because over time the chalk would wearoff of the shirt where I handled it somuch. By that time, I usually had quite abit done, so I could just look at my printedpattern and free-hand the design.

I could also fold it up or stick it in abag to hide it whenever Liz came around.

Or the cats. I loved it!I think I’ll go shopping for a shirt this

weekend. I’ll dig out my floss and patternsand see what I can come up with forValentines Day.


LIBERLIBERLIBERLIBERLIBERTYTYTYTYTY

"How long did it take you to make thatquilt?" Probably every quilter is askedthis question from time to time. And wequilters will ask this question of eachother too. Some of my own responsesto this question have included, "A longtime!" and "That's a good question!"Another possible way to reply would beto provide the month/year the quilt wasstarted, followed by the date it wasfinished. But when it comes to estimatingthe actual number ofhours spent making aparticular quilt, toborrow a line from theold song, "Does anyquilter really know whattime it took?"

There are a numberof quilting books withtitles that hint at quiltconstruction time, suchas Quilt-in-a-Day orQuilt-in-a-Weekend, butmy first thought withthose books is that theymay be underestimating the real timestart-to-finish of the project. As with theTV cooking show boasting 30 minutemeals, I wonder about how those mealstranslate into actual time spent in thekitchen. There are certainly someactivities that are just naturally associatedwith length of time; such as how manydays will I be away from home, or howmany hours I need to drive somewhere,or how many minutes I need to wait tilllunchtime, or how many seconds I feellike exercising today. But, unless I've gota deadline to meet, I generally don't findmyself associating length of time with myquilting. For me, making a quilt is mostlyabout creativity and relaxation, being inthe moment, and enjoying each step alongthe way.

And there definitely are many stepsinvolved in the process of creating a quilt!Sometimes there are unplanned steps inunexpected directions and sometimes a

Time for Quilting by Sally Lomanno

few backward steps are required too.When I'm engaged in my more favoritesteps of the process, blocks of time willgo by and I can hardly believe what timethe clock says when I finally pause toglance at it. I would try hurrying throughthe steps that I don't enjoy quite so much,however I have found that I can'tcombine quilting and hurrying. Quiltinghelps slow me down. Quilting makes metake my time. That's one of the many

rewarding aspects ofthe craft. Snipping offthe very last stitch of aquilt is all the moresatisfying to me becauseof all the time I'veinvested in making it.

Now, finding thattime is a whole notherspool of thread. I seemto manage to set asidequilting time in variousways. On some days Ican even put quilting atthe top of my priority

list and then I squeeze any other activitiesin around my stitching time. It oftensurprises me how many other tasks I canend up getting done anyway when I focusmost of my attention on doing somethingI really enjoy. Putting my quilting firstlike that reminds me of a conversation Ionce had with another stitcher during atrain trip. She was knitting and I told herhow I wished I had brought along my lapquilt project, but that it wouldn't fit inmy bags once I was done packing. Shequickly remarked, "Oh, my knitting alwaysgoes in first, then I pack everything elsein around it!" I don't know how muchtime she and I spent chatting on that trip,or how much time I've spent making anyone of my quilts. All I know is that, inboth cases, it was time well spent.

–Sally Lomanno lives in Cape May, NJ. Sheenjoys writing nearly as much as she enjoys

quilting.

Roll the dough into a ball, flatten it, andthen cut out the dough with a heart-shaped cutter. If the cookies lose theirshape, recut them with the heart-shapedcutter as soon as they come out of theoven. For gifts and mailing, we place theheart-y cookies into heart-shaped boxesor cookie tins.

Last year our three grandkids (ages 4to 11) came for a sleepover on Valentine’sweekend while their parents celebratedtheir wedding anniversary.

We started bydrawing names andmaking Valentinesto show love inspecial ways to theperson whose namewe drew. I set outc o l o r e dconstruction paper,doilies, stickers,markers, scissors,tape, and glue. Myf o u r - y e a r - o l d

granddaughter, Anna, took her Valentinemaking seriously. She kept whisperingto Grandpa and her older siblings to getthe information she needed. I wonderedwhat she was up to. Then we made ourown Valentine holders and hung themfrom our chairs by the table.

The heart-y theme continued duringmealtimes with heart-shaped pizza fordinner. The next morning we feasted onwaffles cut into hearts and topped withwhipped cream and heart-shapedstrawberries. We sipped hot chocolatefrom heart-shaped teacups and added adollop of whipped cream and pink sugar.

After breakfast, we read our Valentinecards. When I opened mine from Anna,I found crooked strips of coloredconstruction paper with letters printedon them. I strung the pieces together andsaw they included the entire alphabet.Anna couldn’t write words and messages,so she simply wrote all the letters of thealphabet so I could create my own words.I kept those jagged scraps of paper,because to me they spelled L-O-V-E.

Any time is a good time to show loveto others. I’m ready to express affectionto family and friends with a hearty meal,a lovely setting, or tea and treats. Won’tyou join me?

Love makes the world go ’round. So,as the year begins, here are some “heart-Tea” ideas to share love with family andfriends of all ages.Heart-Tea Menu for Adults

Last February, I was pleased to servelunch to my sister Ruth. Since it was nearValentine’s Day, a “heart-Tea” meal wasin order.

I prepared four heart-y soups tosample: my mother’s meatball-and-dumpling soup (my childhood favorite),white bean andham, French onion,and asparagus withlemon. Ruth lovesasparagus, so thatsoup with itsrefreshing, lemonytaste and chunks ofroasted asparaguswas her favorite. Itlooked appealingserved in a heart-shaped glass bowland topped with a heart-shaped piece ofwheat toast and a roasted asparagus spear.I garnished another soup with a slice oftomato cut into a heart with a cookiecutter and added a chive arrow across thetop.

Our menu also included green-peasalad with small, heart-shaped pieces ofcheddar cheese served in paper muffinliners and placed on doilies atop heart-shaped saucers. We finished our meal bynibbling heart-shaped chocolate chipcookies and sipping Bigelow’sPomegranate Pizzazz herbal tea, a rose-colored, fruity blend.Lovely Setting

Pink and red make a cheerful settingfor teatime. I used a pink gingham cloth,pink heart-shaped teacups, and red andwhite tulips for the centerpiece. Heart-shaped cookie cutters made inexpensivenapkin rings, and heart-shaped red, pink,and white doilies added a lovely accent.Since Ruth enjoys the candy bar with hername, a package of Baby Ruths waited ather place setting.Heart-Tea Ideas for Young Sweethearts

Often our grandkids and I bake andfrost heart-shaped sugar cookies together.Sometimes we also make chocolate chipcookies into hearts. They’re easy to make:

A Cup of Tea with Lydia By Lydia E. Harris

How Do You Spell Love?

–Lydia E. Harris, who holds a master’s degree in Home Economics, is blessed with fivegrandchildren and authored the book, Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting.

From Lydia’s Idea FileFrench Onion SoupIf French is the language of love, what better way to express yourlove than with French onion soup? And your friends will un-doubtedly ask for amour of this tasty, easy-to-make soup.

Ingredients:• 1 package Onion Soup Mix (such as Lipton)• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)• sliced French bread (one or two slices per person)• Swiss cheese slices (one or two per person)

Directions:1. Prepare onion soup mix according to package directions. Add sugar and simmer.2. Toast one or more slices of French bread for each person. Butter if desired.3. Top each slice of toast with a slice of Swiss cheese cut to fit the bread.4. Microwave bread for 30 seconds or until cheese melts.5. Pour hot soup into bowls. Top each with bread and melted cheese.Enjoy!Makes 4 one-cup servings.

Optional: If you wish more onions in the soup, brown one or two thinly sliced onions in two tablespoonsbutter until tender. Add to packaged soup mix and simmer according to package directions.


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Happy “2016" to everyone! May thisbe your best year ever! Life is so muchmore fun when you have a party withfriends or family. It’s time to bring somemore happiness into your life and enjoythat friendship time.

Winter party themes are not somethingwe think about, but it can be an excitingand fun event. Here, where I live, ourwinter is white and sparkling snowwherever you look. I decided to make thiswinter party theme about the colors whiteand silver. The decorating, tableware, thefood, a game, and even what to wear canbe about either the colors white or silver.

The decorating will be easy withhanging white or silver cutout snowflakes.Snowballs can be little white stryofoamballs and you could even wrap some ofthem in tinfoil for silver balls. You couldalso use some of your silver Christmastree ornaments to place in fancy largeglass bowls or vases to place around theparty room.

The dining room table is a place Ialways like to dress up. Set your table witha white table cloth, white napkins withsilver napkin rings, or silver/grey napkinswith white napkin rings. Add a couplewhite or silver candles and have somenovelty piece you have on hand in silveras your center piece.

When sending out your invitations (orpersonal phone call,) let your guests knowwhat your theme is, suggesting that theywear something in one or both of thosecolors. Of course, men can get away withwearing a “white shirt.” Now, at this time,if you wish, you could tell your guest thatthis will be a “pot luck” dinner, and eachguest could bring one dish in these colors.Of course, something in a silver foodwould be difficult, but they could put itin a silver serving dish.

I suggest going “pot luck” as it makesyour planning time cut in half and makesit less of a chore!

My friends (or cousins) and I do thisquite often. It adds a lot of interest inwhat someone else has made, and you endup getting a new recipe! Now, I know Inormally advice not to have food all inthe same color, but in this case, I willapplaud the effort as I know it will workout.

As hostess, you will be responsible forsupplying the dishes, cutlery, and

It’s Party Time with LesleyWinter Party

by Lesley Nuttall

beverages. You could make an appetizerif you wish, but not necessary. You couldalso make one “white food dish” yourself,and I am adding a salad that you couldmake the morning of the party.

If you would like to play a game withthe guests, make up a “word game” usingwinter words. This is relatively easy to do.Try to have about 15-20 words which youwill scramble, and your guest will have toput them in the proper order in, say, tenminutes. Have paper and pencil/pensavailable for them to use. Have the guestswork in pairs, as it makes it so much morefun. I’m including a few words to startyou off: snowballs, snowflake, icicles,slippery, blizzard, snowshoes, snowmachine, snow bank, sliding, skating.Snowing, freezing. Now just add a fewmore of your own. If you wanted, youcould have a small silly prize to give tothe winners. Remember, it’s all in fun. Andfun and laughter lowers stress level, sowhatever you do, make it fun for yourguests!

For a successful party, the pre-planningis very important. So, be precise and planout each part of the party. I always putmy husband in charge of looking afterthe drinks, ice, drink glasses, etc., whichalso takes some pressure off of you.

With all this in mind, your party will bea big “hit!” Have a wonderful time withyour guests, and best wishes to everyonein the new year!

–© 2016 Lesley R. Nuttall is the Authorof Secrets of Party Planning, a guide to easy

entertaining. She lives with her husband inDryden, Ontario, Canada. email:

[email protected]

Nippy Cucumber SaladNippy Cucumber SaladNippy Cucumber SaladNippy Cucumber SaladNippy Cucumber Salad• 3 large cucumbers -washed andcubed• 1 large onion - quartered and sliced• 1 cup cauliflower florets - bite size• 1/4 cup chopped chives or scalliontops• 1/4 cup each sour cream andmayonnaise• salt & pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients, but add thesour cream and mayonnaise just beforeserving. Yield: 6-8 servings

Dirty Knees by AnnMarie Rowland

A Rose Is a Rose Is a RoseI haven’t taken a survey, but I’d dare to

bet that if I did, the most commonanswer to the question “What flower doyou like best?” would be “Roses”. Andno wonder; they are beautiful to look at,wonderfully fragrant, and long-lasting.Since Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us(hint, hint), I thought I’d talk a little bitabout colors, how to prolong your roses’beauty once they leave the florist’s shop,and how to get themost for yourmoney.

Different colorsmean differentthings when we’retalking roses; and it’sall good, with theconstant exceptionof the yellow ones,which representjealousy ordecreasing love(ouch!). Red is themost popular choicefor this holiday, sogive a single one tosay “I love you”;more to say “I loveyou still” or a dozento say “I’ll alwayslove you”. Mix the red with white tosignify unity, or give thornless ones todeclare love at first sight. Pink roses,which tend to smell even sweeter than red,are a sign of perfect happiness. It’s hardto go wrong with roses.

Most florists advertise “long-stemmed”roses for Valentine’s Day, usually by thedozen, sometimes in a vase andsometimes in a box. What’s the best deal?I’ll give you my opinion, with all duerespect for florists and rose growers. Skipthe long stems. Yes, they make animpressive presentation. Yes, they seemto be extra romantic. But…no, they don’tsmell any sweeter. No, they don’t meanyou love her (or him) more. No, they don’tlast longer.

They do cost more, and that’s fairbecause growing roses with long, strongstems requires the grower to devote moretime and attention to the rose bushes inthe field. But to me, it’s just more stem.Stems are not what flowers are for.Flowers are what stems are for. No matter

how long (or short) the stems may be, itis the intoxicating fragrance and velvetysoft petals of the rose that make arose…well, a rose.

Don’t ignore the smaller variety knownas a “sweetheart” rose. Often it out-fragrances the large ones, and comes witha much smaller price tag. They’re lovelyfor corsages or small table arrangements.

Whether you buy/receive roses,carnations, daisiesor some otherflowers forValentine’s Day,you’ll need to knowhow to care forthem. Here aresome tips:

1. Choose a vasethat is big enoughto hold the bouquetwithout crowdingthe stems.

2. Remove anyleaves that will beunder water in thevase.

3. With the stemsunder lukewarmwater, trim an inchoff from the

bottom, at an angle. Garden pruners areperfect for this.

4. Fill your vase ¾ full with roomtemperature water. Add the floralpreservative that came with the bouquet.If you didn’t get any, you can use 2 ouncesof Listerine ® to each gallon of water.The mouthwash acts as a fungicide, andalso adds glucose (food) to the water.

5. Arrange your flowers and put themin a cool, dark place for a few hours sothat they can adjust to their new home.

6. Change the water every other day.Change it. Don’t just top it off. Bacterialurk in the stale water.

7. Keep them in the coolest part ofyour home, out of direct sunlight, andstore in the refrigerator at night ifpossible.

Whether a single red one or a dozen;nothing expresses love the way roses do.

–Copyright 2015 - AnnMarie Rowland is afreelance writer, Master Gardener, and singer-songwriter. When she is not on the road, she

lives in Michigan. www.annmarierowland.com


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One of those is the Gulf Stream, apowerful, warm and swift current withinthe ocean that originates in Florida andfollows the eastern coast line of theUnited States and Newfoundland before

crossing the AtlanticOcean towards Europe. Itis 62 miles wide and itsdepth varies from 2600 to3900 feet. It travels at aspeed of approximately5.6 mph. This river withinan ocean dwarfs all rivers

combined that empty intothe Atlantic Ocean.

What did God have in mind when heplaced a river within an enormous ocean?As I contemplated that thought ascripture popped into my head. “I do notask Thee to take them out of the world, but tokeep them from the evil one. They are not of theworld, even as I am not of the world.” (John17:15,16) Jesus often used object lessonsto teach his disciples. Is this an objectlesson for us?

As God’s children, He expects us tolive a moral life of integrity, not to beswallowed up and carried along by thiscorrupt world’s seductive pleasures. Justas the Gulf Steam remains autonomous,so must we.

The ocean fascinates me. Every yearwe rent a beach house on the shore inNorth Carolina. I love everything aboutit – the sand, the tides, the shells, the birdlife, as well as the surprising things theocean coughs up eachnight. One morning thebeach was peppered in jellyfish. What a sight!Another day I watched aflock of pelicans huddledtogether patiently waitingfor the fog to lift. Somedays playful dolphinsfollow along as I walk thebeach in search of multi-colored shells andtreasured sand dollars.

I once read that there are more livingcreatures under the sea than those livingabove it. With our ever-advancingtechnology, oceanographers recentlydiscovered a giant squid that is 10 feetlong, weighs over a ton and has eyes thesize of dinner plates. There is anunderworld of plains, plateaus andmountains ranges. I am awestruck byGod’s creativity. As I sit in my beach chairadmiring the rhythmic ebb and flow ofthe waves, I often meditate on God’samazing creations.

Wit and Wisdom by Jule Ann Lattimer

In the World, Not of the World

• Longarm Service• Quality Fabric• Notions & Books• Visit our... Vintage Sewing Machine Room

201 Bethel AveSuite A-1

Beech Grove, IN 46107317-786-9289

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6404 South State Road 135, Nashville, IN 47448(812) 988-2273 • www.StoryInn.com

Granted sewing is not today thehousehold activity of previousgenerations. But the accompanyingsewing basket is making a comeback. Asa decorative item old sewing baskets stillare much to behold.

Historically sewing baskets came invarious shapes and sizes. To help containthe contents most provided a lid or somemeans to close off the base. Such sewingbaskets also came in assorted materialsfrom thesplints of oakand hickory tograss and palmleaves.

Choices inthe late 18thcentury, fore x a m p l e ,ranged fromthe dramaticred lacquerChina tradebox with golddecoration tothe rustichand-crafted. Chinese lacquer boxes, forexample, often had finely cared ivoryfittings and were highly regardedhousehold treasures.

Additionally there was the French“necessaire” which often combinedpolished wood or papier-mache withflares of inlaid mother of pearl. Typicallythey held a few small sewing itemsincluding scissors, needles, and thimble.The German “hussif ” was usually smallerthat the French version, but wassometimes velvet covered.

In 1791 Mrs. Benedict Arnold wasreportedly given a bird’s-eye maple sewingbox with birch back fittings that was verydefinitely made in America.. It was craftedby Elasaba of the Micmac tribe and isnow in the American Museum inEngland.

In some regions of early America,Native Americans sometimes used moosehair instead of silk thread. In other cases

Sewing Baskets By Robert Reed

such sewing boxes held combinations ofitems, one crafted with silk and the othercrafted with moose hair. In nearly everycase they were both delicate and elaborate.Other Native American works made useof available materials such as strands ofwood, pine needles, or tall-growing grass.

During the first half of the 19thcentury Pennsylvania Germans frequentlymade actual sewing baskets, rather thanboxes, using generous amounts of oak

splints and ryestraw.

“When oneconsiders thelarge amountof needlework,both plain andfancy, that wasaccomplishedby young ladiesand theirmothers duringthe 18th and19th centuries,it isunderstandable

that personal sewing boxes should beamong the truly cherished possessions ofmost American families,” noted NinaLittle in the book, Neat and Tidy: Boxesand Their Contents Used in EarlyAmerican Households.

Regardless of material origins the basicsewing box and the basic sewing basketseemed to further evolve throughout thesecond half of the 19th century. Somefiner examples in the words of authorLittle, “exhibited a cabinetmaker’s skill.”They could be very stylish, framed withthe best of quality hard woods, and oftenlined with quality fabric or colorful paper.Many of the fancier types hadcompartments or divided sections forstorage of individual sewing accessoriesincluding a pincushion and spools ofthread. Some of the most elaborate evenprovided for a removable tray which heldsmaller items.

Sewing baskets enjoyed a renewed

popularity in the 1880s and 1890s, andamong the best were those made by thestrictly religious Shaker communities andsold to the public. Shaker sewing basketsused a woven rib construction that madethem especially strong and durable. Suchbaskets were often sold in small shopswithin the Shaker colonies, or sometimesavailable in local shops and also includeda pincushion.

As a matter of fact sewing baskets ofthat eraf requent lycame withpincushionsattached tothe topaccording toH e l e nThompsonauthor ofS e w i n gTools andTrinkets. Stillother sewingbaskets continued the Chinese traditionof using a thin silk rope to attach beadsand coins to the top of the basket.

Just about every Victorian home kepta sewing basket sitting in a prominentplace. Increasingly they were circular, butvaried considerably in size.Understandably larger sewing basketscould hold a woman’s entire inventory ofsewing accessories and supplies evenincluding an assortment of fabrics.Smaller sewing baskets might hold morespecialized sewing materials for more

limited tasks.In 1908 the Sears and Roebuck catalog

was offering fancy sewing boxes linedwith satin. Their best selections provideda combination of plus material andcelluloid. Beneath the transparentcelluloid was “a pretty picture” and insidewere “six useful sewing articles withplenty of room for other articles used byone who sews.”

At about half the price Sears andR o e b u c kcustomers couldpurchase a square-shaped eight inchsewing “work”basket featuringstraw braided intofancy designs.

For those notwilling to use as t o r e - b o u g h tsewing, they couldpossibly maketheir own at home.

“After the basketry revival around theturn of the century, reed and raffia(woven fiber from palm leaves) wassuggested as the best easiest materials tofind and use for making baskets,” pointsout Frances Johnson author of TheWallace-Homestead Price Guide toBaskets. “It was also about this time thatbamboo sewing baskets began to beimported in large numbers.”

By the 1920s a great number of raffiasewing baskets were on the market. In1922 the Montgomery Ward catalog

Still Much to Behold

Name

Street Address

City State Zip

Winners will be announced in the next paper BUT sent their prizeby mail IN TIME FOR Valentine’s Day

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY - THIS WILL BE YOUR MAILING LABEL.

P O Box 128Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763

Register to Win a Trip toThe Story Inn

For Valentine’s DayThe Country Register is giving away a trip to The Story Inn in Nashville, IN

the midwest’s premiere country inn. Leave your cell phone, laptop andstress at home and head to bucolic Brown County. Spend a night in one oftheir tastefully decorated rooms. Make dinner reservations so you are sureto enjoy the inn’s gourmet dining room and the chef ’s special. Then enjoy agreat night’s sleep followed by a wonderful breakfast. Spend your dayvisiting antique shops, hiking, exploring the area or just napping! Whatcould be better? How to win...

Getaway Contest! The contest is simple, just send a note, email (page 2)or cereal box top with the reason YOU should win! You know we love stories!

ooooovvvvvererererer$375$375$375$375$375VVVVValue!alue!alue!alue!alue!

Happy Valentine’s Dayand Good Luck!

Fine Print: One entry per person please. Entryletters will be judged on creativity and, in ourhumble opinion, the best reason given for beingdeserving of a get away trip. One entry will bepicked on February 1, 2016 and the winner willbe contacted immediately in case they actually wantto schedule their trip for Valentine’s Day. Winnerwill receive $375.00 in The Story Inn GiftCertificates which can be redeemed for meals,overnight accommodations or merchandise. (Nounused portion of the certificates will be refundedin cash or may be used as a staff gratuity.)


S S S S SALEMALEMALEMALEMALEM

211 N Main St., Salem, IN (812) 883-9600211 N Main St., Salem, IN (812) 883-9600211 N Main St., Salem, IN (812) 883-9600211 N Main St., Salem, IN (812) 883-9600211 N Main St., Salem, IN (812) 883-9600and...and...and...and...and...

PPPPPast N Present Tast N Present Tast N Present Tast N Present Tast N Present Too , 103 E. Mulberoo , 103 E. Mulberoo , 103 E. Mulberoo , 103 E. Mulberoo , 103 E. Mulberrrrrry St. Salem, INy St. Salem, INy St. Salem, INy St. Salem, INy St. Salem, INHrs THrs THrs THrs THrs Tue-Fue-Fue-Fue-Fue-Fri: 10 - 5; Sat: 9 - 4ri: 10 - 5; Sat: 9 - 4ri: 10 - 5; Sat: 9 - 4ri: 10 - 5; Sat: 9 - 4ri: 10 - 5; Sat: 9 - 4

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Come in this winter for$5.00 OFF A PURCHASE

OF $25.00 or more.Not valid with other offers.

Expires Feb 28, 2016

Winter Word Scramble

1. snowball, 2. shovel, 3. snowstorm, 4. seasons, 5. cocoa, 6. comforter, 7. sweater,8. sleet, 9. snowboard, 10. freeze, 11. jacket, 12. boots, 13. snuggle, 14. fireplace,

15. hibernate, 16. january, 17. toboggan, 18. wreath, 19. gloves, 20. scarf

offered brown raffia sewing basketscomplete with scissors, thimble and threespools of thread. Square or round typeswere availableranging in sizefrom four tofive and a halfinches indiameter. Inaddition thecatalog alsooffered whiteand purple raffiasewing basketsthat came with abisque doll.Apparently aimed at children the basketswere six inches in diameter with “babydoll” bisque figures. Besides the doll, thebasket came with two “rolls” of thread,two pieces of material, and a card ofbuttons. Totalcost was 98cents.

A m i s hg r o u p scontinued top r o v i d es e w i n gbaskets forsale from the1930s to the1 9 5 0 s .Typically theyf i n e l yconstructedwith willow rods and wooden bases. Manywere lined with oilcloth and a pin cushionattached. Some of the larger Amishsewing baskets were more than eightinches in diameter.

Today surviving sewing basketscontinue to attract collectors who haveno intention of doing any serious sewing

All Dolled Up

Blessed are the knitters– for they shall

keep us in stitches!

Sigh. Yes, once again I’m dreaming ofspring in the middle of winter. Sunshine.warm weather. No boots and no coats.

I really don’t mind one snow storm inJanuary or February thatgives me a day – or two –off work. Like when wewere in grade school andhad snow days.

So what do I do when thewinter doldrums hit? I read.A glass of iced tea, a bag orbowl of popcorn and agood book – life doesn’t getmuch better than that.

What do I read? I like all kinds of books– from children’s books to adultnonfiction. But my favorite type of book– especially in the winter – is what I call a“Crafty Cozy Mystery.” These are partof the “cozy” mystery genre – whichmeans all violence takes place “off-screen.” The book is about solving themystery, of course, and it usually includesa lot of information regarding the maincharacter’s personal life. As a matter offact, by the time I’ve read 2 or 3 books in

a series, I feel like I know the maincharacter, her family, friends, cohorts andeven enemies.

Monica Ferris has a series about BetsyDevonshire, a woman whotakes over her sister’sneedlecraft shop when thesister is murdered. Thereare 18 books now in thisseries and the books covera variety of needlecraftprojects – from knittingand crocheting toembroidery and cross

stitch to needle punch. In the back ofeach book you will find a pattern for oneof the projects described in the story.

Most of these types of books share apattern, instructions or a recipe in theback of the book.

So, if you’re suffering from the winterdoldrums, but aren’t in the mood to get“crafty” yourself, grab a “Crafty CozyMystery.” Maybe it will give you someideas for a new project. At the very least,it’s a good way to wile away a cold andsnowy winter afternoon.

Snow Days by Jo Branham

by hand.Instead such baskets are considered

very decorative. They can be used for anynumber ofp u r p o s e si n c l u d i n gh o l d i n gc o s t u m ejewelry, fordried-f lowerarrangements,to store oldphotographs,or for keepingrecipes andc o u p o n s

handy.Basic care should be used in connection

with vintage sewing baskets includingavoiding dampness and excessive heat.Baskets should be kept out of direct

sunlighta n da w a yf r o mmoistureproducingsubstances.

R e c -o m -mendedreading:Baskets,3rd edi-tion, byN a n c y

Schiffer (Schiffer Publishing); SewingTools and Trinkets by Helen Thompson(Collector Books).

–Photos in order they appear1) Striking roundsewing basket complete with lid and contents.; 2)

Woven Sewing Basket.; 3 Traditional wovensewing basket with selection of sewing materials.;

4) Early 20th century sewing basket.


GREENSBURG - ST PGREENSBURG - ST PGREENSBURG - ST PGREENSBURG - ST PGREENSBURG - ST PAAAAAULULULULUL

125 E. Main Street, Greensburg, IN 47240812.222.0920 – www.tcstitches.com

QuiltQuiltQuiltQuiltQuilt

ShopShopShopShopShop

© 2013 TCR of IN

• Fat Quarter Fridays20% OFF Precut Fat Quarters, singles & bundles

• Buses & Groups Welcome

Located on the square in downtown Greensburg

Open: Tues & Thurs 9 - 5;Wed 9 - 8; Fri 10 - 6; Sat 9 - 4

HappyNew Year!

Jelly

RollsCharm

s

Batiks

Batiks • Cottons • Pre-cuts • FlannelsWide Backing & much more.

5827 W County Road 700 N, St. Paul, IN 47272www.oldebarnprimitives.com

(765) 525-6249t

Olde Barn PrimitivesOlde Barn PrimitivesOlde Barn PrimitivesOlde Barn PrimitivesOlde Barn Primitives

Happy New YHappy New YHappy New YHappy New YHappy New Year!ear!ear!ear!ear!

Handmade Primitives Prim Tart Burners Electric LightsSigns Dolls Stitcheries A Sprinkling of Antiques

Lighted Canvas Pictures Gift certificates availableDiscounts on all ChristmasDiscounts on all ChristmasDiscounts on all ChristmasDiscounts on all ChristmasDiscounts on all Christmas

items and snowmen items and snowmen items and snowmen items and snowmen items and snowmen

Hours:Fri /Sat 9-3

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Cash or check only… no credit or debit cards

Editors Note: Gayle is one of my favoritecousins. Although a few years older than me, shealways tried to include me in things “the big kids”were doing. She waas even my art teacher inelementary school - I was so proud of her. (Andstill look up to here in many ways.)

It was the sixty-first year reunion ofmy high school class.Imagine! Sixty oneyears! Consideringthe collective age ofthose in attendance,the number gatheredfor dinner was shortof amazing. A fewhad come longdistances, too. Oklahoma. Nebraska.California.

It was so good to see the "regulars" whohad been coming to Sharpsville for nearlyall our reunions. Unbelievably, there werethree or four who had rarely attended,but who finally made their appearanceson this odd-numbered year.

One had driven from Nebraska, drivingthrough Columbus, Ohio, to pick upanother whose health prevented her frommaking the trip alone. I hadn’t seenMarilyn and Ethel in years. They were twoof those who had finally made a reunion.

In fourth grade, Ethel was my rival forthe attention of Bobby, who hadprofessed to like us both.

At our reunion gathering, seeing Ethelreminded me once again of myValentine’s Day story. We players in thestory were fourth-graders in Mrs.Moody’s class.

Before Valentine’s Day, the excitementrose in that fourth grade class as wecreated our own decorated Valentine shoeboxes to receive the anticipatedinexpensive cut-out cards on the big day.Although, we would predictably receiveone from each of the other classmates,we would, nevertheless, secretly wonderjust who would be our special Valentinefriend or admirer.

A Valentine’s Day Story by Gayle CranfordOn that important day, one by one, we

walked up and down the rows, carefullydepositing a card in each box atop thestudent’s desk. I noticed that Bobby hadno cheap little cut-out Valentines todistribute. Instead, when it was his turn,

he deposited onlytwo cards—andthey were thefolded expensiveH a l l m a r k - t y p ecards. One was forEthel and the otherwas for me.

Following theparty, when we hadan opportunity to

compare our beautiful cards, Ethel and Ieach thought to have received the prettierone, thus claiming to be Bobby’s realchosen one. I cannot remember Ethel’scard design other than it was rather plain,but still vividly recall that mine had a largeheart that was filled with various shadesof pink roses. Breathtaking!Confirmation, I thought!

I can’t know what Ethel rememberedabout that day, if she rememberedanything at all. The significance of myValentine’s Day story is that fifteen yearslater, Bobby and I were married. Afterhis death in 2009, four months shy ofour fiftieth wedding anniversary, anotherclassmate wrote in a note of sympathythat Bobby was her very first crush, a bitof surprising news for me to hear afterall those years. He was a charmer, eventhen.

The irony of my remembering thisincident at our sixty-first class reunion isthat two days afterwards, Ethel quietlydied in her sleep while on a bus trip toTennessee.

Now, of the three participants in myValentine’s Day story, I am the only oneleft who can tell it.

© 2016 by Gayle Cranford who enjoyswriting, quilting and playing mahjong with

friends online and in person.

Plentiful PeaceThe winter months often seem

unusually long in New England..But thisspectacular season can bring us the truestof blessings. Winter months oftenprovide us with time for peacefulcontemplation and quiet moments tocreate a warm home setting that willshelter us from the unpredictable bitterblasts that characterize a classic NewEngland winter.

Harmony atHome

Creating anenvironment thatconveys warmth andsolace is rewardinga n dworthwhile..Afterthe holidaydecorations aresafely stored away,the backdrop foryour decorating islike a clean canvas awaiting a perfectlypainted scene..To achieve harmony inyour room settings, begin with the largerpieces that you absolutely love..Considerpositioning your seating arrangements ina new way for the winter to create cozyspaces to gather nearer to the fire to sharestories of your winter adventures..Givesome of your larger pieces a newpurpose..Cupboards can be utilized tocreate two separate spaces to make yourspace look entirely different and blanketchests can be used to create distinct areasas well..

The Comfort of ColorAfter all of your larger pieces are in

place, consider some of the colorfulelements you have that can add warmthand texture to a room..After a long dayout in the cold, it is so inviting to come

Become InspiredDecorating, Entertaining and Livingin the Early American Style

By Annice Bradley Rockwell

home to the beauty of color..Early woventextiles and carefully arranged orientalrugs lend elements of texture and colorthat are comforting and warm..Carefullyplaced decorative smalls are another wayto introduce new color into aroom..Antiques in early paint can beartfully displayed to create a look that isfresh and inviting..New arrangements ofyour favorite pieces combined with brightand vivid additions can be soulfully

appealing, especiallyin the winter whenour landscape has anabsence of color.

Enhancing yourEnvironment

Taking time toenliven your homeenvironment doesgive your spirit a truelift..This winterventure out to some

of your favorite shops and think abouthow you can incorporate some newpieces into your winter displays..Be on thelookout for pieces that can be used indifferent ways..Think about addingvibrant hues to your displays to makethem more appealing to the eye..By takingtime to arrange your home so that it is aninviting and warm place to be, you willbe providing yourself with a perfectbalance to the icy blasts of the coldestseason of the year.

© 2016 Annice Bradley Rockwell is aneducator and owner of Pomfret Antiques. She

is currently working on her book, NewEngland Girl.

[email protected] Rock is the owner of Milltown

Primitives. www.milltownprimitvesshop.com


GREENFIELD - MCCORDSVILLEGREENFIELD - MCCORDSVILLEGREENFIELD - MCCORDSVILLEGREENFIELD - MCCORDSVILLEGREENFIELD - MCCORDSVILLE

Hrs: Mon. - Sat. 10-5; Sun 1-5

A Touch of Home Decor & Gift ShopA Touch of Home Decor & Gift ShopA Touch of Home Decor & Gift ShopA Touch of Home Decor & Gift ShopA Touch of Home Decor & Gift Shop

Candles: 1803, Crossroads, Black Crow andOtter Creek Soy Candles

Primitive Glow Lighting & BulbsOld Century Paints • Leanin Tree Cards

Magnet Works Door Mats & Garden Flagsand so much more!

featuring...

www.TouchOfHome.net-main.com

107 W. Main Street insideJ.W. Riley Emporium Mall • Greenfield, IN 46140

Est. 1996

Winter Hours: Jan., Feb, Mar.Tues.-Sat, Noon-5

Booth Space Available for Quality Dealers: Call for Details

Gift Certificates AvailableMasterCard/Visa/Discover accepted

Antiques Antiques Antiques Antiques Antiques • • • • • CCCCCollectibles ollectibles ollectibles ollectibles ollectibles • • • • • HHHHHandcrafts andcrafts andcrafts andcrafts andcrafts • • • • • GGGGGiftsiftsiftsiftsifts

6288 W. Broadway, McCordsville, IN 46055(Formerly St. Rd. 67/Pendleton Pike)

317-335-3355

FeaturingHandmade Willow Furniture & Benches

Saltbox Illustrations Greeting CardsPottery • Warm Glow Candles

Laurie’s Kitchen Soup & Dip Mixes

McCordsville Mercantile

Re-OpeningRe-OpeningRe-OpeningRe-OpeningRe-OpeningJanuary 12, 2016January 12, 2016January 12, 2016January 12, 2016January 12, 2016

at Noonat Noonat Noonat Noonat Noon

Over The Tea Cup By Janet Young

January is National Hot Tea Month.As seen around the world in manycultures, drinking tea hasproven to be beneficialto our health and well-being. So, if one of yourresolutions for the NewYear was to develop ahealthier lifestyle, thenwhy not add drinking teadaily to your list.Drinking hot teacontains antioxidantsthat help reduce the risk of cancer.Green tea, in particular, helps to reducecholesterol, and stabilize blood sugarlevel.

If you are already a tea drinker whynot experiment with different types oftea. For example, instead of a black tea,try a white or green tea. Or, stay in theblack tea family, if that is your tea ofchoice, but try another flavor such asspicy (ginger) fruity (peach) dessert typetea (chocolate mint). Use loose leaf teainstead of teabags. You will be amazedby the difference in taste.

To help you get started, why not attenda tea tasting, or go to a tea shop and seeif you can sample a few varieties. The

Tea - The Healthy Drinktea expert should be able to help youidentify the characteristics and notes of

various teas.Enjoy tea at a teahouse to

experience the tea ceremony.Read a few books about

tea, and learn the proper wayto prepare it.

Experiment with pairingcertain foods with tea, or ifyou want to be even moreadventuresome try cookingwith it. There are cookbooks

available to assist you.Invest in a tea travel mug for tea on the

run.Study after study has shown tea is

beneficial to our health, so why not startthe New Year right. EDUCATE yourselfabout the art of tea. EXPERIMENTuntil you find a favorite type and brand.Then ENJOY!

Let’s Drink To Our Health!

–Janet Young, Certified Tea andEtiquetteConsultant, is a founding member of

Mid-Atlantic Tea Business Association andfreelance writer/national tea presenter. Visit

her website at www.overtheteacup.com.

Random Actsby Maranda K. Jones

Not For Sale“With a little help from my friends.” The Beatles suggest that is how we get by,

and I must agree. Just this past year, I planned classroom parties, parade floats, andholiday celebrations. Looking back on those memories, I am relieved those latenights resulted in fun days for children, and I am filled with appreciation for myhelpers. I was overwhelmed with assistance from my colleagues, friends, and fellowhomeroom moms…and of course my own mother. My creative mom fills her dayswith hobbies that reflect her generous nature.

Stamping cards to share with friends and family makes the hours fly by. When Imake cards, I tend to create one design and mass produce it for everyone on mylist. Not my mom. She takes the time and makes the effort to personally create eachcard for the receiving individual. Her attention to detail shows up in every craft shehas ever completed, and that is quite a few.

Mom has always been crafty. Another trait she and her friends have in common.Her ceramics phase consisted of glazing and firing throughout my childhood. Herfriend Carol had her own kiln, and her two sons were like our own brothers. Weplayed for hours while our moms cleaned and painted their latest creations. Once ina while, we were allowed to choose a project from the store too. We were alwaysexcited to join them at the table with scrapers and sponges. There is something verysatisfying about sharing your interests with someone who returns your enthusiasm.

Mom was met with that same enthusiasm when she stopped in a quilt store inHannibal, Missouri on a road trip. While sightseeing, she spotted a snowman quilthanging in the window and thought it would be a welcome addition to her snowmancollection. When she inquired about purchasing it, the shop owner said it was notfor sale, but they did sell all the supplies to make one. She decided right then andthere, “I’m going to make a quilt!” and bought everything but the trim fabric.

She has never made a quilt, but she was ready. She has embroidered and crossstitched before. She has sewn costumes, curtains, and crib bumpers. She has quiltingin her blood and the quilts from her grandma to prove it. She found a project shewould see through from beginning to end...literally. She held in her hands thepatterns for each letter of the alphabet with correlated Christmas embroidery work.Visiting with the store owners, she received advice, helpful hints, and gatheredsupplies before heading home with her first quilt.

While chatting with an avid quilting friend, Mom shared her plans for her newproject. Something in her voice indicated that she could use some help. She saidthat every single quilt square is to be embroidered, and that if she could just get itstarted, she would probably finish one a month. Cynthia offered to embroider theindividual pieces. Mom knew Cynthia would carefully stitch each square withperfection and promptly handed over her assignment.

The next time they visited, the embroidery was finished, and Mom’s quilt wasready for the next step. Mom said she would make it to the fabric store soon tomake her choice of material. Cynthia gave her a time and date as she continued tolead her toward completion of her first quilt. When Mom met Cynthia at the Denverstore, she already had a pile of at least ten reds and greens for her to peruse. Momgratefully acknowledged her selections but said she had her favorite color purple inmind. Cynthia said, “Oh, by all means!” They soon found the perfect border fabric,including another purple trim fabric and the backing. Cynthia suggested someoneto finish the quilting and Mom agreed.

Before she knew it, Mom’s first quilt was finished. She didn’t even have to threadone needle. And now Mom quilts…with a little help from her friends.

©2015 Maranda K. Jones. Author Maranda K. Jones shares her stories of faith and family through her personalexperiences of growing, teaching, and parenting in a small town. She lives with her husband and their son and

daughters in rural Colorado. She is an elementary school teacher as well as a prolific freelance writer.

Maranda Jones’ new book Random Actsis now available at amazon.com.

The book includes her reader-acclaimed articles from the last decade.

Mom & Me

Let The Country Registerbring your business new

customers in the New Year!Targeted, Affordable Advertising that Works!


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www.ClassicStainedGlassShop.com • 812-346-4527 • TOLL FREE: 1-888-48GLASS

Classic Stained Glass & Gift Gallery, Inc.Quilters – we can make stained glass from your quilt pattern!Send or bring in your pattern and let us turn it into a beautiful

stained glass design putting our 33 years of experience to work for you.

Complete Line of Supplies • Classes • Custom Work • RepairsWindows • Sidelights • Transoms • Cabinet Inserts • Lamps

250 East Hoosier St., North Vernon, IN 47265 • Open: Tue - Fri 9-5; Sat 9-2

Located Behind North Vernon Post Office • Find us on FACEBOOKWe Have Great Valentine Day Gifts!

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Sharynn’s Quilt Box

Sharynn Patterson has been in the craftbusiness for over 30 years. She began bymaking hand-made faux fur and leathercoats, wearable artand other things inwhich she couldincorporate theremnants of fur.

In 1994 she wasdoing craft shows.By 1998 she hadopened a quilt storeand gift boutique inVernon, Indiana.And in 2004Sharynn’s Quilt Box moved to NorthVernon, Indiana.

She and her husband, Darrell, havebeen Janome dealerssince 1998. Theyhave a nice selectionof machinesfeatured in the shop.Seven years ago,Handiquilter signedthem up as reps fortheir long-armsewing machines.They order it and when it comes in,Darrell comes to your house, sets it upand teaches you how to use it. He alsoservices the Handiquilter machines andregular sewing machines. Those you candrop off at the shopfor him to work on.

Sharynn’s QuiltBox has a well-rounded andversatile collectionof fabrics:K a u f m a n ,Northcott, Moda,P&B, Andover,Quilting Treasures,Hoffman . . . toname just a few. They have an absolutelygorgeous selection of batiks. And you canhave the fabric cut to fit your needs orbuy it precut as fat quarters, charms, jellyrolls or layer cakes.

She carries all the sewing and quiltingnotions you would expect to find – plus

“We really take our customers seriously...”by Jo Branham

Sullivan floss and a few hand embroiderypatterns.

Two of Sharynn’s employees recentlyretired. While shetrained her newstaff, Gail andCathy, she cut backon the classes theshop offered. Gailis a part-timer; shewill have been withthe shop 3 yearsnext April. Cathyworks full time andJanuary will mark

her second year at the shop. Sharynn’ssister, Billi, works at the post office andfills in at the shop whenever she can. All

the shop employees– includingSharynn – work onsamples for viewingin the shop. Kitscorresponding withthe sample canusually be foundnearby.

Since everyone isgetting to “old hands” by now, classes arestarting to pick up again.

Gail teaches a serger class on the firstWednesday of each month.

Janet Gagneur will be teaching someclasses on differenttypes of appliqué,starting with ana p p l i q u é dsnowman pillow. Itis gorgeous!

There are alsoclasses onbeginning quiltingand a Foot andRuler class thatmeets every second

Tuesday of each month.Sharynn’s Stitching Friends Club meets

at 9 a.m. on the second Saturday of eachmonth. It began as the ThimbleberriesClub, but when Thimbleberries quit doingtheir club projects, the ladies didn’t wantto quit meeting. Now the meeting starts

working in stained glass came back fullforce. She sounded her mom and dad outabout opening their own stained glassstore in North Vernon. They were

receptive to theidea.

While drivingthrough town, Lorisaw a building forrent. Near therailroad tracks, itwas formerly a cardealership. It had 5huge plate glasswindows – perfect

for displaying stained glass pieces. Shewent home and got her parents, who

agreed they’d neverfind a more idealspace – and onDecember 19, 1996Classic StainedGlass and GiftGallery openedtheir doors.

As soothing andrelaxing musicplays softly in thebackground, you

can browse through their wide variety ofjewelry, Tiffany-style lamps, sun catchers,garden decorations, and many other

beautiful gift items.Looking for a

c u s t o m - m a d ewindow or door?They do that. Ordo you need an oldwindow or doorrestored? They do

that, too.Lori took me upstairs to the workroom

to show me one ofher currentprojects. St.Vincent’s JenningsHospital hascommissioned herto make a piece fortheir conference

room. They asked her to create a pieceusing the colors of the room and theiremblem, a dove. The piece became largerthan she’s first anticipated and nowconsists of 3 panels. The centerpiece isthe dove with the coordinating colorsfrom the room radiating out from it –the two side pieces are in various shades

Classic Stained Glass & Gift Gallery

Classic Stained Glass and Gift Galleryis a family affair. Lori Underwood hasbeen working in stained glass for 33 years.She is “the artist,” according to her mom,Ann Means. Theirhusbands, MikeUnderwood andTom Means roundout the crew at theshop.

Ann takes care ofthe gift gallery andany ordering for theshop. Mike and Tomhelp Lori with thestained glass creations, custom work andrestorations. They also do most of theirinstallations.

Lori had neverbeen much intocrafts – her passionwas music. Whenshe took a semesteroff from college, hermom talked her intotaking a class onstained glass inColumbus, Indiana.Lori fell in love! Shebegan taking more classes at Adrian’sStained Glass in Indianapolis. WayneAdrian, the owner of the shop, was soimpressed with herthat he asked her togo to work for him.Lori became hisapprentice and hetaught hereverything he knew.She worked there 10years – until the store closed.

For two years Lori did custom workfrom her home –but she missedinteracting withpeople so much thatshe went to work atAccent in Glass, alsoin Indianapolis. Shebecame great friendswith the owner, Barb Heilig, who taughther the business end of her craft.

Then Lori became ill and had to moveback home to North Vernon, Indiana sothat her parents could help take care ofher during her recuperation. She was outfor about 3 years. As she began to gether health back, her desire to begin

A True Family Business by Jo Branham


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located at: Seymour Antiques, 1005 East 4 th Street

Seymour, IN 47274812-523-3505 • Hrs: Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-3

with Sharynnpresenting new itemsthat she carries in theshop, and then ashow and tell . . . andthere arerefreshments, too.

“We really take ourcustomers seriously,”Sharynn told me.“They are veryimportant to us. We support them andhelp them withtheir projects. Welike to be asinvolved in whatthey’re workingon as they wantus to be.”

You can getinvolves withSharynn and hercrew even if you

can’t get to NorthVernon. By thetime you read this,Sharynn’s QuiltBox will beoffering an onlinestore for yours h o p p i n gconvenience.

However youdecide to shop at

Sharynn’s Quilt Box – in store or online– please letthem knowthat youread aboutt h e i rwonderfu lquilt shophere, in TheC o u n t r yRegister.

Sharynn’s Quilt Box Continued from previous page...

Classic Stained Glass Continued from previous page...

of blue, with the lighter shades graduallydarkening to a deepdark blue the colorof the midnight sky.It is breathtaking.

They have createdwindows, doors,transoms andsidelights forchurches, homesand businessesacross the UnitedStates – and overseas, as well.

Day and eveningclasses are available.If you want to tryyour hand atworking withstained glass, theyoffer a one day“Introduction toStained Glass” class– that way you getan over-all view ofwhat is involved andwhat kind of toolsyou need. Otherclasses include:Beginning stainedglass; intermediate stained glass; leadworking; Tiffany lamps; stepping stones;mosaics; and fused glass. A lot of theseclasses run a 3 to 6 week course.

Special seminars on kaleidoscopes,lamps, and jewelry boxes are also available.And Lori presents a one day seminar

exclusively on soldering because it is sucha major part of anystained glassproject.

With 400different colors ofglass and over 500pattern books,there’s sure to be aproject that catchesyour eye. If you’dlike a class onsomething that youdon’t see offered –ask them. Customerservice is theirspecialty. Whetherit’s helping you finda gift from the manyitems available inthe shop or helpingyou choose yourown project ordesigning customwork – they’rehappy to help you inany way they can.Drop by the shop tobrowse for thatperfect gift or sign

up for a class. Don’t forget to mentionyou read about them in The CountryRegister.

Check out their ad for shopinformation. Online they can be foundon Facebook and at their website:www.ClassicStainedGlassShop.com

• Wide Variety of Fabrics & Notions• Quilting Supplies • DMC Floss

• Knitting Yarn & Accessories• Kwik-Sew Patterns• Handmade Quilts

• Machine Quilted Quilts• Sewing Machines- New & Used

Hurley Adams & Judith Adams - OwnersFABRIC SHOP

Embroidery UnlimitedCustom Embroidery by Ilene

220 E. Main St • Madison812-265-5828Happy

New Year!


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• Block of the Month Programs • Classes• Full Range of the Best Quality Fabrics from

Moda, Robert Kaufman, and many moreincluding American Made Brand Solids.

5001 N Wheeling Ave.Muncie, IN 47304

Come Join us at a Retreat!Pamper yourself - you deserve it.Call or visit our website for details

Country Creations Quilt ShopFor your quilting needs

5342 N 400 W Decatur, IN 46733

[email protected]

Upcoming Events:Upcoming Events:Upcoming Events:Upcoming Events:Upcoming Events:• NW Ohio One Stop Shop Hop Mar 11& 12, 2016 Lima, OH• Gathering of Quilters Show Mar 19, 2016 Ft Wayne, IN• Bunny Hop Shop Hop Mar 31-Apr 1 & 2, 2016 IN shops• Quilt Fever Shop Hop April, 2016 TBA six IN & OH shops

~fabrics ~ notions

~quilting supplies

Visit us on Facebook at Country Creations

260.547.4535

Hours: Mon-Fri 10-5; Sat 9-2

Back Porch Breakby Nancy Parker Brummett

Late-in-Life LoveValentine’s Day is often billed as a day for

young lovers, but what if the lovers are merelyyoung at heart? A close friend of mine, a widow,recently told me with stars in her eyes that she “met someone.” Both my friend andher new beau are in their seventies, but as she described their meeting she said itwas as if she were thirteen again—all the same butterflies flitting around inside her!

The “sweet nothings” they whisper to one another may have to be spoken a bitmore loudly at this age, she confessed. And instead of getting-acquainted questionslike “what’s your sign?” it’s more likely “are you on any medications?” But the sparklein her eyes and the giggle in her voice told me this is true love all the same.

Is it ever too late for love? I don’t think so. Years ago my mom was also in herseventies when she began a long companionship with Cecil, a dear family friend.He had lost his wife and my dad had passed away. The two couples had knownone another since junior high. Mom and Cecil kept being asked to the same socialgatherings, so eventually he said, “There’s no reason for both of us to drive. I’ll swingby and pick you up.” Thus began a 15-year relationship that nurtured them both.

“We don’t even have to tell each other entire jokes,” Mom said the day she calledto let me know what was going on with Cecil (lest I hear rumors of impropriety!).“We know all the same jokes, so one of us just remembers a punch line and wehave a good laugh!”

Many seniors would be open to late-in-life love but aren’t sure how to meetsomeone if they don’t have a lifelong connection like my mom and Cecil shared.Some actually have success with online dating sites, but more likely they connectthrough a mutual acquaintance or a shared interest. Other couples reconnect at a50th or 60th high school reunion, after both are single again, and pick up rightwhere they left off—although not as likely in the back of the pick up! Psychologistsexplain that the spark of “first love” is one that is easily rekindled, and everysummer this romantic phenomenon repeats itself around punch bowls in gymna-siums from coast to coast. It gives new meaning to the phrase “take my hand again”that I’ve been using for adults helping aging parents.

Is it ever too late for love? I think not. As for me, I’ll stick with the love I marriedwhen I was forty. A good man is hard to find at any age!

Nancy Parker Brummett is an author and freelance writer in Colorado Springs, CO. “Like” her author page onFacebook, or to learn more about her life and work, visit www.nancyparkerbrummett.com. Portions of this

column are excerpted from the author’s book, Take My Hand Again, Kregel Publications, 2015.

The book includes her reader-acclaimed articles from the last decade.

Teague

Malena

Presley

The Dropped Stitchby Sharon Greve

A Patriotic SymbolThe American tradition of knitting for a cause can be traced back to wartime

knitting. Martha Washington (wife of General and President George Washington)spearheaded knitting efforts for the soldiers of the Revolutionary War for utilitarianand political purposes. Colonists didn’t want to buy British cloth, so they spun,wove, and knitted their own clothing. During the Civil War, knitting became animportant symbol of patriotism.

In 1898, during the Spanish American War, Mrs. E. A. Gardner “conceived theidea of supplying our warships with “just what they needed.” Friends, The New YorkHerald, and the Associated Press joined in. Thus, the seeds of the current “Christmas-at-Sea Program were planted, establishing the Seamen’s Benefit Society, a ladies’auxiliary of the Seamen’s Church Institute of New York and New Jersey. One of thefunctions was to provide knitted pieces to seafarers who visited the Institute. By1941 about 2,000 volunteers, including many from churches of all denominationsthroughout the United States provided about 5,000 gift boxes containing hand knitsweaters, socks, hats, mittens, and scarves. These warm gifts were distributed to thecrew of freighters and tankers who spent Christmas Day at sea. In 1996, 17,000garments, including 6,000 scarves, were knit by some 3,000 volunteer knitters andgiven to merchant mariners at sea on Christmas Day. Knitters can be a part of thisprogram today. Free easy patterns are provided for knitting scarves, watch caps,sweaters, and socks on the Seamen’s Church Institute website.

In World Wars I and II, the American Red Cross received millions of caps, scarves,socks, and mitts as knitters across the country answered the poster plea: “Our boysneed SOX—Knit Your Bit.” The organization even printed free directions for militarysocks. Minerva Yarn Co. printed (Vol. 62) Hand Knits for Men in the Service whichsold for 35 cents. With women in the war-working force in factories, the Red Crosspublished Knitting Instructions for Wear Work and Knitted Comforts for Women. Thewell-known “watch cap” of 1940 is found on knitting needles around the world today.An untold number of convalescing servicemen were taught knitting as physical andmental therapy. Upon discharge, my own family’s Navy friend continued knittingbeautiful sweaters for his wife.

Now it is our turn to express our appreciation and patriotism to today’s servicemenand servicewomen. Today knitting continues for warm fiber articles for active andwounded military personnel regardless of political considerations. Knitted caps, neckgaiters, socks, and mitts are welcome donations by so many military programs. Checkthem out on the internet and join in. Want to knit for a military family? Baby blanketsand layettes are needed for many young military families who are struggling to makeends meet while they await their loved one.

The common goal of knitting for world peace has become a tradition in support ofour country’s valiant military men and women. Let’s keep knitting a patriotic symbol.

It’s our turn now!© 2015 Sharon Greve Contact: [email protected] No reprint without permission.


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Primitive, Country, Western,Rustic & Antique Decor

One of a Kind Creations & Upcycles

71 S. Washington St., Danville, IN 46122(317) 518-4249

Tues-Sat 11am-6pm;Closed Sun & [email protected]

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Black Label, Warm Glow, Swan Creek, and Heart Warming Candles Melts & Oils,Wreaths, Pictures, Textiles and many other needfuls & seasonal decor.

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Whispering PinesDesigns

Rug Hooking Studio

– Full line of rug hooking supplies including:frames, hooks, lots of wool, patterns, etc.

– Classes are $75 for three two-hour sessions including:pattern, wool and hook

– finished product is approx. 14 x 16– See us demonstrating at

shows & fairs around Indiana

6583 S. CountyRoad 400 E.

Clayton, IN 46118

For information contactBev Stewart:

(317) 839-3612


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Store Hours:• Tues - Fri 10 - 5• Saturday 10-3

• Closed Sun & Mon

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Hours: Tues - Fri 10-5;Saturday 10-3; Closed Sunday & Monday

1124 Highway 62 NW, Corydon, IN 47112Directions from I-64: (Corydon Exit)

Go south on IN-135 South, turn right onto IN-62.HollyHock Quilt Shop is on the right.

www.HollyHockQuiltShop.com812-738-1312 • “Like” us on facebook

Come Quilt with Us!

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Yes, my friends, spring is on thehorizon.

That's what I keep telling myself as Ilook out the window at the gray sky. Theyhave predicted possible snow flurries fortoday so I am waiting for the snow tofall. It's currently a balmy 35 degrees...

But I do know that spring is just aroundthe corner. The purple finches are onceagain trying to build a nest on the drainpipe right outside my office window. Youcan hear themtwittering as theylight on the pipe. Iimagine theconversation goessomething likethis:

"You KNOW we can't build here. Theground isn't level." [Mrs. Finch]

"I can DO it, if you'll just leave mealone. This is the best spot around. It'swell protected and yet we have a greatview of town." [Mr. Finch]

"But those people keep walking in andout that back door. I don't think this is agood idea."

"I'm sure we can find a way todiscourage them from using this door."[Mr. Finch laughs evilly.]

Good luck to the Finch family. Theyactually built a nest there one year. Someof us [here at the office] were very carefulabout using that door. Some of us,however, were NOT -- and the Finchfamily found another place to nest.

The frogs - spring peepers - have beenvocal the last couple of weeks-a sure signof spring. My Dad always said you'll onlyhave 3 more freezes from the time youhear the first frogs croaking.Unfortunately, that does not mean 3

Spring is Coming by Jo Branham

nights in a row. You can have a coupledays - then a warm spell - then a week offreezing temps - then a warm spell - thena month ... but that should be the lastfreeze. I've never really counted it up tosee if it actually works. I start to and thenforget.

Just like whatever date the first snowfalls – my folks always said that's howmany snows you'll get that season. Andas in the case of freezes, it doesn't mean

if it snows on the3rd and you get 3days of snow in arow that you'redone. That onlycounts as onesnow. It has to

melt away and start all over again. I alwaysstart off counting the snows, too, andthen forget.

Anyway, back to spring. [I am totallyover the snow this year.] My neighbortook a picture of a flower - a viola orpansy, I'm not sure which - and postedon her Facebook page. I think I'm notthe only one done with winter weather.The daffodils, crocus, and narcissus aresticking their little green snouts out ofthe ground. I usually think of them asEaster flowers, but they're going to havea long wait for Easter this year.

Our world is such an amazing place.Each year, the earth is reborn. Birds lookfor nesting spots to bring up their young.Flowers begin wending their way fromtheir roots to the earth above. Trees sendout new buds that eventually turn intoflowers and leaves.

Tadpoles become frogs and croak theglad tidings of spring to come


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In Stitches837 W. Third St., Rushville, IN

765-938-1818www.institchesquiltshop.com

Fabrics by Moda, Timeless Treasures,Hoffman, Quilting Treasures and more!

Our specialty is panels!!Lots of samples to inspire!

HOURS: Mon–Fri 10–5, Sat 10–2; Closed Sun“Like” us on FACEBOOK -

In Stitches Quilt Shop

Join us for the Cabin Fever Shop HopFebruary 12 - 20

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www.facebook.com/Elizabeth’sKeepsakesNEW: www.ElizabethsKeepsakes.com

A chill is in the air. Enjoy homemadesoup and a sandwich while youbrowse the many antiques dealer’sbooths and new seasonalmerchandise and home decor. Acup of cappuccino and pie are sureto please your taste buds.

New! "1803Cand l e s " a l lsoy. Essenceof the Beancandles ANDF l a v o r e dCoffee beans!

19050 Main StreetMetamora, IN 47030

765-647-1212www.metaoralanterns.com

Salvage Style by Marla Wilson

This is a simpleproject anyonecan do and it canbe customizedfor any decor orseason. All youneed is an oldshutter. They areeasy to come byat garage sales,flea markets andsecond handstores. Leave theshutter as is, orpaint it whatevercolor you prefer.

Now, the funpart. Use yourimagination and any items of yourchoosing. I wrap the bottom of theshutter with fabric, usually burlap, or anold piece of cutter quilt, to form a pocket.Pull the fabric to the back of the shutterand staple it in place. Add anything youwant to the pocket. For spring, flowersand ribbon are a good idea. For fall,leaves and sunflowers are great. Add alittle scarecrow and hang it by your frontdoor. For Christmas and winter, use pine,berries and a snowman, Santa or even a

Old Shutter Wall Decorsmall rocking horseor teddy bear. Fora year-round look,use some greeneryand a wooden letterfor your initial.

The possibilitiesare endless.Personalize it withyour own style andfavorite items. Justhave fun with it.

–Marla Wilson isthe owner of The

Rusty Wheel, agift boutique in

Scandia, KS. Theshop features herfloral designs and

repurposed"junk," as well as

kitchen and baby gifts, home decor and fashionaccessories. Follow The Rusty Wheel on

Facebook, or www.therustywheel.vpweb.com orcontact her at [email protected]

There’s a line in a Christmas song thatsays “in the bleak midwinter.” I knowexactly what it means. January andFebruary definitely qualifies as “bleakmidwinter.”

It’s so snowy and cold and miserable.All I want to do is stay home in my pjs,snuggled on my bed with my kitty andgood book. Or working on a craftproject, with fabrics spread all around andmy kitty sitting rightin the middle of itall. (Cats andcrafting just gotogether.)

But as the daysstretch on endlessly– as they do in thebleak midwinter – Ifind myselfgrowing bored. I’ve read all my books,finished all my projects – or, more likely,I’ve lost interest in said books andprojects - and want something NEW towile away the tiresome hours…

That’s when my thoughts turn to spring- warm weather, birds singing, the scentof lilac and honeysuckle drifting in theopen windows...and shop hopping!!

There are a number of Shop Hops thattake place throughout the year, beginningas early as New Year’s Day in some places.Shop hops are the first events of the yearif you’re a quilter/crafter.

My sister, Liz, and I began shophopping in May 2005. During our firstshop hop, we visited a number of the

towns we’d never been in before.Imagine, if you will, trying to find a

strange shop in a strange town with rainpouring down as if someone had turnedthe faucet on full blast. Not only that,school had just let out so we had tocontend with traffic – including schoolbuses.

I’ll never forget it. It was then I knewthat shop hopping was not only fun and

frugal – you can geta lot of yourChristmas and/orbirthday gifts takencare of during ashop hop – it wasalso an adventure!Traveling down newroads to placesyou’ve never been

before exploring new towns, shops andrestaurants.

And chocolate. Lots of chocolate. Ibelieve every shop, in every shop hop I’veparticipated in, has provided me withchocolate. Yes, crafts and chocolate gohand in hand. They’re part of the ThreeBig C’s: Crafts, Chocolate and Cats.Maybe we should make that 4 – and addCash?

So whenever those bleak midwinterblues start singing their song in my ear, Itune them out and start planning mygetaway - - Shop Hops 2016, here I come!!

Be sure to check the Events Listing forinformation regarding shop hops andother special events through out the year.

Bleak Midwinter Blues by Jo Branham

Solve It with a Shop Hop


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I was not the least bit interested inlearning about my family history until Ifell in love with quilts in my mid twenties.

I had no need to be interestedpreviously. My father lives, breathes, andeats family history...or just history ingeneral. We spent family “vacations”pulling over at every historical markerbetween Oregon and Wyoming. “Get outso we can take a family picture!” Dadwould exclaim. “I’m reading NancyDrew....” I would whine back. “She justdiscovered a secret room...”

*“Kids!” Dad would exclaim. “Lewisand Clark stood here!Here! Now move sowe can take a picturetogether!!!” With greatreluctance I wouldshuffle out of the carand stare into thecamera with a “kill menow” look that is aconstant theme in allour family photos.Dad beaming, momsmiling, my brothergrinning, me grimacing. Dad’s interestin history did not just revolve aroundhistorical markers. He has filing cabinetsfilled with family trees from everyimaginable twig of our family. He hasscanned countless photos owned bycousins. When we meet someone, theyare not just a name. They are descendedfrom so and so who used to live overthere on the family farm until the houseburned down and they moved across theriver....a hundred years ago and their sistermarried so and so and they moved downthe road from another cousin......you getthe point. I never understood hisfascination with our ancestors until Istarted to quilt.

It started with a quilt my Grandmothergave me pieced by my dad’s stepfather’sgreat aunt who was legally blind. It mademe wonder. If she can barely see anddid all this, what can I accomplish. Itsnowballed from there. One Kenmoremachine, a “Quilt in a Day book (morelike a quilt in a year but whatever) and aborrowed rotary cutter and I was off andrunning. Fabric was draped from thefurniture, quilting magazines were stackedunder the bed and boring housework wasneglected. I had found my passion andthere was no going back. Then I foundthe quilts in my mother’s hope chest andmy view of family history changed. Someone else in my family liked quilting! I amnot adopted!

I would run my hands over the stitchingand literally be in awe that I was touching

It All Starts With a QuiltStalking Great Grandma

something my Great Grandmother (whoI never met) had touched in another lifetime. I wondered, did she pray while shequilted? What kind of stresses concernedher? Did she kick up her heels in gleewhen Great Grandpa went to a Deaconsconference and she got the house toherself ? Did she ever think that if shehad to look at that wall paper for onemore minute she would lose her mind?Did she worry about her weight?

Then I found the journals! Fifteenyears of prayers, journaling, and basicfacts recorded in a matter of fact way.

Suddenly I needed toknow more. I foundout Stan (her firstgrandson) was stillalive. When I methim, it was like seeinga character from anovel come to life.For years when wevisited the family plotsI would casually glanceat the headstone ofBertha without any

curiosity. Not anymore. Bertha is thedaughter of my great grandmother, andthe mother of Stan. She is no longer justa marker in the cemetery. I started toresearch recipes for dessert mentioned inthe journals, quilt patterns, somethingcalled a “petal pillow” that she made oneof for every single family member.

When I watch Ginger Rogers kickingup her heels on Turner Classic Networkand I am aware that sixty odd years agoshe watched that same movie with myGreat Aunt Ethel. I feel like a stalker,only for a dear loved one that I have nevermet, but who is still mentioned with greatlove and affection from those who arestill living. Who knew that picking up aneedle and thread would ignite in me apassion for something I previouslyavoided like the plague. Family historyfinally meant FAMILY to me andpersonalized the data and photographsin a way they never had before. For us(great grandma, and me) quilting is thethread that binds us together.

P.S. Dad has informed me that I aminheriting the four filing cabinets offamily data. But I still won’t pull over forhistorical markers. My children can thankme later.

–Mari Vanderstelt, Yankee Dutch Quilting& Dry Goods Queen owns this quilt shop

located at 106 East Bishop Way, Brownsville,OR 97327. She can be reached at

[email protected]. Writing hasproved to be a great way for Mari to unwind.

by Mari Vanderstelt

The Country Register is in search of articles to publish infuture issues. Articles on topics related to usual, seasonallyappropriate content of our publication, seasonal subjects and/orthe types of products sold by our advertisers are of interest.

Articles about your shopping experiences also welcome. Emailsamples in MS Word doc to [email protected].

(Reimbursement for use of articles is negotiable.)

Wanted: Budding Writer Interested inSeeing Your Articles Published

Who was St. Valentine? From theresearch I’ve done, I’ve found that it’sreally hard to tell fact from fiction. Thereare at least three different saints namedValentine. No one is absolutelysure which of these is celebratedas the Saint of Lovers – or if it’sa combination of the three.

The one that is most well-known was a priest in Rome whowas executed on February 14, 270AD.

Around this time period, theEmperor of Rome made a decreethat no one was allowed to wed.He felt that marriage made a manweak – and he needed strongsoldiers to fight his battles.

Valentine was sympathetic tothe young lovers who came tohim and soon was performingsecret marriage ceremonies forthese couples. Of course, it was only amatter of time before the secret got out,the Emperor found out and Valentine wasarrested.

The Emperor was impressed withValentine. He found him to be a verylearned man. But when Valentine refusedto denounce his Christian faith and

Saint Valentine by Jo Branham

worship the Roman gods as the Emperorwanted him to – the Emperor grew veryangry and sentenced Valentine to death.

While in jail, Valentine formed anattachment to the jailer’s blinddaughter. One version of thestory says that by Valentine’sstrong faith in God, he prayed forthe girl and her vision wasrestored. No one knows if thatpart is true, but it is recorded thathe and the girl became very goodfriends. So when he knew he wascondemned to death, Valentineasked for pen and paper to writeher a farewell message. Traditionstates he signed it “from yourValentine.”

The holiday evolved over timeand by the 18th century, gift-giving and exchanging hand-made cards had become common

in England. Eventually the traditionspread to America. In the 1840s, the firstcommercially produced Valentine’s Daycards hit the stores. Hallmark began mass-producing cards in the early 1900s. Now,Valentine’s Day is second only toChristmas as to the number of cards thatare sold and mailed.


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February 14th is St. Valentine’s Day. Asa child I remember getting thoseconversation hearts – not a favorite as faras I was concerned – and those heart-shaped boxes of chocolates. I poke holesin the bottom of each one to see whatflavors they were – because I always lostthe paper that told me the flavors. Therewas an orange-flavored one that tastedlike baby aspirin dipped in chocolate. I

Valentine’s Day by Jo Branhamkind of liked that one.

In grade school we always had a partyon Valentine’s Day. One year wedecorated a huge box with hearts andcupids and lacy-lookingdoilies. Another yearthe teacher had usdecorate paper bagsand tape them to thefront of our desks.

Everyone dropped your card in your bag– and they usually tried to be sneaky aboutit and put it in when you were in thebathroom or somewhere else in the room.

We weren’tsupposed to look inthe bag until theparty. Right.

I’m sure ten-yearolds haven’tchanged much overtime.

There was always one kid in the classthat no one wanted to associate with. Buton Valentine’s Day, that didn’t matter. Yougave cards to each and every single kid inthe class. Or else.

I don’t know how they do it these days– or if they even have class parties forValentine’s Day anymore – but I thinkthat was a good rule. For a couple hours,one day of the year, we were all the same– munching on cookies, drinking Kool-Aid, and reading our Valentine cards.

the country register of in jan-feb 16

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