the country register of nj jan-feb 2016

The Country Register of New Jersey

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, 4702-523-1803

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

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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.

The Country Register of NJ & DE • Jan. & Feb. 2016 • Vol. 16 No. 5The Country Register is published every other month. Copyright © 1998. The CountryRegister of New Jersey, Inc. is one of a national network of independently ownedand published specialty newspapers licensed by The Country Register with exclusiverights to publish in the states of New Jersey & Delaware using logos and graphicsowned by The Country Register. Page header, footer, and icons accompanying regularfeatures in this edition are copyright © 2006 by Tracey Miller and this publication andmay not be reprinted. Reproduction or use, without obtaining permission, ofeditorial or graphic content by anyone in any manner is strictly prohibited.

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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

Advertiser Index

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 #

Shops are listed alphabetically by location.

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 in person and online.

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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

Events ListingSee shop & show ads for complete details.

AprilDayDayDayDayDay EventEventEventEventEvent PPPPPage #age #age #age #age #

22-5/1 NJ Shop Hop, Various Towns ...................................................................... 16

February6 - 7 Super Bowl /Valentine’s Day Open House .......................................................

Heart Felt Designs, Pedricktown ..................................................................... 1225-28 Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival, Hampton, VA ...................................................... 4

DayDayDayDayDay EventEventEventEventEvent PPPPPage #age #age #age #age #

MayDayDayDayDayDay EventEventEventEventEvent PPPPPage #age #age #age #age #

3 Restaurant Gala - Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May ........................... 521-22 Arts in Bloom ..................................................................................................... 12

Red Bank ............................... 6Antique Center of Red BankSalem .............................. 12, 13Arts in BloomCawman’s Antique MallSuse-E-Q’s CottageSomerset ................................ 6Quilting & Sewing Fest of NJVineland ................................ 7The Pin CushionWest Creek ......................... 8, 9KC CreationsWoodstown .......................... 10The Scarecrow Factory

Bridgeton ............................... 7Broad Meadows Country FabricsCape May............................... 5Historic Cold Spring VillageStitch by StitchElmer ................................... 15Peggy’s Country GiftsGlendora .............................. 14Cheryl’s Quilts & CraftsMorristown ............................ 6Acorn HallMount Holly ........................ 14The Village QuilterMullica Hill ......................... 11Amelia’s Teas & HollyNeedles & PinsPedricktown ........................ 12Heart Felt Designs

Out of State ........................... 4Shop Hop ............................ 16Web-Based ............................. 4

Not Classified by TNot Classified by TNot Classified by TNot Classified by TNot Classified by Townownownownown

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

3 - 6 The Quilting & Sewing Fest of NJ, Somerset ................................................. 6


NEIGHBNEIGHBNEIGHBNEIGHBNEIGHBORING STORING STORING STORING STORING STAAAAATE ADTE ADTE ADTE ADTE ADVERVERVERVERVERTISERS & WEBTISERS & WEBTISERS & WEBTISERS & WEBTISERS & WEB-----BASED BUSINESBASED BUSINESBASED BUSINESBASED BUSINESBASED BUSINESSESSESSESSESSES


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Step back in time to the ...“Age of Homespun” and

experience the sights, soundsand aromas of an agriculturaltown of the 1800s.

Interpreters in periodclothing welcome theopportunity to talk with visitorsabout the buildings and theirtrades & crafts.

720 Route 9, Cape May, NJ3 Miles North of Cape May City

Admission Charge (unless noted) - Free ParkingCall for more information 609-898-2300

or visit our website: www.hcsv.org

Save the Date for Feasting on HistoryThe 16th Annual Restaurant Gala

Tuesday, May 3rd at 6pmAt the NASW Aviation Museum

Featuring over 40 area restaurants, wineries, breweries,bakeries and more! Advanced ticket sales only.

HHHHHISTISTISTISTISTORICORICORICORICORIC C C C C COLDOLDOLDOLDOLD S S S S SPRINGPRINGPRINGPRINGPRING V V V V VILLAGEILLAGEILLAGEILLAGEILLAGEAn Early AmericanAn Early AmericanAn Early AmericanAn Early AmericanAn Early AmericanLiving HistoryLiving HistoryLiving HistoryLiving HistoryLiving History

If we don’t have it, we will order it. We ship anywhere.

Cross Stitch & all the “goodies”Needlepoint & Patanayan WoolCustom FramingNancy Spruance Trunk Show

We will be having classes, so please callfor information.

Washington Commons • 315 Ocean St., Unit 9Cape May, NJ 08204

Stitch By Stitch

OPEN EVERY DAY 10AM - 5PM(Please Call First: 1-800-868-3215)

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, published: November

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]


MORRISTOWN - RED BANK - SOMERSETMORRISTOWN - RED BANK - SOMERSETMORRISTOWN - RED BANK - SOMERSETMORRISTOWN - RED BANK - SOMERSETMORRISTOWN - RED BANK - SOMERSET

The Antique Centerof Red Bank

Daily 11-5pm Sundays 12-5pm

100 DEALERS – ALL SPECIALTIES226 West Front St.

(732) 842-4336195 West Front St.

(732) 842-3393

Red Bank, New Jersey 07701, Exit 109Garden State Parkway

Est. 1964

Morris CountyHistoriCal

soCietyat aCorn Hall

Shake off the winter doldrums with a daytrip to tour beautifulAcorn Hall! Built in 1853, the mansion was remodeled in 1860 in

the Italianate Villa-style. Recognized for its authenticity, Acorn Hall’svisitors can enjoy Victorian grandeur at its best. Be sure to visit the

Oak Leaf Gallery Gift Shop for a unique shopping experience!

Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday, 1 – 4 p.m.

Exhibit: “Bright Lights and Big City:Mary Crane Hone on Broadway!”

Join us as we celebrate Mary Crane Hone’s acting career with aspecial exhibit of her fabulous stage costumes.

See website for more details - www.acornhall.orgFind us on FaceBook and Twitter

68 Morris Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960(973)267-3465

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 absolutely sure whichof these is celebrated as the Saint ofLovers – or if it’s a combination of thethree.

The one that is most well-known was a priest in Romewho was executed on February14, 270 AD.

Around this time period, theEmperor of Rome made a decree thatno one was allowed to wed. He felt thatmarriage made a man weak – and heneeded strong soldiers to fight his battles.

Valentine was sympathetic to the younglovers who came to him and soon wasperforming secret marriage ceremoniesfor these couples. Of course, it was onlya matter 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 blind daughter.One version of the story says that by

Valentine’s strong faith in God,he prayed for the girl and hervision was restored. No oneknows if that part is true, but itis recorded that he and the girlbecame very good friends. Sowhen he knew he was

condemned to death, Valentine asked forpen and paper to write her a farewellmessage. Tradition states he signed it“from your Valentine.”

The holiday evolved over time and bythe 18th century, gift-giving andexchanging hand-made cards had becomecommon in England. Eventually thetradition spread to America. In the 1840s,the first commercially producedValentine’s Day cards hit the stores.Hallmark began mass-producing cards inthe early 1900s. Now, Valentine’s Day issecond only to Christmas as to thenumber of cards that are sold and mailed.


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100 Mary Elmer Drive Bridgeton, NJ 08302Homespuns • Vintage Linens • Dolls • Quilts

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Jewelry • Kitchen • Glassware and MoreFind us on facebook Tues-Sat 10-6 • 856-332-7269

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

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]

By Andrea Springer


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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- Author and speaker, Cathy Elliott,nourishes her night-owl habit by creating cozy

mysteries on her trusty laptop in California. Inaddition to various articles and anthology

contributions, she has authored three novels: AVase of Mistaken Identity, Medals in theAttic, and her latest mystery - A Stitchin

Crime. Photo: Heidi & her"Mostly Ralph Lauren" quilt.

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

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

Of course, I’ve also received the lastphrase of that sentence in a fortunecookie.

Whatever the inspiration, I’ll make itmy own: It is a good time to finish upold tasks and to allowthe past to settle intothe future.

I have a tangibletask; it sits before mein a box, waitingpatiently as it has forthe last nine years.There is nothingonerous, dreary ordisturbing in my box.There is no lurkingregret, sweat-breakingdoubt or even intensegrief.

There is a beautifulmemory, one so heartbreakingly warmthat I rarely rewind the moment. Thatway, it remains vibrant and 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. 91 years of crocheting comes to

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

an end.Three weeks later, the grandmother

passes peacefully away at the hospital,dying of aplastic anemia, wherein herbone marrow ceased to produce bloodcells and platelets.

The blanket and yarn was packed upand the granddaughterplaced it in her closetwith the thought thatshe and her mothershould finish it one day.

She waited to finish itbecause what she feltfrom the blanket wasthe weakening ofstrength and durability.She knew, naturally, thatone day hergrandmother would nolonger be living, butsomehow it seemed likeher hands would

forever be steadily moving.After a time, whenever the

granddaughter 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. An

avid crocheter and knitter, she learned theseskills from her grandmother and mother. She

donates 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].


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Salvage Style by Marla Wilson

This is a simpleproject anyone can doand it can becustomized for anydecor or season. Allyou need is an oldshutter. They are easyto come by at garagesales, flea markets andsecond hand stores.Leave the shutter as is,or paint it whatevercolor you prefer.

Now, the fun part.Use your imaginationand 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, leavesand sunflowers are great. Add a littlescarecrow and hang it by your front door.For Christmas and winter, use pine,berries and a snowman, Santa or even asmall rocking horse or teddy bear. For a

Old Shutter Wall Decoryear-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 andbaby gifts, home decor and fashion accessories.

Follow The Rusty Wheel on Facebook, orwww.therustywheel.vpweb.com

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

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 right in the middle of itall. (Cats and crafting just go together.)

But as the days stretchon endlessly – as they doin the bleak midwinter– I find myself growingbored. I’ve read all mybooks, finished all myprojects – or, morelikely, I’ve lost interest insaid books and projects - and wantsomething NEW to wile away thetiresome 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 andfrugal – you can get a lot of yourChristmas and/or birthday gifts taken

care of during a shophop – it was also anadventure! Travelingdown new roads toplaces you’ve neverbeen before exploringnew 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


PEDRICKPEDRICKPEDRICKPEDRICKPEDRICKTOWN - VTOWN - VTOWN - VTOWN - VTOWN - VARIOUS SARIOUS SARIOUS SARIOUS SARIOUS SALEM COUNTY LOCALEM COUNTY LOCALEM COUNTY LOCALEM COUNTY LOCALEM COUNTY LOCAAAAATIONSTIONSTIONSTIONSTIONS

p

Phone: 856-299-2133 Web: www.heartfeltdesigns.com

24 S. Railroad Ave., Pedricktown, NJ Hrs: Mon - Sat: 10 –5, & Sun: Call First

Less than 10 min. from Del. Memorial & Commodore Barry Bridges

Voted Salem & Gloucester County’sBest Country Shop in 2015

Thank you for Your Support! 31 Years in Business

Super Bowl & Valentine’s DayWeekend Open House:

Sat., Feb 6th – 10 to 5 & Sun., Feb 7th – 12:30 to 5Refreshments & Door Prizes

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas • Potpourri • McCalls, 1803and Keepers of the Light Candles • Beautiful Florals

Country Style Curtains • Tabletop • Framed Art and More!Heart Shaped Gift Certificates • Free Gift Wrap

Plentiful PeaceThe winter months often seem unusu-

ally long in New England..But this spec-tacular season can bring us the truest ofblessings. Winter months often provideus with time for peaceful contemplationand quiet moments to create a warmhome setting that will shelter us from theunpredictable bitter blasts that character-ize a classic New England winter.

Harmony atHome

Creating an envi-ronment that con-veys warmth and so-lace is rewarding andworthwhile..Afterthe holiday decora-tions are safelystored away, thebackdrop for yourdecorating is like aclean canvas await-ing 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 ar-eas as well..

The Comfort of ColorAfter all of your larger pieces are in

place, consider some of the colorful ele-ments you have that can add warmth andtexture to a room..After a long day out inthe cold, it is so inviting to come home

Become InspiredDecorating, Entertaining and Livingin the Early American Style

By Annice Bradley Rockwell

to the beauty of color..Early woven tex-tiles and carefully arranged oriental rugslend elements of texture and color thatare comforting and warm..Carefullyplaced decorative smalls are another wayto introduce new color into aroom..Antiques in early paint can be art-fully displayed to create a look that is freshand inviting..New arrangements of yourfavorite pieces combined with bright andvivid additions can be soulfully appeal-

ing, especially in thewinter when ourlandscape has an ab-sence of color.

Enhancing yourEnvironment

Taking time to en-liven your home en-vironment does giveyour spirit a truelift..This winter ven-ture out to some of

your favorite shops and think about howyou can incorporate some new pieces intoyour winter displays..Be on the lookoutfor pieces that can be used in differentways..Think about adding vibrant hues toyour displays to make them more appeal-ing to the eye..By taking time to arrangeyour home so that it is an inviting andwarm place to be, you will be providingyourself with a perfect balance to the icyblasts of the coldest season 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

Discover the artists of Salem Countyon May 21 and 22 from 10am to 5pmduring your self-guided driving tour ofartists’ studios.

Explore over 30 locations for manybehind-the-scenes, one-on-oneexperiences with artists. As you drivethroughout the county, you willunderstand why Open Spaces... Rural Placesis our theme for this year’s event and whySalem County is so inspiring to our artists.On the tour, you will find fine art,

Arts in Bloom - Save the date!

painting, pottery, sculpture, leatherwork,glass, wood, and more - there issomething for all ages, and wonderfulitems to purchase. Go towww.artsinbloomnj.com to get moreinformation, sign up for the newsletter,and plan your two day event!

Artists featured in ad: Necklace - “WeAre One” by checkerboxOTHER; Paint-ing - “Curious #601” by Kimberly En-glish; Photo - “Phragmites Reflected” byMary Waddington.

Salem County’s FREE Studio Tour

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" x16"• 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.)

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

By Ann St Martin Stout

(Or: Sew a ¾ “wide ribbon to outerside 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. Turn

bag and press if needed.Step 5: Feed drawstring

through casings in acontinuous loop (usesafety pin or bodkin tohelp feed it through).

Knot ends of string together. Ifdesired, you can put in two drawstrings -one going each way - so they pull againsteach other to 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/


Suse-E-Q ’s CSuse-E-Q ’s CSuse-E-Q ’s CSuse-E-Q ’s CSuse-E-Q ’s Cottageottageottageottageottage

107 A West Broadway, (Rt 49)(across from Historic Salem Oak)

856-935-0669

Wed to Sat 10 - 5Sun Noon - 4

Closed Mon & TuesMajor Credit Cards

Welcome

PrimitivPrimitivPrimitivPrimitivPrimitive e e e e • Country Country Country Country Country • Cottag Cottag Cottag Cottag CottageeeeeFurnishingFurnishingFurnishingFurnishingFurnishings and Decors and Decors and Decors and Decors and Decor

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

Antique Mall Finds 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. Andthey are beautiful.

I’m a pragmatic personso I love items that havemultiple purposes andindigo batiks are soinspirational. Of course,they make great shawlsand wraps and arefantastic for throws.Some people like thelighter-weighted textiles for clothing andwe like the heavier batiks for the throws.They bringtablescapes to lifeand make gorgeoustablecloths for allkinds of dishes,especially whiteironstone and yellowor red Fiestaware.Many people areusing batiks forpillows, bolsters andupholstery work—and it’s no wonderbecause the handwork on vintage indigobatiks 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 grinding indigoplant leaves. African batiksfeature larger motifs withthicker lines and morecolors than Javanese batik.The complexity of theweave, the color and thetype of thread useddetermines the value ofthe fabric.

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

and feel the different textures betweenmy fingers. It’s interesting to look at the

blues next to eachother and wonderhow many times eachpiece was dipped toget it to its perfectshade of indigo. I lovethat each piece isunique. I lovewatching customersfeel the fabricsbetween their fingers,throw a batik overtheir shoulders,wrapping themselves

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 journey 35

years ago when she married Tray, an avidcollector. They still have the first piece they

bought together—a pegged farm table that wasso decrepit it was behind the antique store—

and they have been upcycling vintage finds eversince. The Gers own Gather A Vintage

Market in Tucson, AZ, a monthly market.Simone has taught writing and literature at the

college level for many years.

SSSSSALEMALEMALEMALEMALEM

Cawman’s Antique Mall

529 Salem Quinton RoadSalem, NJ 08079

856-935-0423Hours: Wed-Sun 10am-5pm

Antiques & Things on Consignment

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OvOvOvOvOver 40 er 40 er 40 er 40 er 40 VVVVVendors in 12,000 sq ftendors in 12,000 sq ftendors in 12,000 sq ftendors in 12,000 sq ftendors in 12,000 sq ft

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 cross stitching,candle wicking, tatting, quilting,painting – small houses anddesigns on clothes, card makingwith rubber stamps, appliqué,embroidery . . .

And I have all theparaphernalia to prove it.

My mom taught meembroidery when I was a littlegirl. Maybe that’s why it is stillmy most favorite 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 tocats.

Jo of All Crafts – Master of Noneby Jo Branham

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

transfers and decorations. That ended upbeing a pain because sometimesthe iron wasn’t hot enough –even though I had it on thesetting they told me to. Or thetransfer was so old it didn’t“stick.”

So then I started doingappliqué with embroideredembellishments. I liked that alot better.

And then I just started doingthe whole thing withembroidery. I used chalk paper

to draw my design on the shirt. I also kepta printed copy of the design because overtime the chalk would wear off of the shirtwhere I handled it so much. By that time,I usually had quite a bit done, so I couldjust look at my printed pattern 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.


GLENDORA - MT HOLL GLENDORA - MT HOLL GLENDORA - MT HOLL GLENDORA - MT HOLL GLENDORA - MT HOLLYYYYY

Cheryl’s Quilts-N-CraftsCustom made for you...handmade by me.

UPCOMING SHOWSSee Website fo Current Listings

www.cherylsquiltsncrafts.com • www.facebook.com/Cherylsquiltsncraftson Instagram cherylsquiltsncrafts and twitter @Cheryls_Quilts

Sewing • Quilting • Embroidery • Applique

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 tobehold.

Historicallysewing basketscame in variousshapes andsizes. To helpcontain thecontents mostprovided a lidor some meansto close off thebase. Suchsewing basketsalso came inassorted materials from the splints of oakand hickory to grass and palm leaves.

Choices in the late 18th century, forexample, ranged from the dramatic redlacquer China trade box with golddecoration to the rustic hand-crafted.Chinese lacquer boxes, for example, oftenhad finely cared ivory fittings and werehighly regarded household treasures.

Additionally there was the French“necessaire” which often combinedpolished wood or papier-mache withflares of inlaidmother ofpearl. Typicallythey held a fewsmall sewingitems includings c i s s o r s ,needles, andthimble. TheG e r m a n“hussif ” wasusually smallerthat the Frenchversion, butwas sometimes 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 casessuch 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.

Sewing Baskets By Robert Reed

During the first half of the 19thcentury Pennsylvania Germans frequentlymade actual sewing baskets, rather thanboxes, using generous amounts of oaksplints and rye straw.

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

sewing boxes should be among the trulycherished possessions of most Americanfamilies,” noted Nina Little in the book,Neat and Tidy: Boxes and Their ContentsUsed in Early American 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 with

the best ofquality hardwoods, andoften lined withquality fabric orcolorful paper.Many of thefancier typesh a dcompartmentsor dividedsections forstorage ofi n d i v i d u a l

sewing accessories including a pincushionand spools of thread. Some of the mostelaborate even provided for a removabletray which held smaller items.

Sewing baskets enjoyed a renewedpopularity 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 era frequently came with pincushionsattached to the top according to Helen

Thompson author of Sewing Tools andTrinkets. Still other sewing basketscontinued the Chinese tradition of usinga thin silk rope to attach beads and coinsto 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 mores p e c i a l i z e dsewing materialsfor more limitedtasks.

In 1908 theSears andR o e b u c kcatalog wasoffering fancysewing boxeslined with satin.Their bests e l e c t i o n sprovided acombination 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 andRoebuck customers could purchase asquare-shaped eight inch sewing “work”basket featuring straw braided into fancydesigns.

For those not willing to use a store-bought sewing, they could possibly maketheir own at home.

“After the basketry revival around theturn of the century, reed and raffia( w o v e nfiber fromp a l mleaves) wassuggestedas the beste a s i e s tmaterials tofind anduse form a k i n gbaske t s ,”points outF r a n c e sJ o h n s o nauthor of The Wallace-Homestead PriceGuide to Baskets. “It was also about thistime that bamboo sewing baskets beganto be imported in large numbers.”

By the 1920s a great number of raffiasewing baskets were on the market. In1922 the Montgomery Ward catalogoffered brown raffia sewing baskets

complete with scissors, thimble and threespools of thread. Square or round typeswere available ranging in size from fourto five and a half inches in diameter. Inaddition the catalog also offered whiteand purple raffia sewing baskets that camewith a bisque doll. Apparently aimed atchildren the baskets were six inches indiameter with “baby doll” bisque figures.Besides the doll, the basket came with two“rolls” of thread, two pieces of material,and a card of buttons. Total cost was 98cents.

Amish groups continued to providesewing basketsfor sale fromthe 1930s tothe 1950s.Typically theyf i n e l ycons t r uc tedwith willowrods andwooden bases.Many werelined withoilcloth and a

pin cushion attached. Some of the largerAmish sewing baskets were more thaneight inches in diameter.

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

Instead such baskets are consideredvery decorative. They can be used for anynumber of purposes including holdingcostume jewelry, for dried-f lowerarrangements, to store old photographs,or for keeping recipes and coupons handy.

Basic care should be used in connectionwith vintage sewing baskets includingavoiding dampness and excessive heat.Baskets should be kept out of direct

s u n l i g h tand awayf r o mmois tureproducingsubstances.

Recom-m e n d e dr e a d i n g :B a s k e t s ,3rd edi-tion, byN a n c yS c h i f f e r(Sch i ff er

Publishing); Sewing Tools and Trinketsby 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.

Still Much to Behold


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203 Elmer St & Park AveElmer, N J 08318

856-358-2310

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Quilts

-some 1/2 price-

Antiques &

Much More!

WWWWWe’ll be closed January & Fe’ll be closed January & Fe’ll be closed January & Fe’ll be closed January & Fe’ll be closed January & February –ebruary –ebruary –ebruary –ebruary –When it snows wWhen it snows wWhen it snows wWhen it snows wWhen it snows we head to Florida!e head to Florida!e head to Florida!e head to Florida!e head to Florida!

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

Let The Country Registerbring your business new

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

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


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the country register of nj jan-feb 2016

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