may june country register 2016

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Stevensville, Montanta

New “Home Sweet Home” fabric: Designed for Row by Row Experience

Debra Gabel, designer and founder of Zebra Patterns, has created a collectible fabric line to celebrate the upcoming 2016 Row by Row Experience™ “Home Sweet Home.” The collection features an adorable map, quilters’ license plates, a coloring book design, neighborhood full color scenic design and more! This is the third year that Debra has created a fabric line for this unique quilting event.

Row by Row Experience™ is like a shop hop, but it’s not... there are no fees, no cards to stamp, and quilters have all summer to travel and visit participating shops to receive a free row pattern, win prizes and purchase the exclusive fabrics. In 2015, over 2,600 shops participated across all 50 states and Canada. In 2016, more than 2900 stores have registered, including the addition of shops in Europe. Find all details at: www.rowbyrowexperience.com.

The unique fabric line for 2016 is hitting shops now and you still have plenty of time to stitch up some cute travel accessories before the 2016 Row by Row kicks off on June 21. In addition, Exclusive Fabric Plates™ by Zebra Patterns will be available in many Row by Row quilt shops. Collect a bunch to create fun projects, sewing studio wall art or even a fun backing for your quilt.

A free pattern is being offered by Timeless Treasures for a “Row by Row-Home Sweet Home – Tote Bag” that is perfect for collecting row patterns, kits, license plates, pins and more as you visit participating shops. Download the free pattern at http://bit.ly/rxrtote. Timeless Treasures is a family owned business selling wholesale to retailers in the Quilting and Sewing Industry.

Debra Gabel recently shared her design and creative process for creating the specialty fabrics for the Home Sweet Home fabric collection. She began with the theme for the year, which was decided a year or so ago by the Row by Row creative team. Debra then started thinking of design ideas and researching art having to do with the theme. She made a private board based around art for houses, homes, dwellings, etc., on Pinterest, one of her favorite inspirational sites.

Next, she got out her sketchbook, started drawing and scanned her sketches into Adobe illustrator to be redrawn in line form. Once Debra had a completed black and white sketch, she started coloring with Timeless Treasures’ collection of basic fabrics named “Studio,” which gave her a sketchy look. After all the sketches were done, she made an “idea board” on the computer that included sketches, color swatches, notes and concepts, which was shared with the Row by Row and the Timeless Treasures teams. The two teams worked closely in tweaking the art starting with the main focus fabric called “packed houses.” Then the border and strip was spun off the main fabric and several new colors in the “Studio” line were added.

When the art was completed in Spring 2015, it was sent for the technical color separation into 18 screens for printing. Colors can vary at this stage and when the technicians feel they have the color matched as closely as possible, they make fabric proofs called “strike offs.” These are 1 to 2 yard samples of the actual art on the actual fabric with the actual inks for all involved to review and make changes.

Eventually, they were approved and production began. The finished goods were shipped in huge rolls to the USA over the ocean. It was then wound onto the traditional 10-15 yard bolts you see in fabric shops.

Debra said, “I am grateful every day for my gifts of being able to create fun designs for quilts to share all over North America. I am passionate about quilting, designing, teamwork and inspiration! Thank you for letting me tell my story.” To learn more about Debra and Zebra Patterns, go to: www.zebrapatterns.com.

Sapphire Quilt ShowThe Sapphire Quilt Club is sponsoring a Quilt Show on July 8th and 9th.

The show will be held at Stevensville High School located at 300 Park Street. The club has several raffles, including two baby quilts, one for a boy and

one for a girl as well as the usual baskets of Far Quarters. The purpose of our club is philanthropy and education. Our “Sunshine Quilt” project is our main project. We create and give away quilts to people in the Bitterroot valley who have a personal tragedy such as illness, accident, fire, etc. The Sapphire Quilters want people to know that WE CARE about them.

Our Featured Quilter is Mary Hayes who is one of our very talented quilters. Mary is a teacher of many different techniques for us members. Mary enjoys her craft very much. She will have a special display of her work at the show.

Our Featured Artist is Sally Johnson. Sally created the artwork that we used for our posters. We will be raffling the original piece of artwork at the show. We have many vendors and door prizes. The hours are 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Friday and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday. Come by and have fun looking at all the quilts and maybe you’ll even win a door prize.

Cover Artist: Debbie HavilandDebbie Haviland’s heartfelt creations have captured the attention of

many companies and her work is highly sought after. In her brief time with Applejack, her art has graced decorative tins as well as gift wrap and gift bags by Imagination In Action. Her images have also appeared on a new line of gift-wrap, gift tags, tissue paper, and gift bags for Crystal Tissue, which are selling in Party Concept stores exclusively. Full of color and whimsical images, these items are sure to please.

Recently, Rug Barn of Abbeville, SC licensed eight of Debbie Haviland’s designs. This designs will appear on woven throws, Pillows, wall hangings and runners. A total of twenty-two products will be produced. There will be four new Christmas designs, Surround yourself with love, Share Christmas with the ones you love, Warm your heart and Peace on Earth. One new Thanksgiving design, So Many Reasons To Say Thank You, one new Patriotic design, Old Glory, and two new every day designs Friendship and Crashing Surf.

We also received word that Crown Point Graphics of Carmel, Indiana will continue Debbie’s line of Christmas cards for 2002. They had a very successful line with her 2001 Christmas Cards. Like Gibraltar Publishing, Marian Heath, Crystal Tissue and the many other companies who have licensed Debbie’s work since she joined Applejack just a year ago, Crown Point has discovered that Debbie’s sweet, caring designs touch people in a way that few artists can. This explains Debbie’s “Art Full of Love” trademark which appears on every calendar, greeting card, decorative tin, banner, gift bag or other product that bears her name.


Editor’s Notes Spring is finally here! I am so excited I can barely stand it. The warmth

of the sun hitting my skin, longer days and time spent out doors are some of my favorite things. I can’t wait to get back into the routine of spending our mornings in the park and grilling in the back yard.

With all the excitement I also am reminded of all the started projects in my garage that I have yet to finish. I have made myself a warm weather resolution to finish all of my half done projects. I will not start a new one until my latest is finished. My garage is filled with all these well intentioned ideas that have the potential to become something wonderful. It just seems that I lack the enthusiasm to finish it as I had when I started. I hope that being able open the garage door, feel the sunshine and watch the kids at play will encourage me to tackle these half finished ideas once and for all!

While putting together this issue of the Country Register I was reminded of all the great Quilt Shows and Shop Hops that are occurring all over the Midwest the next couple of months. I hope to visit a few different Quilt Shows and Shop Hops and also experience Row by Row.

Do you have any unfinished projects? Goals for the nice weather? If you do and want to share them with the Country Register, email or mail me here! Tell me about your unfinished projects and what it will take to get them finished. I look forward to hearing all the responses. Until next time, have a wonder Spring and I can’t wait to put together the Summer issue.

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains including North Dakota,

South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, & Northern IdahoDee Sleep, PublisherErika Young, Editor

Produced by Chicken Creek Communications132 W. Hudson St. • Spearfish, SD 57783

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Send $3 to any publisher below to obtain a paper from another area:* Indicates these editions are available on–line at www.countryregister.com.

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USA* Alabama: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD 21774, 866-825-9217, Fax 866-261-9641* Arizona: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950* Arkansas: Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, [email protected]* California: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950 Colorado: Jan & John Keller, 16755 Oak Brush Loop, Peyton, CO, 80831, 719-749-9797* Connecticut: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC, [email protected]* Delaware: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 594, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected]* Florida: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected]* Georgia: Linda Parish, P.O. Box 389, Lexington, GA, 30648, [email protected]* Idaho (N): Dee Sleep, 132 W. Hudson Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, [email protected]* Idaho (S): Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950* Illinois: Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, [email protected]* Indiana: Gail & Merle Taylor, P.O. Box 594, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected] Iowa: Linda Glendy, P.O. Box 6, Tama, IA, 52339, [email protected]* Kansas: Cindy Baldwin, 988 9th Ave., McPherson, KS 67460, [email protected]* Kentucky: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whiterose Way, New Market, MD 21774 443-243, [email protected] Maine: Gail Hageman, 221 Winslow Rd, Albion, ME 04910, 207-437-2663* Maryland: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected]* Massachusetts: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC , 27603, [email protected] Michigan: Bill and Marlene Howell, 3790 Manistee, Saginaw, MI, 48603-3143, 989-793-4211* Minnesota: Kim & Mickey Keller, 12835 Kiska St. NE, Blaine, MN, 55449, [email protected]* Missouri: Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, [email protected]* Montana: Dee Sleep, 132 W. Hudson Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, [email protected]* Nebraska: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950* Nevada (N): Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950* Nevada (S): Glena Dunn, 4568 Carol Circle, Las Vegas, NV, 89120, 702-523-1803 New Hampshire: Kathleen Graham, 330 North Road, Deerfield, NH, 03037, [email protected]* New Jersey: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 594, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected] New Mexico: Jan & John Keller, 16755 Oak Brush Loop, Peyton, CO, 80831, 719-749-9797* New York: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected]* North Carolina: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 888-942-8950* North Dakota: Dee Sleep, 132 W. Hudson Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, [email protected]* Ohio: Barb Moore, P. O. Box 37, Cable, OH, 43009, [email protected]* Oklahoma: Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, [email protected]* Oregon: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950* Pennsylvania: Dave & Amy Carter, PO Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected]* Rhode Island: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC , 27603, [email protected]* South Carolina: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 888-942-8950* South Dakota: Dee Sleep, 132 W. Hudson Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, [email protected]* Tennessee: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whiterose Way, New Market, MD 21774 443-243, [email protected]* Texas: Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, [email protected]* Vermont: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whiterose Way, New Market, MD 21774, [email protected]* Virginia: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected]* Washington: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950* West Virginia: Dave & Amy Carter, PO Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected]* Wisconsin: Scott & Jennifer Hughes, P. O. Box 276, Altoona, WI, 54720, [email protected]* Wyoming: Dee Sleep, 132 W. Hudson Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, [email protected]

CANADA* Alberta: Ruth Burke, P.O. Box 97, Heisler, AB, T0B2A0,780-889-3776, [email protected]* British Columbia: Bryan Stonehill, Box 1338, Summerland, BC, V0H 1Z0, 800-784-6711* Manitoba & Saskatchewan: Scott & Marj Kearns, Box 850, Kipling, SK, S0G 2S0, [email protected]* Ontario: Harriet Ramos, Box 60, 4338 Innes Rd., Orleans, ON K4A 3W3, 343-882-5812

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains

May – June 2016 • Volume 6 Issue 3

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains is published every two months. Copyright 2016.

Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited by law. The Country Register is a registered business trade name. Chicken Creek Communications produced The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains.

Subscription price: 1 year, 6 issues, $18.00. Single copies: $3.00. This paper is furnished free at each advertiser, highway welcome centers tourism centers, shows, events, and other selected locations throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and Northern Idaho.

Articles published in this newspaper, which are contributed from outside sources, express the opinions of their authors only and may not express the viewpoints of the management and 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 Country Register will not knowingly publish fraudulent materials or fraudulently obtained materials, we are not liable for any damages arising from the purchase or use of products advertised herein.

Erika YoungEditor of

The Country Register of ND, SD, WY,

MT & N. ID

Index: See page 14 for advertiser’s index by name and by community as well as upcoming events.

Next Deadline: Ads and articles for the July/August 2016 issue are due June 7, 2016.


Missoula and Sidney, Montana

Close encounter with the smelly kindLet me start by saying that I am originally from the Charleston, SC, area.

We did not have skunks in Charleston. In fact, the only skunks I had ever seen were in pictures and in cartoons. They looked really cute in the pictures. Perhaps people only exaggerated about their-not-so-great characteristics, I thought to myself.

That all changed a few weeks back. My poor dog Maggie had a close encounter of the smelly kind late one night as I let her out before going to bed. There she sat at the front door begging to get in, while I stood on the inside wondering what to do. Of course, my husband was out of town. (Aren’t they always when there is an emergency?) So, I called him. Half asleep, all he could mutter was, “Don’t let her in.”

Gee, I thought to myself, I had figured that out myself. But what to do now? I Googled skunk and found numerous remedies, but, of course, none that would help me at this time of night. Some were home remedies you mix up yourself. Others were tried and true mixtures from the pet store. I would have sat down and cried if it would have helped. (I already had tears in my eyes from the fumes wafting in from the front porch.) Pretty soon the entire house smelled, even with poor Maggie outside.

Picture it—there she sat with those sad puppy-dog eyes. Here I stood at the door looking out. (I guess people had not exaggerated after all.) Very little sleep was to be had that night. Guilt was setting in because I could not help her right away and holding the sheet over my nose did nothing to help the fumes.

I will fast forward to the next day. Yes, the recipe I found on line helped a lot, as did the mixture sold at the pet store. And yes, I tried both several times. Maggie, who hated baths, is probably now the cleanest dog in the county.

What does this have to do with quilting?Think back. If you have been quilting for any length of time, you have

probably encountered at least one tricky situation that you were not sure how to handle. Maybe it was a quilt that would not square up, points that got chopped off, or blocks that all had a mind of their own and would not fit together.

I bet when you asked for advice there were some (like my husband) who stated the obvious. It’s probably your seam allowance. But did that really help? Deep down you probably knew several things that could be to blame, but that’s not really what you were asking. You needed to know how to fix it.

My advice is to use my skunk experience as an example. Approach the problem in several ways. There are a lot of great tutorials on line. Google them

to see if you can find help. If it’s a minor problem, you just might find the answer you seek. *Creative Grids® rulers and tools have a QR code right on the rule, and your smart phone will take you right to the video demonstration of that particular tool. All of these work great for late night encounters when nothing is open.

Of course, the best way to solve your problems is always at your local quilt shop. That’s where you will find friendly people who have the knowledge to help you pin point the problem and give you suggestions on how to fix it. I’ve seen many a quilter arrive in our shop in tears and leave with a smile because we helped him/her figure out how to complete the project at hand.

I will leave you with this thought. Be it skunks or quilts—knowledge is a powerful thing. Take classes, read books, watch videos and empower yourself for your next adventure.

Deb Heatherly is a Creative Grids® designer and author of the books, ‘Cat’itide and Strippy Stars, which are companions to her Cat’s Cradle and Strippy Stars Tools. She is the owner of Deb’s Cats N Quilts in Franklin, NC. Visit her website at www.Debscatsnquilts.com and her Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/DebscatsnquiltsFranklin.


Spring Word Scramble01. srags a lawn

02. oeassn spring, summer, autumn and winter

03. tlteurbfy insect with two pairs of large colorful wings

04. yiwdn strong winds

05. duldep small pool rainwater

06. oerlwf blossom of a plant

07. eratwhe short term state of the atmosphere

08. arnaicot waterproof coat

09. erebez gentle wind

10. ptruso shoot of a plant

11. nuynb young rabbit

12. itrbh begining of life

13. enssuhin direct sunlight unbroken by cloud

14. warbino multicoloured arch in the sky

15. fdiafdol bulbous plant with yellow flowers

16. kiclesr waterproof coat or jacket

17. algheoss waterproof overshoe

18. pgrisn March, April and May

19. apdelto toad in its larval stage of development

20. whta melting of ice

1. grass 2. season 3. butterfly 4. windy 5. puddle 6. flower 7. weather 8. raincoat 9. breeze 10. sprout 11. bunny

12. birth 13. sunshine 14. rainbow 15. daffodil 16. slicker 17. galoshes 18. spring 19. tadpole 20. thaw

Become Inspired!

Take time in spring to dwell in natureAs the month of May approaches, our attention turns to the outdoors. The

verdant vibrancy of spring unfolds before us as the landscape begins to fully awaken. This reminder of beauty and renewal often inspires us to capture the essence of spring in our own dwellings and yards.

This time of year brings with it a sense of a fresh start. Pops of color in the natural form of the first magnolia bloom or the fragile flowering of a petite weeping cherry tree set against a New England lawn of green allow us to see spring’s natural splendor and somehow we are often moved to respond in kind.

Whether we are planning a new corner of our herb garden by carefully selecting the tall spires of red bee balm to provide that perfect contrast against a weathered fence, or simply bringing some of nature’s bounty indoors to provide a tasteful touch of spring, we are encouraged by the beauty that surrounds us.

As we work in our yards in the happy warm glow of May, we feel a sense of anticipation for what our work will yield. Thinking upon the gray frosty look of the Artemisia against the light purple lavender plants that made it through a gentle winter, I feel motivated to continue my soulful garden chores. I trust that my efforts will be rewarded and I am never let down.

Soulful Spaces of the PastThe months of spring not only inspire us through nature’s artful touch,

they offer some wonderful outdoor antiquing events that round out our love of spring. Taking a leisurely walk through striking side gardens of a traditional homestead show to then be greeted by some of the best country antiques dealers around, one cannot help but be impressed. Seeing each dealer’s interpretation of soulful spaces of the past engages us and helps us to see how to recreate that special look in our own homes. Customers at these special shows clearly become fast friends to the dealers who care deeply for their craft. We are indeed kindred spirits and this can be experienced when we can almost feel how happy someone is in the next booth because they found, “that perfect piece.” These unique shows provide a full experience for a country shopper. Surrounded by the sounds of the banjo and the scent of homemade strawberry shortcake wafting from an open tavern door, we feel blessed and happy for the efforts of others who love country as much as we do.

This spring take the time to dwell in nature. Carefully observe its natural splendor and let it restore you. Plan to venture out to a truly special antiquing event and take it all in. Treat yourself to the bounty that is spring and carry with you the true happiness it brings.

Annice Bradley Rockwell is an educator and owner of Pomfret Antiques. She is currently working on her book, New England Girl. [email protected].

Treat yourself to the bou nty that is spring and carry with you the true happiness it brings.


Every mother has her favoriteThe witty and humorous Erma Bombeck once wrote about the favorite

child. She went on to say that every mother has a favorite child, and goes on to give examples. For instance, the child who messed up at a piano recital, the child who wears leg braces to keep his toes from turning in, or the child who ran the wrong way with the football.

Erma explains that mothers can’t help it. That they have a special closeness, with whom they share a love that no one else can understand. After all they are human. Without exception a favorite child is most likely to be immature, self-centered, bad-tempered yet at the same time he is vulnerable, lonely, and not quite sure how he is doing in this big wide world. But nonetheless in the eyes of his mother, he is wonderful. She prays for him, guides him, and encourages him, never giving up on him…somehow always believing in this child, when others may have given up.

Erma sums it all up by saying all mothers have their favorite child…the one who needs you at just that right moment in time, for whatever reason they need you whether it is to cling to you, shout at you, hurt, hug, or unload on you. But their greatest need is for you to just be there. Children need love, especially when they do not deserve it.

The question becomes how? How can we as mothers let our children know we are there for them even in the midst of their missteps, and that we also rejoice with them as they make the team, or improve their grades.

There is no easy answer, and every child is different. But, I believe relationship building from day one is the key. Part of that relationship, as the

child grows is open communication, which is the ability to make your child feel as though he can share anything with you, without fear of reprisal.

To reach that comfort level, frequency and an environment of peace and serenity should be present. What better way to do that; then, through a ritual that is familiar with your child. Something you have established with him over the years. In this case, as most of you know, I am a big proponent of tea. Tea is an act of civility. I wholeheartedly think incorporating the ritual of tea early on in a way that works for your family’s schedule is a great way to open the doors of communication, of connecting. They will soon learn that having tea is a safe place for them to unload their worries.

Over tea you are showing interest in their lives, that you care about them no matter what. As mothers we are striving everyday to do what is right for our child. It’s not easy. But, I can almost guarantee you that your child will grow into an adult who will never forget your teatime chats. This particular memory will linger long in their hearts and minds.

So, this Mother’s Day as you think about your favorite child, just be there with an open heart, mind and spirt, but also how about reaching out with a nice, warm cup of tea.

Janet Young, Certified Tea and Etiquette Consultant from the Protocol School of Washington, is a Founding member of Mid-Atlantic Tea Business Association, freelance writer/national tea presenter, and owner of Over The Teacup Inc. You can email her at [email protected]

Quilting with Barbara

Chance? Luck? Coincidence?Chance? Serendipity? Luck? Fate? Coincidence? Whatever we call it,

seemingly-random occurrences can have tremendous effects on our lives.Years ago, I left what many would consider a dream job in the Canadian

Rockies which resulted in far more prosaic and sometimes monotonous employment in the city. It was at this second job, just before leaving it for university, that I met my husband of now over fifty years. Chance? Destiny? Fate? Some time later while sitting at the lunch table with a new member of staff who said she was from “a wee island nobody has ever heard of,” we discovered common ancestry on the small Hebridean island of Tiree. My people had immigrated to Canada three generations ago; hers were still living there. This chance observation resulted in a long-standing friendship and several trans-Atlantic journeys, and, incidentally, my visit to the exact property from where my people had emigrated.

When we travel we like to pre-plan only the “bones” of a trip – flights, car rental, and usually first and last night hotel reservations, because having to search for a place to lay our heads before and after long flights is a process we prefer not to leave to chance, serendipity or fate. (We’ve learned this from some rather unpleasant experiences). The rest of the time we like to wing it.

We also prefer to eat at small local restaurants when we’re on the road, eschewing the reliability and similarities of chains for the quirks and surprises of small independents. Thus it was that we found ourselves at the Sunrise Kitchen in Deming, New Mexico, a few weeks ago. After a great lunch we wandered outside where my husband spotted a quilt shop, Sew and Sew, just around the corner and suggested we check it out. I protested faintly, tempted to let my lunch settle in the air-conditioned car while we moved on, but when a husband tries to persuade his wife to investigate a new-to-her quilt shop, who can refuse?

Well! This shop had exactly what I had spent a week looking for, and lots of it. I had found a few southwestern –themed prints here and there, but this shop had bolts and bolts of them in many colorways – in addition to a wonderful selection of other beautiful fabrics I hadn’t seen elsewhere. My credit card got a good workout, I got exactly what I had been searching for, and even some I hadn’t known I needed!

Chance? Luck? Coincidence? Perhaps all three, or perhaps, as my husband frequently says, “What a wonderful husband you have. Listen to him!”

Barbara Conquest writes her column from Blue Sky Quilting in Tofield, AB. © Barbara Conquest.

Weary in well-doing

One of my favorite times of the year is strawberry picking season. Ah--the first bowl of strawberry shortcake with the juice-soaked biscuits, is the best!

This year I decided to stretch the season a tad more by making some freezer jam. Since it had been many years since I made jam, I needed to dig out my recipe.

In my excitement and over exuberance, I bought 19 quarts of strawberries from one of our Amish neighbors. This was before I consulted the recipe card for the needed amounts of ingredients. I still consider myself a novice at canning, so I had no idea what I was getting myself into!

The first night I was up till after midnight washing, cutting and mashing two large roaster pans of berries. Mashed strawberries go a very long way, especially when you only need two cups of them for each batch! Each step of the process was well-timed: cook the pectin, add the pectin, let it sit for three minutes, pour into jars, ya-da, ya-da. However when midnight rolled around and I was only half finished with the mountain of strawberries, I wondered “why” I got myself into this predicament. In fact, I found out later, it is more cost effective to buy the strawberry jam in the grocery store.

The second night, I tried to move a little faster, but by midnight again--I decided to bag up the rest of the strawberries, throw them into the freezer and call it good. All I know is, with twelve quarts, twenty-four pints and five half-pints, I’m likely to have strawberry freezer jam for the next 15 years!

All this to say, at times we get “weary in well-doing” but in the end it’s worth it!

Colossians 3:23 states, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man.


COLOR

Devils Lake and Mayville North Dakota

On a stakeout“You’re still not answering, even though you told me to call, so I’m

leaving you, Maranda and Sarah another message.” The annoyed tone in my sister’s reply made my mom and me smile as we listened to yet another voice mail. She seemed thoroughly disgusted with us. She seemed stressed that she was unable to connect with us. She missed us.

We wanted so badly to be with her on her special day, but we were not there. Yet. Our surprise arrival for her college graduation was well underway. My mom and I were traveling from Colorado to Oregon, entertaining ourselves along the way with phone tag. Unable to answer while flying to Portland, we listened after we landed. The rental car heard our giggling at the messages we had received during our flight. We teared up at the anticipation of the look on her face and the sound of her voice. We called again to hear more of her plans for graduation weekend, carefully concealing our secret.

“I don’t know why I keep missing you. I have to go now. I have a hair appointment and a pedicure and will try to catch you later. Call me back.” When we hung up, the excitement in my chest was undeniable. I likened it to when I was a kid running up the basement stairs after turning out the light because I felt like someone was chasing after me. I could not get to the top of that stairwell quickly enough, and now I could not wait to see my sister. We drove around Eugene, wondering where she might be primping and preparing for the following day.

We shopped for a few items we had neglected to pack, we bought some snacks and drinks, and we waited. We were on a stakeout. Keeping a low profile, we gave her some time to finish her appointments and then started to circle her house. First time surveying the situation, we found that her car was not in the driveway. We did another loop, surrounding our target, and another. At this point we had to make our move. Sarah was home.

She stood in front of her garage, visiting with her husband and best friend, watching us closely as we parked the unfamiliar vehicle on the street in front of her house. All three were unaware of our surprise visit, and the fact that I kept this a secret was just as surprising. Mom and I walked up the short paved hill while three concerned faces with dropping jaws stared at us, waiting for recognition to kick in. Then suddenly it did. Sarah gasped and met us with open arms, squeezing us in headlocks as she cried, “You’re here! I can’t believe you’re here!”

Sarah asked why we never told her we were coming, and Mom replied, “It was more fun this way.” Pete and Kim told us later that she had seen the driver slowly circling their house and commented, “That lady looks like my mom!” Turns out they were both right.

Maranda Jones’ new book Random Acts is now available at amazon.com. The book includes her reader-acclaimed articles from the last decade.

Featured Shop: Faye’s Henhouse Quilts

Faye’s Henhouse Quilts was established in 1996 and is celebrating their twentieth year in business. Faye’s Henhouse Quilts is the largest ship in North Dakota. They feature over 5,000 bolts of fabric. Some of their best sellers include: Batiks, Flannel Fabric, Novelty Prints and Minky. They have a complete color wall.

Over the years they have received rave reviews of their shop. Customers state they always find what they came looking for. Rarely do they have a customer leave the shop without a purchase. Faye’s Henhouse Quilts will always go that extra mile to make sure the customer can get what they are looking for. They will do what it takes to get what they don’t have for you.

Their inventory includes a complete array of DMC Floss, Mettler Thread as well as Aurifill and cotton machine quilting thread. Other items that they carry include: patterns and books for unique projects. They have over 100 samples on display, along with several quilts for sale.

Each month this year Faye’s Henhouse Quilts will be hosting a special event in honor of their twentieth year in business. They are online at: fayesquiltshop.com and also on Facebook.


Casper, Cheyenne & Sheridan, Wyoming

Embrace your inner diva“I believe that it’s better to be looked over than it is to be overlooked.”To be a diva is to be a woman confident in her own skin. A woman willing

to take on the world without fear, just as adeptly as a leopard chasing it’s prey. A diva always stands up for herself and lets her voice be heard. She strives in every aspect of her life and consistently hones each and every talent. A diva knows how to have fun and lives each day to the fullest. And nothing gets in her way whether it is a lack of resources or personal strife. A diva always knows how to get what she wants and does so effortlessly. There is a diva living inside us all, but most of us have to delve deep within ourselves to rouse her. Once she is awakened, life will never be the same again! Awake your inner diva from out of her slumber and start living each day to the fullest!

So what if you are overweight, suffering from a skin problem or something else that makes you feel less than beautiful. Embrace all of your flaws and accept them as part of your very being. You can always tweak your flaws to make them better. Focus on the things that you like about yourself, such as those gorgeous green eyes or a flawless complexion, and everything else will fall into place.

Most women have a flaw that eats away at their core. Rather than highlighting another woman’s flaws, build her up by praising her attributes and paying her compliments. Make building others up a habit as you move throughout your day. You will find that the sentiment is often reciprocated, which will go a long way in reinforcing your own self-esteem. A true diva does not capitalize on other’s misery, in fact she sees other women as her sisters in life rather than the competition.

You know your weaknesses, flaws and other shortcomings. There is absolutely no reason to publicize them to the rest of the world. Don’t ever give someone else the ‘ammo’ to belittle or humiliate you. Keep your flaws to yourself and embrace them in the full knowledge that they are not set in stone. You can and will change them, but only if you deem necessary.

Now that your inner diva is awakened, you’ve got to dress her to the nines! A diva always looks her best even if she is only wearing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Her clothes are always impeccably clean, pressed and never tattered. Her hair is kempt and she always has a bit of bling on even if she is only going to the grocery store. A real diva uses make-up sparingly while highlighting her natural beauty through exceptional cleanliness and impeccable hygiene.

Life is too short to waste a moment of it wallowing in self-doubt and negativity. Allow your inner diva to shine and your confidence will soar to even greater heights!

For unique hand-crafted sterling silver jewelry, visit jeweler Jemima Lumley here: www.jemimalumley.etsy.com


Watermelon Strawberry SorbetThe estimated total time to make this recipe is 5-10 minutes.

Ingredients:1/2 C Cold water5 C Seedless watermelon, cut

into chunks then frozen1 1/4 C Frozen strawberries3/4 C Sweetener that measures

like sugar 2 tbs Lemon juice

(more/less to taste)

1. Place all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor, and blend until smooth. (This may take a few times of scraping down the sides of the blender, and possibly a few extra tbs of water.)

2. Enjoy sorbet immediately or place in a Tupperware container and freeze until you are ready to enjoy! Remove from the freezer and let soften for about 5 minutes before enjoying!

Pincher Creek, Canada


Tabor and Watertown, South Dakota

Prepare a sophisticated menuAlthough quality time together is the true purpose of the day, you can

add some special touches to help create a one-of-a-kind brunch to share old memories while you make new ones.

Plan your tablescape. Colorful, fragrant flowers and luxurious linens make your everyday table shine. Use plates in complementing shades and sparkling glassware for an elegant touch. If you have room, add personal touches to the centerpiece, such as mementoes from shared trips or small picture frames with pictures of the two of you through the years.

Prepare a sophisticated menu. Give a nod to the importance of the day with dishes that are a step above standard brunch fare. A richly flavored entree such as this Spring Vegetable and Chevre Tart looks elegant but is surprisingly easy to make. For a cohesive spread, remember to give the basics a boost, too, such as a homemade flavored whipped butter.

Offer a gift with meaning. To truly elevate the occasion, serve (or gift) your mom with a deliciously meaningful wine, such as Cambria Benchbreak Chardonnay or Pinot Noir from the famed Santa Maria bench in Santa Barbara County. Cambria is a family-owned winery that believes in honoring women across the United States and globally. Each year, the winery gives $100,000 to women making a difference in their communities through their Seeds of Empowerment program.

For more recipes and ideas to enhance your celebrations, visit cambriawines.com.

Pinot Noir Rosemary ButterRecipe courtesy of Erin Kennedy of My Thirty Spot Blog

1 cup salted homemade whipped butter (recipe below) 3/4 cup Cambria Benchbreak Pinot Noir

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary

Fill shallow saucepan with wine and simmer until consistency becomes syrupy (reducing to about 1/8 cup).

Let syrup cool completely. Add syrup and rosemary to whipped butter and mix. Serve chilled.

Homemade Whipped Butter1/2 quart heavy cream1/2 teaspoon salt

(up to 3/4 teaspoon, to taste)

In food processor, mix butter until cream turns to consistency of cottage cheese and starts to separate from buttermilk, about 3-5 minutes of constant mixing. Strain butter from buttermilk.

Use wooden spoon to knead butter in water (just like dough) to remove all remaining buttermilk. Drain and repeat until water is clear.

Remaining whipped butter is ready to serve or for adding flavoring ingredients.

Spring Vegetable and Chevre TartRecipe courtesy of Courtney O’Dell of

Sweet C’s Designs1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry1 cup chevre, divided1 beefsteak tomato, thinly sliced 8 ounces thin green beans2 beets, thinly sliced 4 mini zucchinis, thinly sliced 1 egg white, beaten until

slightly foamy

Heat oven to 350 F.

On well-greased baking sheet, arrange one puff pastry sheet.

Crumble chevre across pastry. Lay tomato slices then green beans, zucchini and beets over chevre, leaving a 1-inch border around all edges. Crumble second half of chevre on top.

Lightly wet edges of pastry. Slice four 1-inch strips of second sheet of pastry and lay over edges of bottom sheet. (Optional: create basket-weave pattern with remaining pastry dough). Brush pastry with egg white and bake until pastry is deep golden brown, about 35 minutes. Serve immediately.


Townsend, Montana

How to sell your craft projects onlineIf you love to make crafts, you might already be selling your creations at

local markets and to friends. But have you thought about taking your craft business online? Doing so can give you more exposure, greater visibility, and bring in a lot more sales. Local shoppers will visit to learn more about you. You can also sell your crafts to people all across the country.

Ideas for selling your crafts onlineTo sell your crafts online, you will first of all need a website. Your

website is your business card on the World Wide Web. It is also a place for you to show off your creations. You will need to include order information, your prices, and contact information so interested buyers can easily find you to ask their questions.

Good photos of your products will help you sell your products online. Take pictures of your products from different angles. You will need to optimize them so they load quickly on your visitors’ computers. You wouldn’t want a potential customer to leave without buying just because your images took too long to display!

You should also write good descriptions of your creations. Tell what they’re made of and describe how they look, feel and smell. This will help make your craft appealing to your visitors, even though they can’t pick them up and hold them. Be sure to include prices and shipping information too.

On your website, you should also add some information about you. People like to know who they’re buying from. You can add a photo of yourself, maybe sitting in your craft studio or with your newest creation. It adds a personal touch to your website and helps your visitors to trust you.

Now that you have your website, it’s time to start promoting it. One of the easiest places to promote your new website is in online directories. Submit your website to as many craft and general directories as possible. Some will be free, but the higher quality ones will charge a fee.

Participate in forums and include your website URL in your forum signature. When you participate in a forum, be sure you’re adding quality information to the conversation. If you’re just there to post your links, everyone else will pick up on that and they will ignore you. Instead, engage with the other members and over time they will likely click through to your website to learn more about you.

You can also promote your craft website by writing online press releases and articles. Submit them to the article and press release directories. They can bring you more traffic and help your new website show up better in the search engine results pages.

Social media sites are wonderful places to promote your craft business. Just like in forums, you will need to build relationships with the people you connect with in social media. You can also post links to your sales and new products.

Selling your crafts online can open up many opportunities for you and your craft business. You can go from being a small local crafter to someone who has customers all over the country, or around the world. Once you have your craft website and start promoting it regularly, you will be ready to take your craft business wherever you want to go.

Alice Seba is a full-time online entrepreneur that loves helping others achieve the same. With a focus on working less and making more money, she specializes in helping people choose low-maintenance businesses, leverage the skills of others and create people-friendly businesses.

Small Changes: Cross stitch patterns and kits equal big differencesSometimes you pick up a cross stitch

chart or even a cross stitch kit and even though you love the design you just want to make a few changes to it or give it a bit of your own pizzazz! I don’t think I’ve personally ever stitched anything exactly to the charted key, I always add some little something, whether it’s a floss change, a bit of blending filament, or maybe a few beads here and there for texture just to give it that little extra bit of me.

So, let’s talk about a few things you can do to jazz up that new project to make it a little more your own.

Blending Filaments These are a sparkly shiny thread that you can purchase to give a bit of

shimmer to your project. You can thread it into the needle with your floss and stitch that way, or you can thread the blending filament alone and just stitch over top of the current stitches to add a bit of shine in certain places. This adds a great touch to any piece.

Beads and CharmsYou can use seed beads in place of french

knots or place a few around the outer edge of a design for a nice depth of texture. Charms can also be bought and added anywhere on a piece for a little bit of added “charm”;-)

Specialty Threads – Silk, Rayon, Metallic, Hand Dyed, there are any number of floss types in addition to your regular standard embroidery floss. Swapping out any standard color in your project and using one of these specialty threads in its place can make a huge difference in your finished project.

Take a minute or two today to look through your crafty stash and see what you can add to that work in progress cross stitch

project to make it just a little more you. Get creative, have fun, and most of all enjoy what you’re doing.

For more tips, tricks and project ideas visit StitchingtheNightAway.com where you’ll find free cross stitch patterns, cross stitch supplies, and more great cross stitch information.


Dell Rapids, Faulkton and Pierre, South Dakota


Learn how to build a successful craft show boothIf you attend craft shows

as a vendor, you’ve probably experienced this: people walk by your booth, take a peek inside, and then walk on. Even if you do your best to greet them and invite them to browse, they smile politely and keep moving. There are a few basic principles that you can use to make your booth more appealing and attractive to those “browsers.” After all, once you get them in the booth, you can find out what they need and if you can meet that need. Plus, you have a chance to talk with them and make them feel welcome!

Attention SpanYou have about 2-4 seconds to attract a buyer’s attention before they

walk past your booth. That’s a big demand in such a small time. The best way to do that is to create a single focal point item that will draw them in, or at least slow them down. This could be a featured item, large photo or even a demonstration. Whatever best shows your products is what you want to choose.

Now, take that featured item and create some emotion around it. Show a photo of someone using or wearing it and having fun. Show the item as it could be used – with seasonal or even household items. Set this display in the front of your booth and put it at eye level, about five feet high. No one will want to look up or down to see your featured item. It has to grab their attention as they glance around the room.

Once you have their attention, it’s important to keep it! You have to stop their glance from moving to the next booth. One great way to do this is with booth dividers. These are solid walls of color between your booth and the next one. If your craft show doesn’t have dividers between the booths, make your own. Hang your sign on this divider and maybe some large photos of your products or you making them. If your focal point display doesn’t catch their attention, large photos are a great way to show what you do.

OK, so now you have piqued their attention. What next? Chances are, they will have made eye contact with you. Invite them into the booth by asking them if they are looking for anything special. If they are, great! Point them in the right direction. If not, then ask if they have ever seen something like your focal point item before. Whatever you can do to keep their attention on you! Show them your favorite item, or the most popular item. Whatever you do, don’t just ask them to take a look around. Point them to something specific. If you are general and vague, they will keep browsing. If you are specific, they can see your handwork and expertise in products they might not have considered.

Most booths are 10’x10′. This is pretty small, and crafters with many products are tempted to lay them all out and crowd in as many different things as they can. I’d really encourage you to not do that. Show a few products in a grouping and then leave some space. Show another grouping, then leave some space. Your mind will remember things if there is a gap between items. If you have piles and racks of items, the browser will keep on looking.

Browser to buyerOnce your “browser” has decided to become a “buyer,” then it’s time to

make sure they have everything they need. Point out another item you have in a similar color or style. Identify any accessories that go along with their selection. Ask them if you can contact them to follow up and see how they like it. Get a way to contact them and then you can let them know when you have new products, a new idea, or are going to be at another show. Your existing customers are more likely to buy from you again!

If, after all your efforts, the person keeps walking, try to ask them why they are leaving. Say, “Is there something I can do to help you find something

today?” This makes you sound helpful and opens the door to talking about your product. When they respond, you can answer their question (if you know the answer) and then say, “Is there something about my products that I could do better?” This gives them a chance to be helpful back to you! Everyone likes to help. This will give you valuable marketing information for future events.

One last bit of advice. Find someone who can sit in your booth for a moment while you walk around the show. Notice which booths catch your attention and make a mental note as to why. Notice which ones are busy and see if they have an idea you can adapt to your own display. Most of all,

make contacts with your fellow crafters. We’re all in the business of creating, and it’s nice to know there are others who share your passion and zeal!

Lisa Akers is a craft show marketer and a knitting instructor. She knits to bring a sense of inner peace and stillness to her life, and encourages her knitting and crochet students to do the same – even while knitting socks. Life’s too short to wear bad socks! Visit her website at www.bestillandknit.com and sign up for her newsletter to find out how handwork can improve all aspects of your life!


Win a $25 Gift Certificate!The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains is giving

away a $25 Gift Certificate to be used at YOUR FAVORITE SHOP!

Just fill out this form and send it to:

May – June 2016 EntryOR visit www.chickencreek.net, click on The Country Register to sign up online

Name ________________________________________________________

Phone _______________________________________________________

Email _______________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________

City ____________________________ State ____________ Zip _________

Favorite Shop Advertised ___________________________________________

This is My Favorite Shop Because _____________________________________

My Favorite Feature(s) of The Country Register ___________________________

Found This Issue At ______________________________________________

Are You a: n Regular Reader or n First Time Reader

What stores would like to see in The Country Register? (include town)

____________________________________________________________

Entries received by June 7, 2016, with all questions answered will qualify for the drawing. One gift certificate is given away each issue.

The Country Register132 W. Hudson StreetSpearfish, SD 57783

Advertiser Directory by Name Always Your Design, Dell Rapids, SD ...........................................12Around the Block Quilt Shop, Cheyenne, WY ................................. 8Betty’s Quiltery, Rapid City, SD ..................................................16Black Hills Quilt Show, Rapid City, SD .........................................16Black Hills Visitor Center, Rapid City, SD .....................................12Creative Closet, Townsend, MT ...................................................11Cheyenne Heritage Quilters, Cheyenne, WY ................................... 8Czech Days, Tabor, SD ...............................................................10Dakota Quilt Company, Spearfish, SD ..........................................16Dragons Heart Quilt Shop, Pincher Creek, Canada .......................... 9Fayes Henhouse Quilts ............................................................... 7Flip–Side Fabrics, Sidney, MT ...................................................... 4Heartsong Quilts, Hot Springs ....................................................15Kalico Kats Quilt Shop, Casper, WY .............................................. 8Knothole, Spearfish, SD .............................................................16North County Fiber Far ..............................................................10Nuts & Bolts Fabric Shop, Edgemont, SD ......................................15Quilt Connection, Rapid City, SD ................................................16Quilt Essential, Devils Lake, ND ................................................... 7Quilters Corner, Faulkton, SD .....................................................12Sapphire Quilt Show, Stevensiville, MT ......................................... 2South Dakota Quilter’s Guild, SD ................................................15The Fiber House, Sheridan, WY .................................................... 8The Quilt Yard, Pierre, SD ..........................................................12The Quilter’s Fix, Sheridan, WY ................................................... 8The Bakery Fabrics, Belle Fourche, SD .........................................16Vicki’s Quilts Down Under, Missoula, MT ....................................... 6Wall Drug, Wall, SD ...................................................................15

Advertiser Directory by CommunityFargo, North Dakota .................................................................. 2Sidney, Montana ....................................................................... 4Missoula, Montana .................................................................... 4Devil’s Lake, North Dakota ......................................................... 7Mayville, North Dakota .............................................................. 7Casper, Wyoming ...................................................................... 8Cheyenne, Wyoming .................................................................. 8Sheridan, Wyoming ................................................................... 8Pincher Creek, Canada ............................................................... 9Faulkton, South Dakota ............................................................10Tabor, South Dakota .................................................................10Townsend, Montana .................................................................10Dell Rapids, South Dakota .........................................................12Faulkton, South Dakota ............................................................12Pierre, South Dakota ...............................................................12Black Hills, South Dakota ................................................... 15, 16

Like The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains on Facebook!

Marianne Jensen – Oldham, SD

Won a $25 gift certificate to her favorite shop – Always Your Design,

Dell Rapids, SD

To enter the next drawing, fill out the form on page 14 or visit www.chickencreek.net.

$25 Gift Certificate Winner


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Black Hills, South Dakota

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Dad named his pastures after those who owned land we

acquired.

Their names lived on for years and years, long after sales transpired.

Dad hadn’t tried to honor them, but to identify

which cows were in which pastures—a system he went by.

What little cash those settlers had came hard earned from their toil. Their beads of sweat and drops of blood lie mingled with that soil.

Their dreams, which died a-borning there, were buried in

that land.

Their hopes lie hidden underneath the ever shifting sand.

I list some of the families who owned the land we bought.

Though few today remember them, it seems that someone

ought.

O’Learys, Funks, and Hegartys, were three whose houses stand

wide open to the elements on high plains prairie land.

The Harris place had one small spring where grass still grows

today.

The Harris Bottom’s named for them, though they are far away.

The Grahams lived much farther out, and so did Mrs. Mellen,

who lived alone and loved her place and died soon after sellin’.

In This Land Of Little Rain

Cowboy Poetry by Jane Ambrose MortonDrawing Winners

Joanne Nicholas from Spearfish, SD

andJudy Cox-Sample from

Buffalo Gap, SDContact Erika at the Country

Register about picking up or mailing your copy.605-722-7028 or

[email protected]


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Black Hills, South Dakota

may june country register 2016

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