Page 2 The Country Register of Indiana

Transcription

®
Page 2
The Country Register of Indiana
Editors’ Corner
Enjoy our annual Quilting & Needlework Issue
o f In
d iana
Ind
Gail & Merle Taylor, Editors & Publishers
P. O. Box 128, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763
Phone: 888-616-8319 • Fax: 800-609-0278
[email protected] • www.countryregisteronline.com
The Country Register of Indiana • Jan & Feb, 2016 • Vol. 16 No. 5
The Country Register is published every other month. Copyright © 1998. The Country
Register of Indiana, Inc. is one of a national network of independently owned and
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edition are copyright © 2006 by Tracey Miller and this publication and may not be
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Quilts are beautiful and who doesn’t
like snuggling up under a favorite quilt
on a cold winter day? Quilts and quilting
evoke a sense of the past–when our
Grandmother’s quilted. Quilting takes
patience, talent and determination. It is
with that in mind that we bring you our
annual Quilting & Needlework issue.
Dedicating one edition each year to this
pastime and those who practice it with
such passion seems only right.
As you visit the fabric, quilt, sewing and
needlework shops advertised on our
pages and make your way from shop to
shop in the shop hops please take your
copy of The Country Register along.
Stop in at the gift, antique and specialty
shops along your way. Who knows? You
might find the perfect rocker on which
to display your newest quilt, a neat gift
for the person who helped you finish your
last project that was stalled, or even a
home decor item you just can’t live
without.
The shop owners love to see new faces.
Stop in and let them know you saw their
ad here in The Country Register. It may
make their day brighter in the new year.
Check out the sales and events details
in the ads on each page. From afterChristmas sales to events to chase away
the winter blues, our advertisers have
thought of everything you need and even
a few you don’t yet know you want!..
Let’s Go ShoppingAND THE GR
ANDKIDS!
GRANDKIDS!
January & February 2016
Page 3
Advertiser Index
Events Listing
Shops are listed alphabetically by location.
See shop & show ads for complete details.
January
Day
Event
Page #
2-3
5-16
Christmas Clearance - Keepers, Lafayette ....................................................... 7
Discounts to Customers - Harvest Inn, Crawfordsville ............................... 6
Day
Event
6
Pajama Sale - Yoder Department Store, Shipshewana .................................. 4
Day
Event
February
March
Page #
Page #
3-5
IN Heritage Quilt Show, Bloomington .......................................................... 10
10-12 Indiana Button Show, Indianapolis ................................................................ 24
11-12 Pop Up Event - Honey & Me, Franklin ........................................................ 11
Free Pattern
Find more free patterns at:
JacquelynneSteves.com
Cities & Shops
P
age #
Page
Angola ................................... 4
Sewing Treasures
Beech Grove ........................ 11
The Fussy Cut Quilt Shop
Bloomington ....................... 10
IN Heritage Quilt Show
Centerville ............................. 8
Warm Glow
Clayton ................................ 19
Whispering Pines Designs
Corydon ............................... 20
HollyHock Quilt Shop
Crawfordsville ........................ 6
Harvest Inn Interior Decor/Gifts
Danville ............................... 19
Outta the Shed
Decatur ................................ 18
Country Creations
Evansville ............................ 20
Let’s Sew
Franklin ............................... 11
Honey & Me
Georgetown ......................... 20
The Quilting Bee
Greensburg .......................... 14
Tree City Stitches
Greenfield ............................ 15
A Touch Of Home
Greenwood .......................... 11
Take Root Country Store
The Back Door
Indianapolis ......................... 24
IN Button Society Show
Lafayette ................................ 7
Keepers
Liberty ................................... 9
Pohlar Fabrics
Madison ............................... 17
Fabric Shop
Marion ................................... 5
Quilters Hall of Fame
Martinsville.......................... 10
Berries & Ivy Country Store
Cities & Shops
P
age #
Page
McCordsville ....................... 15
McCordsville Mercantile
Metamora ............................ 21
Words & Images
Mooresville .......................... 24
Breezy Manor Farm
Muncie ................................. 18
Cotton Candy Quilt Shoppe
Nashville .............................. 12
The Story Inn
North Vernon ...................... 16
Classic Stained Glass
Sharynn’s Quilt Box
Plainfield ............................. 24
Gilley’s Antique & Decorator Mall
Rensselaer ............................. 7
Michell’s Sewing Fix
Rising Sun ........................... 17
Quiltfest
Rushville .............................. 21
Elizabeth’s Keepsakes
In Stitches
St Paul .................................. 14
Olde Barn Primitives
Salem ................................... 13
Past N Present by Michelle
Past N Present Too
Seymour ............................... 17
Primitive Crow
Shipshewana .......................... 4
Yoder Department Store
Terre Haute ........................... 6
The Country Cabin
Wabash .................................. 5
Heaven on Earth
Nancy J’s Fabrics
Washington .......................... 20
The Stitching Post
Not Classified by T
own
Town
and Out of State
Out of State ........................ 22, 23
Web Based ........................... 22, 23
REGISTER TO WIN ONE OF THESE B
OOKS!
BOOKS!
Winners will be announced in the next paper and books will be mailed
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY - THIS WILL BE YOUR MAILING LABEL.
P O Box 128
Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763
Use this pattern for embroidery, wool applique, punch needle or rug hooking, painted projects or
whatever your imagination can dream up! Reduce or enlarge pattern as desired.
Commer
cial use is strictl
Commercial
strictlyy pr
prohibited.
ohibited.
We love to see the projects that you have made from our patterns. If
you decide to post projects based on one of our patterns on a blog or
website, please give design credit to Jacquelynne Steves. Thank you!
Name
Street Address
City
State
Zip
Page 4
ANGOL
A - SHIPSHEW
ANA
ANGOLA
SHIPSHEWANA
Sewing
Treasures
100% Cotton Quilting Fabrics, Embroidery Stitch Designs,
Wide Variety of Quilting & Embroidery Notions, Threads,
Patterns & Books, Quilting & Embroidery Classes
AUTHORIZED HUSQVARNA VIKING SEWING MACHINE DEALER
1605 South Wayne Street, Angola, IN 46703
260-665-6948
located 1 mile south of the monument South Wayne St. from circle
Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-5:30pm
Sat 10am-4pm; Closed Sun & Tues
www.sewingtreasures.net
Gather – A Vintage Market
By Simone Gers
Vintage African Indigo Batiks: The Fabric of Life
Quilts That Redeem,
Virtual Ministry Quilt
We are entering into a season of
thankfulness and joyful anticipation for
most people. For others? Well . . . maybe
not so much. I would like to take this
opportunity to reach out to those in the
“not-so-much” group.
With years of giving ministry quilts, I’ve
come across people in all stages of grief
as they deal with tragedies and difficult
situations. Healing seems long in
coming. The journey through to the
other side of the valley is an ongoing process. Some days go fairly
well until a hiccup blindsides
them. Those days seem like two
steps forward; one back.
Oftentimes, the holiday season
holds its fair share of just such
days.
Every ministry quilt I’ve
been a part of giving has
been given with a prayer.
When asked if I can offer a
prayer, no one has turned
me down. If you’re reading this and you
are walking a difficult path right now, may
I pray with you?
Close your eyes and imagine a beautiful
quilt wrapped around your shoulders.
You’re enveloped in tangible love and
care. You are experiencing the Heart of
Jesus through the hands and feet of those
doing His work. As I stand near you, I
put my hand on your shoulder, and we
go before the throne of God where He
stands ready at the right hand of His (and
by Sherry Osland
our) Father to hear and intervene on your
behalf. Offer these words to Him.
“Father God, this world is a paradox
of incredible beauty; yet brokenness and
pain. I humble myself before you and ask
for healing, restoration and redemption
from this journey of pain. You are with
me every second of every day. Jesus, I
thank 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. In
Jeremiah 29:11, you’ve
promised me a “future
and a hope.” Help me
persevere and trust in
that. When tempted,
tired,
depressed,
discouraged
and
doubting, be my
strength, my comfort
and my peace. Lead me
through this valley and bring me out on
the other side. Show yourself in
supernatural, yet tangible, ways so I might
feel Your Presence. Thank You. It’s in
Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
–Written by Sherry Osland of Praise Works
Quilting 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. Contact
information: [email protected] or
785-263-4600.
When my husband Tray gets home
from a "picking" trip, my first question is
usually, “What’s your
favorite find?” Earlier
this year, it was Vintage
Indigo Batiks from
Africa. He couldn’t stop
gushing about them.
And they are beautiful.
I’m a pragmatic
person so I love items
that have multiple
purposes and indigo
batiks
are
so
inspirational.
Of
course, they make great
shawls and wraps and
are fantastic for throws. Some people like
the lighter-weighted textiles for clothing
and we like the heavier batiks for the
throws. They bring
tablescapes to life
and make gorgeous
tablecloths for all
kinds of dishes,
especially white
ironstone
and
yellow or red
Fiestaware. Many
people are using
batiks for pillows,
bolsters
and
upholstery work—
and it’s no wonder because the handwork
on vintage indigo batiks is inspiring.
Each batik, like a quilt, tells a story that
is handed down from father to son,
mother to daughter. Sections of cloth are
composed of individual motifs such as
fish bones, little stars or hunters and each
piece has its own unique tale to tell. There
are some themes, like wealth and luxury,
calabash flowers (a sign of prosperity),
brave and fearless, yet meanings differ
depending on the individual, ethnic group
or region.
African Batik was originally imported
in the 19th century by Dutch merchants
from Indonesia where paste made from
starch or mud is used as a resist instead
of wax and the dye is made through a
process of grinding
indigo plant leaves.
African batiks feature
larger motifs with thicker
lines and more colors
than Javanese batik. The
complexity of the weave,
the color and the type of
thread used determines
the value of the fabric.
I love looking at the
batiks and wondering
about the families who
made them and what the
symbols meant to them.
I like to compare the weaves and feel the
different textures between my fingers. It’s
interesting to look at the blues next to
each other and
wonder how many
times each piece was
dipped to get it to its
perfect shade of
indigo. I love that
each piece is unique.
I love watching
customers feel the
fabrics between
their fingers, throw
a batik over their
shoulders, wrapping
themselves
in
history. And when someone brings a
gorgeous indigo batik up to the register,
I wonder what stories will be told about
this great, one-of-a-kind find and what
memories will become enmeshed with the
stories already woven into the fabric.
––Simone Gers began her antiquing journey
35 years ago when she married Tray, an avid
collector. They still have the first piece they
bought together—a pegged farm table that was
so decrepit it was behind the antique store—
and they have been upcycling vintage finds ever
since. The Gers own Gather A Vintage
Market in Tucson, AZ, a monthly market.
Simone has taught writing and literature at the
college level for many years.
Page 5
MARION - WABASH
Heaven on Earth
Large selection of quality cottons, homespuns and wools
We purchase full fabric lines • Friendly service
Lots of samples for inspiration
Long arm quilting service
4767 N. St. Rd. 15, Wabash IN 46992
(6 miles north of Wabash)
765.833.5461
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5; Sat. 9-3;
Closed Sun.
www.heavenonearthofwabash.com
info@ heavenonearthofwabash.com
1604 S. W
abash St., W
abash, IN
Wabash
Wabash,
Phone TToll
oll F
ree: (866) 563-3505
Free:
F abric, P
atterns & Books
Patterns
www
.colorsgonewild.com
www.colorsgonewild.com
In Historic Wabash, Indiana,
located on South Wabash St.
(State Road 15/13) 1/2 Mi. So. of the Wabash River
Store Hours: Mon-Fri 10-5:30; Sat 10-5
Visit us at the
Indiana Heritage Quilt Show
Bloomington, IN • www
.IHQS.org
www.IHQS.org
March 3rd - 5th
Exhibit info:
The Quilters Hall of Fame is closed for the winter
We will open again on April 7, 2016
Thank you for a wonderful Year!!
926 S Washington Street, Marion, IN 46953 (765)664-9333
www.quiltershalloffame.net ~ [email protected]
Quilty Pleasures
When my daughter, Heidi, was little
more than a toddler, I planned to make
her a Raggedy Ann for Christmas. Time
has blurred the reason why I didn’t get it
finished, but I do remember handing her
a box of red and blue fabric and bright
orange 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 for
her. To make a
luxurious quilt that
would surround her
with “mommylove.”
And
absolutely not give
her an IOU on that
most important day!
Because she loved
Ralph
Lauren
bedding, I searched
for just the right
sheet to serve as the basis for her quilt.
And I found the perfect pattern called
“Cole Brook.” Unfortunately, it was a
king-sized bed skirt instead of a full sheet.
But, it had the right colors, the right
weight, and feel. A soft, cotton sateen. It
would do very well.
In truth, I collected fabric for more
than a year. Finding only Ralph Lauren
fabric proved to be too daunting for me.
Eventually, I added other brands of high
thread count pillowcases and luxurious
fabric samples. The big day drew close
and still, I shopped for just one more
by Cathy Elliott
piece for an elusive quilt square. Maybe a
silk plaid or a linen toile would give it that
elegant edge I wanted.
With only two weeks to go, I started
rotary cutting and stitching, piecing the
quilt. I worked into the wee hours,
knowing I didn’t want another Raggedy
Ann moment on my parenting record.
Just in time, I got the quilt top finished
and wrapped for the big party. In a
perfect world, the
entire quilt would
be completed, but I
was happy to hand
Heidi an original
Medallionpatterned coverlet
– almost a quilt.
And
lots
of
mommy-love
instead of an IOU!
I called it “Mostly
Ralph Lauren” and she loved it. Mission
accomplished.
Now, there is still the problem/promise
of that Raggedy Ann….
© 2016, Blog post reprint used with permission. - Author and speaker, Cathy Elliott,
nourishes her night-owl habit by creating cozy
mysteries and more on her trusty laptop in
California. In addition to various articles and
anthology contributions, she has authored three
novels: A Vase of Mistaken Identity, Medals
in the Attic, and her latest mystery A Stitch in Crime.
Page 6
CRA
WFORDSVILLE - TERRE HA
UTE
CRAWFORDSVILLE
HAUTE
Harvest Inn Interior
Decor & Gifts
25th & Poplar
Terre Haute, IN 47803
812.232.4635
1521 South Washington Street
Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Come in now for all of your
Primitive Decorating Needs
(across from Applebee's on 231 S.)
765-376-5802 • Tue-Thu 10-6; Fri-Sat 10-4
Olde Century Paint
Seasonal Decor ~ Pictures
Hand Crafted Items ~ Candles
Primitives ~ Furniture ~ Wreaths
Customer Discounts Offered from January 5th to 16th
Let us help you make your home cozy for winter
with our curtains, braided rugs and lamps.
It’s a great time to spruce up a room.
Har
Harvvest Inn
Hours:
Mon-Sat 10am-6pm;
Sun Noon-5pm
We customize orders for:
Furniture, Bedding, Curtains and Rugs
Lamps and Shades • Canister Sets
Bathroom Accessories • Boutique items
Lanterns and Exterior Uniques
www.harvestinn.webs.com
Building Harmony
Like us on FACEBOOK
By Jeff Cappis
Moose Calls
This is a piece about passion, lust and
heartbreak in a valentine story of
unrequited love.
The air was still warm, but the leaves
were softly fluttering from the trees. I was
on my way out the back door with my
grandson Kane. We were going to get
some fire wood for the evening. He’s 4
and to him, going to the woodshed is a
great adventure. It just so
happened that this time
he was right.
Between us and the
woodshed was a large
moose. She was gently
munching on our lawn.
Even though we didn’t
seem to bother her at all,
I figured we should go
back.
“Maybe we should just wait inside,” I
said while shuffling a curious Kane back
in through the door. Luckily I have a fair
size tinted window near the door, so we
watched the moose from inside. She just
kept on munching.
Not too much later, I noticed
something up the hill was moving. It
stepped out of the trees with it’s long
antlers and proud stance. A male moose.
After spying her, he swaggered down the
hill to let her know he was there. But, in a
way, kind of coy so as not to look too
interested. Keeping his distance at first,
he struck another rather noble pose.
She took on a “I’m just hanging around
the forest with nothing to do but look
pretty” kind of pose. I suppose in her
mind she was going to have a romantic
night under the full moon and stars, eating
grass and leaves, with the man of her
dreams (or something like that).
Diluted with self-reassurance, as guys
often are, the male began to saunter
closer. I suppose he was thinking he
would meet this other moose and talk
about the forest (or something like that).
Anyway, he was starting to get all cocky
and confident, unaware there was a
problem: another male moose coming
along not thirty feet behind him.
Now the female really struck a pose.
The males began by slowly circling each
other, one of them snorted. They
knocked horns a few times, but not very
Kelly Rost,
Owner
We are all about you
and your home!
deliberate. They kicked up a little sod.
They had staring and pooping contests.
This kind of thing went on for 1/2 hour.
By the time they were in the “I can
scrape more bark off this tree with my
horns than you can” contest, it looked as
if they might be actually having fun. The
female though, was getting impatient. At
one point she shook her moose stuff in
a provocative way, but
they ignored her. She
paced a bit. I suppose she
was thinking “There isn’t
much tree left. They
should be finished soon.
Then I may choose my
champion!”
(or
something like that).
Turns out, we have lots
of trees in the forest.
Even Kane got bored and went to watch
TV.
The female moved in a little bit closer
but always pretend not to notice. So did
the males. They got busy knocking dead
branches off the newly naked trees with
their antlers. After a while, the female was
getting impatient. She got right close and
made a few snorting noises. She even gave
them that level-eyed kind of stare.
This finally got both the males’
attention and everyone stopped. So there
they were, all three of them staring at each
other. Kind of a moose awkward moment
really. One girl, two dates. For a few
minutes they just stood there until finally
the two males tapped horns, pooped, and
wandered off through the forest in
opposite directions.
The female (she must have been
confused, humiliated and disappointed),
just went back to eating and fertilizing our
lawn.
There are a few theories about what
happened there. a) Maybe moose find
other moose to be as ugly as we do or b)
The two males became good friends and
neither wanted to hurt the other’s feelings
by stealing his girl or c) Nobody could
get romantic because they could see we
were watching.
As it turns out, it didn’t matter. In the
spring she produced a newborn calf from
a previous romance. Now there are two
eating our lawn.
Ann’s Lovin’ Ewe
Personal Downsizing
For the New Year I’m motivated by my
friend’s great Before and After photo.
In September, my 6-foot, 304-pound
friend Mark who had high blood pressure
was also diagnosed with diabetes. The
prospect of a lifetime of drawing blood,
managing his sugar levels, taking
medication, and logging food journals,
was daunting. And that
wasn’t even correcting the
problem.
With
that
prognosis, he admitted, “I
needed to make a serious
change.”
When Mark asked for two
months to try to reverse the
diagnosis, the doctor was
optimistic.
Mark read Fuhrman’s book on
reversing diabetes, changed his eating
patterns, and moved all the things he
couldn’t eat to the garage pantry and
fridge. “It really comes down to a radical
departure from normal American eating.”
This departure was not merely a
temporary resolution. “I look at this as a
lifestyle change, not a diet.”
Mark also turned a little-used basement
office into a workout center by investing
in exercise equipment and a television.
Now after work, instead of relaxing on
the couch while eating an extra late-night
dinner, he spends 60-100 minutes
watching television while exercising on his
elliptical.
By October, he described dramatic
results. “I lost 25 pounds in as many days
and was exercising once or twice a day.”
By November, at Mark’s two-month
appointment, he had dropped 39 pounds.
Not only that, his fasting blood sugar
levels were not even pre-diabetic, and his
blood pressure and all cholesterol
numbers were normal. “The nurse said
she had never seen anyone’s numbers
drop that fast.”
But the perks of Mark’s personal
downsizing extended beyond weight loss.
“With healthier eating and weight loss, I
have more energy to tackle projects that
I had put off.” Forty less pounds meant
greater mobility and easier breathing. “We
by Ann Stewart
are now going through the entire house
and downsizing wherever we can. It feels
really good.” Mark’s personal downsizing
resulted in an upward swing in attitude.
“Life had felt like a depressing
downward spiral.” The heavier Mark got,
the more tired and unmotivated he
became. The less he did, the more he ate
to try to feel better. “I didn’t
take on many home
improvement
projects
because If it can wait 10
years, maybe that is all the
longer I will be around. So
why bother?”
But thankfully, that was
reversed. As soon as he gets
home he tries to keep moving. Instead
of sitting around and thinking about not
eating, he gets busy on home
improvements, claiming he’s shopped at
Home Depot more in the last three
months than the previous three years.
“The more I lose weight, the more energy
I have to tackle things; the more
motivated I am from success. Seeing
things get done makes me want to
continue to eat healthier and lose more
weight.”
Mark’s negative diagnosis became a
positive life changing turning point. His
testimony was so inspiring that I
reconsidered the results of my last bone
density scan and the need to start weightbearing exercise to keep my bones strong.
I, too, have some little-used basement
space currently housing an unused PingPong table. With downsizing,
reorganization, and the purchase of an
elliptical, the basement became an
inexpensive but effective workout center
for the New Year.
We all have some health and lifestyle
choices to make. Who is your inspiration?
What positive changes can you make?
How will you begin? I want to start the
New Year making wise choices that will
benefit my future and those I love.
–© 2016 - All rights reserved - Used by
permission - No reprint without author’s
permission. Look for Ann Stewart’s upcoming
novel Stars in the Grass
Page 7
LAF
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SELAER
Michelle’s Sewing Fix
Sewing Machine Repair and Classes
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The Knitting Savant
By Andrea Springer
Rosie’s Hope Chest
Every romance starts somewhere. I
met my husband, Steve, on an online
dating site. I’d been in “the dating pool”
a while longer than he had when we were
matched, and my experiences hadn’t been
positive. In the early days of our email
courtship, I shared that one of my
passions was knitting. He immediately
responded, “Cool! My mom
was a knitter and my sisters
knit as well.” I couldn’t have
imagined a better answer. I’d
found a keeper!
Rosemary McPeak Snook
was, among many things, a
wife, mother, grandmother,
volunteer -- and a knitter. Her
daughters have told me she
liked to make blankets and afghans. We
keep the baby blanket she knit for one
of her grandchildren on display, even
though that generation is grown with
homes of their own. My husband’s oldest
friend considers an afghan she made him
in high school to be one of his treasured
possessions, because it came from Rosie.
While working in my in-laws’ home last
year, we came across Rosie’s cedar hope
chest, full of treasures from her life. In
addition to her wedding dress, childhood
quilts and a Bible from her confirmation,
we found a stocking cap and matching
sweaters she’d worked up for Steve and
his sisters when they were young. She’d
chosen a “mod” 1960s turtleneck pattern
and used three strands of worsted weight
yarn to create a bulky, multi-colored
fabric in a stockinette stitch. It made me
smile to think of the time and effort she
put into each sweater, and the fact that
she stored them with other items she
valued told me they were meaningful to
her.
In an era when we consider so much to
be temporary or disposable, I think about
all the things that are created around the
world daily. When we’re gone,
how will the things we’ve
made be viewed by others?
What things – if any – will
continue after we’ve moved
on? What will be our creative
legacy?
I never had the honor of
meeting my mother-in-law.
She passed away before Steve
and I met. However, I’m privileged to
experience her life through her family and
friends. I can touch the things created for
others. I get to know her through the
recipes in her recipe box and the trinkets
she collected from her travels. I see the
joy in her face in photos. I know how
deeply she loved her family by the way
they continue to speak of her with
affection and longing for her presence
even years later. Rosie may be gone, but
she’s definitely not forgotten. She leaves
a legacy of love in her wake.
–Andrea Springer blogs at
www.knittingsavant.com where she helps folks
remember that they have everything they need
to be successful in knitting and in life. You can
share comments or ideas with her at
[email protected] or follow Knitting
Savant on Facebook and Twitter.
• Sewing machine repair
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The Tale of a Box from My Closet
Time to Finish Old Tasks
Winter offers powerful lessons that it
is a good time to finish up old tasks.
Of course, I’ve also received the
last phrase of that sentence in a
fortune cookie.
Whatever the inspiration, I’ll make
it my own: It is a good time to finish
up old tasks and to allow the past to
settle into the future.
I have a tangible task; it sits before
me in a box, waiting patiently as it
has for the last nine years. There
is nothing onerous,
dreary
or
disturbing in
my
box.
There is no
lurking
regret,
swea tbreaking doubt or even intense grief.
There is a beautiful memory, one so
heartbreakingly warm that I rarely rewind
the moment. That way, 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 a
resident’s room at an assisted living
community. The resident, the oldest at
four months shy of 100 years of age,
crochets, as do her daughter and
granddaughter.
It is as it has ever been for as long as
the daughter and granddaughter can
remember.
Except for the grandmother’s hands.
Their efficient rhythm has lost its steady
stamina. There are gentle bursts of energy
and then periods of complete rest. The
process repeats itself until the yarn sits
still and quiet in her lap.
All of them know that the desire to try
remains, but as the saying goes, the flesh
is weak and tired. A rare sadness and
passivity creeps into the grandmother’s
eyes.
The granddaughter finds a pretty basket
in the closet. They ask the grandmother
if she would like to put the yarn there so
she can pick it up when she feels more
rested.
The grandmother nods with a relieved
acceptance, releases the skeins and the
partially finished granny square into the
basket. And just like that a 91 year lifetime
of crocheting comes to an end.
Three weeks later, the grandmother
passes peacefully away at the hospital,
By Kerri Habben
dying of aplastic anemia, wherein her
bone marrow ceased to produce blood
cells and platelets.
The blanket
and yarn was
packed up and the
g randdaughter
placed it in her
closet with the
thought that she
and her mother
should finish it
one day.
She waited to
finish it because
what she felt from
the blanket was
the weakening of
strength
and
durability. She
knew, naturally,
that one day her
grandmother would no longer be living,
but somehow it seemed like her hands
would forever be steadily moving.
After a time, whenever the
granddaughter saw the box, she still
thought of finishing it one day. But this
time, somehow, she even forgot what was
in the box. Which meant it was more than
time to complete the blanket.
So on this winter’s day, I open the box.
I remove the yarn, whereupon the square
appears lost. I reach out to embrace and
reassure it and I find that instead it
comforts me.
During its long hibernation, the atrophy
I feared to feel has somehow again grown
into a new, deeper strength. Or, perhaps,
time has the same effect on a blanket as
it does on the human heart.
I pick up a crochet hook and I decide
to crochet one row to outline my
grandmother’s work. And it is then that I
know that her work never stopped at all.
She is within every efficient and steady
motion 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, and
crochet instructor living in Raleigh, NC. An
avid crocheter and knitter, she learned these
skills from her grandmother and mother. She
donates many of her yarn creations to those in
need. Kerri has gathered a decade of essays she
is working to publish. She can be reached at
[email protected].
Page 8
CENTER
VILLE
CENTERVILLE
Special Way to Give...
By Ann St Martin Stout
The Gift Money for Valentines Day
Sometimes cash is the easiest and most
sensible way to give a gift. Make a very
special colorful gift with your creative
handwork. What could be better than a
jingling handful of dollar coins in a
handmade drawstring bag? Here’s how
you can make it special.
You will need:
• Dollar coins (e.g. Susan
B. Anthony, Sacajawea,
Eisenhower, Presidential)
• Fabric for outside of bag,
suitable for recipient - 6" x 16"
• Fabric for lining of bag - 6"x16"
• Thread / needle / sewing machine
• Shoelace or strong ribbon for drawstring
• Trinket, charm or button meaningful
to recipient. (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Sew the two fabrics right sides
together along three sides, leaving one end
open for turning.
Step 2: Turn and press. Fold in raw
edges on unfinished end, press and
topstitch closed
Step 3: Fold down ½” - ¾” inch toward
lining on each finished end and topstitch
along edge (not fold) creating a casing that
will hold the drawstring.
(Optional: ends can be folded outward
to expose lining if it is a coordinating
fabric.)
(Or: Sew a ¾ “wide ribbon to outer
side to create casing, leaving ends open.
If your ribbon is the kind that frays, you
can dip ends in diluted craft glue before
starting project.)
Step 4: Fold lined fabric in half, right
sides together, and stitch up sides to
create bag, stopping at the casing. Turn
bag and press if needed.
Step 5: Feed drawstring
through casings in a continuous
loop (use safety pin or bodkin
to help feed it through). Knot
ends of string together. If desired, you
can put in two drawstrings - one going
each way - so they pull against each 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 lucky
recipient. He or she will find many uses
for the bag once the money is spent.
(Idea: for a child just learning to count
money put in a handful of varied coins
for excitement, practice and money to
spend.)
Note: Before the bag is sewn up the
sides in step 4, some decorative quilting,
stenciling, or stitchery could be added. I
used a decorative machine stitch to close
the end in step 2, and matched it, for
decoration, on other end.
–© Copyright 2016 - Ann St Martin Stout.
www.leavesarefree.tumblr.com/
Jo of All Crafts – Master of None
by Jo Branham
You know that old saying: “Jack of all
trades and master of none?” Well, that’s
me with crafts – “Jo of all crafts and
master of none.”
I’ve dabbled in cross
stitching,
candle
wicking,
tatting,
quilting, painting –
small houses and
designs on clothes, card
making with rubber
stamps,
appliqué,
embroidery . . .
And I have all the
paraphernalia to prove
it.
My mom taught me
embroidery when I was
a little girl. Maybe that’s
why it is still my most
favorite craft of all.
For Valentine’s Day, I used to decorate
a shirt – a sweatshirt or a long sleeved tee
– for my sister, Liz, every year. I need to
start doing that again. I really enjoyed it –
and I now have a niece who would enjoy
receiving them, too.
The first few years I bought stencils
and painted on the shirts with fabric
paints. That was kind of a hassle because
I couldn’t hide it anywhere since we lived
together. And I always had to find a place
to lay it to dry that was inaccessible to
cats.
There is no where inaccessible to cats.
Then I started buying the iron-on
transfers and decorations.
That ended up being a pain
because sometimes the
iron wasn’t hot enough –
even though I had it on the
setting they told me to. Or
the transfer was so old it
didn’t “stick.”
So then I started doing
appliqué with embroidered
embellishments. I liked
that a lot better.
And then I just started
doing the whole thing with
embroidery. I used chalk
paper to draw my design
on the shirt. I also kept a
printed copy of the design
because over time the chalk would wear
off of the shirt where I handled it so
much. By that time, I usually had quite a
bit done, so I could just look at my printed
pattern and free-hand the design.
I could also fold it up or stick it in a
bag 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 patterns
and see what I can come up with for
Valentines Day.
Page 9
LIBER
TY
LIBERTY
A Cup of Tea with Lydia
By Lydia E. Harris
How Do You Spell Love?
Love makes the world go ’round. So,
Roll the dough into a ball, flatten it, and
as the year begins, here are some “heartthen cut out the dough with a heartTea” ideas to share love with family and
shaped cutter. If the cookies lose their
friends of all ages.
shape, recut them with the heart-shaped
cutter as soon as they come out of the
Heart-Tea Menu for Adults
oven. For gifts and mailing, we place the
Last February, I was pleased to serve
heart-y cookies into heart-shaped boxes
lunch to my sister Ruth. Since it was near
or cookie tins.
Valentine’s Day, a “heart-Tea” meal was
Last year our three grandkids (ages 4
in order.
to 11) came for a sleepover on Valentine’s
I prepared four heart-y soups to
weekend while their parents celebrated
sample: my mother’s meatball-andtheir wedding anniversary.
dumpling soup (my childhood favorite),
We started by
white bean and
drawing names and
ham, French onion,
making Valentines
and asparagus with
to show love in
lemon. Ruth loves
special ways to the
asparagus, so that
person whose name
soup with its
we drew. I set out
refreshing, lemony
c o l o r e d
taste and chunks of
construction paper,
roasted asparagus
doilies, stickers,
was her favorite. It
markers, scissors,
looked appealing
tape, and glue. My
served in a heartfour-year-old
shaped glass bowl
granddaughter, Anna, took her Valentine
and topped with a heart-shaped piece of
making seriously. She kept whispering
wheat toast and a roasted asparagus spear.
to Grandpa and her older siblings to get
I garnished another soup with a slice of
the information she needed. I wondered
tomato cut into a heart with a cookie
what she was up to. Then we made our
cutter and added a chive arrow across the
own Valentine holders and hung them
top.
from our chairs by the table.
Our menu also included green-pea
The heart-y theme continued during
salad with small, heart-shaped pieces of
mealtimes with heart-shaped pizza for
cheddar cheese served in paper muffin
dinner. The next morning we feasted on
liners and placed on doilies atop heartwaffles cut into hearts and topped with
shaped saucers. We finished our meal by
whipped cream and heart-shaped
nibbling heart-shaped chocolate chip
strawberries. We sipped hot chocolate
cookies and sipping Bigelow’s
from heart-shaped teacups and added a
Pomegranate Pizzazz herbal tea, a rosedollop of whipped cream and pink sugar.
colored, fruity blend.
After breakfast, we read our Valentine
Lovely Setting
cards. When I opened mine from Anna,
Pink and red make a cheerful setting
I found crooked strips of colored
for teatime. I used a pink gingham cloth,
construction paper with letters printed
pink heart-shaped teacups, and red and
on them. I strung the pieces together and
white tulips for the centerpiece. Heartsaw they included the entire alphabet.
shaped cookie cutters made inexpensive
Anna couldn’t write words and messages,
napkin rings, and heart-shaped red, pink,
so she simply wrote all the letters of the
and white doilies added a lovely accent.
alphabet so I could create my own words.
Since Ruth enjoys the candy bar with her
I kept those jagged scraps of paper,
name, a package of Baby Ruths waited at
because to me they spelled L-O-V-E.
her place setting.
Any time is a good time to show love
Heart-Tea Ideas for Young Sweethearts
to others. I’m ready to express affection
Often our grandkids and I bake and
to family and friends with a hearty meal,
frost heart-shaped sugar cookies together.
a lovely setting, or tea and treats. Won’t
Sometimes we also make chocolate chip
you join me?
cookies into hearts. They’re easy to make:
–Lydia E. Harris, who holds a master’s degree in Home Economics, is blessed with five
grandchildren and authored the book, Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting.
From Lydia’s Idea File
French
Onion Soup
If French is the language of love, what better way to express your
love than with French onion soup? And your friends will undoubtedly ask for amour of this tasty, easy-to-make soup.
Ingredients:
• 1 package Onion Soup Mix (such as Lipton)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• sliced French bread (one or two slices per person)
• Swiss cheese slices (one or two per person)
Directions:
1. Prepare onion soup mix according to package directions. Add sugar and simmer.
2. Toast one or more slices of French bread for each person. Butter if desired.
3. Top each slice of toast with a slice of Swiss cheese cut to fit the bread.
4. Microwave bread for 30 seconds or until cheese melts.
5. Pour hot soup into bowls. Top each with bread and melted cheese.
Enjoy!
Makes 4 one-cup servings.
Optional: If you wish more onions in the soup, brown one or two thinly sliced onions in two tablespoons
butter until tender. Add to packaged soup mix and simmer according to package directions.
Time for Quilting
"How long did it take you to make that
quilt?" Probably every quilter is asked
this question from time to time. And we
quilters will ask this question of each
other too. Some of my own responses
to this question have included, "A long
time!" and "That's a good question!"
Another possible way to reply would be
to provide the month/year the quilt was
started, followed by the date it was
finished. But when it comes to estimating
the actual number of
hours spent making a
particular quilt, to
borrow a line from the
old song, "Does any
quilter really know what
time it took?"
There are a number
of quilting books with
titles that hint at quilt
construction time, such
as Quilt-in-a-Day or
Quilt-in-a-Weekend, but
my first thought with
those books is that they
may be underestimating the real time
start-to-finish of the project. As with the
TV cooking show boasting 30 minute
meals, I wonder about how those meals
translate into actual time spent in the
kitchen. There are certainly some
activities that are just naturally associated
with length of time; such as how many
days will I be away from home, or how
many hours I need to drive somewhere,
or how many minutes I need to wait till
lunchtime, or how many seconds I feel
like exercising today. But, unless I've got
a deadline to meet, I generally don't find
myself associating length of time with my
quilting. For me, making a quilt is mostly
about creativity and relaxation, being in
the moment, and enjoying each step along
the way.
And there definitely are many steps
involved in the process of creating a quilt!
Sometimes there are unplanned steps in
unexpected directions and sometimes a
by Sally Lomanno
few backward steps are required too.
When I'm engaged in my more favorite
steps of the process, blocks of time will
go by and I can hardly believe what time
the clock says when I finally pause to
glance at it. I would try hurrying through
the steps that I don't enjoy quite so much,
however I have found that I can't
combine quilting and hurrying. Quilting
helps slow me down. Quilting makes me
take my time. That's one of the many
rewarding aspects of
the craft. Snipping off
the very last stitch of a
quilt is all the more
satisfying to me because
of all the time I've
invested in making it.
Now, finding that
time is a whole nother
spool of thread. I seem
to manage to set aside
quilting time in various
ways. On some days I
can even put quilting at
the top of my priority
list and then I squeeze any other activities
in around my stitching time. It often
surprises me how many other tasks I can
end up getting done anyway when I focus
most of my attention on doing something
I really enjoy. Putting my quilting first
like that reminds me of a conversation I
once had with another stitcher during a
train trip. She was knitting and I told her
how I wished I had brought along my lap
quilt project, but that it wouldn't fit in
my bags once I was done packing. She
quickly remarked, "Oh, my knitting always
goes in first, then I pack everything else
in around it!" I don't know how much
time she and I spent chatting on that trip,
or how much time I've spent making any
one of my quilts. All I know is that, in
both cases, it was time well spent.
–Sally Lomanno lives in Cape May, NJ. She
enjoys writing nearly as much as she enjoys
quilting.
Page 10
BLOOMING
TON - MAR
TINSVILLE
BLOOMINGTON
MARTINSVILLE
BERRIES & IVY COUNTRY STORE
Antiques~Primitives~Country Décor~Yankee, Keepers of the Light & More
Wool Pillows & Handbags~Braided Rugs & Accessories~Willow Tree
Country Textiles~Painted Gourds and gourd demonstrations
Wool Hooking Supplies and Patterns
Hooking group meets Saturday mornings 10-12
28 N. Main St. Martinsville, IN • 765-342-7722
Hrs. Mon. & Fri. 10-5 Tues.-Thurs. 11-5 Sat. 10-4
Large Groups Welcome • Visit us on Facebook
www.homesteaddesigngourds.com
For area information www.visitmorgancountyin.com
Dirty Knees
by AnnMarie Rowland
A Rose Is a Rose Is a Rose
I haven’t taken a survey, but I’d dare to
bet that if I did, the most common
answer to the question “What flower do
you like best?” would be “Roses”. And
no wonder; they are beautiful to look at,
wonderfully fragrant, and long-lasting.
Since Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us
(hint, hint), I thought I’d talk a little bit
about colors, how to prolong your roses’
beauty once they leave the florist’s shop,
and how to get the
most for your
money.
Different colors
mean
different
things when we’re
talking roses; and it’s
all good, with the
constant exception
of the yellow ones,
which represent
jealousy
or
decreasing love
(ouch!). Red is the
most popular choice
for this holiday, so
give a single one to
say “I love you”;
more to say “I love
you still” or a dozen
to say “I’ll always
love you”. Mix the red with white to
signify unity, or give thornless ones to
declare love at first sight. Pink roses,
which tend to smell even sweeter than red,
are a sign of perfect happiness. It’s hard
to go wrong with roses.
Most florists advertise “long-stemmed”
roses for Valentine’s Day, usually by the
dozen, sometimes in a vase and
sometimes in a box. What’s the best deal?
I’ll give you my opinion, with all due
respect for florists and rose growers. Skip
the long stems. Yes, they make an
impressive presentation. Yes, they seem
to be extra romantic. But…no, they don’t
smell any sweeter. No, they don’t mean
you love her (or him) more. No, they don’t
last longer.
They do cost more, and that’s fair
because growing roses with long, strong
stems requires the grower to devote more
time and attention to the rose bushes in
the field. But to me, it’s just more stem.
Stems are not what flowers are for.
Flowers are what stems are for. No matter
how long (or short) the stems may be, it
is the intoxicating fragrance and velvety
soft petals of the rose that make a
rose…well, a rose.
Don’t ignore the smaller variety known
as a “sweetheart” rose. Often it outfragrances the large ones, and comes with
a much smaller price tag. They’re lovely
for corsages or small table arrangements.
Whether you buy/receive roses,
carnations, daisies
or some other
flowers
for
Valentine’s Day,
you’ll need to know
how to care for
them. Here are
some tips:
1. Choose a vase
that is big enough
to hold the bouquet
without crowding
the stems.
2. Remove any
leaves that will be
under water in the
vase.
3. With the stems
under lukewarm
water, trim an inch
off from the
bottom, at an angle. Garden pruners are
perfect for this.
4. Fill your vase ¾ full with room
temperature water. Add the floral
preservative that came with the bouquet.
If you didn’t get any, you can use 2 ounces
of Listerine ® to each gallon of water.
The mouthwash acts as a fungicide, and
also adds glucose (food) to the water.
5. Arrange your flowers and put them
in a cool, dark place for a few hours so
that they can adjust to their new home.
6. Change the water every other day.
Change it. Don’t just top it off. Bacteria
lurk in the stale water.
7. Keep them in the coolest part of
your home, out of direct sunlight, and
store in the refrigerator at night if
possible.
Whether a single red one or a dozen;
nothing expresses love the way roses do.
–Copyright 2015 - AnnMarie Rowland is a
freelance writer, Master Gardener, and singersongwriter. When she is not on the road, she
lives in Michigan. www.annmarierowland.com
It’s Party Time with Lesley
Winter Party
Happy “2016" to everyone! May this
be your best year ever! Life is so much
more fun when you have a party with
friends or family. It’s time to bring some
more happiness into your life and enjoy
that friendship time.
Winter party themes are not something
we think about, but it can be an exciting
and fun event. Here, where I live, our
winter is white and sparkling snow
wherever you look. I decided to make this
winter party theme about the colors white
and silver. The decorating, tableware, the
food, a game, and even what to wear can
be about either the colors white or silver.
The decorating will be easy with
hanging white or silver cutout snowflakes.
Snowballs can be little white stryofoam
balls and you could even wrap some of
them in tinfoil for silver balls. You could
also use some of your silver Christmas
tree ornaments to place in fancy large
glass bowls or vases to place around the
party room.
The dining room table is a place I
always like to dress up. Set your table with
a white table cloth, white napkins with
silver napkin rings, or silver/grey napkins
with white napkin rings. Add a couple
white or silver candles and have some
novelty piece you have on hand in silver
as your center piece.
When sending out your invitations (or
personal phone call,) let your guests know
what your theme is, suggesting that they
wear something in one or both of those
colors. Of course, men can get away with
wearing a “white shirt.” Now, at this time,
if you wish, you could tell your guest that
this will be a “pot luck” dinner, and each
guest could bring one dish in these colors.
Of course, something in a silver food
would be difficult, but they could put it
in a silver serving dish.
I suggest going “pot luck” as it makes
your planning time cut in half and makes
it less of a chore!
My friends (or cousins) and I do this
quite often. It adds a lot of interest in
what someone else has made, and you end
up getting a new recipe! Now, I know I
normally advice not to have food all in
the same color, but in this case, I will
applaud the effort as I know it will work
out.
As hostess, you will be responsible for
supplying the dishes, cutlery, and
by Lesley Nuttall
beverages. You could make an appetizer
if you wish, but not necessary. You could
also make one “white food dish” yourself,
and I am adding a salad that you could
make the morning of the party.
If you would like to play a game with
the guests, make up a “word game” using
winter words. This is relatively easy to do.
Try to have about 15-20 words which you
will scramble, and your guest will have to
put them in the proper order in, say, ten
minutes. Have paper and pencil/pens
available for them to use. Have the guests
work in pairs, as it makes it so much more
fun. I’m including a few words to start
you off: snowballs, snowflake, icicles,
slippery, blizzard, snowshoes, snow
machine, snow bank, sliding, skating.
Snowing, freezing. Now just add a few
more of your own. If you wanted, you
could have a small silly prize to give to
the winners. Remember, it’s all in fun. And
fun and laughter lowers stress level, so
whatever you do, make it fun for your
guests!
For a successful party, the pre-planning
is very important. So, be precise and plan
out each part of the party. I always put
my husband in charge of looking after
the drinks, ice, drink glasses, etc., which
also takes some pressure off of you.
With all this in mind, your party will be
a big “hit!” Have a wonderful time with
your guests, and best wishes to everyone
in the new year!
–© 2016 Lesley R. Nuttall is the Author
of Secrets of Party Planning, a guide to easy
entertaining. She lives with her husband in
Dryden, Ontario, Canada. email:
[email protected]
Nippy Cucumber Salad
• 3 large cucumbers -washed and
cubed
• 1 large onion - quartered and sliced
• 1 cup cauliflower florets - bite size
• 1/4 cup chopped chives or scallion
tops
• 1/4 cup each sour cream and
mayonnaise
• salt & pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients, but add the
sour cream and mayonnaise just before
serving. Yield: 6-8 servings
Page 11
BEECH GROVE - FRANKLIN - GREENWOOD
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Wit and Wisdom
by Jule Ann Lattimer
In the World, Not of the World
The ocean fascinates me. Every year
we rent a beach house on the shore in
North Carolina. I love everything about
it – the sand, the tides, the shells, the bird
life, as well as the surprising things the
ocean coughs up each
night. One morning the
beach was peppered in jelly
fish. What a sight!
Another day I watched a
flock of pelicans huddled
together patiently waiting
for the fog to lift. Some
days playful dolphins
follow along as I walk the
beach in search of multicolored shells and
treasured sand dollars.
I once read that there are more living
creatures under the sea than those living
above it. With our ever-advancing
technology, oceanographers recently
discovered a giant squid that is 10 feet
long, weighs over a ton and has eyes the
size of dinner plates. There is an
underworld of plains, plateaus and
mountains ranges. I am awestruck by
God’s creativity. As I sit in my beach chair
admiring the rhythmic ebb and flow of
the waves, I often meditate on God’s
amazing creations.
One of those is the Gulf Stream, a
powerful, warm and swift current within
the ocean that originates in Florida and
follows the eastern coast line of the
United States and Newfoundland before
crossing the Atlantic
Ocean towards Europe. It
is 62 miles wide and its
depth varies from 2600 to
3900 feet. It travels at a
speed of approximately
5.6 mph. This river within
an ocean dwarfs all rivers
combined that empty into
the Atlantic Ocean.
What did God have in mind when he
placed a river within an enormous ocean?
As I contemplated that thought a
scripture popped into my head. “I do not
ask Thee to take them out of the world, but to
keep them from the evil one. They are not of the
world, even as I am not of the world.” (John
17:15,16) Jesus often used object lessons
to teach his disciples. Is this an object
lesson for us?
As God’s children, He expects us to
live a moral life of integrity, not to be
swallowed up and carried along by this
corrupt world’s seductive pleasures. Just
as the Gulf Steam remains autonomous,
so must we.
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• Longarm Service
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• Visit our...
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Suite A-1
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317-786-9289
Page 12
NASHVILLE
Register to Win a Trip to
The Story Inn
For Valentine’s Day
over
$375
Value!
The Country Register is giving away a trip to The Story Inn in Nashville, IN
the midwest’s premiere country inn. Leave your cell phone, laptop and
stress at home and head to bucolic Brown County. Spend a night in one of
their tastefully decorated rooms. Make dinner reservations so you are sure
to enjoy the inn’s gourmet dining room and the chef ’s special. Then enjoy a
great night’s sleep followed by a wonderful breakfast. Spend your day
visiting antique shops, hiking, exploring the area or just napping! What
could be better? How to win...
Getaway Contest! The contest is simple, just send a note, email (page 2)
or cereal box top with the reason YOU should win! You know we love stories!
Happy Valentine’s Day
and Good Luck!
6404 South State Road 135, Nashville, IN 47448
(812) 988-2273 • www.StoryInn.com
Sewing Baskets
Fine Print: One entry per person please. Entry
letters will be judged on creativity and, in our
humble opinion, the best reason given for being
deserving of a get away trip. One entry will be
picked on February 1, 2016 and the winner will
be contacted immediately in case they actually want
to schedule their trip for Valentine’s Day. Winner
will receive $375.00 in The Story Inn Gift
Certificates which can be redeemed for meals,
overnight accommodations or merchandise. (No
unused portion of the certificates will be refunded
in cash or may be used as a staff gratuity.)
By Robert Reed
Still Much to Behold
Granted sewing is not today the
household activity of previous
generations. But the accompanying
sewing basket is making a comeback. As
a decorative item old sewing baskets still
are much to behold.
Historically sewing baskets came in
various shapes and sizes. To help contain
the contents most provided a lid or some
means to close off the base. Such sewing
baskets also came in assorted materials
from
the
splints of oak
and hickory to
grass and palm
leaves.
Choices in
the late 18th
century, for
example,
ranged from
the dramatic
red lacquer
China trade
box with gold
decoration to
the
rustic
hand-crafted. Chinese lacquer boxes, for
example, often had finely cared ivory
fittings and were highly regarded
household treasures.
Additionally there was the French
“necessaire” which often combined
polished wood or papier-mache with
flares of inlaid mother of pearl. Typically
they held a few small sewing items
including scissors, needles, and thimble.
The German “hussif ” was usually smaller
that the French version, but was
sometimes velvet covered.
In 1791 Mrs. Benedict Arnold was
reportedly given a bird’s-eye maple sewing
box with birch back fittings that was very
definitely made in America.. It was crafted
by Elasaba of the Micmac tribe and is
now in the American Museum in
England.
In some regions of early America,
Native Americans sometimes used moose
hair instead of silk thread. In other cases
such sewing boxes held combinations of
items, one crafted with silk and the other
crafted with moose hair. In nearly every
case they were both delicate and elaborate.
Other Native American works made use
of available materials such as strands of
wood, pine needles, or tall-growing grass.
During the first half of the 19th
century Pennsylvania Germans frequently
made actual sewing baskets, rather than
boxes, using generous amounts of oak
splints and rye
straw.
“When one
considers the
large amount
of needlework,
both plain and
fancy, that was
accomplished
by young ladies
and
their
mothers during
the 18th and
19th centuries,
it
is
understandable
that personal sewing boxes should be
among the truly cherished possessions of
most American families,” noted Nina
Little in the book, Neat and Tidy: Boxes
and Their Contents Used in Early
American Households.
Regardless of material origins the basic
sewing box and the basic sewing basket
seemed to further evolve throughout the
second half of the 19th century. Some
finer examples in the words of author
Little, “exhibited a cabinetmaker’s skill.”
They could be very stylish, framed with
the best of quality hard woods, and often
lined with quality fabric or colorful paper.
Many of the fancier types had
compartments or divided sections for
storage of individual sewing accessories
including a pincushion and spools of
thread. Some of the most elaborate even
provided for a removable tray which held
smaller items.
Sewing baskets enjoyed a renewed
Winners will be announced in the next paper BUT sent their prize
by mail IN TIME FOR Valentine’s Day
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY - THIS WILL BE YOUR MAILING LABEL.
P O Box 128
Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763
Name
Street Address
City
popularity in the 1880s and 1890s, and
among the best were those made by the
strictly religious Shaker communities and
sold to the public. Shaker sewing baskets
used a woven rib construction that made
them especially strong and durable. Such
baskets were often sold in small shops
within the Shaker colonies, or sometimes
available in local shops and also included
a pincushion.
As a matter of fact sewing baskets of
that
era
frequently
came with
pincushions
attached to
the
top
according to
H e l e n
Thompson
author of
S e w i n g
Tools and
Trinkets. Still
other sewing
baskets continued the Chinese tradition
of using a thin silk rope to attach beads
and coins to the top of the basket.
Just about every Victorian home kept
a sewing basket sitting in a prominent
place. Increasingly they were circular, but
varied
considerably
in
size.
Understandably larger sewing baskets
could hold a woman’s entire inventory of
sewing accessories and supplies even
including an assortment of fabrics.
Smaller sewing baskets might hold more
specialized sewing materials for more
State
Zip
limited tasks.
In 1908 the Sears and Roebuck catalog
was offering fancy sewing boxes lined
with satin. Their best selections provided
a combination of plus material and
celluloid. Beneath the transparent
celluloid was “a pretty picture” and inside
were “six useful sewing articles with
plenty of room for other articles used by
one who sews.”
At about half the price Sears and
R o e b u c k
customers could
purchase a squareshaped eight inch
sewing “work”
basket featuring
straw braided into
fancy designs.
For those not
willing to use a
store-bought
sewing, they could
possibly make
their own at home.
“After the basketry revival around the
turn of the century, reed and raffia
(woven fiber from palm leaves) was
suggested as the best easiest materials to
find and use for making baskets,” points
out Frances Johnson author of The
Wallace-Homestead Price Guide to
Baskets. “It was also about this time that
bamboo sewing baskets began to be
imported in large numbers.”
By the 1920s a great number of raffia
sewing baskets were on the market. In
1922 the Montgomery Ward catalog
Page 13
SSALEM
ALEM
by Jo Branham
Sigh. Yes, once again I’m dreaming of
spring in the middle of winter. Sunshine.
warm weather. No boots and no coats.
I really don’t mind one snow storm in
January or February that
gives me a day – or two –
off work. Like when we
were in grade school and
had snow days.
So what do I do when the
winter doldrums hit? I read.
A glass of iced tea, a bag or
bowl of popcorn and a
good book – life doesn’t get
much better than that.
What do I read? I like all kinds of books
– from children’s books to adult
nonfiction. But my favorite type of book
– especially in the winter – is what I call a
“Crafty Cozy Mystery.” These are part
of the “cozy” mystery genre – which
means all violence takes place “offscreen.” The book is about solving the
mystery, of course, and it usually includes
a lot of information regarding the main
character’s personal life. As a matter of
fact, by the time I’ve read 2 or 3 books in
a series, I feel like I know the main
character, her family, friends, cohorts and
even enemies.
Monica Ferris has a series about Betsy
Devonshire, a woman who
takes over her sister’s
needlecraft shop when the
sister is murdered. There
are 18 books now in this
series and the books cover
a variety of needlecraft
projects – from knitting
and
crocheting
to
embroidery and cross
stitch to needle punch. In the back of
each book you will find a pattern for one
of the projects described in the story.
Most of these types of books share a
pattern, instructions or a recipe in the
back of the book.
So, if you’re suffering from the winter
doldrums, but aren’t in the mood to get
“crafty” yourself, grab a “Crafty Cozy
Mystery.” Maybe it will give you some
ideas for a new project. At the very least,
it’s a good way to wile away a cold and
snowy winter afternoon.
offered brown raffia sewing baskets
complete with scissors, thimble and three
spools of thread. Square or round types
were available
ranging in size
from four to
five and a half
inches
in
diameter. In
addition the
catalog also
offered white
and purple raffia
sewing baskets
that came with a
bisque doll.
Apparently aimed at children the baskets
were six inches in diameter 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 98
cents.
A m i s h
g r o u p s
continued to
provide
s e w i n g
baskets for
sale from the
1930s to the
1 9 5 0 s .
Typically they
f i n e l y
constr ucted
with willow rods and wooden bases. Many
were lined with oilcloth and a pin cushion
attached. Some of the larger Amish
sewing baskets were more than eight
inches in diameter.
Today sur viving sewing baskets
continue to attract collectors who have
no intention of doing any serious sewing
by hand.
Instead such baskets are considered
very decorative. They can be used for any
number of
purposes
including
h o l d i n g
costume
jewelry, for
dried-f lower
arrangements,
to store old
photographs,
or for keeping
recipes and
coupons
handy.
Basic care should be used in connection
with vintage sewing baskets including
avoiding dampness and excessive heat.
Baskets should be kept out of direct
sunlight
a n d
a w a y
f r o m
moisture
producing
substances.
Reco m mended
reading:
Baskets,
3rd edition, by
Nancy
Schiffer (Schiffer Publishing); Sewing
Tools and Trinkets by Helen Thompson
(Collector Books).
–Photos in order they appear1) Striking round
sewing basket complete with lid and contents.; 2)
Woven Sewing Basket.; 3 Traditional woven
sewing basket with selection of sewing materials.;
4) Early 20th century sewing basket.
Past 'N' Present Michel le
by
A primitive and country home decor & gift shop.
ring
Offe ide
a w of:
ty
varie
and
nd....
Pas
resen
oo
Pastt ''NN' PPresen
resentt TToo
Hand made FFur
ur
niture • Candles• PPotpour
otpour
ri• RRoom
oom Sprays
urniture
otpourri•
Valances • TTextiles
extiles • Pictures • and much much more...
Lots of new merchandise ar
riving daily!
arriving
211 N Main St., Salem, IN (812) 883-9600
and...
Past N Present TToo
oo , 103 E. Mulber
Mulberrr y St. Salem, IN
Hrs TTue-F
ue-F
ri: 10 - 5; Sat: 9 - 4
ue-Fri:
Come in this winter for
$5.00 OFF A PURCHASE
OF $25.00 or more.
“Like”
Us On:
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Expires Feb 28, 2016
Blessed are the knitters
– for they shall
keep us in stitches!
Winter Word Scramble
ǤǤ
ͲͳǤ

ͲʹǤ

Ǥ
Ͳ͵Ǥ
ǡǤ
ͲͶǤ

ȋǡ
ǡǡȌ
ͲͷǤ

Ͳ͸Ǥ

Ͳ͹Ǥ

ǡ
ͲͺǤ

ͲͻǤ
ǡǡ

ͳͲǤ

Ǥ
ͳͳǤ

ͳʹǤ

ǡ
ǡ

ͳ͵Ǥ

ǡ

ͳͶǤ

ͳͷǤ

ͳ͸Ǥ

ͳ͹Ǥ

ͳͺǤ

ǡǡ

ͳͻǤ

ʹͲǤ

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
Snow Days
Page 14
GREENSBURG - ST P
AUL
PA
Happy
New Year!
Olde Barn Primitives
Handmade Primitives
Prim Tart Burners
Electric Lights
Signs
Dolls
Stitcheries
A Sprinkling of Antiques
Lighted Canvas Pictures
Gift certificates available
“Like:”
s
arm
h
C
Discounts on all Christmas
items and snowmen
us on
Facebook
5827 W County Road 700 N, St. Paul, IN 47272
www.oldebarnprimitives.com
(765) 525-6249t
Cash or check only… no credit or debit cards
ear!
Happy New YYe
Become Inspired
Hours:
Fri /Sat 9-3
ilt
u
Q op
Sh
ly
Jel lls
Ro
Located on the square in downtown Greensburg
Batiks
• Fat Quarter Fridays
20% OFF Precut Fat Quarters, singles & bundles
• Buses & Groups Welcome
Batiks • Cottons • Pre-cuts • Flannels
Wide Backing & much more.
125 E. Main Street, Greensburg, IN 47240
812.222.0920 – www.tcstitches.com
Open: Tues & Thurs 9 - 5;
Wed 9 - 8; Fri 10 - 6; Sat 9 - 4
By Annice Bradley Rockwell
Decorating, Entertaining and Living
in the Early American Style
Plentiful Peace
The winter months often seem
unusually long in New England..But this
spectacular season can bring us the truest
of blessings. Winter months often
provide us with time for peaceful
contemplation and quiet moments to
create a warm home setting that will
shelter us from the unpredictable bitter
blasts that characterize a classic New
England winter.
Harmony
at
Home
Creating
an
environment that
conveys warmth and
solace is rewarding
a
n
d
worthwhile..After
the
holiday
decorations are
safely stored away,
the backdrop for
your decorating is
like a clean canvas awaiting a perfectly
painted scene..To achieve harmony in
your room settings, begin with the larger
pieces that you absolutely love..Consider
positioning your seating arrangements in
a new way for the winter to create cozy
spaces to gather nearer to the fire to share
stories of your winter adventures..Give
some of your larger pieces a new
purpose..Cupboards can be utilized to
create two separate spaces to make your
space look entirely different and blanket
chests can be used to create distinct areas
as well..
The Comfort of Color
After all of your larger pieces are in
place, consider some of the colorful
elements you have that can add warmth
and texture to a room..After a long day
out in the cold, it is so inviting to come
home to the beauty of color..Early woven
textiles and carefully arranged oriental
rugs lend elements of texture and color
that are comforting and warm..Carefully
placed decorative smalls are another way
to introduce new color into a
room..Antiques in early paint can be
artfully displayed to create a look that is
fresh and inviting..New arrangements of
your favorite pieces combined with bright
and vivid additions can be soulfully
appealing, especially
in the winter when
our landscape has an
absence of color.
Enhancing your
Environment
Taking time to
enliven your home
environment does
give your spirit a true
lift..This winter
venture out to some
of your favorite shops and think about
how you can incorporate some new
pieces into your winter displays..Be on the
lookout for pieces that can be used in
different ways..Think about adding
vibrant hues to your displays to make
them more appealing to the eye..By taking
time to arrange your home so that it is an
inviting and warm place to be, you will
be providing yourself with a perfect
balance to the icy blasts of the coldest
season of the year.
© 2016 Annice Bradley Rockwell is an
educator and owner of Pomfret Antiques. She
is currently working on her book, New
England Girl.
[email protected]
Robin Rock is the owner of Milltown
Primitives. www.milltownprimitvesshop.com
© 2013 TCR of IN
A Valentine’s Day Story
Editors Note: Gayle is one of my favorite
cousins. Although a few years older than me, she
always tried to include me in things “the big kids”
were doing. She waas even my art teacher in
elementary school - I was so proud of her. (And
still look up to here in many ways.)
It was the sixtyfirst year reunion of
my high school class.
Imagine! Sixty one
years! Considering
the collective age of
those in attendance,
the number gathered
for dinner was short
of amazing. A few
had come long
distances, too. Oklahoma. Nebraska.
California.
It was so good to see the "regulars" who
had been coming to Sharpsville for nearly
all our reunions. Unbelievably, there were
three or four who had rarely attended,
but who finally made their appearances
on this odd-numbered year.
One had driven from Nebraska, driving
through Columbus, Ohio, to pick up
another whose health prevented her from
making the trip alone. I hadn’t seen
Marilyn and Ethel in years. They were two
of those who had finally made a reunion.
In fourth grade, Ethel was my rival for
the attention of Bobby, who had
professed to like us both.
At our reunion gathering, seeing Ethel
reminded me once again of my
Valentine’s Day story. We players in the
story were fourth-graders in Mrs.
Moody’s class.
Before Valentine’s Day, the excitement
rose in that fourth grade class as we
created our own decorated Valentine shoe
boxes to receive the anticipated
inexpensive cut-out cards on the big day.
Although, we would predictably receive
one from each of the other classmates,
we would, nevertheless, secretly wonder
just who would be our special Valentine
friend or admirer.
by Gayle Cranford
On that important day, one by one, we
walked up and down the rows, carefully
depositing a card in each box atop the
student’s desk. I noticed that Bobby had
no cheap little cut-out Valentines to
distribute. Instead, when it was his turn,
he deposited only
two cards—and
they were the
folded expensive
Hallmark-type
cards. One was for
Ethel and the other
was for me.
Following the
party, when we had
an opportunity to
compare our beautiful cards, Ethel and I
each thought to have received the prettier
one, thus claiming to be Bobby’s real
chosen one. I cannot remember Ethel’s
card design other than it was rather plain,
but still vividly recall that mine had a large
heart that was filled with various shades
of
pink roses. Breathtaking!
Confirmation, I thought!
I can’t know what Ethel remembered
about that day, if she remembered
anything at all. The significance of my
Valentine’s Day story is that fifteen years
later, Bobby and I were married. After
his death in 2009, four months shy of
our fiftieth wedding anniversary, another
classmate wrote in a note of sympathy
that Bobby was her very first crush, a bit
of surprising news for me to hear after
all those years. He was a charmer, even
then.
The irony of my remembering this
incident at our sixty-first class reunion is
that two days afterwards, Ethel quietly
died in her sleep while on a bus trip to
Tennessee.
Now, of the three participants in my
Valentine’s Day story, I am the only one
left who can tell it.
© 2016 by Gayle Cranford who enjoys
writing, quilting and playing mahjong with
friends online and in person.
Page 15
GREENFIELD - MCCORDSVILLE
Random Acts
by Maranda K. Jones
Not For Sale
Est. 1996
Mom & Me
“With a little help from my friends.” The Beatles suggest that is how we get by,
and I must agree. Just this past year, I planned classroom parties, parade floats, and
holiday celebrations. Looking back on those memories, I am relieved those late
nights resulted in fun days for children, and I am filled with appreciation for my
helpers. I was overwhelmed with assistance from my colleagues, friends, and fellow
homeroom moms…and of course my own mother. My creative mom fills her days
with hobbies that reflect her generous nature.
Stamping cards to share with friends and family makes the hours fly by. When I
make cards, I tend to create one design and mass produce it for everyone on my
list. Not my mom. She takes the time and makes the effort to personally create each
card for the receiving individual. Her attention to detail shows up in every craft she
has ever completed, and that is quite a few.
Mom has always been crafty. Another trait she and her friends have in common.
Her ceramics phase consisted of glazing and firing throughout my childhood. Her
friend Carol had her own kiln, and her two sons were like our own brothers. We
played for hours while our moms cleaned and painted their latest creations. Once in
a while, we were allowed to choose a project from the store too. We were always
excited to join them at the table with scrapers and sponges. There is something very
satisfying about sharing your interests with someone who returns your enthusiasm.
Mom was met with that same enthusiasm when she stopped in a quilt store in
Hannibal, Missouri on a road trip. While sightseeing, she spotted a snowman quilt
hanging in the window and thought it would be a welcome addition to her snowman
collection. When she inquired about purchasing it, the shop owner said it was not
for sale, but they did sell all the supplies to make one. She decided right then and
there, “I’m going to make a quilt!” and bought everything but the trim fabric.
She has never made a quilt, but she was ready. She has embroidered and cross
stitched before. She has sewn costumes, curtains, and crib bumpers. She has quilting
in her blood and the quilts from her grandma to prove it. She found a project she
would see through from beginning to end...literally. She held in her hands the
patterns for each letter of the alphabet with correlated Christmas embroidery work.
Visiting with the store owners, she received advice, helpful hints, and gathered
supplies before heading home with her first quilt.
While chatting with an avid quilting friend, Mom shared her plans for her new
project. Something in her voice indicated that she could use some help. She said
that every single quilt square is to be embroidered, and that if she could just get it
started, she would probably finish one a month. Cynthia offered to embroider the
individual pieces. Mom knew Cynthia would carefully stitch each square with
perfection and promptly handed over her assignment.
The next time they visited, the embroidery was finished, and Mom’s quilt was
ready for the next step. Mom said she would make it to the fabric store soon to
make her choice of material. Cynthia gave her a time and date as she continued to
lead her toward completion of her first quilt. When Mom met Cynthia at the Denver
store, she already had a pile of at least ten reds and greens for her to peruse. Mom
gratefully acknowledged her selections but said she had her favorite color purple in
mind. Cynthia said, “Oh, by all means!” They soon found the perfect border fabric,
including another purple trim fabric and the backing. Cynthia suggested someone
to finish the quilting and Mom agreed.
Before she knew it, Mom’s first quilt was finished. She didn’t even have to thread
one needle. And now Mom quilts…with a little help from her friends.
©2015 Maranda K. Jones. Author Maranda K. Jones shares her stories of faith and family through her personal
experiences of growing, teaching, and parenting in a small town. She lives with her husband and their son and
daughters in rural Colorado. She is an elementary school teacher as well as a prolific freelance writer.
Maranda Jones’ new book Random Acts
is now available at amazon.com.
The book includes her reader-acclaimed articles from the last decade.
Let The Country Register
bring your business new
customers in the New Year!
Targeted, Affordable Advertising that Works!
McCordsville Mercantile
6288 W. Broadway, McCordsville, IN 46055
(Formerly St. Rd. 67/Pendleton Pike)
317-335-3355
Antiques
•
Collectibles
•
Handcrafts
•
Gifts
Featuring
Handmade Willow Furniture & Benches
Saltbox Illustrations Greeting Cards
Pottery • Warm Glow Candles
Laurie’s Kitchen Soup & Dip Mixes
Gift Certificates Available
MasterCard/Visa/Discover accepted
Booth Space Available for Quality Dealers: Call for Details
Re-Opening
January 12, 2016
at Noon
Winter Hours: Jan., Feb, Mar.
Tues.-Sat, Noon-5
A Touch of Home Decor & Gift Shop
107 W. Main Street inside
J.W. Riley Emporium Mall • Greenfield, IN 46140
featuring...
Candles: 1803, Crossroads, Black Crow and
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Old Century Paints • Leanin Tree Cards
Magnet Works Door Mats & Garden Flags
and so much more!
www.TouchOfHome.net-main.com
Hrs: Mon. - Sat. 10-5; Sun 1-5
Over The Tea Cup
By Janet Young
Tea - The Healthy Drink
January is National Hot Tea Month.
As seen around the world in many
cultures, drinking tea has
proven to be beneficial
to our health and wellbeing. So, if one of your
resolutions for the New
Year was to develop a
healthier lifestyle, then
why not add drinking tea
daily to your list.
Drinking hot tea
contains antioxidants
that help reduce the risk of cancer.
Green tea, in particular, helps to reduce
cholesterol, and stabilize blood sugar
level.
If you are already a tea drinker why
not experiment with different types of
tea. For example, instead of a black tea,
try a white or green tea. Or, stay in the
black tea family, if that is your tea of
choice, but try another flavor such as
spicy (ginger) fruity (peach) dessert type
tea (chocolate mint). Use loose leaf tea
instead of teabags. You will be amazed
by the difference in taste.
To help you get started, why not attend
a tea tasting, or go to a tea shop and see
if you can sample a few varieties. The
tea expert should be able to help you
identify the characteristics and notes of
various teas.
Enjoy tea at a teahouse to
experience the tea ceremony.
Read a few books about
tea, and learn the proper way
to prepare it.
Experiment with pairing
certain foods with tea, or if
you want to be even more
adventuresome try cooking
with it. There are cookbooks
available to assist you.
Invest in a tea travel mug for tea on the
run.
Study after study has shown tea is
beneficial to our health, so why not start
the New Year right. EDUCATE yourself
about the art of tea. EXPERIMENT
until you find a favorite type and brand.
Then ENJOY!
Let’s Drink To Our Health!
–Janet Young, Certified Tea and
EtiquetteConsultant, is a founding member of
Mid-Atlantic Tea Business Association and
freelance writer/national tea presenter. Visit
her website at www.overtheteacup.com.
Page 16
NOR
TH VERNON
NORTH
Classic Stained Glass & Gift Gallery, Inc.
Quilters – we can make stained glass from your quilt pattern!
Send or bring in your pattern and let us turn it into a beautiful
stained glass design putting our 33 years of experience to work for you.
EST
EST.. 1994
1551 N
or
th SState
tate SStr
tr
eet
Nor
orth
treet
th Vernon, IN 47265
orth
Nor
812-346-4731
shar
ynn@fr
ontier
.com
sharynn@fr
ynn@frontier
ontier.com
Shop online at: www
.shar
ynns.com
www.shar
.sharynns.com
Located Behind North Vernon Post Office • Find us on FACEBOOK
We Have Great Valentine Day Gifts!
Suncatchers • Panels • Blown Glass Ornaments
Jewelry • Key Chains • Paperweights
IU, Purdue, UK & Colts Scoreboard Clocks
Marbles • Laser Cubes • Military Gifts • Birdbaths
Car Charms • Winchimes • Yard Stakes
Glass Bird Feeders • Australian Crystals
and many other beautiful items.
Or for the person who has it all, give
the gift of a stained glass class!
250 East Hoosier St., North Vernon, IN 47265 • Open: Tue - Fri 9-5; Sat 9-2
Complete Line of Supplies • Classes • Custom Work • Repairs
Windows • Sidelights • Transoms • Cabinet Inserts • Lamps
www.ClassicStainedGlassShop.com • 812-346-4527 • TOLL FREE: 1-888-48GLASS
Classic Stained Glass & Gift Gallery
A True Family Business
Classic Stained Glass and Gift Gallery
is a family affair. Lori Underwood has
been working in stained glass for 33 years.
She is “the artist,” according to her mom,
Ann Means. Their
husbands, Mike
Underwood and
Tom Means round
out the crew at the
shop.
Ann takes care of
the gift gallery and
any ordering for the
shop. Mike and Tom
help Lori with the
stained glass creations, custom work and
restorations. They also do most of their
installations.
Lori had never
been much into
crafts – her passion
was music. When
she took a semester
off from college, her
mom talked her into
taking a class on
stained glass in
Columbus, Indiana.
Lori fell in love! She
began taking more classes at Adrian’s
Stained Glass in Indianapolis. Wayne
Adrian, the owner of the shop, was so
impressed with her
that he asked her to
go to work for him.
Lori became his
apprentice and he
taught
her
everything he knew.
She worked there 10
years – until the store closed.
For two years Lori did custom work
from her home –
but she missed
interacting with
people so much that
she went to work at
Accent in Glass, also
in Indianapolis. She
became great friends
with the owner, Barb Heilig, who taught
her the business end of her craft.
Then Lori became ill and had to move
back home to North Vernon, Indiana so
that her parents could help take care of
her during her recuperation. She was out
for about 3 years. As she began to get
her health back, her desire to begin
by Jo Branham
working in stained glass came back full
force. She sounded her mom and dad out
about opening their own stained glass
store in North Vernon. They were
receptive to the
idea.
While driving
through town, Lori
saw a building for
rent. Near the
railroad tracks, it
was formerly a car
dealership. It had 5
huge plate glass
windows – perfect
for displaying stained glass pieces. She
went home and got her parents, who
agreed they’d never
find a more ideal
space – and on
December 19, 1996
Classic Stained
Glass and Gift
Gallery opened
their doors.
As soothing and
relaxing music
plays softly in the
background, you
can browse through their wide variety of
jewelry, Tiffany-style lamps, sun catchers,
garden decorations, and many other
beautiful gift items.
Looking for a
custom-made
window or door?
They do that. Or
do you need an old
window or door
restored? They do
that, too.
Lori took me upstairs to the workroom
to show me one of
her
current
projects.
St.
Vincent’s Jennings
Hospital
has
commissioned her
to make a piece for
their conference
room. They asked her to create a piece
using the colors of the room and their
emblem, a dove. The piece became larger
than she’s first anticipated and now
consists of 3 panels. The centerpiece is
the dove with the coordinating colors
from the room radiating out from it –
the two side pieces are in various shades
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
2000+ Bolts of 1st Q
uality 100% Cotton F
abric
Quality
Fabric
Kits • Books • P
atterns • N
otions • G
ift Cer
tificates
Patterns
Notions
Gift
Certificates
Kno
wledgeable and friendly staff
Knowledgeable
staff..
Block of the M
onth • Classes and Clubs
Month
Authorized
Dealer
Handi Q
uilter
Quilter
Sales R
ep
Rep
Hours:
Tues-F
ri 10-5;
ues-Fri
Sat 10-3
by Jo Branham
“We really take our customers seriously...”
Sharynn Patterson has been in the craft
business for over 30 years. She began by
making hand-made faux fur and leather
coats, wearable art
and other things in
which she could
incorporate the
remnants of fur.
In 1994 she was
doing craft shows.
By 1998 she had
opened a quilt store
and gift boutique in
Vernon, Indiana.
And
in
2004
Sharynn’s Quilt Box moved to North
Vernon, Indiana.
She and her husband, Darrell, have
been Janome dealers
since 1998. They
have a nice selection
of
machines
featured in the shop.
Seven years ago,
Handiquilter signed
them up as reps for
their
long-arm
sewing machines.
They order it and when it comes in,
Darrell comes to your house, sets it up
and teaches you how to use it. He also
services the Handiquilter machines and
regular sewing machines. Those you can
drop off at the shop
for him to work on.
Sharynn’s Quilt
Box has a wellrounded
and
versatile collection
of
fabrics:
K a u f m a n ,
Northcott, Moda,
P&B, Andover,
Quilting Treasures,
Hoffman . . . to
name just a few. They have an absolutely
gorgeous selection of batiks. And you can
have the fabric cut to fit your needs or
buy it precut as fat quarters, charms, jelly
rolls or layer cakes.
She carries all the sewing and quilting
notions you would expect to find – plus
Sullivan floss and a few hand embroidery
patterns.
Two of Sharynn’s employees recently
retired. While she
trained her new
staff, Gail and
Cathy, she cut back
on the classes the
shop offered. Gail
is a part-timer; she
will have been with
the shop 3 years
next April. Cathy
works full time and
January will mark
her second year at the shop. Sharynn’s
sister, Billi, works at the post office and
fills in at the shop whenever she can. All
the shop employees
–
including
Sharynn – work on
samples for viewing
in the shop. Kits
corresponding with
the sample can
usually be found
nearby.
Since everyone is
getting to “old hands” by now, classes are
starting to pick up again.
Gail teaches a serger class on the first
Wednesday of each month.
Janet Gagneur will be teaching some
classes on different
types of appliqué,
starting with an
a p p l i q u é d
snowman pillow. It
is gorgeous!
There are also
classes
on
beginning quilting
and a Foot and
Ruler class that
meets every second
Tuesday of each month.
Sharynn’s Stitching Friends Club meets
at 9 a.m. on the second Saturday of each
month. It began as the Thimbleberries
Club, but when Thimbleberries quit doing
their club projects, the ladies didn’t want
to quit meeting. Now the meeting starts
Page 17
MADISON - RISING SUN - SEYMOUR
PRIMITIVE CROW
located at:
Seymour Antiques, 1005 East 4 th Street
Seymour, IN 47274
812-523-3505 • Hrs: Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-3
Early Wares • Antiques • Primitive Goods
Tattered Linens • Primitive Candles
Country Neighbors Home Tour
Annual Tour 2nd Weekend
of June, Sept, Nov 2016
for more details see separate ad or...
www.picturetrail.com/countryneighbors
1515 W Dalton Court, Seymour, IN
812.497.3057 • Like us on FACEBOOK
FABRIC SHOP
Hurley Adams & Judith Adams - Owners
Happy
New Year!
812-265-5828
220 E. Main St • Madison
Embroidery Unlimited
Custom Embroidery by Ilene
• Wide Variety of Fabrics & Notions
• Quilting Supplies • DMC Floss
• Knitting Yarn & Accessories
• Kwik-Sew Patterns
• Handmade Quilts
• Machine Quilted Quilts
• Sewing Machines- New & Used
with
Sharynn
presenting new items
that she carries in the
shop, and then a
show and tell . . . and
there
are
refreshments, too.
“We really take our
customers seriously,”
Sharynn told me.
“They are very
important to us. We support them and
help them with
their projects. We
like to be as
involved in what
they’re working
on as they want
us to be.”
You can get
involves with
Sharynn and her
crew even if you
Continued from previous page...
can’t get to North
Vernon. By the
time you read this,
Sharynn’s Quilt
Box will be
offering an online
store for your
s h o p p i n g
convenience.
However you
decide to shop at
Sharynn’s Quilt Box – in store or online
– please let
them know
that
you
read about
t h e i r
wo n d e r f u l
quilt shop
here, in The
Country
Register.
Classic Stained Glass
of blue, with the lighter shades gradually
darkening to a deep
dark blue the color
of the midnight sky.
It is breathtaking.
They have created
windows, doors,
transoms
and
sidelights
for
churches, homes
and businesses
across the United
States – and over
seas, as well.
Day and evening
classes are available.
If you want to try
your hand at
working
with
stained glass, they
offer a one day
“Introduction to
Stained Glass” class
– that way you get
an over-all view of
what is involved and
what kind of tools
you need. Other
classes include:
Beginning stained
glass; intermediate stained glass; lead
working; Tiffany lamps; stepping stones;
mosaics; and fused glass. A lot of these
classes run a 3 to 6 week course.
Special seminars on kaleidoscopes,
lamps, and jewelry boxes are also available.
And Lori presents a one day seminar
Continued from previous page...
exclusively on soldering because it is such
a major part of any
stained
glass
project.
With
400
different colors of
glass and over 500
pattern
books,
there’s sure to be a
project that catches
your eye. If you’d
like a class on
something that you
don’t see offered –
ask them. Customer
ser vice is their
specialty. Whether
it’s helping you find
a gift from the many
items available in
the shop or helping
you choose your
own project or
designing custom
work – they’re
happy to help you in
any way they can.
Drop by the shop to
browse for that
perfect gift or sign
up for a class. Don’t forget to mention
you read about them in The Country
Register.
Check out their ad for shop
information. Online they can be found
on Facebook and at their website:
www.ClassicStainedGlassShop.com
Page 18
DEC
ATUR - MUNCIE
DECA
www.cottoncandyquiltshoppe.com
(765) 254-1584
Country Creations Quilt Shop
For your quilting needs
~fabrics
~ notions
~quilting supplies
Visit us on Facebook at Country Creations
5342 N 400 W Decatur, IN 46733
Hours: Mon-Fri 10-5; Sat 9-2
260.547.4535
• Block of the Month Programs • Classes
• Full Range of the Best Quality Fabrics from
Moda, Robert Kaufman, and many more
including American Made Brand Solids.
Come Join us at a Retreat!
Pamper yourself - you deserve it.
Call or visit our website for details
5001 N Wheeling Ave.
Muncie, IN 47304
[email protected]
Upcoming Events:
• NW Ohio One Stop Shop Hop Mar 11& 12, 2016 Lima, OH
• Gathering of Quilters Show Mar 19, 2016 Ft Wayne, IN
• Bunny Hop Shop Hop Mar 31-Apr 1 & 2, 2016 IN shops
• Quilt Fever Shop Hop April, 2016 TBA six IN & OH shops
Back Porch Break
by Nancy Parker Brummett
Late-in-Life Love
The Dropped Stitch
by Sharon Greve
A Patriotic Symbol
The American tradition of knitting for a cause can be traced back to wartime
knitting. Martha Washington (wife of General and President George Washington)
spearheaded knitting efforts for the soldiers of the Revolutionary War for utilitarian
and political purposes. Colonists didn’t want to buy British cloth, so they spun,
wove, and knitted their own clothing. During the Civil War, knitting became an
important symbol of patriotism.
In 1898, during the Spanish American War, Mrs. E. A. Gardner “conceived the
idea of supplying our warships with “just what they needed.” Friends, The New York
Herald, and the Associated Press joined in. Thus, the seeds of the current “Christmasat-Sea Program were planted, establishing the Seamen’s Benefit Society, a ladies’
auxiliary of the Seamen’s Church Institute of New York and New Jersey. One of the
functions was to provide knitted pieces to seafarers who visited the Institute. By
1941 about 2,000 volunteers, including many from churches of all denominations
throughout the United States provided about 5,000 gift boxes containing hand knit
sweaters, socks, hats, mittens, and scarves. These warm gifts were distributed to the
crew of freighters and tankers who spent Christmas Day at sea. In 1996, 17,000
garments, including 6,000 scarves, were knit by some 3,000 volunteer knitters and
given to merchant mariners at sea on Christmas Day. Knitters can be a part of this
program today. Free easy patterns are provided for knitting scarves, watch caps,
sweaters, and socks on the Seamen’s Church Institute website.
In World Wars I and II, the American Red Cross received millions of caps, scarves,
socks, and mitts as knitters across the country answered the poster plea: “Our boys
need SOX—Knit Your Bit.” The organization even printed free directions for military
socks. Minerva Yarn Co. printed (Vol. 62) Hand Knits for Men in the Service which
sold for 35 cents. With women in the war-working force in factories, the Red Cross
published Knitting Instructions for Wear Work and Knitted Comforts for Women. The
well-known “watch cap” of 1940 is found on knitting needles around the world today.
An untold number of convalescing servicemen were taught knitting as physical and
mental therapy. Upon discharge, my own family’s Navy friend continued knitting
beautiful sweaters for his wife.
Now it is our turn to express our appreciation and patriotism to today’s servicemen
and servicewomen. Today knitting continues for warm fiber articles for active and
wounded military personnel regardless of political considerations. Knitted caps, neck
gaiters, socks, and mitts are welcome donations by so many military programs. Check
them out on the internet and join in. Want to knit for a military family? Baby blankets
and layettes are needed for many young military families who are struggling to make
ends meet while they await their loved one.
The common goal of knitting for world peace has become a tradition in support of
our country’s valiant military men and women. Let’s keep knitting a patriotic symbol.
It’s our turn now!
© 2015 Sharon Greve Contact: [email protected] No reprint without permission.
Valentine’s Day is often billed as a day for
young lovers, but what if the lovers are merely
young at heart? A close friend of mine, a widow,
recently told me with stars in her eyes that she “met someone.” Both my friend and
her new beau are in their seventies, but as she described their meeting she said it
was as if she were thirteen again—all the same butterflies flitting around inside her!
The “sweet nothings” they whisper to one another may have to be spoken a bit
more loudly at this age, she confessed. And instead of getting-acquainted questions
like “what’s your sign?” it’s more likely “are you on any medications?” But the sparkle
in her eyes and the giggle in her voice told me this is true love all the same.
Is it ever too late for love? I don’t think so. Years ago my mom was also in her
seventies when she began a long companionship with Cecil, a dear family friend.
He had lost his wife and my dad had passed away. The two couples had known
one another since junior high. Mom and Cecil kept being asked to the same social
gatherings, so eventually he said, “There’s no reason for both of us to drive. I’ll swing
by and pick you up.” Thus began a 15-year relationship that nurtured them both.
“We don’t even have to tell each other entire jokes,” Mom said the day she called
to let me know what was going on with Cecil (lest I hear rumors of impropriety!).
“We know all the same jokes, so one of us just remembers a punch line and we
have a good laugh!”
Many seniors would be open to late-in-life love but aren’t sure how to meet
someone if they don’t have a lifelong connection like my mom and Cecil shared.
Some actually have success with online dating sites, but more likely they connect
through a mutual acquaintance or a shared interest. Other couples reconnect at a
50th or 60th high school reunion, after both are single again, and pick up right
where they left off—although not as likely in the back of the pick up! Psychologists
explain that the spark of “first love” is one that is easily rekindled, and every
summer this romantic phenomenon repeats itself around punch bowls in gymnasiums from coast to coast. It gives new meaning to the phrase “take my hand again”
that I’ve been using for adults helping aging parents.
Is it ever too late for love? I think not. As for me, I’ll stick with the love I married
when I was forty. A good man is hard to find at any age!
Nancy Parker Brummett is an author and freelance writer in Colorado Springs, CO. “Like” her author page on
Facebook, or to learn more about her life and work, visit www.nancyparkerbrummett.com. Portions of this
column are excerpted from the author’s book, Take My Hand Again, Kregel Publications, 2015.
Page 19
CL
AYTON - D
ANVILLE
CLA
DANVILLE
Outta the Shed
Chocolate Walk on
the Square - Feb
Primitive, Country, Western,
Rustic & Antique Decor
One of a Kind Creations & Upcycles
Black Label, Warm Glow, Swan Creek, and Heart Warming Candles Melts & Oils,
Wreaths, Pictures, Textiles and many other needfuls & seasonal decor.
Like us on FACEBOOK
71 S. Washington St., Danville, IN 46122
(317) 518-4249
Tues-Sat 11am-6pm;Closed Sun & Mon
[email protected]
6583 S. County
Road 400 E.
Clayton, IN 46118
Whispering Pines
Designs
Rug Hooking Studio
– Full line of rug hooking supplies including:
frames, hooks, lots of wool, patterns, etc.
– Classes are $75 for three two-hour sessions including:
pattern, wool and hook
– finished product is approx. 14 x 16
– See us demonstrating at
shows & fairs around Indiana
For information contact
Bev Stewart:
(317) 839-3612
Page 20
COR
YDON - EV
ANSVILLE - GEORGETOWN - WASHING
TON
CORYDON
EVANSVILLE
ASHINGTON
4904 Old Georgetown Road,
Georgetown (Edwardsville), IN 47122
I-64 at Exit 118 • (812) 542-1236
Store Hours:
• Tues - Fri 10 - 5
• Saturday 10-3
• Closed Sun & Mon
HollyH
ock
ollyHock
Quilt Shop
1124 Highway 62 NW, Corydon, IN 47112
Directions from I-64: (Corydon Exit)
Go south on IN-135 South, turn right onto IN-62.
HollyHock Quilt Shop is on the right.
Fabrics ~ Quilting Classes
Patterns ~ Books ~ Notions
Hours: Tues - Fri 10-5;
Saturday 10-3; Closed Sunday & Monday
www.HollyHockQuiltShop.com
812-738-1312 • “Like” us on facebook
Come Quilt with Us!
The Stitching P
ost
Post
“Your Country Quilt Store”
A friendly country store specializing in Jo Morton and
Nancy Halvorsen fabrics. Plus lots of MODA, batiks,
reproduction, flannel and fleece. Southwestern Indiana's
largest full service quilt store with over 10,000 bolts.
Come see for yourself!
Online Catalog:
http://stitchingpostquilts.com
401 E Main St, Washington, IN 47501
812-254-6063
Hrs: Mon - Sat 10 - 5
Spring is Coming
Yes, my friends, spring is on the
horizon.
That's what I keep telling myself as I
look out the window at the gray sky. They
have predicted possible snow flurries for
today so I am waiting for the snow to
fall. It's currently a balmy 35 degrees...
But I do know that spring is just around
the corner. The purple finches are once
again trying to build a nest on the drain
pipe right outside my office window. You
can hear them
twittering as they
light on the pipe. I
imagine
the
conversation goes
something like
this:
"You KNOW we can't build here. The
ground isn't level." [Mrs. Finch]
"I can DO it, if you'll just leave me
alone. This is the best spot around. It's
well protected and yet we have a great
view of town." [Mr. Finch]
"But those people keep walking in and
out that back door. I don't think this is a
good idea."
"I'm sure we can find a way to
discourage them from using this door."
[Mr. Finch laughs evilly.]
Good luck to the Finch family. They
actually built a nest there one year. Some
of us [here at the office] were very careful
about using that door. Some of us,
however, were NOT -- and the Finch
family found another place to nest.
The frogs - spring peepers - have been
vocal the last couple of weeks-a sure sign
of spring. My Dad always said you'll only
have 3 more freezes from the time you
hear the first frogs croaking.
Unfortunately, that does not mean 3
by Jo Branham
nights in a row. You can have a couple
days - then a warm spell - then a week of
freezing temps - then a warm spell - then
a month ... but that should be the last
freeze. I've never really counted it up to
see if it actually works. I start to and then
forget.
Just like whatever date the first snow
falls – my folks always said that's how
many snows you'll get that season. And
as in the case of freezes, it doesn't mean
if it snows on the
3rd and you get 3
days of snow in a
row that you're
done. That only
counts as one
snow. It has to
melt away and start all over again. I always
start off counting the snows, too, and
then forget.
Anyway, back to spring. [I am totally
over the snow this year.] My neighbor
took a picture of a flower - a viola or
pansy, I'm not sure which - and posted
on her Facebook page. I think I'm not
the only one done with winter weather.
The daffodils, crocus, and narcissus are
sticking their little green snouts out of
the ground. I usually think of them as
Easter flowers, but they're going to have
a long wait for Easter this year.
Our world is such an amazing place.
Each year, the earth is reborn. Birds look
for nesting spots to bring up their young.
Flowers begin wending their way from
their roots to the earth above. Trees send
out new buds that eventually turn into
flowers and leaves.
Tadpoles become frogs and croak the
glad tidings of spring to come
Page 21
MET
AMORA - RUSHVILLE
METAMORA
In Stitches
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837 W. Third St., Rushville, IN
765-938-1818
www.institchesquiltshop.com
Join us for the Cabin Fever Shop Hop
February 12 - 20
Fabrics by Moda, Timeless Treasures,
Hoffman, Quilting Treasures and more!
Our specialty is panels!!
Lots of samples to inspire!
19050 Main Street
Metamora, IN 47030
765-647-1212
www.metaoralanterns.com
HOURS: Mon–Fri 10–5, Sat 10–2; Closed Sun
“Like” us on FACEBOOK In Stitches Quilt Shop
Bleak Midwinter Blues
Solve It with a Shop Hop
There’s a line in a Christmas song that
says “in the bleak midwinter.” I know
exactly what it means. January and
February definitely qualifies as “bleak
midwinter.”
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 and
good book. Or working on a craft
project, with fabrics spread all around and
my kitty sitting right
in the middle of it
all.
(Cats and
crafting just go
together.)
But as the days
stretch on endlessly
– as they do in the
bleak midwinter – I
find
myself
growing bored. I’ve read all my books,
finished all my projects – or, more likely,
I’ve lost interest in said books and
projects - and want something NEW to
wile away the tiresome hours…
That’s when my thoughts turn to spring
- warm weather, birds singing, the scent
of lilac and honeysuckle drifting in the
open windows...and shop hopping!!
There are a number of Shop Hops that
take place throughout the year, beginning
as early as New Year’s Day in some places.
Shop hops are the first events of the year
if you’re a quilter/crafter.
My sister, Liz, and I began shop
hopping in May 2005. During our first
shop hop, we visited a number of the
A chill is in the air. Enjoy homemade
soup and a sandwich while you
browse the many antiques dealer’s
booths and new seasonal
merchandise and home decor. A
cup of cappuccino and pie are sure
to please your taste buds.
by Jo Branham
towns we’d never been in before.
Imagine, if you will, trying to find a
strange shop in a strange town with rain
pouring down as if someone had turned
the faucet on full blast. Not only that,
school had just let out so we had to
contend with traffic – including school
buses.
I’ll never forget it. It was then I knew
that shop hopping was not only fun and
frugal – you can get
a lot of your
Christmas and/or
birthday gifts taken
care of during a
shop hop – it was
also an adventure!
Traveling down new
roads to places
you’ve never been
before exploring new towns, shops and
restaurants.
And chocolate. Lots of chocolate. I
believe every shop, in every shop hop I’ve
participated in, has provided me with
chocolate. Yes, crafts and chocolate go
hand in hand. They’re part of the Three
Big C’s: Crafts, Chocolate and Cats.
Maybe we should make that 4 – and add
Cash?
So whenever those bleak midwinter
blues start singing their song in my ear, I
tune them out and start planning my
getaway - - Shop Hops 2016, here I come!!
Be sure to check the Events Listing for
information regarding shop hops and
other special events through out the year.
New! "1803
Candles"all
soy. Essence
of the Bean
candles AND
Flavored
Coffee beans!
NEW: www.ElizabethsKeepsakes.com
www.facebook.com/Elizabeth’sKeepsakes
Salvage Style
Old Shutter Wall Decor
This is a simple
project anyone
can do and it can
be customized
for any decor or
season. All you
need is an old
shutter. They are
easy to come by
at garage sales,
flea markets and
second hand
stores. Leave the
shutter as is, or
paint it whatever
color you prefer.
Now, the fun
part. Use your
imagination and any items of your
choosing. I wrap the bottom of the
shutter with fabric, usually burlap, or an
old piece of cutter quilt, to form a pocket.
Pull the fabric to the back of the shutter
and staple it in place. Add anything you
want to the pocket. For spring, flowers
and ribbon are a good idea. For fall,
leaves and sunflowers are great. Add a
little scarecrow and hang it by your front
door. For Christmas and winter, use pine,
berries and a snowman, Santa or even a
by Marla Wilson
small rocking horse
or teddy bear. For
a year-round look,
use some greenery
and a wooden letter
for your initial.
The possibilities
are
endless.
Personalize it with
your own style and
favorite items. Just
have fun with it.
–Marla Wilson is
the owner of The
Rusty Wheel, a
gift boutique in
Scandia, KS. The
shop features her
floral designs and
repurposed
"junk," as well as
kitchen and baby gifts, home decor and fashion
accessories. Follow The Rusty Wheel on
Facebook, or www.therustywheel.vpweb.com or
contact her at [email protected]
Page 22
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Stalking Great Grandma
by Mari Vanderstelt
It All Starts With a Quilt
Wanted: Budding Writer Interested in
Seeing Your Articles Published
The Country Register is in search of articles to publish in
future issues. Articles on topics related to usual, seasonally
appropriate content of our publication, seasonal subjects and/or
the types of products sold by our advertisers are of interest.
Articles about your shopping experiences also welcome. Email
samples in MS Word doc to [email protected].
(Reimbursement for use of articles is negotiable.)
Saint Valentine
Who was St. Valentine? From the
research I’ve done, I’ve found that it’s
really hard to tell fact from fiction. There
are at least three different saints named
Valentine. No one is absolutely
sure which of these is celebrated
as the Saint of Lovers – or if it’s
a combination of the three.
The one that is most wellknown was a priest in Rome who
was executed on February 14, 270
AD.
Around this time period, the
Emperor of Rome made a decree
that no one was allowed to wed.
He felt that marriage made a man
weak – and he needed strong
soldiers to fight his battles.
Valentine was sympathetic to
the young lovers who came to
him and soon was performing
secret marriage ceremonies for
these couples. Of course, it was only a
matter of time before the secret got out,
the Emperor found out and Valentine was
arrested.
The Emperor was impressed with
Valentine. He found him to be a very
learned man. But when Valentine refused
to denounce his Christian faith and
by Jo Branham
worship the Roman gods as the Emperor
wanted him to – the Emperor grew very
angry and sentenced Valentine to death.
While in jail, Valentine formed an
attachment 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 her vision was
restored. No one knows if that
part is true, but it is recorded that
he and the girl became very good
friends. So when he knew he was
condemned to death, Valentine
asked for pen and paper to write
her a farewell message. Tradition
states he signed it “from your
Valentine.”
The holiday evolved over time
and by the 18th century, giftgiving and exchanging handmade cards had become common
in England. Eventually the tradition
spread to America. In the 1840s, the first
commercially produced Valentine’s Day
cards hit the stores. Hallmark began massproducing cards in the early 1900s. Now,
Valentine’s Day is second only to
Christmas as to the number of cards that
are sold and mailed.
I was not the least bit interested in
learning about my family history until I
fell in love with quilts in my mid twenties.
I had no need to be interested
previously. My father lives, breathes, and
eats family history...or just history in
general. We spent family “vacations”
pulling over at every historical marker
between Oregon and Wyoming. “Get out
so we can take a family picture!” Dad
would exclaim. “I’m reading Nancy
Drew....” I would whine back. “She just
discovered a secret room...”
*“Kids!” Dad would exclaim. “Lewis
and Clark stood here!
Here! Now move so
we can take a picture
together!!!” With great
reluctance I would
shuffle out of the car
and stare into the
camera with a “kill me
now” look that is a
constant theme in all
our family photos.
Dad beaming, mom
smiling, my brother
grinning, me grimacing. Dad’s interest
in history did not just revolve around
historical markers. He has filing cabinets
filled with family trees from every
imaginable twig of our family. He has
scanned countless photos owned by
cousins. When we meet someone, they
are not just a name. They are descended
from so and so who used to live over
there on the family farm until the house
burned down and they moved across the
river....a hundred years ago and their sister
married so and so and they moved down
the road from another cousin......you get
the point. I never understood his
fascination with our ancestors until I
started to quilt.
It started with a quilt my Grandmother
gave me pieced by my dad’s stepfather’s
great aunt who was legally blind. It made
me wonder. If she can barely see and
did all this, what can I accomplish. It
snowballed from there. One Kenmore
machine, a “Quilt in a Day book (more
like a quilt in a year but whatever) and a
borrowed rotary cutter and I was off and
running. Fabric was draped from the
furniture, quilting magazines were stacked
under the bed and boring housework was
neglected. I had found my passion and
there was no going back. Then I found
the quilts in my mother’s hope chest and
my view of family history changed. Some
one else in my family liked quilting! I am
not adopted!
I would run my hands over the stitching
and literally be in awe that I was touching
something my Great Grandmother (who
I never met) had touched in another life
time. I wondered, did she pray while she
quilted? What kind of stresses concerned
her? Did she kick up her heels in glee
when Great Grandpa went to a Deacons
conference and she got the house to
herself ? Did she ever think that if she
had to look at that wall paper for one
more minute she would lose her mind?
Did she worry about her weight?
Then I found the journals! Fifteen
years of prayers, journaling, and basic
facts recorded in a matter of fact way.
Suddenly I needed to
know more. I found
out Stan (her first
grandson) was still
alive. When I met
him, it was like seeing
a character from a
novel come to life.
For years when we
visited the family plots
I would casually glance
at the headstone of
Bertha without any
curiosity. Not anymore. Bertha is the
daughter of my great grandmother, and
the mother of Stan. She is no longer just
a marker in the cemetery. I started to
research recipes for dessert mentioned in
the journals, quilt patterns, something
called a “petal pillow” that she made one
of for every single family member.
When I watch Ginger Rogers kicking
up her heels on Turner Classic Network
and I am aware that sixty odd years ago
she watched that same movie with my
Great Aunt Ethel. I feel like a stalker,
only for a dear loved one that I have never
met, but who is still mentioned with great
love and affection from those who are
still living. Who knew that picking up a
needle and thread would ignite in me a
passion for something I previously
avoided like the plague. Family history
finally meant FAMILY to me and
personalized the data and photographs
in a way they never had before. For us
(great grandma, and me) quilting is the
thread that binds us together.
P.S. Dad has informed me that I am
inheriting the four filing cabinets of
family data. But I still won’t pull over for
historical markers. My children can thank
me 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 has
proved to be a great way for Mari to unwind.
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Page 23
Page 24
INDIANAPOLIS - MOORESVILLE - PL
AINFIELD
PLAINFIELD
Breezy Manor Farm
N e w!
Wool
Shed
“Like” us on
FACEBOOK:
Breezy Manor Farm
Handmade Woolen Goodies from
my sheep, goats and bunnies.
5803 E Watson Rd., Mooresville, IN
317-260-0571 • Mon-Wed 11-4
and by
appointment
Valentine’s Day
February 14th is St. Valentine’s Day. As
a child I remember getting those
conversation hearts – not a favorite as far
as I was concerned – and those heartshaped boxes of chocolates. I poke holes
in the bottom of each one to see what
flavors they were – because I always lost
the paper that told me the flavors. There
was an orange-flavored one that tasted
like baby aspirin dipped in chocolate. I
by Jo Branham
kind of liked that one.
In grade school we always had a party
on Valentine’s Day. One year we
decorated a huge box with hearts and
cupids and lacy-looking
doilies. Another year
the teacher had us
decorate paper bags
and tape them to the
front of our desks.
Everyone dropped your card in your bag
– and they usually tried to be sneaky about
it and put it in when you were in the
bathroom or somewhere else in the room.
We
weren’t
supposed to look in
the bag until the
party. Right.
I’m sure ten-year
olds
haven’t
changed much over
time.
There was always one kid in the class
that no one wanted to associate with. But
on Valentine’s Day, that didn’t matter. You
gave cards to each and every single kid in
the class. Or else.
I don’t know how they do it these days
– or if they even have class parties for
Valentine’s Day anymore – but I think
that was a good rule. For a couple hours,
one day of the year, we were all the same
– munching on cookies, drinking KoolAid, and reading our Valentine cards.