Feb-March 2016 - The Country Register

2
Califonia & N. Nevada
The Country Register of California & N. NV
515 E Carefree Hwy #1128 • Phoenix, AZ 85085
602.942.8950 • 888.942.8950
Fax 602.866.3136
[email protected]
www.countryregister.com/california
Barb Stillman
Lolly Konecky
Publisher
[email protected]
Patty Duncan
Sales/Office Assistant
Adrieanna Gaston
Office Assistant
Nancy Williams
Publisher/Art Director
[email protected]
Sandi Nickler
Graphics Assistant
Phyllis Cypert
Sales/Office Assistant
The CA & N. NV Country Register is
published by:
Consultant
The Deadline for the April-May Issue
Index for Feb-March 2016
Special Events ...................................................................3, 5, 7-13, 16
Portolo • Fernley, NV .......................................................................... 3
Roseville • Willows • Colusa ............................................................... 4
Fremont • San Mateo • San Jose........................................................... 4
Watsonville • Lindsay • Porterville ...................................................... 5
Annie Sloan Stockists ......................................................................... 6
Classified Ads .................................................................................... 7
Nipomo • Orcutt • Covina ................................................................... 8
Chatsworth • Pasedena • Glendale ..................................................... 8
Costa Mesa • Brea .............................................................................. 9
LaHabra • Palm Springs • Santa Ana ................................................. 10
Yorba Linda ...................................................................................... 11
Lake Elsinore • Beaumont • Oceanside • Riverside ........................... 12
Murrieta • Temecula ......................................................................... 13
Special Services ............................................................................... 14
Enter to Win ..................................................................................... 15
is March 1st for Ads & Articles.
Our feature articles will focus on
Tea, Tea Rooms and Celebrate Mother’s Day!
The Country Register is a United States and Canadian network of independently owned
and published specialty newspapers for the consumer who enjoys outstanding shopping,
events, day & overnight excursions and specialty classes.
Publisher’s contact numbers across the
USA & Canada for The Country Register
Cover Photograph
This issue our cover image was a group effort! Patty Duncan, one of our Sales
Assistants provided a lovely antique quilt that she found in the quaint town of Occoquan,
VA for the background. Publisher Barb Stillman provided fresh lemons and oranges from
her citrus trees in her backyard. And Publisher/Art Director Lolly Konecky arranged
them and took the picture!
We thought it was perfect for our Feb-March Quilting, Needlework and Sewing issue!
This issue is full of great shops and shows, so be sure to take it on your travels to find
what’s going on in California and N. Nevada!.
Send $3 to any publisher below to obtain a paper from another area:
* Indicates these editions are available on-line at www.countryregister.com
USA
Alabama: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217
* Arizona: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950
* Arkansas: Lenda & Richard Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, phone/fax 405-470-2597
* California and N. Nevada: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950
Colorado: Jan & John Keller, 16755 Oak Brush Loop, Peyton, CO, 80831, 719-749-9797
* Connecticut: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC , 27603, 919-661-1760
* Delaware: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 128, Owens Cross Roads, AL, 888-616-8319
* Florida: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217
* Georgia: Linda Parish, P.O. Box 389, Lexington, GA, 30648, 706-340-1049
* Idaho (N): Dee Sleep, 10563 Chicken Creek Road, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028
* Idaho (S) WA & E. OR: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950
* Illinois: Lenda & Richard Brown,, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, phone/fax 405-470-2597
* Indiana: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 128, Owens Cross Roads, AL, 888-616-8319
Iowa: Linda Glendy, P.O. Box 6, Tama, IA 52339, 641-751-2619
* Kansas: Cindy Baldwin, 988 9th Ave., McPherson, KS 67460, 866-966-9815
* Kentucky: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whitrose Way, New Market, MD 21774, 443-243-1118
* Maine: Gail Hageman, 221 Winslow Rd, Albion, ME 04910, 207-437-2663
* Maryland: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217
* Massachusetts-RI: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC 27603, 919-661-1760
Michigan: Bill and Marlene Howell, 3790 Manistee, Saginaw, MI, 48603-3143, 989-793-4211
* Minnesota: Kim & Mickey Keller, 12835 Kiska St. NE, Blaine, MN, 55449, 763-754-1661
* Missouri: Lenda & Richard Brown,, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, phone/fax 405-470-2597
* Montana: Dee Sleep, 10563 Chicken Creek Road, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028
* Nebraska: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950
* Nevada (N): Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950
* Nevada (S): Glena Dunn, 4568 Carol Circle, Las Vegas, NV, 89120, 702-523-1803
New Hampshire: Kathleen Graham, 330 North Road, Deerfield, NH, 03037, 603-463-3703
* New Jersey: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 128, Owens Cross Roads, AL, 888-616-8319
New Mexico: Jan & John Keller, 16755 Oak Brush Loop, Peyton, CO, 80831, 719-749-9797
* New York: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217
* N. Carolina: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950
* North Dakota: Dee Sleep, 10563 Chicken Creek Road, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028
* Ohio: Barb Moore, P. O. Box 37, Cable, OH, 43009, 937-652-1157
* Oklahoma: Lenda & Richard Brown,, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, phone/fax 405-470-2597
* Oregon: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950
* Pennsylvania: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217
* Rhode Island: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC , 27603, 919-661-1760
* S. Carolina: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950
* South Dakota: Dee Sleep, 10563 Chicken Creek Road, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028
* Tennessee: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whitrose Way, New Market, MD 21774, 443-243-1118
* Texas: Lenda & Richard Brown,, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, phone/fax 405-470-2597
* Utah: Daniel & Stacy Tueller, 153 S 2050 W, Provo UT 84601, 801-592-8498
Vermont: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whitrose Way, New Market, MD 21774, 443-243-1118
* Virginia: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217
* Washington & E. OR & S. ID: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950
* West Virginia: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217
* Wisconsin: Scott & Jennifer Hughes, P. O. Box 276, Altoona, WI, 54720, 715-838-9426
* Wyoming: Dee Sleep, 10563 Chicken Creek Road, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028
CANADA
* Alberta: Ruth Burke, P.O. Box 97, Heisler, AB, T0B2A0, (780) 889-3776
British Columbia: Bryan Stonehill, Box 1338, Summerland, BC, V0H 1Z0, 800-784-6711
* Manitoba & Saskatchewan: Scott & Marj Kearns, Box 850, Kipling, SK, S0G 2S0, 306-736-2441
* Ontario: Harriet Ramos, Box 60, 4338 Innes Rd., Orleans, ON K4A 3W3, 613-612-8465
The Country Register is a United States and Canadian network of independently owned and
published specialty newspapers for the consumer who enjoys outstanding shopping, events, day &
overnight excursions and specialty classes.
The Country Register provides targeted, effective, and affordable advertising for the promotion
of Specialty Shops
For more information about publishing The Country Register contact Barbara Floyd at 602237-6008, email: [email protected]
Send in this form or go online to receive each issue of...
C
The ountry
Register
Six issues mailed directly to you for only $18.00
Name:_______________________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________
City:______________________ State:_______________ Zip:__________
Phone:______________________
(CA)
Send check or money order to:
The Country Register
515 E. Carefree Hwy, #1128
Phoenix, AZ 85085
Start my subscription:
Current Issue
Disclaimer
Articles published in this newspaper, which are contributed from an outside source, express the
opinions of their authors only and may not express the viewpoint(s) of the management or staff of
The Country Register. Such articles that are accepted for publication herein may be edited at the sole
discretion of the publisher.
Responsibility for products advertised in this newspaper lies with the advertisers themselves.
Though The Country Register will not knowingly publish fraudulent materials or fraudulently obtained materials, we are not liable for any damages arising from the purchase or use of products
advertised herein. Notification regarding any consumer complaints related to merchandise purchased
from our advertisers would be appreciated and would assist in our efforts. Copyright © 2016 by The
Country Register, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085.
THE COUNTRY REGISTER, Months of February-March 2016.
THE COUNTRY REGISTER is published every other month. Copyright 2016.
Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited
by law. 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085. Subscription price: 1 Year, 6 Issues, $18.00.
Single copies: $3.00. The paper is furnished free to the customers at each advertiser.
THE COUNTRY REGISTER is registered as a business trade name and also a trademark in the State
of Arizona.
Portolo • Fernley, NV • Special Event
Feb-March 2016
Vintage African Indigo Batiks
—The Fabric of Life
by Simone Gers
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.
Garlic-Ginger Beef & Noodle Soup
courtesy Cooksrecipes.com
1 pounds beef top sirloin steak, cut 3/4-inch thick
2 tablespoons minced garlic - divided use
3 teaspoons minced fresh ginger - divided use
1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
4 ounces uncooked thin spaghetti or rice noodles, broken into thirds
1 (12 to 16-ounce) package frozen stir-fry vegetable blend
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce (optional)
Cooking Directions:
Cut beef steak lengthwise in half, then crosswise into 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick strips.
Combine 1 tablespoon garlic, 2 teaspoons ginger, sesame oil and beef in medium bowl;
toss to coat. Cover and marinate in refrigerate 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Combine broth, remaining 1 tablespoon garlic and remaining 1 teaspoon ginger in
stockpot; bring to a boil. Stir in pasta and vegetables; bring to boil. Reduce heat and cook,
uncovered, 4 to 6 minutes or until pasta and vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, heat large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add half of
beef; stir-fry 1 to 3 minutes or until outside surface of beef is no longer pink. Remove
from skillet. Repeat with remaining beef. Keep warm.
Remove soup from heat; stir in beef and, if desired, soy
sauce.
3
4
Roseville • Willows • Colusa • Fremont • San Mateo • San Jose
California & N. Nevada
Giveaways and Winners
We have several giveaway winners from our last issue:
• Marsha Larson of Laguna Woods will be sent a $25 Gift Certificate to be spent at
her favorite Country Register advertiser, Roseville Hospice Thrift Shop in Roseville.
Marsha told us that this is her favorite shop because, “It just hits very close to home.”
• Judith Taylor in Yuba City is the winner of Ornaments of Death by Jane Cleland.
Judith was excited to hear that Ornaments of Death was featured in the giveaway. “I love
mysteries,” she said.
• Mary Ratica of San Jose is the winner of the 6” Taper Candles by Judy Condon.
Lorrie Albin of Ione has been a subscriber of The Country Register for many years.
She told us that she loves the different articles and uses the patterns in the paper to help
Girl Scouts learn to embroider. Lorrie enjoys attending quilt shows/expos and says that
our paper allows her to make plans in advance, which she really likes.
In this issue there is another $25 Gift Certificate drawing so be sure to enter and tell
us which Country Register advertiser is your favorite. We love hearing from our readers
and so do our advertisers so let them know how much you appreciate their shops and that
they bring you The Country Register each issue.
The Country Register, Inc., is celebrating its 28th year! Newspapers are now published
in 46 states across the U.S. and in five provinces in Canada. Going out of state? Call
ahead to the state(s) you will visit and get a copy of that area’s Country Register and take
it with you as you travel.
When you enter our contests, please tell us how you use The Country Register in your
travels and shopping trips. We are grateful to all the authors, publishers and advertisers
who provide the books and tickets for our drawings throughout the year.
Watsonville • Lindsay • Porterville
Feb-March 2016
The Best of the Valley Regional Show
To Be Held in Lindsay, April 8 to 10
It is time once again for The Best of the Valley Quilt Show, a regional show of quilts
and cloth dolls that is held each year at the McDermont Field House in Lindsay. This
year’s event is scheduled for April 8 to 10 with doors opening to the public at 10 a.m. on
Friday.
The quality of the quilts juried into The Best of the Valley (BOTV) is outstanding.
Each year outdoes the last and certified judges award over $4,000 in prize monies. Both
Viewer’s Choice and Judge’s Choice awards are made. It is not uncommon for quilts seen
at The Best of the Valley to also make appearances (and win!) at Road to California,
Pacific International, and Houston Quilt Festival. This event is a must-see for quilt lovers
of all ages.
There are special categories for quilters under age 18 as well as quilters 80 years and
older. An outstanding exhibit of handcrafted dolls will be displayed plus a number of
special/invitational quilt exhibits. This year’s theme for the BOTV Challenge is “Water,”
something Californians have thought a lot about these days! Other offerings include a
Big/Little Quilt Sale plus quilt appraisals will be available.
The popular vendor mall, with approximately 35 vendors, offers wares that include
fabrics, machines, embellishments, patterns, quilt-related jewelry, baskets, clothing items
and more. The vendor mall is juried and organizers take pride in the quality of those
participating. There is also on-site food available.
Ann Hinman is the 2016 Featured Artist. Although Ann appreciates all kinds of
quilting, she tends to gravitate towards traditional piecework and appliqué. She says her
love of fabric has opened many doors. You will want to be sure to take time to meet Ann
at the show and enjoy her work.
Show hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to
4 p.m. on Sunday. General admission is $10 daily or $15 for a three-day pass. Children
under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Group rates are available; call
for information.
The McDermont Field House is located at N. 365 Sweet Brier in Lindsay, which is
a small town nestled in the foothills of the majestic Sierras. The drive to Lindsay takes
you through the heart of agricultural farmlands and it’s common to pass dairies, citrus
trees, olives, etc., no matter which direction you come from. The town looks forward to
the quilt show each year, supplying a free around-town shuttle to take you to and from
parking areas or to local restaurants if the on site food is not to your liking.
The Best of the Valley Quilt Show (BOTV) has long been run by a dedicated
committee of quilt lovers. What was once considered “just a friendship group” is now a
registered 501(c)(4). Guided by a Board of Directors, each year the group strives to put
on the best possible quilt show in the Central San Joaquin Valley and they truly hope that
you will visit the The Best of the Valley Quilt Show this year.
For more information, please go to www.botvquilts.com, follow the “Best of the
Valley Quilt Show” on Facebook or contact BOTV President and Show Chairman
Suzanne Kistler at 559-625-5430 or [email protected].
Deep Dark Espresso Brownies
courtesy Cooksrecipes.com
These rich, dark brownies, intensely flavored with instant espresso, will transport the
coffee lover straight to espresso heaven!
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup instant espresso coffee powder 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Cooking Directions:
Preheat oven to 375º F (175º C). Lightly butter and flour a 9-inch square baking pan;
set aside.
Beat brown sugar, butter and granulated sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Add eggs,
vanilla and salt. Beat until well blended. Stir in espresso powder, flour and baking powder,
mixing until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips.
Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted
in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan. Lightly dust top with powdered sugar
and cut into bars.
Makes 24 brownies.
5
6
Annie Sloan Stockists
California & N. Nevada
Bringing Out The Grain in Wood
Using Chalk Paint® to reveal the grain in wood creates a classic rustic look in just a
few simple steps.
Add a little water to your Chalk Paint,
making sure to stir well.
Apply the thinned Chalk Paint® by
brushing it into the wood working every way
to make certain it goes into the grain of the oak.
Wipe off the excess several times until you
have achieved the look you are after. The first
wiping will give it a translucent stain but if
you wipe again the wood will look more like a
limed oak with the paint just in the grain. For a
stronger effect, repeat steps 1 and 2. Old White,
Pure and Duck Egg Blue are good colours for
this effect.
Finish by making sure that every part of your furniture has been waxed at least once
with a lint free cloth. If you’re painting a floor be sure to use our Floor Lacquer to protect
it.
Want to know more? Each Annie Sloan Stockist can offer you workshops and practical
advice on these and other techniques from the Annie Sloan Method.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® tips courtesy www.anniesloan.com, reprinted with
permission.
My Special Chalk Paint® Project
by Marie Konecky
I love working with Chalk Paint®! My first try was when I started painting my
daughter Lolly’s chairs in Phoenix. Using the paint is so easy and quick—and there
is no odor.
When we Grannies were gallivanting
in Omaha a couple of months ago, Diane
from Keep the Piece showed us the
bathroom floor in her shop that she had
painted with Chalk Paint® Decorative
Paint by Annie Sloan. I was so impressed
with how it looked that I decided it was
the perfect solution for my bathroom
floor.
I only bought a small container
because it goes a long way but I had to go
back the next day because the container
was too small. I put two coats of the paint
on the floor and three coats of the wax,
which you can do quickly because it dries
very fast.
Now I love my new-looking bathroom
floor! My kids all noticed it when they
came for Thanksgiving. I gave the rest of the paint to my daughter Barb who wants to
redo a rather ugly dresser she has for her daughter. I wish I had more things to paint!
Extending the Range of
Chalk Paint® Colours
From Lydia’s Recipe 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. For Valentine’s Day, cut the cheese into heart shapes to
fit on the bread slices.
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.
Read Lydia’s article on page 9!
We have 33* colours in the Chalk Paint® range from soft and pale to bright and
strong. Annie Sloan’s carefully selected range of colours is hugely flexible as you can
mix colours together to extend the range and create endless possibilities.
If you want to make a colour paler then add Old White or Pure. Old White will give
the colour a softer vintage feel, and Pure will make the colour more modern.
Find out roughly what ratio you need by experimenting - you could use you fingers to
dab and mix colours, or a teaspoon to make small amounts. For larger amounts you could
use a cup or even a tin as a measure.
Start with a dollop of your chosen colour, slowly adding the Old White or Pure. A
dollop of Provence and two dollops of Old White gives you a ratio of 1 to 2, making a
lovely soft pale slightly aged turquoise like old faded French shutters. Use Pure and the
colour is cleaner and fresher, giving a more vintage 1950’s look!
It’s useful to keep a sample of the colours you make in your Annie Sloan Work Book,
just incase you want to recreate them.
*Depending on which country you live in the number of colours in the range differs.
We make our paint in three countries - England, USA and South Africa.
Want to know more? Each Annie Sloan Stockist can offer you workshops and practical
advice on these and other tips from the Annie Sloan Method.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® tips courtesy www.anniesloan.com, reprinted with
permission.
Feb-March 2016
Classified Ads • Special Events
7
Tell it ... Sell It ... Buy It!
Next
is Ma deadline
rch 1
, 201
To place your ad call, fax or email The Country Register
6
(888) 942-8950 • Fax (602) 866-3136 • email: [email protected]
OR mail your ad & check to:
The Country Register 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085
Upcoming Events February – March 2016
Turlock Quilt Guild “Threads of Beauty” Biennial Quilt Show
February 6-7
Stanislaus County Fairgrounds
900 N. Broadway, Turlock
Admission - $6 Contact Barbara Foote - 209-394-7213
36th Annual Valley Quilters Quilt Show
February 12 & 13, 10am – 4pm
Valley Wide Recreation Center
901 W Esplanade, San Jacinta
Admission - $7 Contact Sandra Daughtery - 941-927-2154
South Bay Quilters Guild 2016 Quilt Show
February 13-14 “Celebrating the Red, White & Blue”
Torrance Cultural Arts Center, Torrance
www.southbayquiltersguild.org.
Cotton Patch Quilt Guild 2016 Quilt Show
February 13-14
Kern County Fairgrounds
1142 P Street, Bakersfield
www.cottonpatchquiltguild.org
Colorado River Quilters – Quilts on the River VII
February 12th & 13th – 9am-5pm
Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce
1251 Hwy. 95, Bullhead City
Admission: $5 www.coloradoriverquilters.weebly.com
Tucson Quilters Guild – Quilt Fiesta!
February 19th, 20th, 21st – Fri & Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm
Tucson Convention Center
260 S Church Ave, Tucson
Admission: $10/day, $20 – 3 day pass www.tucsonquiltersguild.com
Antique Western Memorabilia Show
March 11 & 12, Fri, 1pm – 5pm. Sat, 9am – 4pm
Nevada City Elks Lodge
518 Hwy 49 N, Nevada City, CA
Admission - $5 Information call 530-272-5371
Building Harmony
A Weekend with Hunter
by Jeff Cappis
Cathy and I don’t get to see as much of our grandchildren as we’d like. We admit it.
Often, life gets in the way and time has a way of passing. The other day Cathy reminded
me that our grandson, Hunter, was turning nine. It had been ages since we’d spent some
quality time together, just the two of us.
I made a point of planning a whole weekend around his birthday. I hoped it would be
memorable for him and we could
reconnect. We were still close, but
it had been a while. I picked him
up on Friday after school.
The plan was to take him home
for a birthday dinner, followed by
games and a movie. On Saturday,
I planned to take him into town for
a few games of laser tag, a monster
truck show, dinner wherever he
wanted, and maybe play a round
of mini-golf.
We had a long drive to the
acreage and didn’t seem to have
much to talk about. I turned on
the radio to fill the void. He likes
to listen to the stations that give
me a headache. I like listening
to stations that made him want
to “scoop his brains out and feed
them to zombies.” Well, I didn’t
want that to happen so, on the way
home, I got a big headache.
The snow was beginning to fall around five o’clock. Heavy. The temperature dipped
well below zero and the sun was going down. I thought we were home free until my truck
got stuck at the bottom of our driveway. We took a long walk through the deep snow up
to the house. The door was locked and my keys were in the truck. It was then that Hunter
turned to me and said, “Oh ya, I forgot, you left your headlights on.”
To get my truck unstuck, we started up my quad with the snowplow on it. You may
have heard me refer to it as “Satan” in other stories. Well, good ol’ “Satan” got us down
to my truck all right. Then it died and refused to start. By the time we got up to the house,
our boots were filled with snow. The blizzard was in full swing. I knew we weren’t going
anywhere on Saturday.
Cathy had prepared a birthday dinner for Hunter, though. He loved it. He stuffed
himself with hot dogs and macaroni. We sang Happy Birthday to him (off key) and he
blew out the birthday candles. Then he stuffed himself with rich chocolate cake and icing
and downed half a soda.
Yeah, we should have known better. It took us twenty minutes to clean up the mess.
Continued on page 10...
8
Nipomo • Orcutt • Covina • Chatsworth • Pasadena • Glendale
California & N. Nevada
LOCA Arts Education in Laguna Beach
Offering Affordable Watercolor Classes
LOCA Arts Education is offering affordable
watercolor workshops, January through April, in
Laguna Beach. Workshops are on select Thursday
mornings, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., at Delgado Gallery,
1550 South Coast Highway across from Surf and
Sand Resort. Beginners and all levels are invited.
Instructor Lydia Delgado will introduce a
plant or flower theme, then will lead everyone
together in easy step-by-step painting processes.
Participants may choose one, or many workshops,
as a new subject and process will be featured at
each class. All supplies are included and everyone
takes home finished art each time.
The February workshops feature anthuriums
and orchids, March features hydrangeas and
succulents, and April features tulips and tropicals.
The cost is $30 for an individual workshop or
$125 for five workshops and advance registration
is required.
For detailed Watercolor Workshop information,
go to www.locaarts.org/events/category/painting/. Lydia Delgado, LOCA Instructor
Photos by Mike Tauber
You can also meet the instructor and view each of
the eight class offerings on YouTube aon The LOCA Laguna Beach Arts channel. (Video
by Mike Tauber)
LOCA also offers plein air painting workshops, watercolors on the beach, a runway
fashion studio, and more. For information, call 949-363-4700 or visit LOCAarts.org,
Laguna Outreach for Community Arts (LOCA) is a nonprofit coalition of arts
educators, professional artists and advocates interested in arts education for people of all
ages. It has been serving the community for over 20 years. The organization currently
provides workshops to Laguna Beach Schools, Glennwood, Laguna Beach Public
Library, TLC, Laguna Beach Boys & Girls Club, Laguna Beach Youth Shelter, and the
Laguna Beach Senior Center. Workshops are also available to the public.
Feb-March 2016
How Do You Spell Love?
Love makes the world go ’round. So, as the year begins, here are some “heartTea” ideas to share love with family and friends of all ages.
Heart-Tea Menu for Adults
Last February, I was pleased to serve lunch to my sister Ruth. Since it was near
Valentine’s Day, a “heart-Tea”
meal was in order.
I prepared four heart-y
soups to sample: my mother’s
meatball-and-dumpling soup
(my childhood favorite), white
bean and ham, French onion,
and asparagus with lemon.
Ruth loves asparagus, so
that soup with its refreshing,
lemony taste and chunks of
roasted asparagus was her
favorite. It looked appealing
served in a heart-shaped glass
bowl and topped with a heartshaped piece of wheat toast
Place setting with garnished heart-y soup.
and a roasted asparagus spear.
I garnished another soup with a slice of tomato cut into a heart with a cookie cutter
and added a chive arrow across the top.
Our menu also included green-pea salad with small, heart-shaped pieces of
cheddar cheese served in paper muffin liners and placed on doilies atop heart-shaped
saucers. We finished our meal by nibbling heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies and
sipping Bigelow’s Pomegranate Pizzazz herbal tea, a rose-colored, fruity blend.
Lovely Setting
Pink and red make a cheerful setting for teatime. I used a pink gingham cloth,
pink heart-shaped teacups, and red and white tulips for the centerpiece. Heart-shaped
cookie cutters made inexpensive napkin rings and heart-shaped red, pink and white
doilies added a lovely accent. Since Ruth enjoys the candy bar with her name, a
package of Baby Ruths waited at her place setting.
Heart-Tea Ideas for Young
Sweethearts
Often, our grandkids and I
bake and frost heart-shaped sugar
cookies together. Sometimes
we also make chocolate chip
cookies into hearts. They’re easy
to make: Roll the dough into a
ball, flatten it and then cut out the
dough with a heart-shaped cutter.
If the cookies lose their shape,
recut them with the heart-shaped
cutter as soon as they come out of
the oven. For gifts and mailing,
we place the heart-y cookies into
heart-shaped boxes or cookie
tins.
Place setting with heart-y waffles ready to serve
Last year, our three grandkids
Lydia’s grandkids for breakfast on Valentine’s Day. (ages 4 to 11) came for a sleepover
on Valentine’s weekend while their parents celebrated their wedding anniversary.
We started by drawing names and making Valentines to show love in special ways
Continued on page 15...
Glendale Quilt Guild Presents
Alex Anderson Event April 16, 2016
The Glendale Quilt Guild is thrilled to announce that Alex Anderson will offer 2
lectures on April 16, 2016 at the First Congregational Church in Glendale, California.
Please join us for one or both: from 10:00am-11:00am “Scrap Quilts” using stashes,
charming scrap patterns, etc. A single ticket: $35.00
In the afternoon from 1:00pm-2:00pm “Beautifully Quilted”... finish quilts, determine
design choices, including patterns, straight line & free motion choices to best fit areas of
your quilt. A single ticket: $35.00
Join us for lunch from 11:00am-1:00pm, Box lunch in the Glen between the lectures.
$15.00...or bring your lunch or visit a local restaurant.
Tickets on sale at: www.glendalequiltguild.org or contact Kathi Coleman Wilson at
[email protected] or 818 422-8798.
Alex Anderson is a world-renowned quilter, author of 30 books, fabric designer,and
founding partner, with Ricky Tims, of The Quilt Show.com and The Quilt Life magazine.
Glendale Quilt Guild is a 200 member Guild which stages a major quilt show every
year, contributes to philanthropic and charitable organizations, sews regularly in small
groups, participates in great meetings and workshops featuring well-known quilters.
The Guild’s meetings held on the 2nd Wednesday of the Month, 6:30pm – Social,
7:00pm - Meeting & Program at the First Congregational Church of Glendale in the
Community Room, 2001 Canada Blvd Glendale, CA. Meetings are open to all except for
December. Come join the fun! Guest Fee $5
Costa Mesa • Brea
9
10
La Habra • Palm Springs • Santa Ana
California & N. Nevada
Desert Guilds Quilt Show 2016
Is in Palm Springs on March 4 & 5
The 2016 Desert Guilds Quilt Show will be held on Friday and Saturday, March 4
and 5, at the Palm Springs Pavilion,
401 S. Pavilion Way, Palm Springs.
The show will feature 150 quilts
made by members of the three Host
Guilds—Cactus Sew-Ables from
Yucca Valley, Coachella Valley
from Coachella Valley and Pass
Patchers from Banning/Beaumont.
The entries will include quilts by
award winning guild members.
Other features include an
AQS certified quilt appraiser, a
Merchant Mall, mini and art quilt
exhibits, quilt challenge exhibit and
a boutique with many unique and
traditional handmade items. Quilts
will also be on sale.
Each Guild has its own
opportunity quilt. Coachella Valley’s
quilt is “Jewels in the Crown.”
Approximately 82” by 80”, it was Coachella Valley Quilt Guild’s 2016 Opportunity
designed and made by the Guild’s Quilt “Jewels in the Crown”.
Star Friendship Group and Debra Pugh did the machine quilting. The Cactus Sew-Ables
quilt is “Another Brick In The
Wall” by Emily Clier of Carolina
Patchwork, pieced by Adell Davis
and quilted by Quilting Between
Friends. It is 58” by 88”. Pass
Patchers’ quilt is “Harvest Song.”
Designed by Jackie Robinson
and quilted by Lynette Harlan,
it is 82” by 102”. Drawings for
the Cactus Sew-Ables and Pass
Patchers’ quilts will be held during
the Show on Saturday around 3:30
p.m. The Coachella Valley Quilt
Guild’s drawing will be done at
their Holiday Party on Saturday,
December 10, 2016. Tickets to
enter the drawings are $1 each or
six for $5 and can be purchased at
the show.
Pass Patchers Quilt Guild’s opportunity Quilt
“Harvest Song”
Continued on page 14...
Building Harmony, continued from page 7...
Hunter felt kind of sick for the rest of the night. I may never eat hot dogs and macaroni
again. Worst of all was the smell. We tried opening windows and a blizzard went through
the house.
Because of the storm, our power was constantly up and down. It was pointless to try
watching a movie, play video games or anything on the Internet. I was feeling sorry for
Hunter. This was turning out to be a bummer of a birthday.
I kept a big fire going, Cathy tended to his ailment and Hunter, well, he persevered
feeling sick and making small talk with his grandparents. Turns out, listening to old
people go on and on about when they were your age is boring. The 1970s were in the last
century so who cares.
And so the weekend went. The smell had gone by noon Saturday but the blizzard
raged on. We all got a lot of sleep. We played a few board games. (Old ones from the
last century—1998.) We had few laughs and even managed to bake some cookies. The
conversations did get much better, but the weekend was nothing like we had planned.
On Sunday, the storm finally subsided and the good old sun came out. Hunter and
I spent the day digging Satan out of the snow and dragging its sorry frame back up the
hill to the garage. We cleared the driveway by hand and drove my truck up. Then Satan
began to run fine.
Hunter’s mother was coming to pick him up at five o’clock so all we had time for was
a cup of hot chocolate. I did a little soul searching. “I’m sorry things didn’t work out the
way we planned. This must have been a real disappointment for you.”
“Yeah, we did miss doing a lot of cool stuff. Maybe some other time,” he said, looking
down for a second. Then he looked up, “But can we do this again next weekend?”
“Sure,” I said with a smile. “I’ll order up another blizzard. But next time, no chocolate
cake and soda.”
Copyright by Jeff Cappis. Email: [email protected].
Feb-March 2016
“Friendships Through Quilting” Show
Will Be Held in La Habra on March 5 & 6
Friendship Square Quilt Guild will present “Friendships Through Quilting” Quilt
Show on Saturday and Sunday, March 5 and 6, at the La Habra Community Center, 101
La Habra Blvd. in La Habra.
The mix of quilts shown at this biennial
event will include traditional, antique
and contemporary work. There will also
be a vendor mall, a boutique featuring
handmade items, a silent auction and
several small Opportunity Quilts, with
proceeds to benefit breast cancer research.
Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on
Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Admission is $7.
As a special feature this year, the La
Habra Chamber of Commerce Community
Quilt will be on display. This quilt began
with an idea by Liz Steves to celebrate
the Chamber’s 100th anniversary. The
quilt blocks were created by members of
the Friendship Square Quilt Guild and
community members colored and signed
the blocks before the quilt was assembled.
In addition, a special exhibit will feature work done during the past year by ten
Friendship Groups, which are small groups of members who meet monthly to work on
quilting projects and improve their sewing skills.
A drawing for a beautiful hand-appliquéd and hand-quilted Opportunity Quilt,
“Friendship Tree,” will be held on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. To purchase tickets for a chance
to win this beautiful quilt, contact any Guild member or you may purchase tickets at the
show for $1 each or six for $5.
Guild President Gloria Ayala said, “The Quilt Show will feature more than 100 handcrafted quilts made by members of the guild. We think you will find the color, design and
workmanship of our quilts very striking.”
Each year, Friendship Square Quilt Guild members donate hundreds of quilts and
give financial support to organizations including the Salvation Army Transitional Living
Center, The Women in Crisis Center, Maddi’s Closet, Community Resource Center,
Rosie’s Garage and the police and sheriff stations. In addition, members are currently
making quilts for wounded veterans returning home.
For the convenience of visitors, strollers will be permitted on Sunday. For additional
information visit the website at: www.fsqg.org.
Yorba Linda • Special Events
11
12
Lake Elsinore • Beaumont • Oceanside • Riverside
California & N. Nevada
El Camino Quilters Hosting Quilt Show
In Oceanside on April 15 & 16
The El Camino Quilters are showcasing their best quilts at their biennial quit
show, “Piece By Piece” on Friday and Saturday, April 15 and 16, at the QLN Center
in Oceanside. The guild of over 300 members will be showing quilts in all categories
from traditional and contemporary to fabric art quilts. Quilts from beginner to advanced
quilters will inspire and amaze all levels of interest.
Free demonstrations by vendors and members will be given on both days. Many
gorgeous handcrafted items, including some quilts, may be purchased in the large quilt
show Boutique. There will be Opportunity Baskets.
The featured quilt artist is Judy Ledford. She is a prizewinning appliqué artist, wellknown local teacher and expert in the art of needle turn appliqué. She will also have some
of her beautiful and intricate work for sale.
The Guild holds a creative quilt challenge annually based on a guild selected theme.
This year, the challenge quilts will be displayed at the show.
The Guild’s Opportunity Quilt for this year is “Glorious Garden” and is an
interpretation of Australian designer Kim McClean’s pattern “Flower Pots.” Fans of the
fabrics in the Kaffe Fassett Collective saw this quilt as a chance to rise to the challenge of
a beautiful pattern as well as contribute the fabrics. Tickets are $1 each, $5 for 6, or $20
for 25. The proceeds are used to fund educational and charity projects. The drawing will
be held December 8, 2016, at the El Camino Quilters’ Holiday Luncheon.
Hours for the show are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., both days. Admission is $10 and husbands
are admitted free! There is free parking and a free shuttle from the parking lot to QLN. A
Food Truck will be on site for quilt show guests to enjoy. The QLN Center is located at
1938 Avenida Del Oro in Oceanside.
The purpose of El Camino Quilters is to promote interest in all forms of quilting, to
inspire and encourage quilt making and collecting, and to gain knowledge of quilting
techniques, patterns and history through educational meetings and friendship. General
meetings are usually held the second Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. on the North
Coast Church campus in Vista. Each meeting features a noted speaker and is usually
is followed up by a workshop to refine skills and explore the new ideas and methods
presented by the speaker. Guests may attend.
The guild is involved in many philanthropic projects by donating quilts to a variety
of organizations such as: The Polinski Children’s Center, Alzheimer’s Association and
the Tri-City Oncology and Neonatal Units as well as Military support groups. Handmade
colorful pillowcases are also donated to Rady Children’s Hospital for kids dealing with
a catastrophic illness. The philanthropy groups meet in various locations monthly to sew
and enjoy warm fellowship. This is also a good place for beginning quilters to come learn
and practice their skills under the guidance of more experienced quilters.
For more information, visit: elcaminoquilters.com.
There are many reasons to plan a trip to San Diego to see the Quilt Show and make
an entire week of visiting delightful southern California with its welcoming weather,
especially in April. In addition to the nearby Legoland, there is Balboa Park with multiple
museums, the world famous San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. Plus you can enjoy the
sunsets from the Torrey Pines Golf Course and beaches.
23rd Annual Riverside Dickens Festival
Features Many Activities, February 27 & 28
The Pedestrian Mall near City Hall in Historic Downtown Riverside is the setting for
the 23rd Annual Riverside Dickens Festival honoring the life and times of beloved 19th
Century British writer Charles Dickens. The main days for the celebration are Saturday
and Sunday, February 27 and 28.
Highlights of this year’s Festival include:
Pickwick’s Pub Night on Friday, February 26, at 6 p.m. in the Life Arts Building when
Mr. Pickwick once again invites everyone to join him to kick off the Riverside Dickens
Festival. $35. Must be 21 or older to attend.
Mr. Fezziwig’s Ball on Saturday, February 27, at 8:00 p.m. in Riverside Municipal
Auditorium. Return to the romantic times of Mr. Dickens and Queen Victoria. The ball
is managed as it would have been in Victorian times complete with dance cards and
beautifully dressed ladies and gentlemen twirling about the dance floor. $40. Separate
tickets for balcony viewing are $10.
Oliver’s Alley, conceived to provide children with a fun and free Dickensian
experience and is funded by a Community Arts Partnership grant from the Riverside Arts
Council. All activities, including games, crafts and children’s teas in Oliver’s Alley, are
free to those under 12.
Fashion Shows in Ford’s Theatre—Saturday’s show is “Coming to America, or, Pretty
in Purple” and models will portray their American ancestors and/or showcase their purple
Continued on next page...
Feb-March 2016
The Vintage Marketplace in New Home
At Galway Downs in Temecula in March
The Vintage Marketplace will be in its new location at Galway Downs in Temecula
for its upcoming March 11 and 12 show! The Marketplace is one of the most unique
events of its kind in Riverside County and now it will be even more fun at its expanded
home on the rustic country ranch.
What makes The Vintage Marketplace special is the variety of vendors/artists who
bring their very best items to the show. Creative displays in their booths show you how
you can incorporate ideas on decorating with vintage furniture and accessories—whether
it’s for your own home and garden or if you are planning a wedding, a shower, a party or
a photo opportunity.
This is the place to come for unique vintage props, furniture and accessories in every
vintage style! You will see things like vintage windows and doors as well as architectural
pieces being used as dividers to create entries and different rooms inside our vendors’
spaces. These creative vignettes are stacked and layered with plenty of inspiration.
Customers always come away from these events with lots of visual ideas!
Rita Reade and Christie Repasy, creators and co-hosts of The Vintage Marketplace,
are very excited about their new location. They said, “We have outgrown the Oaks Park
after five wonderful years, but you will not be disappointed with our new location,
Galway Downs. It has 240 acres of rolling hills, beautiful grassy areas, ponds, barns and
it is a wedding venue and equestrian center. The Vintage Marketplace at Galway Downs
offers unlimited parking, easy access to the marketplace, food trucks, a shady resting and
eating area and a beautiful view of the rolling hills of the Temecula Valley Wine Country.
Another advantage is that Galway Downs is located seven miles from the renowned Old
Town Temecula where you can continue your antique shopping after visiting our event.”
They added, “We can’t wait to see you on March 11 and 12! This event is outdoors so
remember to dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes. Not all vendors take checks or
credit cards so please bring cash.”
The Vintage Marketplace is open Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission is $5.00 and children under 15-years-old are admitted free. Galway Downs
is located at 38801 Los Corralitos Road in Temecula, 5 miles from the 15 Fwy. just off
Hwy 79 South.
To learn more or for vendor inquiries, go to www.thevintagemarketplaceatgalwaydowns.
com or email [email protected]. You can also follow “The Vintage
Marketplace” on Facebook or “thevintagemarketplace” on Instagram. Galway Downs
website is at www.galwaydowns.com.
Be sure to mark your calendar for future 2016 Marketplace events at Galway Downs:
June 3 and 4; September 9 and 10; and December 2 and 3.
Dickens Festival, continued from previous page...
creations. Sunday’s Fashion Show is “Steampunk Character and Costume Extravaganza”
featuring the models’ unique, creative clothing, accessories and characterizations. $10
for each show.
Parasol Dueling for the first time ever! Come and learn the secret language of the
Victorian parasol that every well brought up damsel would know. Watch as maidens
“duel to the death” with their lovely (and lethal) accessories. See website for details.
The Royal Victorian Tea Room & Music Hall downstairs at the historic First
Congregational Church, Mission Inn Ave. and Lemon Street, Saturday at 11 a.m., 1:30
p.m. and 4 p.m. and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. $25. For information, call 888-9877565.
The Tavern at Riverside Dickens Festival: While strolling down Main Street, the
raucous sounds of music, laughter and general merriment mean you are near The Tavern
and Bad Baby Babs, the Madame of the Tavern, is waiting for you with a pint of ale and
a song in her heart! Come in for an afternoon of entertainment, live music and dancing
Can-Can girls. Doors open at 11 a.m. and remain open for the duration of the Festival.
This is a 21 and older venue—NO EXCEPTIONS. Saturday and Sunday—$5 cover
charge.
Public Trial of Sinister Actors: Accused of various “heinous” crimes associated with
Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas, four actors from the Redlands Opera Theatre will stand
public trial on February 27 and 28 at 2:30 and 4 p.m. at the Riverside County Historic
Courthouse. $10.
A variety of “Trials.” New this year is the “Trial of John Wilkes Booth” at Ford’s
Theatre at 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $10. Back by popular demand on Saturday
and Sunday are the “Trial of Jack the Ripper” at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and “The Trial
of Lizzie Borden” at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Both are in Riverside’s historic turn-of-thecentury courthouse. No one under 13 will be admitted. $10.
Evensong, a wonderful Choral performance providing a relaxing and spiritual end
to another successful and exciting Dickens Festival, at First Congregational Church on
Sunday at 4 p.m. $10.
Tickets for all events sold separately and available online at www.dickensfest.com.
Murrieta • Temecula 13
14
Special Services
California & N. Nevada
I Am Going Home
by Barbara Walters
I am going home. It has been eighty two years since I left home. I was born in the
state of Washington. The year was 1930. It was winter time. Spring was just around the
mountains. I was suppose you want to know what my name is. I am a wedding quilt.
The journey has been long. After I began to age and no one wanted me anymore,
I was sold, given away and trashed. I was born in the beautiful area of Grays Harbor,
Washington. I traveled in the old trunk, across Washington, south through Oregon and
into California. For nearly eighty two years I have been traveling from garage sale, flea
market, antique stores, farm sales, trash dumps and probably used in the barn for the pets
to sleep on. I was dragged from one room to another by the children. They loved to play
tent or ghost with me.
I was just recently discovered by this lady author. She found me at a yard sale in
Pleasant Valley, California. I am so thankful. Someone now loves me. She talks to me
and hugs me. With much diligence and determination she has found my wedding party,
my family on Ancestry.com.
The ladies of the Grays Harbor Women Church Auxiliary were discussing the spring
weddings of the up and coming couples. Most weddings were celebrated in April or May.
You are probably wondering why.
I will give you just a little local history of Grays Harbor, Washington. Grays Harbor is
surrounded by lovely green rain forests. A large mecca of lumber. When the snow starts
to melt in April and May, the lumber mills or pulp mills would gear up for the summer
lumber harvest. It was best to have weddings during these months. Once the lumber
harvest started, there was not much time for weddings.
The wedding was held in April 1930. The ladies of the church auxiliary and the bride/
groom families decided upon a quilt pattern by the name of “The Signature Basket/
Wedding Basket”. I will let you look up the pattern. Yes, it looks like a basket. I have
seventeen baskets with family names embroidered in the center of each basket. Can you
imagine being covered with loving family names?
Most of the names embroidered inside of the baskets were the women of the bride
and groom’s families. I was made from one hundred percent American made white cotton
muslin material. The material has little black dots woven into the muslin. You can hardly
see the dots. I was quilted and tied with new one hundred percent cotton thread. I was
hand sewn. Muslin material in 1930 was a cheap/inexpensive thin cotton material.
Each signature basket is a different color. In the middle of each signature basket is the
signature of each person quilting or who will be in the wedding. Each signature is cursive
embroidery in one hundred percent red cotton embroidery threads.
The inside of the quilt is a flannel sheet. Real flannel sheets were made from one
hundred percent cotton. The flannel is very heavy and thick. The back of the quilt is a
sheet of very thin muslin material.
I am so very thankful that someone who loves me is now taking care of me. I have
missed that. My new owner has located my real family. She located my 1930 wedding
party family. They live in the state of Washington. It will be wonderful to see my real
family. I am going home.
Note to the readers: During the late 1920’s and 1930’s, the country was in the middle
of a great depression. Resourceful families were using feed and grain sacks to make
quilts. There was a saying, “use it up, wear it out and make it do, or do without”. Every
bit of material was used in some way of another. One year my mama made me a blouse
and skirt out of feed sacks. After I outgrew the set, she cut it up and used the material in a
quilt. Cotton material was hard to come by. Or should I say to buy. There was hardly any
material because of the depression. Yes, I have a quilt with the feed sack material mama
used to make me the outfit. I cried when I name this article. We all eventually go home.
Barbara Walters is the owner of Ann’s Textile Repairs & Restorations. She can be
reached at 707-469-0498. This article first appeared in Vacaville Magazine and used
with permission.
Desert Guilds, continued from page 10...
This Quilt Show is a biennial fundraiser
for the three guilds and the proceeds allow
them to contribute to their local communities.
Among their many community projects are:
Navy-Marine Relief Society, Hospice/Senior
Outreach, Huga Bears (given to the Highway
Patrol and ambulance companies for children
involved in emotional traumas), lap robes, bibs
and pillowcases for residents in care facilities
and homebound seniors, Pregnancy Center. Also,
Child Protective Services, Unity Home, Linus
(children with cancer), Battered Women Center,
Meals on Wheels, a Scholarship fund for local
Seniors who are furthering their education in the
field of Fiber Arts, food drives and many more.
Your attendance will benefit these very
worthwhile causes so be sure to attend the Desert
Guilds Quilt Show in beautiful Palm Springs.
Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Visit www.desertguildsquiltshow.com for Cactus Sewables Quilt Guild
directions. Parking is free and admission to the (CSQG) opportunity quilt “Another
Brick In The Wall”
show is $7.
Feb-March 2016
The Tale of a Box from My Closet
by Kerri Habben
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, sweat-breaking 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. 91 years of crocheting comes to an end.
Three weeks later, the grandmother passes peacefully away at the hospital, dying of
aplastic anemia, wherein her bone marrow ceased to produce blood cells and platelets.
The blanket and yarn was packed up and the granddaughter 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].
Cup of Tea, continued from page 9...
to the person whose name we drew. I set out colored construction paper, doilies,
stickers, markers, scissors, tape and glue. My four-year-old granddaughter, Anna,
took her Valentine making seriously. She kept whispering to Grandpa and her older
siblings to get the information she needed. I wondered what she was up to. Then we
made our own Valentine holders and hung them from our chairs by the table.
The heart-y theme continued during mealtimes with heart-shaped pizza for dinner.
The next morning, we feasted on waffles cut into hearts and topped with whipped
cream and heart-shaped strawberries. We sipped hot chocolate from heart-shaped
teacups and added a dollop of whipped cream and pink sugar.
After breakfast, we read our Valentine cards. When I opened mine from Anna,
I found crooked strips of colored construction paper with letters printed on them. I
strung the pieces together and saw they included the entire alphabet. Anna couldn’t
write words and messages, so she simply wrote all the letters of the alphabet so I
could create my own words. I kept those jagged scraps of paper, because to me they
spelled L-O-V-E.
Any time is a good time to show love to others. I’m ready to express affection to
family and friends with a hearty meal, a lovely setting or tea and treats. Won’t you
join me?
Lydia E. Harris holds a master’s degree in Home Economics. She is blessed with
five grandchildren who call her “Grandma Tea.” Lydia authored the book, Preparing
My Heart for Grandparenting (AMG Publishers).
See Lydia’s Recipe for French Onion Soup on page 6!
Enter to Win 15
Enter to Win a $25 Gift Certificate
The Country Register has a Gift for one of our lucky readers! We are giving away
one $25 gift certificate to be spent at a local advertising shop. Use it to go shopping
at your favorite Country Register advertiser.
The drawing will be held on March 1st and the winner will be announced in our
April-May issue. The gift certificate will be mailed to the winner.
Entry Deadline is March 1, 2016
(Names are not sold, given away or used for any other purpose.)
Drawing Entry Form
Name ________________________________________
Phone_________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________
City, State & Zip ___________________________________________________
E-mail address: ____________________________________________________
Name of my favorite Country Register advertiser is:
_________________________________________________________________
Tell us what makes this advertiser your favorite: ____________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
To enter, complete this form and mail to:
The Country Register, 515 E. Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085
(Photocopy of form is fine. Be sure to answer all questions.)
Or email the information to: [email protected]
and put “Gift Certificate” in the subject line.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Please tell us about a local California or N. Nevada quilt shop, antique store, gift
shop, etc that you would like to see advertising in The Country Register:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
We welcome your comments and/or suggestions about The Country Register.
Include a note with your drawing entry, send us an email or give us a call at 1-888942-8950. We enjoy hearing from our readers!
16 Special
Events
California & N. Nevada