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Page 2 | July – August 2018

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Wyoming

Meet the Cover Artist

The Covered Wagon

Fabric, Yarn, Wool, Books, Notions Quilting, Knitting, Crochet, Embroidery, Cross Stitch We have every DMC color �loss and variation colors “You never know what you’ll �ind!” Pick up a FREE Pattern for both the Wyoming Shop Hop & Row by Row! Hours: Monday-Thursday 10-5, Friday 10-4 & Saturday 9-2

2006 Main Street • Torrington, WY 82240 • 307-532-1077

Sandy Lynam Clough’s art is now on quilt fabric! View and download her newest quilt pattern in “Sandy’s Journal” on her website at www.sandyclough. com. To see her latest collection visit P&B Textiles (www.pbtex.com). Sandy is an artist who can, with paint brush and paint, recreate anything she sees as a beautifully realistic image. With her creative mind and her skill in watercolor or oil, she collects followers with work that delights their eyes. Her versatility enables her to blend both trend and tradition in work that is always fresh. Her style of painting is uniquely hers and appears on many licensed products and in gift books she has written and illustrated. A fourth generation artist, Sandy got her earliest art training and encouragement from her artist father and from her mother. She began selling her paintings as an art major at Mississippi College and used her art to represent her college as Miss Mississippi College and Second Alternate to Miss Mississippi. Although she has a degree in Art and a Master’s Degree in Art Education, her heart was in painting instead of teaching. Mississippi College has twice named her Art Alumnus of the Year. Her career began with original paintings and limited and open edition prints. Now products featuring her art are available throughout the United States, Canada, Australia¸ New Zealand, China, Turkey and Russia. For over 25 years Sandy’s art has been licensed for hundreds of gift and home décor items that include home décor, table top, garden flags, kitchen textiles, stationery, framed art, calendars, paper tableware, recipe binders, quilt fabrics and more. In 2010, Harvest House Publishers presented her with their Harvest Gold Award in recognition of the sale of 1,000,000 gift books using her art, several of which she also wrote. She has authored and/or illustrated 30 gift books. Her latest book is the devotional journal, “A Garden of Hope”. Both her art and her writing are inspired and grounded by her Christian faith. To see some of Sandy’s many products, please visit her website at www. sandyclough.com.

Seventh Annual

May 29-Sept. 4, 2018 Sponsored by Wyoming’s Premier Quilt Shops ❖ Free Block Patterns! PARTICIPATING SHOPS ❖ Great Prizes! How to Participate

❖ Pick up a special block pattern at each participating shop and register for a $50 door prize. ❖ Get your passport stamped at each shop you visit, visit at least 13 particiapting shops, and send your passport by Sept. 14 for a chance at the grand prize – a sewing machine – or multiple other prizes. ❖ The more shops you visit, the better your chances for winning! Visit all 25 shops, submit your passport and get a special gift.

For up-to-date details and to download the passport, visit:

Afton, WY ❖ Jenny M’s Quilting Company Buffalo, WY ❖ E.T. Quilts Casper, WY ❖ Cottontales Quilt Shop ❖ Kalico Kat Quilt Shop ❖ Prism Quilt & Sew Co. Cheyenne, WY ❖ Around the Block Quilt Shop Cody, WY ❖ Friends and Co. Quilt Shop Douglas, WY ❖ Prairie Stitcher Evanston, WY ❖ Common Threads Quilting Gillette, WY ❖ The Barn & Blanket Lady Quilt Shop Green River, WY ❖ Kema’s Quilts Laramie, WY ❖ Quilt Essentials ❖ Snowy River Quilts

Lander, WY ❖ Gettie’s & Lorraine’s Quilt Boutique Lovell, WY ❖ Mayes Fabrics Lusk, WY ❖ Lickety Stitch Quilts Lyman/Urie, WY ❖ Valley Fabric Shop Pinedale, WY ❖ Heritage Quilts & Fabric Shoppe Riverton, WY ❖ Country Cottage Quilt Shoppe Rock Springs, WY ❖ Willow Ridge Crafts Sheridan, WY ❖ Sheridan Ben Franklin ❖ The Quilters’ Fix Shoshoni, WY ❖ Sheep Camp Quilt Supply Thermopolis, WY ❖ Gooseberry Garden Quilt Shop Torrington, WY ❖ The Covered Wagon Worland, WY ❖ Heart-N-Home

www.wyomingquiltshophop.com

View the paper online at www.CountryRegister.com/NRGP

July – August 2018 | Page 3

Publisher’s Notes

Changes Include Move, Selling Paper

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains including North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, & Northern Idaho Dee Sleep, Publisher Produced by Chicken Creek Communications 10563 Chicken Creek Road • Spearfish, SD 57783 605-722-7028 Office www.countryregister.com/nrgp www.chickencreek.net Publisher’s contact numbers across the USA & Canada for The Country Register Send $3 to any publisher below to obtain a paper from another area: * Indicates these editions are available on–line at www.countryregister.com.

Country Register Founder: Barbara Floyd, 602-237-6008, info@countryregister.com, located: Phoenix, AX USA * Arizona: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950 * Arkansas: Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, lenda@countryregister.com * California: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950 Colorado: Jan & John Keller, 16755 Oak Brush Loop, Peyton, CO, 80831, 719-749-9797 * Connecticut: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD 21774, 866-825-9217, Fax 866-261-9641 * Delaware: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 128, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763, 888-616-8319 * Florida: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, florida@countryregisteronline.com * Georgia: Linda Parish, P.O. Box 389, Lexington, GA, 30648, tcrga@windstream.net * Idaho (N): Dee Sleep, 10563 Chicken Creek Rd., Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, dee.sleep@chickencreek.net * Idaho (S): Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950 * Illinois: Richard & Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, countryregister@hotmail.com * Indiana: Gail & Merle Taylor, P.O. Box 128, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763, 888-616-8319 Iowa: Linda Glendy, P.O. Box 6, Tama, IA, 52339, IowaCountryRegister@mchsi.com * Kansas: Cindy Baldwin, 988 9th Ave., McPherson, KS 67460, kansas@countryregister.com Maine: Deborah Daney, 660 Country Club Road, Sanford, ME 04073, 207-324-7482 * Maryland: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, ads@countryregisteronline.com * Massachusetts: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, ads@countryregisteronline.com Michigan: Bill, Marlene & Leslie Howell, 3790 Manistee, Saginaw, MI, 48603-3143, 989-793-4211 * Minnesota: Kim & Mickey Keller, 12835 Kiska St. NE, Blaine, MN, 55449, minnesota@countryregister.com * Missouri: Richard & Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, countryregister@hotmail.com * Montana: Dee Sleep, 10563 Chicken Creek Rd., Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, dee.sleep@chickencreek.net * 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: Michelle Hatch, 20 Chester Street, Chester, NH, 03036, michelle@countryregisternhvt.com * New Jersey: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 128, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763, 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, ads@countryregisteronline.com * North Carolina: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 888-942-8950 * North Dakota: Dee Sleep, 10563 Chicken Creek Rd., Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, dee.sleep@chickencreek.net * Ohio: Barb Moore, P. O. Box 37, Cable, OH, 43009, ohiocountryregister@yahoo.com * Oklahoma: Richard & Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, countryregister@hotmail.com * Oregon: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950 * Pennsylvania: Dave & Amy Carter, PO Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, ads@countryregisteronline.com * Rhode Island: Dave & Amy Carter, PO Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, ads@countryregisteronline.com * South Carolina: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 888-942-8950 * South Dakota: Dee Sleep, 10563 Chicken Creek Rd., Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, dee.sleep@chickencreek.net * Texas: Richard & Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, countryregister@hotmail.com * Vermont: Michelle Hatch, 20 Chester Street, Chester, NH, 03036, michelle@countryregisternhvt.com * Virginia: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, ads@countryregisteronline.com * Washington: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950 * West Virginia: Dave & Amy Carter, PO Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, ads@countryregisteronline.com * Wisconsin: Scott & Jennifer Hughes, P. O. Box 276, Altoona, WI, 54720, jennifer@countryregisterofwisconsin.com * Wyoming: Dee Sleep, 10563 Chicken Creek Rd., Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, dee.sleep@chickencreek.net CANADA * Alberta: Ruth Burke, P.O. Box 97, Heisler, AB, T0B2A0,780-889-3776, countryregab@yahoo.com * British Columbia: Bryan Stonehill, Box 1338, Summerland, BC, V0H 1Z0, 800-784-6711 * Manitoba & Saskatchewan: Scott & Marj Kearns, Box 850, Kipling, SK, S0G 2S0, countryregister@sasket.net * Ontario: Harriet Ramos, Box 60, 4338 Innes Rd., Orleans, ON K4A 3W3, 343-882-5812

My family and I recently moved after living 14 years in the same house. To say that we had extra STUFF would be an understatement, and it’s unfortunate that it took a move before we were motivated to do something about our excessive state of belongings. We purged a lot as we packed, thankfully, and we continue to purge and organize as we unpack. I found the article about Controlling Craft Clutter on page 8 to be especially spoton and useful this month, and I hope you will, as well. The move to a neighboring town is just one change we are experiencing as a family. We also welcomed our first grandchild at the end of April, but that was not a factor in the move. The move means less commuting for Dee Sleep my husband, a new school for my youngest daughter and Publisher of a new employment opportunity for me. As a result, this is The Country Register the last issue of The Country Register I will publish. of ND, SD, WY, After seven years, I am selling The Country Register MT & N. ID to Kelsey Ruzicka with Moxie Marketing of the Midwest, another Northern Black Hills woman. Kelsey has the skill, energy and passion to improve and grow the publication across South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana and Northern Idaho. She will publish the September/October 2018 issue. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about all of the unique shops in these states and helping to spread the word about their offerings to prospective customers. I have occasionally lamented as I found myself so busy publishing that I couldn’t find time to do much of my own quilting and crafting. I am hoping that through these changes, I might be able to get back to experiencing the joys of creating beautiful things with my own hands. And of course, read The Country Register! The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains July – August 2018 • Volume 8 Issue 4 The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains is published every two months. Copyright © 2018. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited by law. The Country Register is a registered business trade name. Chicken Creek Communications produced The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains. Subscription price: 1 year, 6 issues, $18.00. Single copies: $3.00. This paper is furnished free at each advertiser, highway welcome centers tourism centers, shows, events, and other selected locations throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and Northern Idaho. Articles published in this newspaper, which are contributed from outside sources, express the opinions of their authors only and may not express the viewpoints of the management and staff of The Country Register. Such articles that are accepted for publication herein may be edited at the sole discretion of the publisher. Responsibility for products advertised in this newspaper lies with the advertisers themselves. Though The Country Register will not knowingly publish fraudulent materials or fraudulently obtained materials, we are not liable for any damages arising from the purchase or use of products advertised herein.

Index: See page 11 for advertiser’s index. Next Deadline: Ads and articles for the September/October 2018 issue are due August 7, 2018.

Page 4 | July – August 2018

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Montana The Knitting Savant

A New Season

Beneath the Sycamore Tree Sometimes the sweetness of life bends you in half. In those moments you are utterly and fully alive. When you stand up again you are stronger, breathe more deeply and experience the world with kinder eyes. I am living through new seasons. They began in winter, shimmered into spring and now it is summer – with all of its fullness and abundance. When we learned my mother was dying, I had just broken my right foot. I broke it in three places and it required surgery. The accident was a gift. A broken foot heals. A broken conscience might not have. My mother had truly needed more care than I could give. She was in a nursing home until she came home five weeks later with hospice. Friends ensured I could be with Mom part of every day and helped us in countless ways. I had many long hours at home. I listened to the house breathe in the silence. I allowed each thought to rise from beneath the surface and then I would release it back into the air upon a prayer. Based upon a long-time friend’s advice, I began a difficult mental exercise. I visualized myself as best as I could after my mother died. I focused on things that would need doing or that I may want to do. Then I would watch my future self, achieving everything regardless of the sadness in my heart. I gently forced myself to look forward to these things. Often tears journeyed down my face. It was never weeping. It was simply the opening of a well I know won’t run dry. It will endlessly be a river of sorrow, joy and gratitude flowing together. I wrote the following poem about our sycamore tree last summer. I composed it for an Old Mountain Press anthology entitled Fly With Me. It seems both a longer and shorter time ago that these words came to me. There was a time this past winter when walking in our backyard seemed as remote as the moon. Yet prayerfully, here I stand, pondering our sycamore tree once more. Its branches seem to reach the heavens and open a portal to my mother’s precious smile.

Seasons Beneath a Sycamore Between sips of coffee and a sheen of sweat, waiting as life flows into a watering can from the rain barrel, I breathe in the new morning air before the true heat of the day simmers in. Sun from the east paints dapples of light across your mottled canvas of bark and wood. I study you, my friend of some decades. You have long been a sentry of shade. Beneath your limbs and branches, I have walked, run, mowed, planted, and raked. I have dreamed, smiled, ached, and wept. I have rejoiced, mourned, and reawakened. Always I have prayed, not to you, but

to the only One who can make a tree. Please tell me, my friend, how it is that now you wear an abundant shawl of leaves when but months ago you shimmered bare after a furious frenzy of falling leaves. How do you know when it is time to be dormant, when it is time to come forth? When to thrive, and when to hold on? When to let go and when to begin once more? I sip, sweat, and wait. Wait, sweat, and sip as water glides from the spigot. Upon a sudden breeze your leaves dance. In their rustling, I feel your answer: “Trust, child, trust.”

Kerri Habben is a writer, photographer, 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. Kerry has gathered a decade of essays she is working to publish and can be reached at 913jeeves@gmail.com.

Pattern Protocols

The only thing that may be bigger than a knitter’s yarn stash is our pattern files. We all have files, magazines and books filled with designs that caught our eye once upon a time. With Ravelry, Pinterest and other internet sites our ability to bookmark and store patterns became limitless, and our ability to download our current knitting fancy became as easy as a click to download. If you use a tablet or smart phone to read your patterns on pdfs – even printing to paper is optional! I didn’t realize until recently how the sale of books and paper patterns in local yarn shops had dropped in recent years. An LYS owner remarked that their percentage of sales of individual patterns and books were much less now than when they opened over a decade ago. “Almost everyone gets their patterns online and they are either free or come directly from the designers.” The business model has changed and with it, some knitters’ attitudes about access to and use of designs. Access to patterns and information is so abundant, it can be easy to assume that most patterns are available somewhere for free. I stumbled across a social media thread a few weeks ago where a knitwear designer was defending the fee she charged to purchase her patterns. She outlined the hours spent in developing the design, working on the written pattern, working with test knitters to be sure the instructions were clear, having the finish piece photographed, and then designing a pleasing, easy to read, finished pattern. She was frustrated people balked at the few dollars she asked in return for her hard work, especially when those dollars helped keep a roof over her head and food on her table. This designer’s posts were a reminder for me. I thought about how many times I’d been inspired by a photograph of a beautiful handknitted garment, the time and energy that I invested in choosing and purchasing the perfect yarn, and then in working on the project. I wouldn’t have gotten so much enjoyment out of the project if it hadn’t been for the time and effort of the designer. And as a small business owner, I like knowing I’m fairly compensating another business owner, the designer. Creative individuals give the world so much joy, and knitting designers are part of that tribe – they deserve to know their work is valued. It’s easy to find free patterns online, and we can use them to stretch our knitting budget. It’s also easy to assume that designers view the work they share with us as a fun hobby – and for some, it very well could be – but for many it’s a business that helps support an individual or a family. One of the great things about knitting is the community that it builds. Let’s make sure we continue to support pattern designers as a part of our circle. 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 andrea@knittingsavant.com or follow Knitting Savant on Facebook and Twitter.

View the paper online at www.CountryRegister.com/NRGP

July – August 2018 | Page 5

Quilting with Barbara: Tips for Fabric Hunting It’s Row By Row time again! On your marks, get set… Oh, wait just a minute. Before you start off with enthusiasm and high expectations, take a quick look at a few lessons I’ve learned lately about the (fabric) hunt. We recently spent two weeks in the Maritime Provinces. Although not in desperate need of more fabric, I never miss a chance to explore areas and shops new to me on the principle that quilting treasures are somewhere out there, and if I don’t look I won’t find them. At the first opportunity I googled the name of an outstanding quilt shop I had visited some years ago which had wonderful locally-made quilts for sale as well as an extensive selection of high-quality fabrics – in other words, a quilter’s dream. Google said the shop was still there – same name, same village, still listed as a quilt shop. After an hour’s drive, full of anticipation, we found the shop. It was now an upscale clothing shop with not a quilt in sight. What a letdown! An employee, when questioned, airily replied, “Oh, the place was sold and the new owner wasn’t interested in quilts.” What a loss. Lesson One: Stores’ websites are not always accurate. A few days later we searched for hours in another larger town for a quilt shop listed on line. When we finally gave up looking and inquired about its location from a resident of the town, we were told it had been closed for over a year. The website had not been taken down. Lesson Two: Websites are not always taken down when no longer valid. Another day, June 9 to be exact, after a half-hour drive we arrived at an out-of-the-way shop only to find a sign on the door that said, OPEN JUNE 15

TO SEPTEMBER 30. We were not completely surprised, because we were in a “touristy” area, but we would have appreciated having had that information a little earlier. Lesson Three: Online information is not always complete. We belatedly concluded that Country Register is by far the most reliable source of up-to-date information. Unfortunately the paper is not published in the area we visited, but if it had been we would have consulted it and saved several hours of driving and a certain amount of frustration. Country Register is published every second month, it is always current (closed businesses will not be advertising) and it is widely available, allowing the quilter to do some research before travelling. Many editions are even on line. Lesson Four: Country Register is timely, reliable, and widely accessible, and therefore an excellent source of information. On a more positive note, we discovered more or less by accident and the phone book (yes, they’re still available) other great shops, including a chain new to us. They were running a sale; I was able to buy some quality batiks there for an average of $4.00 a meter. Lesson Five: Be persistent. Don’t let a few unsatisfactory experiences be discouraging. There’s always a sale somewhere! Happy hunting! Barbara Conquest writes her column from Blue Sky Quilting in Tofield, AB. © Barbara Conquest.

Page 6 | July – August 2018

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Crawl Wyoming Yarn Shops This Summer Join us for the first ever statewide Wyoming-based Cowboy Yarn Crawl! The crawl starts July 1 and runs through Sept. 30. A passport may be picked up any of the eight participating shops sprinkled across the state: n Cowgirl Yarn in Laramie, WY

n Grand Loop Fibers in Cody, WY

n Ewe Count in Cheyenne, WY

n Knit on Pearl in Jackson, WY

n Pingora Yarns in Lander, WY

n The Fiber House in Sheridan, WY

n Windblown Fibers in Casper, WY

n Mountain Meadow Wool Mill in Buffalo, WY

Each shop will give away a free stitch marker charm to every participant with passport stamps. Make sure to collect them all! Completed passports must be turned in to the last shop by Sept. 30 to be entered into a grand prize drawing! For further updates, visit the Cowboy Yarn Crawl Facebook page at www. facebook.com/cowboyyarncrawl or contact any of the participating shops.

It’s Row by Row Time Again! Quilters, get ready for Row by Row season! It’s that time of year when brick and mortar quilt shops say thank you to their traveling customers. Stop into any participating shop across the US, Canada and Europe while traveling on summer vacation and receive a free themed row pattern. “Sew Musical” is the new theme for 2018 but that’s not the only thing new this year. Four other terrific changes are sure to jazz up your Row by Row experience this summer. First, are the new shape options shops can use to design row patterns. A big square, a chunky panel, and a long, skinny strip join the classic row for enhanced variety. It will be exciting to see how quilt makers put the new shapes together. Second, is the extended pattern collection period. This year, folks will be able to collect row patterns and purchase kits after Labor Day. The patterns won’t be free like they are June 21 through September 4 but you can still get them. Fall travelers will love this change. Third, is a big beautiful new Row by Row website to inspire and inform. It has a built-in Google map to locate participating shops and see their rows. Use it as your go-to travel companion on any mobile device. Fourth, is the addition of “CharmStamps” to the lineup of popular collectible “FabricPlates” designed by ZebraPatterns.com. “CharmStamps” are sweet 5” fabric squares personalized for shops. Look for them everywhere and have fun using them in sewing projects. Our special programs, Row by Row Junior for kids age 6-14 and The 9th Row where we give back to the community, continue this summer too. Ask about them when you visit shops. They are a great way to enrich your summertime fun and include the whole family. Early reports indicate Row by Row “Sew Musical” will be a chart topper at quilt shops this summer. We hope you tune in and travel along with us. For more information, visit www.rowbyrowexperience.com. Editor’s Note – Look for participating shops throughout this Country Register issue. You will find the Row by Row logo on their ad.

Check Out Our Website! Read Issues Online at

www.CountryRegister.com

Row by Row Experience® is now entering its eighth successful year. Over 2800 brick and mortar quilt shops spanning the US, Canada and Europe participated in 2017. Find more information at www.rowbyrowexperience.com.

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July – August 2018 | Page 7

How to Create a Fun T-Shirt Pillow What you need: • One Large or Extra-Large tee shirt with printed logo. • One 12“ x 16“ pillow form • Matching Thread 1. Carefully cut the front of the shirt from the back at the side and shoulder seams. 2. Draw a 12½” x 16½” rectangle around the logo and cut on the lines. 3. From the back, cut two 12½” x 20” rectangles. If the shirt is less than 20” wide, cut rectangles as wide as you can. 4. Fold the two rectangles in half, wrong sides together, so they are 12½” x 10” (about). 5. Lay out the logo rectangle, right side up. 6. Lay one folded back panel onto the logo rectangle with folded edges in the center. Pin both layers of the folded back panel to the edges of the logo rectangle. 7. Add the other folded back panel with the fold overlapping at the center. 8. Line up all edges and pin.

9. Using a 1/4” seam allowance, stitch around entire outside edge of the pillow. (For less pointy corners, trace around a CD to round the corners and stitch on the drawn lines.) 10. Turn the pillow right side out and insert the pillow form.

IS IT TIME TO UPDATE OR REPRINT YOUR

HISTORY BOOK?

WE MAKE IT EASY BY SCANNING YOUR EXISTING BOOK!

Country Reg. Aug Ad 10x6.5.indd 1

4/6/2018 11:07:17 AM

Page 8 | July – August 2018

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Controlling Craft Clutter Scrapbooking is a passion I’ve had since I was a child. I was inspired at the age of five when my great grandmother gave me a tattered scrapbook full of cards and mementos that she had saved throughout the decades. That year, I received a scrapbook as a gift. I immediately started to fill it with memories, even creating my own embellishments. I was a scrapbooker when scrapbooking wasn’t cool! Years later, an entire scrapbooking industry was born. Stores filled with supplies and paper popped up everywhere. Home parties, where women got together to try new tools and ideas, were held nightly. Weekend Crops became modern day quilting bees. Paper crafting allowed us to be social as we archived our family history. It also gave us ample opportunity to acquire supplies – lots of supplies. As a fellow scrapbooker and professional organizer, I have seen how these collections actually inhibit the creative process. Here are a few tips to help get the crafting clutter corralled: 1) Designate your space. Unfortunately, it seems like the craft room becomes the catch-all room. Not only does this create a mess, it also stops the creative juices from flowing. Banish everything from the area that is not craft related. Everything. 2) Purge! It is time to get real with yourself. The bubblegum ball paper you bought 20 years ago is not likely to be used at this point. Just like fashion, styles change and so do your creative inspirations. Release items that no longer suit your needs. If you have duplicate tools, create a portable carryall that can be used when scrapping away from home and get rid of the rest. Be ruthless. You’ve got this! 3) Create a flow. Just like a kitchen, your craft space needs to make sense as you use it. Keep your tools within hands reach, either in drawers or a desktop caddy. Create storage areas. That old dresser in the garage would be great drawer storage after it gets a bright coat of fresh paint. To make the closet crafter-friendly, build shelves or line it with a shelving unit or bookcases. Take advantage of as much vertical space as possible, both in the closet and on your walls. 4) Sort and store. There are many ways I help my clients store their supplies and none of them is necessarily better than the other. The market is filled with craft storage solutions. Find what works best for you. Inexpensive plastic shoebox containers with snap on lids are ideal for storing flowers, ribbon and embellishments. Label and store them stacked on a shelf. Sort your paper by manufacturer or theme and place in vertical paper holders. Vertical paper holders protect the integrity of your paper and are easy to line up on a bookcase. Thread embellishments that are in their original plastic sleeved packages onto large circle jump rings and place them on wall hooks. Hang vintage spice racks on your walls and fill them with paints and small jars that hold your embellishments. It’s not just handy, it looks great! 5) Surround yourself with things you love. This is your studio. Your shecave. Your haven. This is the space where you will create magic. Make it your own! Now that you have organized your supplies, sprinkle your space with items that make you smile – the clay pot your first grader made, your favorite childhood toy, your granddaughters’ framed artwork. Not only will they make you happy, they will give inspiration as well. 6) Save money and enjoy! The process of bringing order to your supplies can feel daunting but it is worth every moment in the end. Having your supplies organized makes it easier to create and saves money as well. Now that everything has its space, the likelihood of buying something only to discover that you already had one in the craft clutter will be a thing of the past. The paper-crafting room in the before and after pictures shows the difference between a craft room overrun with supplies that didn’t have dedicated spaces compared to how the space became functional and enjoyable to create in after an overhaul and deep purge. Once you have joined the ranks of savvy and organized crafters, you’ll be able to put on your slippers, sit down with a cup of tea – and create. You will have earned it so ENJOY! Julie Pirtle is a Professional Organizer and enjoys helping the “clutter challenged.” She hails from Oregon and now lives in Mesa, AZ. She has been organizing her entire life and made the move to turn it into a business in 2012. Her business experience lends itself well to organizing everything from kitchens to garages, but her passion for scrapbooking and crafting has attracted many to use her skills to create functional space in their crafting rooms.

BEFORE

AFTER

Countryberries Designs The 1776 House

This

pattern

free for you to use. Please give the artist credit. Not for commercial use. Enlarge this

pattern

your desired size. This pattern was designed for wool applique

and

embroidery

but

can

needle-

punched, hooked or even painted. Have fun!

Countryberries LLC Whimsies and necessaries for your country home and garden 330 North Road Deerﬁeld, NH 03037 603-463-7615 www.countryberries.com

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July – August 2018 | Page 9

South Dakota

RAW WOOL AVAILABLE

Buffalo Berry

Barn Ranch

Sharleen Bergum 12309 Buffalo Berry Lane • Sturgis, SD 57785 605-423-8109 • jsbergum@msn.com

For Spinning, Felting, Stuffing Archery Targets, Etc. White, Black & Varying Shades of Grey Will Sell By the Pound or Possibly Carded Into Rolags From Rambouillet and Baby Doll Southdown Sheep

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Page 10 | July – August 2018

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Hill City (SD) Quilt Show Sept. 8-9

$25 Gift Certificate Winner Delores Warfield – Torrington, WY Won a $25 gift certificate to her favorite advertising shop –

The Covered Wagon, in Torrington, WY To enter the next drawing, fill out the form below and mail it in!

Win a $25 Gift Certificate! The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains is giving away a $25 Gift Certificate to be used at YOUR FAVORITE SHOP! Just fill out this form and send it to:

The Country Register 10563 Chicken Creek Road Spearfish, SD 57783

July-August 2018 Entry OR visit www.chickencreek.net, click on The Country Register to sign up online Name_________________________________________________________ Phone________________________________________________________ Email ________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________ City_____________________________ State ____________ Zip__________ Favorite Shop Advertised____________________________________________ This is My Favorite Shop Because______________________________________ My Favorite Feature(s) of The Country Register____________________________ Found This Issue At_______________________________________________ Are You a: n Regular Reader or

n First Time Reader

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

Entries received by Aug. 7, 2018, with all questions answered will qualify for the drawing. One gift certificate is given away each issue.

The Hill City Quilt Show & Sale will be held Sept. 8 – 9, 2018, in Hill City, SD, in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota. The indoor/outdoor show includes fabric vendors, demonstrations, door prizes, an art-education program for youth, and of course, over 200 quilts. The show is open from 9am to 4pm daily. Admission is $5 for adults; kids 18 and under get in free. Featured artist Sherryl Alexander’s quilts will be on display all weekend, and Sherryl will be available to answer your questions and discuss her work. An Old Fashioned Bed Turning & Supper, hosted by Xi Alpha Chi, will be held Saturday evening at 5pm. Bring a special quilt to add to the bed with a story to share. Tickets are $20 and reservations are required. Contact Kay Raderschadt at 605-574-2937. Area quilters, guilds, sewing groups, 4-H groups and the like are invited to bring pillowcases to help comfort area kids and give them something they can call their own as part of the Pillowcase Round-Up. The pillowcases will be displayed at the show and then donated to local organizations that help children in need. For more information, contact Marian Johnson at 605-5742732. Pillowcases can be dropped off at the Farmer’s Daughter, 164 Main Street in Hill City any time before September 1, 2017. Quilts are also needed to display at the show. Those who register their quilt entries by August 1st will have a chance to win a new sewing machine. Quilt registration ends August 24th. Quilt entry forms and more information can be found at https:// hillcityarts.org/events/quilt-show-sale, or contact the Hill City Arts Council at 605-574-2810 or info@hillcityarts.org. The Hill City Quilt Show is brought to you by the Hill City Quilt Show Committee and the Hill City Arts Council.

Advertiser’s Index Always Your Design • Dell Rapids, SD......................................9 Betty’s Quiltery • Rapid City, SD........................................... 12 Black Hills Visitor Information Center • Rapid City, SD..............9 Buffalo Berry Barn Ranch • Sturgis, SD....................................9 Covered Wagon, The • Torrington, WY.....................................2 Creative Closet • Townsend, MT..............................................4 Dakota Quilt Company • Spearfish, SD................................... 12 Fiber House, The • Sheridan, WY............................................2 Friesens History Photo Books.................................................7 Heartsong Quilts • Hot Springs, SD....................................... 12 Hill City Quilt Show & Sale • Hill City, SD.............................. 12 Kalico Kat Quilt Shop • Casper, WY.........................................2 Knothole, The • Spearfish, SD.............................................. 12 Lickety Stitch Quilts • Lusk, WY.............................................2 North Country Fiber Fair • Watertown, SD................................9 Nuts and Bolts Fabric • Edgemont, SD................................... 12 Quilt Connection • Rapid City, SD......................................... 12 Quilt Yard, The • Pierre, SD....................................................9 Quilter’s Corner • Faulkton, SD...............................................9 Quilter’s Fix, The • Sheridan, WY............................................2 Quilter’s Travel Companion and Crafters’ Guide.........................6 South Dakota Quilters Guild................................................. 12 Wall Drug • Wall, SD..............................................................9 Wyoming Quilt Shop Hop.......................................................2

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July – August 2018 | Page 11

Last year’s national winners in the Make It With Wool contest are pictured from left to right: Junior winner, Holly Schwartz, Wisconsin; adult winner Rachel Siegel, Pennsylvania; fashion apparel winner Jason Gagnon, Central Michigan University; model; and senior winner Claire Lee, Indiana.

Make It With Wool Contest As the National Make it with Wool contest enters its 71st year, it continues to be an annual youth-centered sewing competition to promote the beauty and versatility of wool fabrics, yarns, and fibers. It is sponsored by the American Wool Council, the American Sheep Industry, and American Sheep Industry Women. The program is administered by an all-volunteer group of District and State Directors, the National Advisory Board, and a National Coordinator. Make It With Wool encourages personal creativity in sewing, knitting, crocheting, spinning, weaving, and other needlework arts. All contestants must select, construct, and model their own garment(s). Made for Others contestants have their “other” (the intended wearer) model their garment(s). To be eligible, a garment/outfit/ensemble must have been completed after January 1 of the year of the District and/or State Contest. All main pattern pieces of each contest garment must be constructed from a minimum of 60 percent wool. Swatches are lab tested prior to state competitions. Contact your State Director for complete testing information and fees. Testing is recommended prior to sewing.

Juniors, Seniors, Adults, and Made For Others may enter: One-piece garment: dress, jumper, outerwear jacket, coat, or cape. Two-piece outfit: outerwear coat, jacket, cape; blouse/shirt/vest or sweater with dress, jumper, skirt, pants, or shorts. Ensemble: 3 or more garments worn together at one time: outerwear coat, jacket, cape; blouse/shirt, vest and/or sweater with dress, jumper, skirt, pants, or shorts. Pre-Teens may enter: Dress, jumper, skirt, pants, shorts, vest, sweater, shirt/blouse, jacket, or a combination of garments. For more information about the MIWW contest check out the webpage at www.nationalmakeitwithwool.com, on Facebook at National Make It with Wool or by contacting Lynda Johnson, lyndajane13@aol.com. Participating states have either district contests followed by a state contest or state contests only. Contests are generally held in September, October or November, and winners advance to the national competition. Some states might have other categories such as an accessory category, a quilt, wall hanging, or novelty. Visit the website for details on your state.

Page 12 | July – August 2018

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HILL CITY

QUILT SHOW & SALE

SEPTEMBER 8 & 9

2018

9AM - 4PM Daily • $5 per Person

HILL CITY

Vendors • Demos • Over 200 Quilts Indoor / Outdoor Hill City Gym & Main Street Saturday Bed Turning & Supper, Reservations Required

QUILT SHOW & SALE

QUILT ENTRY DEADLINE: AUGUST 24, 2018 605-574-2810 • info@hillcityarts.org • hillcityarts.org

Country Register NRGP – July August 2018