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March - April 2020 | Page 1
Page 2 | March - April 2020
What’s Inside? • Chadron Quilt Festival - Page 4
• SD Make it With Wool Contest Entry - Page 4 • Art in the Barn Celebrates 10 Years - Page 6 • Bear Creek Felting Feature - Page 6/11 • Belle Fourche Play & Stay Section - Page 8 • A Cup of Tea with Lydia - Page 9 • Robin’s Nest DIY Blog - Page 10 • Creative Business Featurette - Page 11 • Arm Knitting - Page 13 • Advertiser Index - Page 14 • Spring Event Guide - Page 15
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Editor’s Notes
Harvest Your Own Energy Energy.
It is an intangible thing, yet so meaningful. We often think of it when we are lacking it. Or maybe at a concert when you can feel it in the air like static electricity. It is a physical and internal property that can be so powerful. I find that bits of energy make my day better, increase mood, motivate me to work out. One nugget of energy can last all day, or be fleeting Kelsey Ruzicka depending on the situation. One thing is for certain, Publisher of I’m very aware of when it isn’t present. It makes the The Country Register gratitude in having the energy very meaningful. And of ND, SD, WY, brings the importance of harvesting energy to the MT & N. ID forefront. A really great playlist, motivational podcast, a good chat with a friend, a good customer review or spending a couple hours with my daughter doing our nails. These are just a few ways I harvest energy. I can call back on these moments, or create them when there is an energy deficit. Recently, haggard would be the word I would describe myself as. Mom duties, health stuff and a list of work to dos has made for a manic start to 2020. We all have lots of tasks, taxes and spring projects on the horizon this spring. Often, March can be a strange transition month from hibernation to finding the energy to clean out the garden or get the spring cleaning done. But, then like a glimmer of light an energy nugget can bring us around. And, all of a sudden we have more mental energy, feel like we can tackle more physically, and overall just feel more positive. Being aware of that spark is how I harvest energy. Where do you harvest energy? So, I guess what I’m saying is….find moments to fill your cup. Harvest those energy nuggets. You can’t continue on your path for your 2020 goals, if you aren’t pouring from a full cup. Replenish those energy nuggets and find ways to insert them into your path as you work through the daily grind. Here’s to moments in the sun this spring.
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The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains including North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, & Northern Idaho Kelsey (Snyder) Ruzicka, Publisher Produced by Moxie Marketing of the Midwest, LLC PO BOX 2015 • Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-568-0181 Office www.countryregister.com/nrgp www.moxiemarketingmw.com 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.
March - April 2020 | Page 3
The Fiber Issue!
Country Register Founder: Barbara Floyd, 602-237-6008, info@countryregister.com, located: Phoenix, AZ
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, 405-470-2597, 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 21771, 866-825-2917, Fax 866-261-9641 * Delaware: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 594, New Market, MD, 21774, info@countryregisteronline.com * 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): Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717, 605-568-0181, kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com * Idaho (S): Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950 * Illinois: Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, lenda@countryregister.com * Indiana: Gail & Merle Taylor, P.O. Box 594, New Market, MD, 21774, info@countryregisteronline.com * 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 * Kentucky: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whiterose Way, New Market, MD 21774 443-243, cowprintdesigns@gmail.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 and Marlene 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: Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, lenda@countryregister.com * Montana: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717, 605-568-0181, kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com * Nebraska: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950 * Nevada (N): Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950* * Nevada (S): Glena Dunn, 4568 Carol Circle, Las Vegas, NV, 89120, 702-523-1803 * New Hampshire: Michelle Hatch, 20 Chester Street, Chester, NH 03036, 603-571-1822 * New Jersey: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 594, New Market, MD, 21774, info@countryregisteronline.com * 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: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717, 605-568-0181, kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com * Ohio: Barb Moore, P. O. Box 37, Cable, OH, 43009, ohiocountryregister@yahoo.com * Oklahoma: Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, lenda@countryregister.com * Oregon: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950 * Pennsylvania: Gail & Merle Taylor, P.O. Box 128, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763, 888-616-8319, Fax 800-609-0278 * Rhode Island: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. 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: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717, 605-568-0181, kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com * Tennessee: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whiterose Way, New Market, MD 21774 443-243, cowprintdesigns@gmail.com * Texas: Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, lenda@countryregister.com * Utah: Available * Vermont: Michelle Hatch, 20 Chester Street, Chester, NH 03036, 603-571-1822 * 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: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717, 605-568-0181, kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com 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
The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains
March - April • Volume 10 Issue 2
The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains is published every two months. Copyright 2020. 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. Moxie Marketing of the Midwest produces 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 14 for advertiser’s index by name and by community as well as upcoming events. Next Deadline: Ads and articles for the May/June issue are due April 7, 2020.
Page 4 | March - April 2020
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2020 Chadron Festival of Quilts Will Be Held on April 24th & 25th The 26th Annual Chadron Festival of Quilts will be held Friday and Saturday, April 24th and 25th, at the St Patrick’s Catholic Church Assumption Arena in Chadron. This year’s theme is “20/20 Vision - The Illusion of Dimension.” The show is sponsored by the Pine Ridge Quilt Guild and showcases the talents of quilters from Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota and beyond. The Guild is looking forward to this show’s creative entries. Hours for the show are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is $5 for adult for both days. Children are admitted free with an adult. The Assumption Arena is at the corner of 3rd and Spruce Streets on the east side of Chadron. Signs will direct guests from all roads leading into town...you won’t be able to miss it! Parking is free and plentiful at the arena and there is a disabled-accessible entrance on the east side of the building. In keeping with the 2020 theme, this year’s challenge quilt is to make an entry that shows your vision of your future. This entry must be based on “Attic Window” blocks and must include the following: a short story of the inspiration of the entry, 3 layers quilted or tied and the perimeter no greater than 210 inches. All Challenge Quilts will be on display. The 2020 Raffle quilt “Black Hills Gold” will be on display and raffle tickets available at the door for $1 per ticket or $5 for six tickets. The drawing will be held on Saturday afternoon and the winner does not have to be present.
There are, on average, over 200 quilted items entered in the show with Viewer’s Choice voting on the multiple categories. For more information about the show including entries and show details, please go to www.chadronfestivalofquilts.com or follow Chadron Festival of Quilts on Facebook. The website will be updated as more details are finalized so keep checking back. Located in beautiful northwest Nebraska, Chadron is south of the Black Hills and west of the Sandhills in the Pine Ridge region. This area is rich with its friendly atmosphere and a varied landscape and is noted for its Old West history and unique natural beauty. Within a 30-minute drive are: Fort Robinson State Park, Chadron State Park, Toadstool Geological Park, Hudson-Meng Archeological Site, Museum of the Fur Trade, Chadron State College and Mari Sandoz Heritage Center and Chadron’s indoor Aquatic and Health Center.
The Featured Artist is Milla Malchow, a thread artist from just north of Fort Laramie, WY. Her work has been featured in both national and international shows. In addition, trunk shows will be presented by Judy Moss of Gordon, Jennifer Yenter of Chadron and Stacey Gustus from Colorado presenting Sister’ Act, and another featuring MSQC quilt designs by local quilters.
2020 Raffle Quilt
This year’s vendors are Sew Blessed of McCook; CM Designs of Franktown, CO; Betty’s Quiltery of Rapid City, SD; and Seams Etc. of Pierre, SD. There will also be a scavenger hunt, vendor demonstrations, and other presentations.
South Dakota Make It with Wool Quilt, Afghan and Novelty Contest General Information
Contest is open to ALL residents of South Dakota Entries may be constructed by individuals or groups Entries must be completed after 2018 Entry fee is $5.00 per entry, Payable to South Dakota MIWW Completed entry form with entry fee must be mailed or delivered to Ida Marie Snorteland, SDMIWW, 927 Sunset Dr, Spearfish, SD 57783 For more information: 605-641-6123 or Snorteland@blackhills.com Divison A: Quilted Items 1. The quilt top and back must be made from 100 % natural fiber fabrics. 50% of the top must be made of wool or wool blend fabrics. The remainder of the top as well as the back must be made of natural fabrics such as linen, cotton, silk, etc. 2. Batting is not required; if it is used it should be wool or other natural fiber. 3. Any construction or combination of techniques may be used (Machine and or Hand) 4. A label must be securely attached to the back with the names of the makers Categories A. Quilt- Minimum size 36” X 42” to maximum 120” x 120” B. Wall hanging- Minimum size 18” x 8” to maximum 36” x 42” Division B: Afghans or Coverlets 1. Yarn or fabric must be at least 60% wool blend or specialty wool fibers, including mohair, cashmere, alpaca, camel, vicuna and llama. 2. Item may be knitted, crocheted or woven. Felting is acceptable. 3. A label must securely attached to the back with names of the makers.
Divison C: Novelty Items 1. Yarn or fabric must be at least 60% wool blend or specialty wool fibers, including mohair, cashmere, alpaca, camel, vicuna and llama. 2. Item may be knitted, crocheted or woven. Felting is acceptable. 3. Novelty items include, but not limited to slippers, purses, scarves, shawls, hats, mittens, etc. 4. A label must be securely attached to the back with names of the makers
PLEASE DETACH AND MAIL TO Ida Marie Snorteland, SD MIWW, 927 Sunset Dr. | Spearfish, SD 57783 or complete and bring to the State Contest at Holiday Inn of the Northern Hills, I-90, Spearfish, SD by 9 AM
Name_____________________________ Address: _____________________ City__________________ State______ Zip Code________ Email address______________________________ Phone Number_______________ Describe entry: __________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________
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“Anne’s Loving Ewe” | A Cut Above By Ann Marie Stewart In March, about a month before lambing, our sheep are sheared. Shearing is an entertaining event to watch. The shearer hoists the ewe on her bottom where she’s rendered helpless, then removes her wool in minutes. A great shearer can keep the fleece whole and takes pride in her craft.
March - April 2020 | Page 5
Countryberries Designs Button The Bunny
My husband tried to shear a sheep. Only once. He claims, “It looked like the sheep went through the blender.” We haven’t tried it again. But if we did, I would want a great mentor to guide my hands through the process. Someone with experience and a love for sheep and the art of shearing. Shearers make little money, their interest in the flock is unique and genuine. I think we all have something like that. A skill, talent, craft, knowledge that makes us little money, but we know how to do it and we know how to do it well. The question is, can we teach it to someone else? To keep skills and hobbies and crafts and arts going, we can hand them down to the next generation, or share across to our friends, or even up to our parents and grandparents. It’s a beautiful thing to be taught and it’s a beautiful thing to teach. When my 82-year-old mother visited me, she brought multiple copies of a special family recipe. She then invited my friends over to learn to make homemade English muffins. Not only did our group appreciate learning a new skill, we loved the warm fellowship, and enjoyed eating the hot muffins just off the griddle, spread with butter and Mom’s homemade raspberry jam. I’ve baked bread, but recently learned new twists when volunteering in a kitchen and testing new recipes and techniques. I imitated what I saw. After dumping cups of flour into a huge bowl, I formed a deep well in the middle of the flour, which I filled with yeast, sugar, salt and warm water. I waited as the yeasty center bubbled. To stir the mixture with my bare hands instead of a mixer or a bread machine was satisfying. I folded and kneaded the dough, turning it out onto the counter, all the while chattering with the other women in the church kitchen. That’s just why my aunt Lydia Harris wrote In the Kitchen with Grandma: Stirring Up Tasty Memories Together. Her book was inspired by her love for cooking with her grandchildren and passing along stories and truths. How many of us have something to share? Country Register readers especially! They can teach quilting, spinning wool, crocheting, knitting, gardening, cooking, quilting, or painting. Perhaps instead of a book club, form a group and have each member teach the others one skill. The collective talents are a cut above! Or invite others in to share their expertise. Reach out and share and reach out and honor someone by asking to learn from them. There is connection in sharing and giving and it’s richer than just reading DIY on the internet. This spring, we’re not personally studying sheep shearing. But I have other interests. I would like to learn how to draw something that looks better than a stick figure and have my talents appreciated in Pictionary. I would love to draw out an artist who would enjoy teaching an interested student. Teaching and learning is such a joy and a way to form a flock in our busy communities. C 2020 Ann Marie Stewart All rights reserved Author of award-winning STARS IN THE GRASS
This pattern is free for you to use. Please give the artist credit. Not for commercial use. Enlarge this pattern to your desired size. Paint on wood or canvas. It would also be cute appliqued in wool. You can do it with a punchneedle too. Whatever technique you choose, have fun! Designed by Kathy Graham
Countryberries
LLC
Whimsies and necessaries for your country home and garden
330 North Road Deerfield, NH 03037 603-463-7615
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ART in the BARN Celebrates 10 YEARS!
• SILENT AUCTION • BBQ FRIDAY NIGHT AT 5:00 PM • ADULT CLASSES • KIDS CLASSES • YOUTH & OPEN SHEEP SHOWS • VENDORS • DEMOS Come Check out the Fun!
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The Treasures You Can’t Keep
By Kerri Habben
The stack of doilies sat before me. My friend, Becky, and I had emptied drawers and closets of all of these crocheted creations and collected them on a bed. Most were made by my mother and grandmother. They represented every era of our lives beginning with my grandmother’s marriage in 1936. Becky is also my mother’s friend and has grieved alongside me as we’ve sorted through everything in my house. She studied the bed full and high with doilies. Then Becky leveled a gently firm gaze upon me, and said, “Let’s look through these now.” I felt five years old again. I wanted to stomp my feet while crying, “I’m not ready. Don’t make me.” Mercifully the adult in me stepped forward. Instead, I breathed deeply and efficiently built stacks. I put together the oldest, the seasonal ones, and the timeless ones. Then I divided these by a very complex system. If one stuck to my fingers, I put it in my pile. If it drifted softly away, it went in a “to go” pile. If one just slightly hesitated, I made a “maybe” place. I went through them all one more time until I had about a dresser drawer full to take home. Becky took the rest, some to keep for herself and others to sell for me at her flea market booth. As I sorted, I began to cough. My official diagnosis is dust and too many fibers. Yet, the same racking tickle of a cough has lingered as we contemplated my mother’s crossstitching and the last of my grandmother’s crocheted afghans. Also as some of my dad’s woodworking left the house. Perhaps until I give in to weeping and flailing, the five year old in me will win. Although, maybe, just forcing myself to set these thoughts down will prove to be a miraculous decongestant. For the interior child and the external adult will be in harmony. In The Prophet Kahlil Gibran writes: “For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning. Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun, so shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.” Dismantling a home of 41 years reminds me that it is vital to be this raw inside sometimes. For if I did not feel all of the love in every way, I would never fully grow and live the best version of me. This March it is 19 years that my dad passed away and 2 years for my mom. Both of them and all of my family loved me completely and well. Their hands made doilies and clocks, but their hearts are the legacy I treasure every day. Writing this article, I walked through the home that Wayne and I share. On the kitchen table is one of my grandmother’s doilies along with my mother’s crocheted place mats. One of my dad’s clocks hangs on the wall. I lean against my grandmother’s crocheted pillows every evening. These treasures joined Wayne’s treasures, like his Aunt Tootie’s doilies. On the piano photographs of both our families surround my great-grandmother’s anniversary clock. I brought home two of my mother’s framed cross-stitched pieces. One is a sampler, and it simply states, “Be kind and true.” The other one also fits every yesterday and all of today:“How much do I love you? To the stars and back.” Kerri Habben is a writer and preschool teacher living in Chapel Hill, NC. An enthusiastic crocheter and knitter, she learned these skills from her mother and grandmother. She donates many of her yarn creations . Kerri is currently working on a manuscript of essays and poetry. She can be reached at 913jeeves@gmail.com.
The Covered Wagon
Fabric, Yarn, Wool, Books, Notions Quilting, Knitting, Crochet, Embroidery, Cross Stitch We have every DMC color floss and variation colors “You never know what you’ll find!” COME AND SEE ALL THE NEW FABRIC, JUST IN TIME FOR SPRING! Hours: Monday-Thursday 10-5, Friday 10-4 & Saturday 9-2
2006 Main Street • Torrington, WY 82240 • 307-532-1077
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March - April 2020 | Page 7
BEAR CREEK FELTING: Tackling the Most Often Asked Questions About Needle Felting I remember the feeling of being the “new kid” in a group – everyone seems to know what’s going on except me! Ever “felt” that way?
good quality tools make all the difference! Meanwhile, get a little more knowledge about how needles wear over time in this article.
Puns aside, it can be intimidating to come into a new group and feel like you’re on the outside just because you don’t know the lingo. Fear not. Everyone begins as a beginner, and the needle felting community is not only welcoming but looks forward to sharing their creative addiction!
What’s Special About the Wool? Truth be told, I’m a bit of a wool addict! I love everything about it – from the adoring sheep to the process of turning their coats into gorgeous wool to working with the finished product! The colors, the feel … all part of my obsession!
So if you’re curious about needle felting or have questions you’ve always wanted to ask, you’re in the right place!
Sometimes the inspiration comes from wanting to use a beautiful color, other times a pattern will move you to find the perfect brown. Regardless of your process, you will become a collector before you know it! If you’re not sure how much wool you will need, I created a primer to answer just that question. The good news is that the kits come with just the right amount for your project!
What is Needle Felting? The felting of wool can be done as a wet or dry process. Needle Felting works with dry wool, repeatedly poking the wool with a barbed needle in order to create a defined shape. Here at Bear Creek, we focus primarily on animals (okay, and snowmen) with the goal of creating realistic sculptures made from felted wool. The process is not only highly creative but intensely therapeutic, offering a zen-like experience that is much like meditation. For me, needle felting is a daily habit that resets and grounds me in my busy life on the farm. Even my family knows when I need a “dose” of my felted animals! How Do I Get Started? Now that you know what needle felting entails, are you ready to jump in? When I started, there were no kits available, so I struggled with getting all the materials at the start of a project. I wasn’t sure how much wool I needed; it was frustrating! So I vowed right there to create complete kits to take the guesswork out of the materials list.
Taken from the Blog by Teresa Perleberg at www.bearcreekfelting.com/blog
Are you ready to go beyond the kits and start creating other animals? Then join the Bear Creek Needle Felting Academy! Not only will you receive structured lessons, but you will also join a community of talented people all working to improve their art while supporting others. Need more information, check out our FAQs!
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube!
ative “gene.” I disagree! I look at creativity like a muscle, and I think it’s something we all have—you just have to use it!
The Bear Creek Story
Have you ever met someone who is always on a new craft Start with picking up a beginner kit. You will find all the materials and instructions needed to begin! The beginner journey? They’re amazing knitters, yet somehow, have a great knack for felting as well? kits are designed to build your confidence and let you practice the techniques. Crafters often find themselves with “itchy fingers,” a constant urge to craft, tinker, and create. This is probably the If you’re like me and need “all the things” to get started reason why so many creators can seamlessly jump from in a new hobby, try our best-selling supply kit. one craft to another! Because once you have a passion for craftsmanship, it spreads quickly. What’s Special About These Needles? The needle is the key tool. It is barbed in a specific way that pushes the felt in to create the desired shape. There’s My love for crafts started when my daughter told me she wanted to learn how to knit, and from there, as you a really great video in this article so you can see the process up close (it’s super cool!). You’ll see a commercial can see, this passion for creativity has flourished into a beautiful community at the Bear Creek Felting Academy & application in the video, but most of what I do is with a a hub for all things crafts (down to the fiber) at the Nome single needle Schoolhouse. . If you’re worried about holding something so slim, we Crafting isn’t a hobby. It’s a lifestyle! I see the direct efalso have single needle holders as well as holders for multiple needles for doing larger areas. The holders make fects crafting has on my family. From the ability to think & be creative on the spot to looking at even the most abit easier on your hands and we also have tips if you have stract of materials and seeing how we can turn them into arthritis! something beautiful, it has become a part of who we are. The needles will become dull over time, so be on the lookout for early signs of wear. Like any creative endeavor, So often, people think you have to be born with the cre-
• Crafting is a way to escape from the troubles of everyday life…if only for a few hours. • Crafting forces you to be resourceful, as you learn to use what you have. • Crafting can be sustainable. • Crafting boosts happiness levels and can calm anxieties. Do you have a passion for crafting but are frustrated and overwhelmed with getting started? No sweat. Let me help! The Bear Creek Felting Academy is home to crafters from all over. With stacked video tutorials, step-by-step guidance, feedback from me, and of course, an empowering community of crafters who want to see you succeed, you’ll be well on your way to making creations from your wildest dreams. The Needle Felting Academy is a membership community that will show you how to needle felt the BEST sculptures you’ve ever created. Oh, and p.s., new videos are added regularly.
Continued On Page 11
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March - April 2020 | Page 9
A Cup of Tea with Lydia: A Spring Fling Par-TEA After winter’s chill, it’s time to spring into the warmth of a new season. With chicks hatching, bunnies hopping, and daffodils blooming, let’s celebrate the new life around us with a Spring Fling tea party. You could plan your par-TEA around one of these spring holidays: St Patrick’s Day, Easter, Cinco de Mayo, or Mother’s Day. Colors of Spring Whatever the occasion for your Spring Fling, colorful flowers add beauty to your tea table. You’ll find many choices among the blooming bulbs and budding trees. My friend Barbara likes to include pussy willows in her spring decor. I often group primroses in a basket for a showy table centerpiece. After we finish our tea, I send each guest home with a potted primrose. Tulips and/or daffodils also make cheerful bouquets. Years ago, I planted perky daffodils in my front yard and named them “Claradils” after my first granddaughter, Clara. Sunny daffodils make me smile as I think of her. Themes and Menus After you choose the occasion for your Spring Fling, plan a menu to go with it. My cookbook, In the Kitchen with Grandma, includes themes and menu suggestions for holidays in each season. Here are a few ideas for spring: St. Patrick’s Day: Host a green cuisine par-TEA with green tea, 7-UP Shamrock Biscuits tinted green, cobb salad with mixed greens, and key-lime pudding. Since my preschool grandson Peter loved my baked custard, I was sure he would love key-lime pudding. He took one bite, shuddered, and said, “Grandma, it’s too green for me!” That recipe didn’t make the cut, even though adults often like the flavor. My husband caught on fast. Whenever I served green veggies he didn’t like, he would say, “Grandma, it’s too green for me!” Easter: Consider serving each guest’s food in a basket. You’ll find inexpensive ones at the Dollar Store. Include some of the food in plastic Easter eggs, such as small carrots, grapes, and Easter candy. Children especially enjoy this. An easy, delicious sandwich is Ham and Swiss Cheese Melts (recipe included). Sparkling cider and fruit-flavored herbal tea could round out the menu. Cinco de Mayo: How about offering a taste of Mexico for your Spring Fling? Serve your favorite Mexican foods, or check out these recipes in my cookbook: Sombrero Skillet Pie, Mexican Veggie Flag, Cinnamon Chips, Fiesta Fruit Salsa, and Apple Enchiladas. Mother’s Day: Mothers love a break from cooking. Try serving brunch with quiche, bacon knots, fresh fruit, a tasty pastry or dessert, and a Chai latte. Prepare her favorite beverage, even if it’s not tea. Of course, you don’t need a special occasion or holiday to plan a Spring Fling for your family or friends. You can simply gather to celebrate sunshine, friendship, and new life. Delivering Spring Surprises I enjoy hosting a Spring Fling at home, but sometimes it’s fun to deliver a spring surprise to someone. For St. Patrick’s Day, line a basket with a green napkin or tissue paper and include a shamrock plant, pretty napkins, and cupcakes or muffins decorated with shamrocks made from green gumdrops. Add a few green teabags as well. If you’re delivering an Easter surprise, use a basket with a handle and add shredded grass. Fill it with a box of tea, a package of cookies or hot cross buns, and a few Easter candies. For Mother’s Day, line a basket with a pretty tea towel and add flowers, fancy chocolates, strawberry-chocolate tea, and a homemade treat. (Consider Hugs and Kisses for Mom from my cookbook.) Since spring lasts for three months, there’s time for more than one Spring Fling. The more the merrier. Let’s turn the chill of winter into the thrill of spring and celebrate the beauty and new life with a Par-TEA—or two or three! Lydia E. Harris holds a master’s in home economics and has been writing this tea column for 20 years. No wonder her five grandkids call her “Grandma Tea.” She is the author of Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting and In the Kitchen with Grandma: Stirring Up Tasty Memories Together. Her books are available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and Christianbook.com.
By Lydia Harris
From Lydia’s Recipe File: Ham and Swiss Cheese Melts
Taken from In the Kitchen with Grandma, page 15. Easy to make; yummy to eat. Our family feels as if we’re having a feast when we eat these. Prep time: 20 minutes Baking time: 20 minutes Gluten-free option: Make with gluten-free bread or rolls. Gather: 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (small dinner-size rolls) 1/2 lb. ham, thin-sliced 6 slices Swiss cheese 1/3 cup butter, melted 3/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 3/4 tsp. Dijon mustard 1 tsp. minced dried onion Make: 1. Preheat the oven to 350°. 2. Slice the rolls in half horizontally. 3. Cut each slice of cheese into four squares, and put two squares into each roll. 4. Fold slices of ham into layers and place one folded slice inside each roll. 5. Place the buns in an ungreased 9 x 13-inch baking pan. 6. In a saucepan, combine and heat the butter, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Stir them until well blended. Then add the dried onion. Spoon some of the mixture over each bun. 7. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the rolls are browned and the cheese is melted. Remove the pan of rolls from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Enjoy these melts while they are still warm. Refrigerate the leftovers. They also taste delicious cold or reheated. Makes 6 servings with two buns per person. Tip: You can make the melts the day before, cover them with foil, and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to bake them, remove the foil and bake. It’s easy to double this recipe and make more warm, yummy sandwiches.
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Page 10 | March - April 2020
I am so ready for spring!! I also love fiber! So I combined spring and fiber in this little table sign.
You will Need:
Step Two
Step Four
Wrap the jute twine around the plaque several times (I wrapped 3 times and tied it).
Step Five
Wooden plaque (mine is 8X8 square),sheet of felt any color, a button, a flower pattern template (you can make one or buy one, I made mine),a ruler, pen, chalk board paint and white acrylic paint, paint brushes, jute twine, artificial flower or leaves, glue gun, painter’s tape.
Step One
Hot glue the artificial flower or leaves on the plaque at the knotted area. Glue the button on the flower and then the flower onto the plaque at the knotted area.
Paint the inside area with the chalk board paint. Remove the tape when the paint is dry.
Step THREE
Step Six You can paint words or use chalk to write on the plaque. I chose the word “hello”. I also chose to paint it on so it would not smudge. You can use a stencil or as I did, just free hand it. It does not have to be perfect!! Hello spring…wish you were here!!
Measure and mark an eighth of an inch all the way around the wooden plaque. Apply the painters tape on all four sides.
Fold the felt in half. I use quilt basting spray to glue the two pieces of felt together. Then trace your flower pattern on and cut through both layers. This gives the flower a little stiffness.
FINISHED!
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Creative
March - April 2020 | Page 11
BEAR CREEK FELING: Continued (See Page 7)
BUSINESS FEATURETTE The Perfect Escape! Kinder Krochet Belle Fourche, SD KinderKrochet seeks to brighten the lives of children by offering handmade products for every occasion. All products I sell are hand stitched with love. Julia’s crochet products are so inspiring and works of art. Julia Bevier’s business reflects her passions for children and crafting. She loves making items for children to wear and add smiles. She has been crocheting since very young, and the more she does it, she loves it says Julia. She loves searching for new patterns, reading them and adding something special to each of them. She takes custom orders!
Find her on Facebook!
The renovated schoolhouse is located on a peaceful piece of rural property, on the edge of Nome, ND. Open year round, the schoolhouse will be a haven for makers and doers. Home of Shepherd Industries, LLC, Dakota Fiber Mill and Bear Creek Felting, the school will be a future mecca of classes and retreats with a special emphasis on the fiber arts. A retail store, fiber processing mill and fiber herd will all be on site and our dream is to educate the public on the fiber process, all the steps between the animal to the finished product. The Nome Schoolhouse was built in 1916 and the gym added in 1949. Many children, teachers and parents went through these halls sharing years and years of memories. With the general decline of rural population in North Dakota, the enrollment at the school became smaller and smaller. As a result, the high school was closed in 1966 and the elementary school in 1970. The pupils were sent to Fingal, Enderlin and Kathryn schools. The school building was sold to Jack Culp who raised Percheron horses and used the school for storage. The school district dissolved in 1972. After several owners and many years Teresa and Chris of Shepherd Industries, LLC purchased the building and surrounding land in 2018 with plans to restore it for use as a Fiber Arts Retreat Center Follow our progress on our YouTube Channel - “EweTube” where we have a weekly video series talking about our products, sharing school progress and answering fiber arts questions.
www.BearCreekFelting.com | www.NomeSchoolHouse.com
(701) 238-4002 | Nome, ND
Page 12 | March - April 2020
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$25 Gift Certificate Winner Louise Knievel
Won a $25 gift certificate to her favorite shop –
The Quilter’s Fix in Sheridan, WY
To enter the next drawing, fill out the form on page 14 or email
kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com
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March - April 2020 | Page 13
Arm Knitting: A Chunky Blanket Tutorial I’ve been seeing these adorable and cozy blankets/projects all over social media and Pintrest. I decided to try this out and provide a step by step tutorial. As these projects go, most of the time it is easiest to watch video tutorials of this. So, please surf the web or YouTube and find a video tutorial if that works best for you. I just had to share. Such a fun way to create with fiber!
MATERIALS:
By Kelsey Ruzicka
A few things to remember while you are knitting: • Try to cast your stitches on tight (that’s when you get a nice even pattern on your blanket). • When you cast off (at the end of your knitting process), be sure NOT to tie your hoops to tight, it is better to be too loose.
• 11-12 SKEINS ( ROLLS) OF CHUNKY YARN OR • 7 LBS OF WOOL 1. To begin, measure out about 5-6 ft lengths of yarn for your tail, and then make a slipknot on your right arm. Make it tight. 2. Then, with your left hand create a V-shape with the working yarn (working yarn is the skein of yarn) and with the tail with your left hand. 3. Push your right hand under the working yarn on the left hand then pull the yarn from the tail through the loop. 4. Take that loop and pull it over your right arm. Keep casting the stitches onto your right arm. Make it tight but not too tight. 5. Cast on 25 stitches on your right arm. 6. Once you are done with 25 stitches, start over on your left arm. Hold the working yarn in your right hand and pull off the first stitch over the working yarn then create a loop with the working yarn and over your left hand. 7. Continue taking the stitches until all of the stitches are on your left arm. 8. Keep on knitting from left to right and then right to left arm until you have about 34-38 rows (this will make a nice size blanket – I used 11 skeins to make this pretty good sized blanket.) 9. You will need to start a new skein of yarn after maybe every other row, so what you need to do is to simply tie the ends of the skeins together with a tight knot and just keep knitting. 10. Then once you are done with all the rows, you’ll want to cast off. 11. Knit two stitches from your left arm to your right arm, as you did all the way until this point, and then slip the first stitch over the second. 12. Knit another stitch on your right arm and then slip the previous stitch over the last one. Continue until you only have one loop left. 13. Then cut off the working yarn, pull it over and tie a knot. To hide the tails braid them into your blanket. All done!
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Quilters, Knitters, NeedleArtists: Find Your Favorite Shops When You Travel! Visit
NeedleTravel.com
to find shops online for FREE! Or order the 2020 edition of our Travel Guide for only $9.95
Makes a great gift!
needletravel.com or 888-737-0847
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Page 14 | March - April 2020
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 P.O. Box 2015 Belle Fourche, SD 57717
May - June 2020 Entry OR visit www.moxiemarketingmw.com, 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:
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Entries received by February 7, 2020, with all questions answered will qualify for the drawing. One gift certificate is given away each issue.
Advertiser Directory by Name
Always Your Design • Dell Rapids, SD......................................................... 5 Art in the Barn • Sturgis, SD........................................................................ 6 Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce • Belle Fourche, SD......................... 8 Bear Creek Felting Company • Nome, ND ............................................6/11 Betty’s Quiltery • Rapid City, SD................................................................ 16 Black Hills Visitor Center • Rapid City, SD................................................. 12 Black Hills Quilter’s Guild • Rapid City, SD................................................. 2 Chadron Festival of Quilts • Chadron, NE................................................... 6 Covered Wagon, The • Torrington, WY........................................................ 6 Creative Closet • Townsend, MT................................................................ 11 Designs By Daphne • Belle Fourche SD...................................................... 8 Dakota Quilt Company • Spearfish, SD..................................................... 16 Fiber House, The • Sheridan, WY............................................................... 13 Knothole, The • Spearfish, SD................................................................... 16 Lickety Stitch Quits • Lusk, WY.................................................................. 16 NeedleTravel.com • USA........................................................................... 13 North Country Fiber Fair • Watertown, SD.................................................. 5 Nuts & Bolts Fabric Shop • Edgemont, SD................................................ 16 Office Emporium/Gone to Pieces Quilts • Belle Fourche, SD...................... 8 Knothole, The • Spearfish, SD................................................................... 16 Olive Branch, The • Belle Fourche, SD......................................................... 8 Quilt Connection • Rapid City, SD............................................................. 16 Quilt Connection 2 • Buffalo, SD............................................................... 16 Quilters Corner • Faulkton, SD.................................................................... 5 Quilt Yard, The • Pierre, SD.......................................................................... 5 Red Truck Quilting • Worthing, SD........................................................... 16 Sew Trendy • Eagan, MN........................................................................... 15 Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center • Belle Fourche, SD.............................. 8 Wall Drug • Wall, SD................................................................................. 12
A SPRING POEM “When April scatters charms of primrose gold Among the copper leaves in thickets old, And singing skylarks from the meadows rise, To twinkle like black stars in sunny skies; When I can hear the small woodpecker ring Time on a tree for all the birds that sing; And hear the pleasant cuckoo, loud and long -The simple bird that thinks two notes a song.” - William Henry Davies, April’s Charms
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March - April 2020 | Page 15
Spring Guide to Fairs, Festivals & Events in the Northern Rockies & Great Plains SD EVENTS KELOLAND Living Arts & Crafts Show
Grand Forks Spring Fling Vendor Show
Helena Spring Art & Craft Show
Creative Quilt, Art & Craft Market
Williston Eggstravaganza Craft & Vendor Show
Missoula Spring Vintage Market
Black Hills Wedding Market 2020
Minot Spring Art & Craft Fair
Rescued & Reclaimed Spring Vintage Market
10th Annual Art in the Barn
Dakota Garden Expo
WY EVENTS
Black Hills Renaissance Festival
Bismarck Bridal Show
ND EVENTS
MT EVENTS
Valley City Winter Craft & Vendor Event
Made in Montana Tradeshow for Food & Gifts
Devils Lake Spring Craft & Vendor Show
Great Western Living & Design Exhibition
Sioux Falls, SD | March 27
Rapid City, SD | April 17-18 Rapid City, SD | April 25
Sturgis, SD | June 11-13
Hill City, SD | June 27-28
Sew Trendy MN MA20.qxp_Layout 1 2/9/20 6:00 PM Page 1
Valley City, ND | March 6
Devils Lake, ND | March 26
Grand Forks, ND | March 26
Helena, MT | March 28
Williston, ND | April 4 Minot, ND | April 17
Missoula, MT | April 10 Sidney, MT | May 16
Bismarck, ND | April 17
Springtime in Sheridan Craft & Vendor Show Sheridan, WY | March 21
Bismarck, ND | April 26
26th Annual Chadron Festival of Quilts Chadron, NE | April 24-25
Helena, MT | March 13
Great Falls, MT | March 19
Visit the website! SewTrendyMN.com
S e w Tr e n d y MN
LIVE Fabric shows on Facebook
Shop from the comfort of your home! Every show is new and different!
Fabrics by FreeSpirit, Andover, Art Gallery, Robert Kaufman, Shannon Fabrics, Windham, Majestic Batiks, Dear Stella, Birch and MORE!
Join us on Facebook “Sew Trendy MN” for LIVE shows! Free on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00pm ng i p p i Sh 100 Trendy Fabrics, Kits & Bundles, Patterns, Notions, Demos & More $ s r e ord Great Giveaways during the show • Enjoy shopping from home! re or mo Make sure to see the Minky Room! V V The BIGGEST collection of Minky fabric around!
1964 Rahncliff Court Suite 600 •Eagan, MN 651-387-1815 • www.sewtrendymn.com
Mon - Thur: 12pm-5pm • Fri: 10am-4pm Sat & Sun: By Appointment Early morning and evening appointments available!
Page 16 | March - April 2020
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Publisher of this Country Register! www.MoxieMarketingMW.com • 605-568-0181 • Kelsey Ruzicka •