March/April 2019 Issue of The Country Register: Northern Rockies Great Plains

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The Fiber Issue!

March - April 2019 | Page 1

Page 2 | March - April 2019

What’s Inside?

• • • • • • • • •

South Dakota Make it with Wool - Page 4 Wool in the Raw - Page 5 Felting for Fun - Page -6 A Cup of Tea with Lydia - Page 7 Welcome to Belle Fourche - Page 8 / Page 9 Robin’s Nest DIY Blog (Spring Felt Wreath) - Page 10 Drawing Winner - Page 11 Advertiser Index - Page 14 Planting a Garden of One’s Own - Page 15

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Editor’s Notes

Spark Joy This Spring

Spring is a great time of year. The cold and winter blues melt away, and the sunshine not only fills our windows, but warms the soul too. Those of us in the Midwest look forward to sunshine, green scenery, days with less coats and hats, and easier travel. Another classic spring activity is spring cleaning.

After my new adventure in entrepreneurship last summer, I need my own carved out space in my home. Our unfinished basement is in the process of getting a finished makeover, and with it my new office. House remodeling almost always means purging and reorganizing in my book. I’ve started with my main floor and have been inspired recently

by Marie Kondo and her method of sparking joy through tidying.

Kelsey Ruzicka Publisher of The Country Register of ND, SD, WY, MT & N. ID

She has some really great methods to folding, tackling that one room that is always a disaster, decluttering and bringing order to things. But, what I really like is the mental and emotional intentions behind her method. Asking yourself questions like, “Is this item something I want to take with me into my future?” Or, “Does this outfit bring me joy?” If not, thank it for its purpose in your life and send it on to be purposeful to someone else. If yes, keep and store in a way that sparks joy to you.

These are really great questions! “Do I want to take this with me into my future?” To me, that is very powerful. Also, helpful if you are doing a renovation or moving. Because taking it into your future could mean work on your part at several stages.

I started with my master bedroom and bathroom, and boy the process wasn’t for the faint at heart. But, I can tell you the outcome was so worth it.

The idea of sparking joy into your life through tidying is so powerful. And, you might not realize what that means fully until you walk into that room that you’ve tidied, and get that wave of joy and appreciation every time.

This is a great process for anything in your life really, not just things. Is something cluttering up your mind and heart? Maybe you need to focus on a savings account, implement more self love time, carve out time with loved ones, patch up a relationship with a loved one. Tidy it up and spark joy into your heart and mind. No time like the present, and spring is the perfect season for new growth.

Wishing you a spring full of joy and tidying!

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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 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.

Country Register Founder: Barbara Floyd, 602-237-6008, info@countryregister.com, located: Phoenix, AZ

March - April 2019 | Page 3

The Fiber Issue!

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 2019 • Volume 9 Issue 2

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains is published every two months. Copyright 2019.

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 2019 issue are due April 7, 2019.

Page 4 | March - April 2019

South Dakota Make It with Wool As the National Make it with Wool contest enters its 72nd 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 — The competition showcases and promotes the beauty and versatility of wool fabrics, yarns, and fibers and 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 from more than 60 percent wool content. 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 District and/or State Contest.

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.

Participating states have either district contests followed by a state contest or state contests only.

Some states might have other state categories such as, an accessory category, a quilt, wall hanging, or novelty.

For more information about the MIWW contest check out the South Dakota MIWW Facebook age; Facebook at National Make It with Wool and by contacting Lynda Johnson, lyndajane13@aol.com.

You can check out the contest on Facebook: National MIWW contest.

Pictured Bottom: All contestants at the National MIWW contest, New Orleans, LA. An educational tour of Mardi Gras World.

Pictured Right: Senior winner Renata Goossen and junior winner Kevina Kristen Clear.

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Wool in the Raw

By Kelsey Ruzicka, Publisher

Wool is making a strong come back not only in the textiles industry, but also in the handmade industry. Often seen as an older generation artform, crocheting, knitting, felting and needle felting are all finding their way into modern art mediums.

Have you ever wondered how wool goes from animal to needle?

I had the opportunity to sit down with a raw wool marketer and take a tour of their warehouse. It was a truly great experience, and boy did I learn. I am lucky enough to have a major industry warehouse right in my own backyard. So, one very frosty morning in South Dakota I got to learn how wool goes from sheep to product.

Let’s start at the beginning…

Sheep are sheared usually once a year in the spring. In fact, more than half of Americanproduced wool is shorn and sold during April, May and June. The wool that comes from that shearing is put into canvas or burlap bundle cubes. Often times the ranchers will store the bundles until a large shipment is ready to be sent onto warehouses for grading and selling.

Once at the warehouse, the wool is graded and core sampled for quality, length and cleanliness. Short lengths, like that of a lamb, can only be used for certain products like fiber filling. Long lengths are generally preferable due to their ease of use in making textiles for clothing. White fibers are also preferred for their ease in dyeing. Any colored fiber is considered a flaw as it is generally coarse and hard to spin.

After grading the wool, the warehouses then markets the wool to manufactures and textile companies to fetch the best price. The wool then heads to the mill, where it is cleaned, combed and spun into a fiber that will be clothes, yarn, and many other various products.

Military units remain a strong purchaser of wool for their suiting or uniform use. Today’s uniforms are generally a blend of fibers for washing and wear and tear. Wool textiles also find a comeback story with the technology of treating wool to make it breathable and easy to wash without shrinking. Finding niche markets in base layer wear and socks.

South Dakota and Wyoming are two of the top five producing states for wool in the U.S., with South Dakota producing 1.8 million pounds and Wyoming 2.2 million pounds in 2017. You could say that this area knows wool!

For more information on the warehouse I toured, see the article on page 8.

Here are some great facts and care tips about American Wool from the American Sheep Industry Association, USDA and the International Wool Textile Organization.

• Wool can be Worn Year Round Wool is comfortable to wear year round because it is an absorbent fiber that helps regulate body temperature.

When the air is cool and damp, wool absorbs moisture and keeps a layer of dry, insulating air next to the skin.

On the other hand, when it is warm, that same absorption capacity takes up perspiration, allowing the body’s natural cooling system to work better. Fine-wool garments are very comfortable worn next to the skin as is the case for wool t-shirts.

• Wool can be Washable The process that allows wool products to be machine washed and dried without shrinking is available in the United States and offers great versatility for garments made of wool. This wool also meets the “Total Easy Care” standards for consumers.

• Wool Fabrics Protect Wool is the only fiber that naturally resists flaming. Unlike most artificial fibers, which often melt and stick to the skin when on fire, wool usually only smolders or chars. Although it will burn under intense fire, it normally selfextinguishes when the flame source is removed.

• Wool is Sustainable Wool is a natural, renewable fiber that offers a ‘green’ fabric choice. Wool is also biodegradable making it an eco-friendly product. Wool Garments are a Great Investment - Since wool fibers resist pilling, snagging and breaking, wool garments typically outlast synthetic sweaters. Wool is color fast resulting in garments that retain their deep, rich color without fading. Furthermore, since wool fibers are naturally elastic, wool garments don’t wrinkle, bag or sag out of shape.

• American Wool is Versatile American wool has many uses and is known for its ‘loftiness.’ In addition to its well-known uses in woven apparel, sweaters, hosiery and upholstery, American wool is also used to make insulation, hand-made rugs, tennis balls, bedding products and clean-up pads for oil and chemical spills.

Spot Removal Tips for Wool Fabrics • Alcohol or food: Place towel under area. Gently rub carbonated water toward center of spot.

• Blood: Pat with a damp sponge to remove excess. Then dab very gently with undiluted vinegar followed by cold water.

• Coffee or tea: Sponge with glycerin. If not available, use cold water.

• Red Wine or ink: Immerse in cold water.

• Lipstick: Gently rub with white bread.

1Source: USDA, NASS, Sheep & Goats, Jan. 31, 2018. 2 Source: International Wool Textile Organization, 2018. 3Source: “Fast Facts About American Wool,” American Sheep Industry Association, www.sheepusa.org.

March - April 2019 | Page 5

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Felting for Fun

By Robin Snyder, Robin’s Nest DIY Blog I was cruising the flea market last fall and noticed some Christmas ornaments in a booth. They were made of felt and appeared to be handmade. Being a crafty person I thought those were pretty and I could make something similar. So I proceeded to purchase felt in array of many colors to make about a dozen Christmas ornament. It was fun and rewarding to make something that I could give away as gifts. I then moved on from Christmas ornament to Valentines. However I was not having any luck finding the variety of colors I wanted for valentines. I then started looking a little harder at some other felt companies to see what was available.

Wow!! There are a lot of places that sell beautiful felt!! There are also a lot of different kinds of felt. I found 100% wool felt, blended felt with acrylic,rayon or polyester and 100% acrylic or polyester. Then there are different kinds of wool such as Merino wool, which is very soft or Karkul which is coarser. So many choices!! I knew there were definitely better qualities of felt than what I initially was buying. So I ordered some 100% wool felt and it was very soft and flexible and certainly nice to the touch but it really wasn’t going to be durable enough to stand up to what I wanted to make. (I don’t give much candy for Valentine’s day so I made felt hearts on stands as a table decoration). I ordered a wool blend to complete my project which turned out great and in the burgundy color I was looking for. Now once you start buying felt, it’s hard to stop (kind of like potato chips or buying shoes). There are so many colors and kinds to choose from! Let me tell you that your local craft store only has the tip of the iceberg!!. I have spent several hours or maybe even days looking at all kinds of felt material. The other thing I discovered when looking for just the right color or the right thickness is that felt is a very unique material and it is used for hundreds of things. I might be obsessive about finding the perfect color or softness but there are very specific standards that are set for felt manufactures and what that material is being used for.

Now I usually don’t read a lot of non-fiction or research material but I needed to know more about this material. Well did you know that legend says that felt was first discovered by someone who put wool inside of his foot coverings, probably a type of sandal, to protect his feet? There is some debate on

Find us on Facebook | facebook.com/CountryRegisterNorthRockies who first did this. Some say Urnamman Lagash, a Sumerian Warrior, was the first. Some say Saint Christopher was the first.

They both were fleeing persecution. The perspiration and the heat from their feet matted down the wool and the pressure from walking formed a sock around their foot. Now to me that is a little disgusting but I bet they thought it was wonderful to have found something to protect their feet. That process of wetting, pressure and heat are still what makes felt today, we just use large machines to create it. Felt is said to be the oldest textile and has been dated back to the Bronze Age which could be 3000 years ago!!

Now, that made me stop and think of some of the things I had as a child, that were made with felt. The first thing that comes to mind is my vest that I had when I was in Camp Fire Girls. It was a navy blue felt vest that we could sew our patches and beads on. We also had a navy blue cap that was made of felt.

I also remember a funny little ball that my grandmother had in her sewing and crochet basket. Well that funny little ball was what I now know as a needle felted ball.

Needle felting as an art form is relatively new. The first needle punch machine was developed in the 1860’s but needle felting became popular in the 1970’s. It is fairly popular today as an art form. There are many artists that create amazing sculptures from wool or other natural fibers. This art form is very tedious and time consuming. It is well beyond my patience. It is however relatively low maintenance as there are not a lot of tools involved. Several types of needles, your fiber and sponge blocks are the essentials of the art. I admire those who take the time to create something by needle felting!

Well there you have a slightly silly story of felt. I think it is a wonderful material that will continue to be used in all sorts of aspects of industry, textiles and art.

Despite the Forecast, Live Like It’s Spring!

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March - April 2019 | Page 7

A Cup of Tea with Lydia: Making Spring Teatime Memories

By Lydia Harris

Spring into the new season by making teatime memories to cherish. I’ve made many pleasant memories over tea that still warm my heart. Some were made in tearooms, others by hosting teatimes in my home, and still others by delivering tea to go.

Making Tearoom Memories My husband and I recently shared teatime with our daughterin-law and two granddaughters at our favorite local “go to” tearoom. Unfortunately, the property has been sold and the tearoom will soon close. We seized the moment while we still could and savored a delicious teatime together.

The previous month had been filled with health challenges for me, so it felt good to get out and celebrate. There’s nothing quite as soothing as sipping warm tea and chatting with dear “relafriends” (our term for relatives who are also friends).

I reflected on the many special teatimes I had enjoyed there: celebrating birthdays, outings with my hubby, visiting with out-of-town guests, times when I needed physical and emotional refreshment, and just for the fun of it—often with grandkids.

After our cozy teatime, I came home feeling nourished and refreshed both physically and emotionally—and inspired to write this column.

Making Tea Memories at Home Serving tea at our home gives me great pleasure. Setting a pretty table, adding garnishes to tasty tidbits, and chatting over a cup of fragrant tea has created many rich memories for my guests and me. Sometimes I serve a three-course tea, and other times I keep the menu simple with tea and scones or tea and dessert.

My most recent teatime at home was a spontanei-Tea. My niece’s husband surprised me by stopping by on a weekend afternoon to clean our deck. (In Washington State our decks turn green like the surrounding evergreens.) While he scrubbed, I baked his favorite cookies (Brun Kaker) and a batch of Scone Blossoms. After he finished the task, I asked if he would like me to invite his wife to join us for a cuppa tea. Of course, he agreed.

I didn’t have time to create a lovely table setting, so I seated my niece and her husband on the sofa in the living room with large trays with placemats, green cloth napkins, and pretty teacups, saucers, and dessert plates. As we chatted, we sipped their favorite Paris tea (a fragrant black tea with vanilla, fruit, and citrus flavorings) and nibbled the fresh-baked cookies and Scone Blossoms served with homemade Tayberry jam, lemon curd, and whipped cream. Then I sent the rest of the cookies and scones home with them.

Scone Blossoms are quick to mix up and would make a delicious addition to an Easter breakfast or brunch or any spring gathering. (See recipe.)

Making Teatime Memories “To Go” It’s easy to pack a basket or a soft cooler with ingredients and deliver a simple tea to brighten someone’s day. I’ve served tea and goodies to shut-in friends in their homes, in hospitals, and in retirement communities. Recently I took tea and carrot cupcakes to my brother-in-law, who lives in a retirement community, to celebrate his 85th birthday. It was his first birthday without his wife (my sister), who had been promoted to heaven. My husband and I were happy to celebrate his birthday and congratulate him.

The spring season and Easter holiday are wonderful times to think of others who may need a little sweetness or

encouragement added to their lives. In Proverbs 11:25 (NIV 1984) it says, “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” I’ve found that’s true.

I’m ready to refresh others and myself with more teatimes in tearooms, in my home, and by taking tea parties to others. Will you join me?

Lydia E. Harris 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: For Grandparents at Any Stage of the Journey.

Her new book, In the Kitchen with Grandma: Stirring Up Tasty Memories Together, is available to pre-order on Amazon.

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Page 8 | March - April 2019

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Belle Fourche History in Fiber

By Kelsey Ruzicka, Publisher Many folks who have grown up in Belle Fourche would consider Belle a cow town. Lots of agriculture and cattle production in the area, two sale barns near by and grassland for sure. What some also connect Belle Fourche with is sheep. Belle Fourche has a long and proud history in the sheep industry. But, there is one business that often goes unnoticed unless you indeed keep sheep. That is Center of the Nation Wool, Inc. It is located right in the middle of town along the railroad tracks and has a beautiful history of its own.

Center of the Nation Wool got its roots in the 1960s when a pool of about 40 ranchers created a wool pool to sell and market their very high quality wool. Later, in 1984, family members of this wool pool created and incorporated Center of the Nation Wool, Inc. Today the business is still thriving, with 2018 hitting record average prices. In fact, 20% of the nation’s wool goes through this warehouse in Belle Fourche, SD. What do they do? Center of the Nation Wool takes the raw wool from the ranchers, grades and inspects it for quality and cleanliness, then markets it to manufacturers and textile companies for sale. Raw wool from the animal is sent to one of the only mills left in the U.S. in South Carolina, where it is processed and spun for various uses. Center of the Nation Wool serves over 1500 families in the Western SD, Western ND, WY, NE MT and Northern ID areas. With bundle shipments coming in daily, these folks are always busy. Over 5.2 million pounds of wool in the raw state pass through this warehouse each year.

Why Belle Fourche? Belle Fourche’s topography lends to perfect conditions.

The gumbo soil leads to high yields, the land is perfect growing conditions for sheep herds and herd management. The fine quality wool that comes from the area sheep is referred to as “Belle Choice Bundles.”

There is definitely something beautiful about wool in Belle Fourche.

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Plan Your Next Visit to Belle Fourche!

Shop our boutiques and local stores...

Eat at our hometown restaurants...

Play in the beautiful Black Hills...

Stay at our friendly hotels.

Step back in time to a warm and inviting town!

Welcome to the Center of the Nation!

501 State St. Belle Fourche, SD 605.723.1111 | Find us on Facebook!

MMe

an your average boutique...

March - April 2019 | Page 9

Follow the Chamber on Facebook for the latest events and happenings in Belle Fourche, SD!

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Page 10 | March - April 2019

Spring is just around the corner, or I certainly hope it is!! I thought that if I did a project to reflect spring dĂŠcor that it will make it happen sooner rather than later!! So here is a fun wreath made from felt which happens to be my new favorite material!!

Step THREE

You will Need:

* A wreath of your choice. I chose a grape vine wreath about 10 inches in diameter. * Felt in assorted colors. I used seven colors. Two of which were green. * Wrapped floral wire. I used the green wrapped and the wooded brown wrapped. * A leaf cut out pattern. I have two sizes one about two and a half inches and one about 3 and half inches. * Pen or marker * Scissors or snippers, * Hot glue gun and glue * Wire cutters

Weave the wired leaves into the wreath.

I made sure that they were pretty snug in the grape vines. I also kept the leaves running in the same direction.

Step Two Hot glue the leaves onto the wires by gluing one end of the leaf (about a half inch) to the wire and pinching it around the wire. Let it harden. You will need about 35-40 of these for the 10 inch wreath.

Step Four

Step One

The brown wrapped wire leaves I put around the outside but you can place them at random also.

Trace and cut out the leaf pattern on your felt pieces. Cut your wire to about eight or nine inches in length. You will need about 35-40 leaves and wires.

You are the designer here and can add as much bling (such as ribbon and letters) as you want!!

FINISHED!

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March - April 2019 | Page 11

Celebrating 30 Years of Publishing

by Barbara Floyd, Founder of The Country Register Here I am knowing this article is due in a few days and for me it takes a deadline to motivate action. So on this beautiful fall day in Phoenix, AZ, instead of being on my usual morning stroll I rolled out of bed at 6:30 a.m. It was barely getting light and just like I did for so many years in the past I began to write very early in the day. Here are some memories of how The Country Register started and grew. It’s December 2018 as I continue this nostalgic trip down Memory Lane. In front of me is the December-January 1989-90 issue of The Country Register of Arizona. This issue had double the pages from its beginnings one year earlier. Instead of 8 pages and 24 advertisers, it had 59 advertisers and 16 pages.

I will confess—right up at the top of my list of my most favorite parts of this newspaper has always been selling ads. I also used to deliver all the papers to the advertisers and I enjoyed seeing the shops, meeting the owners and discovering more advertisers along the journey through Arizona. Delivery time was spent networking. The paper was working well for the advertisers. It still does. Right from the beginning this paper would get into the hands of 10-15,000 readers.

In the issue I am looking at there is an important congratulations announcement and best wishes to Bill and Marlene Howell in Saginaw, Michigan. They saw our Arizona paper while visiting Phoenix and had purchased the licensing rights to their state. With their combined talents and available equipment, they immediately had seen an opportunity.

Marlene, a former teacher, was into crafts herself and Bill was a retired engineer. Their first paper was published in December 1989 and it is still going strong with the help of their daughter, Leslie. The Howell’s Michigan paper is one of the largest in our chain of papers across the USA and Canada.

It’s a big state and they have it well covered and I think a big congratulations is in order now, 29 years later.

In our winter issue of 1990, someone wrote saying they were glad we were featuring quilts in the upcoming issue of The Country Register. That made me smile. We adopted a theme at some point of making the Feb-March issue our “quilt” themed issue. I smile because quilting is a very large part of our papers in most areas. Who ever knew quilting would grow to be such a big industry? We have also featured scrapbooking, stamping, beading, tearooms, antiques and vintage, and the various country and primitive style shops and lots and lots of events.

The front cover on our 1990 summer issue was drawn by my son, Brook Floyd, then age 14. Even then it was obvious he had a lot of art and music genes expressed by his sketching, continual song writing and guitar talent. When he was 20, he came on board as my graphics designer and years later as our continuing web designer. The few years he was working for me in Arizona, Brook designed the layout for The Antique Register (online as well now at www.theantiqueregister. com) that is printed in Arizona on the opposite cycle from The Country Register. He went on to have a music-recording studio in Kennewick, WA, and also published the Washington Country Register for several years along with reviving another publication, The Entertainer. He is now an editor for Sweetwater Music in Ft. Wayne, IN. I will never tell him I wrote all this about him. He would never tell anyone of his talents… but he has some very special awards hanging in his home studio. I am ever so thankful to have become his mom when he was three months old. No doubt you will hear a bit about his three older sisters on this memory journey. They are as different from each other as day and night but they can blame their genes partly on me.

In the April-May1991 issue, I found the article about the early and unexpected retirement of my daughter Barbra-Jean at the age of 23 from managing Gooseberries Tea Room that we owned. Talk about reviving memories! She left in April that year and moved to Sweden, married in June and lived there for three years before she and her husband moved to Atlanta, GA, where, a bit later, she started The Country Register in that state. She had that well established before selling it and their first child, Hannah, arrived. Now 22, Hannah had left Georgia to come to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff where she graduated this past May although she is still there to continue for another couple of years. I made her some Quilter’s Crock Pot Stew and enjoyed her company for a few days until the rest of her family arrived for the Christmas break.

Barbra-Jean is the one who told me we needed a paper in Arizona. She was right—we did. Next time, I will tell you a bit more history of how this little idea spread across the USA and Canada. Until next issue…farewell.

Barbara Floyd enjoys her downsized lifestyle in Phoenix, AZ, and her visits to see children, grandchildren and a great grandchild in Tri-Cities and Walla Walla, WA, Cumming, GA, and Ft. Wayne, IN. She created and volunteers putting together Love of Junk, Walla Walla’s Vintage Market, on her oldest daughter Brenda’s farm in Walla Walla each June. She can be reached at barbara@countryregister.com.

$25 Gift Certificate Winner Ardi Koppelman Won a $25 gift certificate to her favorite shop –

Betty’s Quiltery in Rapid City, SD

To enter the next drawing, fill out the form on page 14 or email

kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com

Page 12 | March - April 2019

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COLORING PAGE

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March - April 2019 | Page 13

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Page 14 | March - April 2019

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

November - December 2018 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:

Regular Reader or

First Time Reader

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

Entries received by Feb. 7,, 2019, 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............................................................................. 6 Art in the Barn • Sturgis, SD............................................................................................ 5 Betty’s Quiltery • Rapid City, SD....................................................................................16 Black Hills Shop Hop • Northern Hills, SD...................................................................... 7 Black Hills Quilt Guild • Rapid Citys, SD......................................................................... 2 Black Hills Visitor Center • Rapid City, SD.....................................................................12 Center of the Nation Wool • Belle Fourche, SD............................................................... 8 Chadron Quilt Guild • Chadron, NE................................................................................ 2 Covered Wagon, The • Torrington, WY............................................................................ 5 Coyote Creek HQS • Pierre, SD........................................................................................ 5 Creative Closet • Townsend, MT...................................................................................... 6 Creative Crate • Belle Fourche, SD................................................................................14 Dakota Quilt Company • Spearfish, SD.........................................................................16 Fiber House, The • Sheridan, WY..................................................................................... 5 Gail’s Flutterby Quilt Shop • Mayville, ND...................................................................16 Heartsong Quilts • Hot Springs, SD..............................................................................16 Knothole, The • Spearfish, SD.......................................................................................16 Le Belle Marche • Belle Fourche, SD............................................................................... 8 Lost Creek Creations • Belle Fourche, SD........................................................................ 9 Love That Shoppes • Belle Fourche, SD........................................................................... 9 North Country Fiber Fair • Watertown, SD...................................................................... 5 Nuts & Bolts Fabric Shop • Edgemont, SD....................................................................16 Office Emporium/Gone to Pieces Quilts • Belle Fourche, SD.......................................... 9 Olive Branch, The • Belle Fourche, SD............................................................................. 9 Quilt Connection • Rapid City, SD.................................................................................16 Quilt Connection 2 • Buffalo, SD...................................................................................16 Quilters Corner • Faulkton, SD........................................................................................ 6 Quilt Yard, The • Pierre, SD.............................................................................................. 6 Real Estate Center Spearfish • Belle Fourche, SD........................................................... 8 South Dakota Quilter’s Guild • South Dakota...............................................................16 Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center • Belle Fourche, SD.................................................. 9 Wall Drug • Wall, SD.....................................................................................................12

Open Creativity Every Month!

Every month inspire and grow your creative side. Get your craft therapy in the form of an array of projects from jewelry making to yarn art and everything in between. Be inspired to make a great handmade gift or just enhance your mantel for the season. Even adults need a little craft time!

Monthly Box Subscriptions Start at $25.

Seasonal Boxes at $35.

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

March - April 2019 | Page 15

Planting A Garden Of One’s Own

by Kerri Habben This is the nineteenth spring I have tended our land, though it is the forty-first I have lived upon it. When my Dad died in 2001, it became my privilege and responsibility to take care of our yard. It became mine in name last year at the end of my mother’s life. Yet, I never consider the land to be mine. Its’ spirit also belongs to all who came before me.

Last year was my first year to enjoy the garden by myself.

I recall that it was an exquisite spring, and that our irises bloomed extra vibrantly. However, in retrospect, I see that I only went through the motions of planting a garden. We usually buy about four flats of flowers, but I purchased one. I did plant some perennials, including chrysanthemums, a lily, and a hydrangea given to me in memory of Mom. These have all returned, as well as the new rosemary plant I added to the herb garden.

Every summer I always look forward to making small bouquets for the house and the back porch, usually a simple arrangement in a mason jar or pitcher. Last year I barely fixed any. I still appreciated the garden’s gentle grace, but somehow it just wasn’t imperative without someone to share it with. This was one of the first lessons I learned after Mom’s passing. It takes time to love yourself with the same devotion you love others.

This year I know that the garden I plant needs to be more about my own growth than it is about keeping traditions.

My family no longer needs an earthly paradise; they have heaven.

In the spring of 2001 I hoped to tend the land with the integrity Dad had applied to it. In doing so, I found mowing the lawn to be an optimum cure for grief.

That autumn I wrote the poem at the close of this article.

Since March 2018, it has again been a year of planting seeds in the soil of a different life. It has been a time of turning over the earth, uprooting, and tending.

What new nutrients now feed this precious life I live?

What flowers are emerging within and around me as I truly tend my own garden?

Mowing the Lawn My yard is a plethora of weeds grown wild, interspersed with patches of real blades of grass.

But the rabbits dine on the clover and the violet leaves gather round the cedar stump from after the hurricane. It is land where cows once grazed, and a big boulder of a rock graces the front yard as an altar completes a cathedral.

My yard is a plethora of memories gone to seed, rooted in ubiquitous Carolina clay intermingled with fertilizer and lime.

And there is the vegetable patch and the flower patches, built up with timbers by the man who became the father I loved.

He mowed the grass, edged the walkways, and on the deck stairs, there are penciled lines, steady and true as he was when he lived.

My yard is a plethora of responsibilities become sacred, walking where he walked, back and forth, uphill and downhill, to the rhythm of motor and blade. I mow around the big boulder of a rock and the vegetable patch and the flower patches. I walk and I feel the grass and the weeds beneath me, and the words pulse through sweat and skin, muscle and cartilage, to bone and marrow: and now it is my turn.

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. Many of her yarn creations she donates to those in need. Kerri has gathered a decade of essays she is working to publish and can be reached at 913jeeves@gmail.com.

TOP TEN Things to do in the Spring!

• Plant Something Green • Go for a Walk in the Park • Sit outside at a cafe • Fly a Kite • Tidy Up • Decorate Your Home with Fresh Flowers • Listen to the Rain • Make Hand-Mades in Pastels • Do Something Lucky

Page 16 | March - April 2019

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