Made in the Methow 2015

N I e d a E H T M

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TO GOOD HOME

Food & Drink

Make a marvelous Methow Meal

Home & health

Treat yourself to affordable luxury

Arts & crafts

Adorn your world with creativity

A supplement to the Methow Valley News Sponsored by Methow Made, a program of TwispWorks

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OUR years ago, when we published the first Made in the Methow magazine, our intent was to showcase the creativity, energy and passion of valley residents who produce an incredible variety of things you can take home to remember us by. Each year, we face the same dilemma in putting the magazine together: how to adequately convey that variety, and spotlight some of those who make it happen.

But part of the Methow Valley experience is discovering for yourself what inspires our local producers. Fresh vegetables, fruit and custom meats, coffee, beer, wine, cider, clothing, art, crafts, furnishings, knives, bikes, yarn, fabrics, personal care products — the list goes on and on, and the quality is remarkable. You’ll find them at farmers markets, galleries, studios, retail outlets and even production facilities throughout the valley.

Look for the Methow Made displays in many local stores.

Methow Made is a marketing and branding program developed

by TwispWorks, the small-business development campus in Twisp that is also home to many local artists. Made in the Methow is produced in partnership with TwispWorks to give broad exposure to Methow Valley products. Within this publication, you’ll find a useful insert produced by TwispWorks that will help you navigate the possibilities from one end of the valley to the other.

You can also peruse our Made in the Methow business directory, which provides basic details about our advertisers, most of whom also offer websites with more information about products and how to order them.

Made in the Methow is not just a promotional concept. Those of us who live here are also customers of the businesses featured in the magazine. We know the producers, we love what they sell, and we support them every way we can. Want to feel like a local? Do what we do: buy locally — and enjoy!

Don Nelson 2

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• 2015 Made in the Methow •

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Buying into it

The Methow Made marketing effort continues to build recognition

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The ultimate summer Methow meal

Sizzling over a wood fire, sparkling in a hand-blown tumbler, served on rustic stoneware — the best of the valley shines in this easy dinner

10

Making things — and making it work The Methow’s rural setting is not a big impediment to small manufacturing

13 14

Get it fresh at farmers markets

MADE IN THE METHOW Don Nelson, publisher/editor Darla Hussey, design Tyson Kellie, advertising Sheila Ward, advertising Dana Sphar, ad design/production Rebecca Walker, office manager CONTRIBUTORS Ashley Lodato Ann McCreary Don Nelson Marcy Stamper Laurelle Walsh A publication of the Methow Valley News P.O. Box 97, 101 N. Glover St., Twisp, WA 98856 (509) 997-7011 • fax (509) 997-3277 www.methowvalleynews.com On the cover: Samantha Carlin of Lucid Glassworks, by Laurelle Walsh

• 2015 Made in the Methow •

Rebuilding from the ashes

The Carlton Complex Fire scorched McFarland Creek Lamb Ranch

17

Liquid assets

The Methow Valley offers a full spectrum of locally produced imbibables

18

The best endorsement Methow Valley residents are the primary consumers of Methow Valley stuff — and we love it

2 0 22

Local art, up close & personal More that’s ‘Made in the Methow’

3

Buying into it The Methow

Made marketing effort continues to build recognition

BY DON NELSON

M

ETHOW Made, the marketing program developed by TwispWorks, has always been more than a feel-good concept about buying locally.

Its aim is to not only spread the word about the variety and quality of Methow Valley products, but also expand the market for those products geographically and through the Internet.

Three years into the program, which was originally launched with the help of a federal grant, Methow Made has gained a lot of traction in terms of recognition, locally and beyond.

Tangible measures of Methow Made’s impact on sales and distribution will always be more difficult to assess, said TwispWorks Executive Director Amy Stork — in part because the program represents a collection of small, independent businesses that make a lot different things and operate with distinct individuality.

In other words, there is no one-size-fits-all marketing plan or distribution effort that will work for everyone. Methow 4

Made’s goal is to instead create and promote a valley “brand” that emphasizes the variety, quality and availability of Methow Valley products.

A survey that TwispWorks conducted in fall 2014 indicates the branding effort has had the desired impact. Stork said that 83 percent of consumers responding to the survey said that Methow Made has made it easier for them to recognize local products; and 75 percent said that they buy a Methow Made product at least monthly.

Indeed, Stork said the program has been really well received by the community.

“A side benefit of marketing outside the valley has been exposing locals to the variety of hand-made things that are here,” she said.

Displays successful, durable

The Methow Made retail displays in several valley establishments have been the most successful element of the strategy in terms of visibility and response, Stork said. “It’s also the most durable element of the campaign, and most selfsustaining,” she added.

The biggest challenge remains how to establish a consistent, costeffective way to break into the Puget Sound area’s retail market — where research shows that the Methow Valley and all things associated with it have a huge fan base.

“It’s the Holy Grail ... but much

Retail displays around the valley have been a highly successful part of the Methow Made marketing strategy. Photo by Don Nelson

more difficult as to logistics,” Stork said. Retailers don’t want to deal with a bunch of small vendors — they want one bill, one invoice, one contact. But setting up such a distribution system remains elusive.

TwispWorks recently hosted a team of Seattle University business students who looked at the feasibility of expanding into the Puget Sound market, and concluded that logistics are daunting if not insurmountable.

It’s essentially not possible

to make distribution work for a startup, or even an existing business, without a substantial subsidy, Stork said. “Starting a business to do that is not going to be possible,” she said.

This year, TwispWorks will continue spreading the word, but paid advertising will be scaled back. Community donations to TwispWorks are supporting the administrative and staffing costs associated with Methow Made, Stork said, while membership fees paid by • 2015 Made in the Methow •

participants go back into the marketing.

Room to grow

TwispWorks used a $41,000 federal grant to create a collaborative marketing campaign in 2013, which included development of a logo, advertising in Seattle-area publications as well as local media, marketing training for local producers, placement of product displays in local and regional stores, and website/ social media marketing. The grant money has been used, so the program must now be selfsupporting.

Methow Made will have between 45 and 50 members again this year, Stork said.

Requirements for participation are that at least 75 percent of a product’s wholesale value must originate or occur in the Methow Valley; products must be

Dine wi t h B Gr ain Farluebir d ms

available for purchase; they must be adequately labeled; and the producer must have an online presence to facilitate sales.

Membership has been stable Bluebir d Gr ain Far but “there is potential for ms will c elebr a t e continued growth,” Stork it s 10 t h anniv said. er s ar y on S ep t . 6 w Buying locally made it h a ben e f it dinner o goods is a strong value n t he Tw for the community, and ispWor k s c ampu s for the valley’s extended f r om 5-9 p.m ., wit h pr o community of long-time ceed s go visitors, and second home ing t o su ppor t t he Me t h owners, Stork said. ow M a d e pr ogr a “People feel really m . Co s t is $ 4 0 passionate about f or t he d inner, a supporting our local f ar r o p ae economy,” she said. “It has a lla. For m or e in f or ma t big impact on the mind-set of ion, go t o ht tp://t the community.” wispwork That was evident during the s. org/blueb holiday season last year, when ird _ meth o w_ m a d e local producers heard from _ many people who were buying dinner. locally made products for all of their gift shopping, Stork said. Y

Winthro p M ark e t EvEry Sunday 10aM-2pM Memorial day Weekend through Labor day Weekend

Local produce, art, crafts and more.

In the shady Winthrop Town park Sponsored by the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce

Antiques and collectibles

Locally made furniture by Chewuch Homestead Enterprises!

A variety of recycled, repurposed & locally crafted items.

501 Hwy 20 Winthrop, WA • 2015 Made in the Methow •

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A summer meal made with Methowgrown and produced ingredients is best enjoyed al fresco.

Photo by Laurelle • 2015 Made in the Methow • Walsh

The ultimate summer Methow meal Sizzling over a wood fire, sparkling in a hand-blown tumbler, served on rustic stoneware — the best of the valley shines in this easy dinner.

BY LAURELLE WALSH

A

FTER a day spent outdoors enjoying some of the area’s active pursuits — bicycling, hiking, rock climbing, floating the river — the perfect summer

day in the Methow Valley is made complete by a leisurely evening with friends, food and a backyard campfire.

Shop locally and get creative; the bounty of produce grown in the Methow changes seasonally, and is best eaten fresh. Many

Local ingredients include a selection of Bluebird Grain Farms products. Photo by Don Nelson

Twisted Knitters Located at TwispWorks

Open Wed-Thurs 12-5 & Fri-Sat 10-3 mvtwistedknitters.com • 2015 Made in the Methow •

ingredients are available at farmers markets in Twisp and Winthrop, or at one of the charming retailers that dot the valley: Rest Awhile Country Market in Pateros; the Carlton General Store; Thomson’s Meats, Hank’s Harvest Foods and Glover Street Market in Twisp; Evergreen IGA, Methow Masala, and Aspen Grove in Winthrop; and the Mazama Store.

How about an easy dinner featuring Thompon’s Meats’ garlic merlot sausage grilled over a Hotspot Fire Pits campfire, and served on a fresh Okanogan Bakery hoagy roll spread with Methow Masala Schoolhouse Rock Mustard?

While you’re waiting for the sausages to grill, sip on a glass of chilled Six Knot Goldilocks Cider.

Serve with a simple salad of Plow Horse Produce mixed greens topped with slivered almonds, fresh herbs and fresh apricots from Rest Awhile Country Market, and a dressing

of extra virgin olive oil, Hannah’s Opal Basil Vinegar, and Bee Light Honey.

Emmer farro from Bluebird Grain Farms is a good start for many make-ahead side dishes, including one that features roasted beets and garlic (available from local farmers starting in June), and Sunny Pine Farm goat milk feta. Here’s a recipe developed by yours truly:

Laurelle’s summer emmer farro salad

1 C Bluebird Grain Farms’ emmer farro — soaked overnight and drained

Locally Handspun Yarns Locally Grown Romney Wool, Hand-Dyed In Beautiful Colors Locally Grown Cashmere Yarn 7

(will nearly double in size) 2 medium beets or two handfuls of baby beets (preferably with greens) 2 T olive oil ½ t salt 8 small, peeled garlic cloves, whole 3/4 C Smallwood Farms’ walnut pieces orange vinaigrette ½ C fresh squeezed orange juice 1 t orange zest 1 T seasoned rice vinegar 1 small garlic clove, minced salt and white pepper to taste 1/4 C extra virgin olive oil garnish ½ C crumbled Sunny Pine Farm goat milk feta ¼ C finely chopped Italian parsley Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toast the nuts on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes. (Be careful not to scorch.) Set aside nuts.

Thoroughly wash the beets and set aside tenderest

greens. Chop beet roots into 3/4” cube; leave whole if tiny, or cut in half if small.

Toss beets with olive oil and ½ t salt. Spread in single layer on baking sheet and roast, about 40 minutes. Stir whole garlic cloves into beets for final 10 minutes of roasting.

Beets and garlic cloves should be fork-tender when done.

Bring soaked farro to a boil in medium saucepan with 1 quart salted water (about 1 t salt). Turn heat to low, cover, and simmer 40 minutes.

Let stand 10 minutes.

Drain excess water.

While farro is cooking, make vinaigrette.

Whisk together all ingredients except olive oil.

Taste and add salt/pepper.

Whisk in the olive oil until emulsified.

Chop beet greens.

Toss cooked farro, beet greens, nuts and roasted vegetables together with vinaigrette in large mixing bowl. Gently toss in feta and parsley. Let rest one

hour. Best served at room temperature.

For dessert, serve slices of Cinnamon Twisp Bakery

pound cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Delicious with an iced latte made with Lariat Coffee Roaster’s Black Colt

Sunny Pine Farm Organic Dairy featuring Chevre, Feta & Yogurt Coming soon. Dairy products from our Guernsey & Jersey cows.

(509) 997-4812

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Handcrafted in Twisp, WA

Locally Made in the Methow Valley Naturally Terrific Salsa, Sauces & Dips • 2015 Made in the Methow •

Soul Food

Locally Grown Trees, Shrubs, Evergreens, Perennials and Vines Fri - Sun 10 am - 5 pm (509) 341-4819 • Winthrop

Invite your friends over for a backyard cookout over a wood fire in a Hotspot Fire Pit – made right here in the Methow Valley.

Photo by Laurelle Walsh

coffee concentrate poured over milk and ice. For other drinkable options to grace your table, see the list of locally produced beverages on page 17.

This summer meal is presented in glassware by Lucid Glassworks; ceramic tableware by Almquist Pottery and by Jim Neupert; and handwoven linens by members of the Methow Valley Spinners and Weavers Guild. Y • 2015 Made in the Methow •

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Anna Dooley helps design eqpd’s colorful, durable tote bags, which can carry everything from a laptop to cinderblocks to freshly caught fish on ice. Photo by Marcy Stamper

Making things — and making it work The Methow’s rural setting is not a big impediment to small manufacturing

By Marcy Stamper

10

A

hundred years ago, efforts to launch an industry in the Methow Valley by extracting gold from high in the mountains were crippled by the expense and challenges of transporting tons of equipment and rock by steamboat, horse and even dogsled.

The round trip from Winthrop to Wenatchee took three days. But that was before modern, efficient

“Good design can overcome a lot of the logistical challenges. Not only can you overcome it, but you can use it to your design advantage.”

transportation, commercial shipping companies and the Internet.

Today, local manufacturers and artisans find that not only is the stillsomewhat-remote location of the Methow Valley not an impediment to their success, but it’s actually an asset.

“Good design can overcome

–Jonathan Baker, eqpd

• 2015 Made in the Methow •

a lot of the logistical challenges.

Not only can you overcome it, but you can use it to your design advantage,” said Jonathan Baker, the founder of eqpd, which designs and manufactures a line of colorful, durable tote bags in Twisp.

“People are like, ‘You’re crazy, manufacturing here — you’re 100 miles away,’” said Baker. “But there’s mail order — that’s why the location doesn’t scare us,” he said. “Twisp has a post office and UPS.” It also helps that today people are accustomed to ordering everything online — from toothpaste to artisanal cheese to lawn mowers.

Of course, for Baker, who makes, lightweight, sturdy bags that are designed to be packed flat and won’t spoil, shipping was not a major hurdle.

For Samantha Carlin, who makes hand-blown glasses and vases at Lucid Glassworks a few doors away from eqpd, getting her product to customers and retailers in one piece presents distinct challenges.

But Carlin makes it work and keeps it affordable. She recycles boxes with built-in dividers, Styrofoam peanuts, bubble wrap and newspaper to pack her glassware. “As long as my friend keeps making jams and jellies and giving me the boxes, I’m OK,” said Carlin.

Location is important

Location was a key component for Baker when he developed his product line — he wanted to create something that could be made simply, from materials made in the United States. In fact, Baker moved to Twisp from the Northeast to set up shop before he even knew what he was going to create.

Baker had spent 15 years designing athletic equipment including lacrosse and hockey helmets before he decided to launch his own manufacturing business. He knew he wanted to make everyday, affordable objects that would have a universal appeal for their aesthetics and their functionality.

Baker initially came to the Methow on vacation and then discovered TwispWorks and its support for small-scale businesses. “I thought, ‘This could be a healthy place to start a business — an unknown business,’” he said.

The nature of the Methow’s population — “spanning fourth-generation ranchers to Microsoft retirees” — convinced Baker that area residents would value a well-made, nearly indestructible product. “There’s a utilitarian nature about what people buy and use here, because it’s a pain to fix things,”

pick up supplies for her hand-blown glass tumblers, but finds

the trips are an excellent way to connect with customers and to find new retail outlets. Photo by Marcy Stamper photo by Jason Paulsen

So future generations can enjoy all that is “Made in the Methow”

Samantha Carlin travels to Seattle four or five times a year to

Custom dog gear for your dog’s active lifestyle Available at:

t Confluence Gallery t Lone Pine Fruit & Espresso t TwispWorks South Warehouse Studio (by appointment)

www.methowconservancy.org 509-996-2870

Carolee Addis 509.429.9820

re

• 2015 Made in the Methow •

Methow Conservancy

Mo

Inspiring people to care for the land forever.

•L e a s

ollars •Moli Sti x& s •C he

©

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he said.

The location also informed Carlin’s design for her glassware, and the need to travel to pick up supplies has helped her sales. She takes advantage of trips to art fairs and farmers markets to find new shops interested in selling her glassware, and she enjoys the travel and the chance to make personal connections with her customers. “I love talking to people about what I do. It helps sell it,” she said.

The main supplies Carlin needs for glassblowing are small nuggets of clear glass that come in 50-pound bags, and bars of colored glass that weigh a few pounds each. She goes through several dozen of the 50-pound bags each year and makes four or five trips to Seattle to replenish her supply, since the heavy glass is expensive to ship. She also uses these trips to scout out new markets for her custom-blown glass.

It’s more affordable here

Over time, Carlin has refined her business to focus on a design that has proven popular with customers and is costeffective to make. Her mainstay is a selection of “dot tumblers,” clear drinking glasses accented with colorful spots that can be

Art That Kicks Butt Ginger Reddington Commissions upon request

509.997.2721 • cell 509.995.2471 www.gingerreddington.com Always on exhibit in the Twisp River Pub, Methow Valley Inn & Twisp River Suites

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mixed and matched but don’t require large amounts of the more-expensive colored glass.

Establishing her studio in the Methow added $300 or $400 in delivery costs for each piece of heavy equipment, but operating the furnace and annealing oven is cheaper here.

Although electricity is still her biggest expense, overhead for her studio is much lower than it would be in a city, said Carlin. “I can’t imagine the costs in Seattle. Being in the Methow Valley is more affordable — but I live hand to mouth,” she said.

Small-scale manufacturers and artists also benefit from a current philosophical preference among consumers that they hope will grow. People value buying locally made products and using things made in the United States, said Carlin.

“My biggest competitor is a factory in China,” she said.

China also came up when Baker talked about his approach to business. “We don’t want to be boutique,” he said. “This is how we disrupt the China influx — by getting the price down far enough.”

Both Lucid Glassworks and eqpd sell through retailers in Washington, Oregon and other western states, and through their own websites. “The problem is not demand — I can sell as many tumblers

Jonathan Baker, the founder of eqpd, talks with a customer at

the Methow Valley Farmers Market. Baker designed eqpd’s tote bags to be universal and versatile, using colors that appeal to women and men. Photo by Don Nelson

as I can possibly make,” said Carlin, who hopes to be able to hire someone to extend her production cycle.

Baker employs four people to help design, sew and attach fasteners to his bags. A new machine allows them to stamp each one with a specialized logo, which is expanding their markets, including a recent contract with North Cascades National Park.

Now that eqpd’s bags are

proving successful, Baker hopes to launch other branches of smallscale manufacturing around the country, where they would make bags or other specialty objects — and provide badly needed manufacturing jobs.

Like Baker, Carlin has a goal of creating employment opportunities.

“I’m totally into small-town revitalization — providing a job and making a living doing what I love,” she said. Y

mazama store

A little bit of everything good...

Featuring a variety of local foods and handmade goods exclusive to the Methow Valley

themazamastore.com

Open Daily 7am - 6pm g 996-2855g 50 Lost River Road • 2015 Made in the Methow •

F

h s e r f t i Get s r e m r at fa markets

ARMERS markets offer local produce, art and handicraft items at several locations in and around the Methow Valley. Here’s how to find them:

Methow Valley Farmers Market Saturday, 9 a.m.–noon April-October Methow Valley Community Center, Highway 20, Twisp

Winthrop Market

Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Mack Lloyd Park, Highway 20, Winthrop

You can count on finding locally made food, arts, crafts, clothing and other products at the region’s farmers markets.

Photo by Don Nelson

Pateros Farmers Market Friday, 3 –7 p.m.

April – October

Downtown mall district, Pateros

Brewster Farmers Market Saturday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Wednesday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

June-October Fifth North and Third streets, Brewster

Okanogan Valley Farmers Market

Saturday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

May-October American Legion Park, Second and Harley streets, Okanogan

Okanogan Valley Farmers Market

Tuesday, 3:30–6:30 p.m.

June-October Civic League Park, Central and Ash streets, Omak Y

Natura l GrowN ly Fru & Prod it uce

Stop by our fruit Stand in okanogan ~ Open 7 days a week from 7:30am-6pm ~ Serving breakfast & lunch daily on the deck

fruit & produce available at the Methow Valley farmer’s Market every Saturday & at our Winthrop fruit stand

  Iced Organic Espresso, Smoothies & Shakes  organic flours & grains

Breakfast & Lunch Sandwiches & Bagels

Smokehouse BBQ dinners Fri & Sat nights 5-9 pm ESprESSo & free Wi-fi

ee our Come siCk u-p h (509) 422-2444 • 23090 Hwy. 20, OkanOgan in patC On tHe rigHt 1.8 mi. befOre dOwntOwn OkanOgan puMpk fall! this

www.smallwoodfarms.net

• 2015 Made in the Methow •

Pastries & Breads

Sit in or Take out!

Open Everyday 6am - 3pm

Downtown Twisp 116 N. Glover Street 509.997.5030 Free Internet Access www.cinnamontwisp.com

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Rebuilding from the ashes The Carlton Complex Fire scorched McFarland Creek Lamb Ranch

By Ann McCreary

S

pringtime brought a healthy crop of new lambs to McFarland Creek Lamb Ranch — 22 lambs born big and strong.

It was good news for Katie Haven and Bill Tackman, who produce wool and meat on their small farm about a mile up McFarland Creek.

“This was the best year yet in terms of health and good mothering,” said Haven.

The couple has a flock of about 40 Romney sheep on their 20-plus acre farm. Tackman, a licensed surveyor who grew up on an eastern Oregon sheep and cattle ranch, chose the breed because it produces both good wool and meat.

Haven joined Tackman on the farm about six years ago, two years after she hired him to survey a piece of property she owns near Twisp. She still owns the property, and has a studio there where she processes and dyes her wool.

Maintaining even a small ranch is hard work for two people, but the job got a lot tougher after the Carlton Complex Fire raged through McFarland Creek last July, 14

destroying their barn, a shop full of tools and equipment, a woodshed and a bunkhouse where Haven had stored 25 fleeces that she planned to process. Miraculously, their small farmhouse and all their animals survived.

With help from family and friends, Haven and Tackman were able to complete a new barn just before winter arrived to provide shelter for their sheep and their three Mareema sheep dogs, who guard the flock from predators.

But it’s an ongoing process to bounce back from the fire, which left the hillsides surrounding the farm blackened and studded with burnt skeletons of trees. In particular, rebuilding pasture fences that were damaged or destroyed by the fire has taken tremendous time and energy.

“It’s a lot of hard work ahead of me, having to repair a lot of stuff and regroup,” said Haven, who retired after a 26-year career as a merchant mariner and tends to the farm when Tackman is busy with his surveying work.

Fire a setback

After the annual sheep shearing in April, Haven has 40 fresh fleeces awaiting her attention. “I’m just dying to get at them,” she said. “But we’ve got to build a ton of fence. The whole fire thing last year really set me back.”

When Haven was young, her grandmother taught her to knit, and Haven continued knitting throughout her life. But it was

Katie Haven and Bill Tackman raise lambs on their McFarland Creek ranch. Photo by Ann McCreary

only after joining Tackman on the farm that she became involved in the process of producing fiber.

When she realized that Tackman wasn’t doing anything with the wool after the sheep were sheared each spring, she couldn’t stand to see it go unused.

“I was horrified to find out he was throwing wool into the landfill. I thought, ‘We’ve got to figure out something to do with this,’” Haven said. “I kept thinking we could make beautiful yarn out of this. But all those steps up to getting the finished skein of yarn were

things I had to learn.”

The couple hires a professional shearer to shear the sheep, and then Haven does the skirting — pulling off the dirty parts of the fleece. The couple uses those parts of the fleece to pack around water valves in winter for insulation.

Because spring and summer are such busy times on the ranch, Haven stores the fleeces in the hayloft until winter, when she takes them to her studio to wash and dye. Each fleece is soaked in hot water with detergent for about 30 minutes, drained and spun to get the excess water out, soaked again, • 2015 Made in the Methow •

A new barn was built after the Carlton Complex Fire destroyed the ranch’s outbuildings. Photo by Ann McCreary

and rinsed twice. The fleece can’t be agitated or scrubbed in the water, or it will turn into felt, she said.

“It’s not rocket science, but it takes a lot of time. I wash all

Cu

winter,” Haven said.

Unique yarns

After the fleeces are washed, they are ready for dying. Haven produces a broad palette of

colors using natural dyes from plants, some of which she grows herself, including madder root, which gives a deep coral color, and chamomile, for yellows. She has found that strong, vibrant colors are more popular than paler pastels.

She also leaves some of her fleeces in natural colors, which includes shades of black, grey, silver and brown. “I really like those natural colors.

They are unique because even the same sheep will change from year to year,” she said.

Haven ships her cleaned and natural color or dyed fleece to a small, custom spinning mill in Utah, which spins each

fleece individually into yarn that is labeled with the name of the sheep that produced it.

When customers buy a skein of Haven’s yarn, they know, for

“ I wa s o hor r i f ied t wa s f ind ou t he ool in t o w g in w o r th oug h t , h t I l. il f d n t he la t o f igur e t o g e ’v e ‘W t o do g in h t e m o ou t s wit h t his,’ ” n, – Katie Have Creek McFarland h Lamb Ranc

stom

Thomson’s

Made in the Methow Valley

meats Some of our specialties:

15 plus varieties of handcrafted pork & chicken sausage Grain & grass finished beef All natural pork & lamb • Hams, bacon, jerky Smoked meats & seafood USDA Certified • All Natural No Antibiotics

Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am-6 pm (509) 997-9353

¼ mile from Downtown Twisp 992 TwiSp CArlTON rOAD

• 2015 Made in the Methow •

Ask about We offer multiple sizes & a variety of accessories.

Available at The Mazama Store in Mazama, Methow renting our Masala in Winthrop, & D*SIGNS Gallery in Twisp. fire pits (509) 997-4766 • (888) 295-4765

w w w. h o t s p o t f i r e p i t s . c o m 15

instance, if the wool came from Gertrude, Sylvia or Esther.

“The quality of the fleece varies from animal to animal,” Haven said. She is excited about a newly purchased Cormo ram, which will produce “a much finer wool” when bred with the Romney sheep.

Meat from the farm is primarily sold to friends, or friends of friends, Haven said.

A few customers have made contact through the farm’s website.

“I have a list that has grown over the years. When we have lambs ready for butchering, I send an email to the list. We don’t butcher until we have a customer lined up,” Haven said.

This year the couple expects to sell up to 18 of the 22 lambs, and will save a few for replacement breeders, she said.

“We do the harvesting

ourselves on site, which I think is the best way, the most humane way,” Haven said. Some lambs are harvested in the fall, others in the spring.

Customers can buy whole or half lambs, which are prepared by a local butcher. Haven said they generally use Chris Thomson of Thomson’s Meats in Twisp, or Mike Judd in Brewster, depending on the customer’s preference.

Tackman, whose family raised 800 cattle and 1,000 sheep when he was growing up in Oregon, said even a small farm like McFarland Creek Lamb Ranch is a huge commitment.

“I don’t know if people understand the effort that goes into producing a lamb chop,” Tackman said. “I have my survey business to support my lamb business,” he said with a laugh.

“It’s a labor of love.” Y

Each skein of yarn is labled with the name of the sheep whose fleece it came from. Photo courtesy of Katie Haven

Handmade soaps using the finest natural ingredients

Available in stores throughout the Methow Valley and online

Molly’s Soap www.mollyssoap.com 16

• 2015 Made in the Methow •

d i u L iq s t e s as

T

HE Methow Valley is home to a variety of liquid refreshments that can be purchased — and in some cases, consumed — where they are produced, and are also available at many local retail outlets and other locations in Washington state and beyond.

All of them are made right here and each has their devotees. We recommend that you sample the whole lot of them and decide on your own favorites.

Blue Star Coffee Roasters

Sixknot Cider is made with

apples from local orchards.

Photo by Don Nelson

Producer of small-batch, awardwinning, artisan-roasted coffee in a variety of roasts.

3 Twisp Airport Road, Twisp (509) 997-2583 www.bluestarcoffeeroasters.com

The Methow Valley offers a full spectrum of locally produced imbibables

Lariat Coffee Roasters

Producer of single-source, organic/fair trade coffee in a variety of roasts.

6 Horizon Flats Road, No. 4, Winthrop (509) 996-3371 www.lariatcoffee.com

Lost River Winery Boutique winery that produces a variety of award-winning white and red wines.

26 Highway 20, Winthrop (509) 996-2888 www.lostriverwinery.com

Methow Valley Brewing/Twisp River Pub

Low-volume, high-quality beers brewed on site.

201 N. Methow Valley Highway,

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Visit us on the

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Cabinetry & Custom Furniture

Methow Valley Studio Tour September 19-20, 2015 20 Pleasant View Dr, Winthrop, WA Rick Swanson 509.996.2297 rick@swansonwoodcraft.com www.swansonwoodcraft.com

• 2015 Made in the Methow •

Twisp (509) 997-6822 www.methowbrewing.com

Methow Valley Ciderhouse

Variety of award-winning ciders made from apples grown on site.

13 B Walter Rd., Winthrop (509) 341-4354 www.methowvalleyciderhouse.com

Methow Valley Water Company Naturally filtered glacier water — Methow Spring — bottled in the valley.

Wesola Polana 18381 Highway 20, Winthrop (509) 996-4448 www.methowspring.com

Old Schoolhouse Brewery

Produces a variety of awardwinning ales at on-site brewery.

155 Riverside Ave., Winthrop (509) 996-3183 www.oldschoolhousebrewery. com

Sinclair Orchards and Ciderhouse Producers of Sixknot Cider, made from certified organic apples grown at the Sinclair orchard and by other local orchardists.

PO Box 906, Twisp (509) 997-0202 www.sixknotcider.com Y

Methow Valley Spinners & Weavers Guild

2015 Show & Sale Friday, November 20, 2:00 – 6:30 Saturday, November 21, 9:00 – 3:00

137 Old Twisp Highway

off Hwy 20 between Twisp & Winthrop

Towels, Blankets, Rugs, Scarves & More ~~ Lots of Great Gifts!

All hand-woven by guild members

Weaving & photo by Katie Swanson

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The best endorsement Methow Valley residents are the primary consumers of Methow Valley stuff — and we love it

BY ASHLEY LODATO

W

E are nothing if not loyal, we in the Methow Valley. You have an idea? We’ll support it.

You want to start something new? We’ll help you figure it out.

You want to create a product?

We’ll rush to try it.

We are, to some degree, ideal product testers. We’re adventuresome eaters. We’re

Hand-blown bowl by Ouzel Glass. Photo by Laurelle Walsh

conscientious consumers of lotions, potions and salves (and since our skin is chronically dry, we can absorb huge tubs of cream). We adore local art. We can’t get enough of natural fibers.

And we never let a few big-city fashion prescriptions get in the way of wearing what we’re comfortable in.

A couple of years ago I was in Seattle with my daughters and one of them was wearing a Neve Wear recycled wool skirt.

A woman in a Fuel coffee shop commented, “Oh how cute, your daughter is wearing one of those Methow Valley skirts.”

Right, the Methow Valley skirts. Kind of like the Methow Valley drilled rock necklaces, the Methow Valley vinyl tote bags, and the Methow Valley glass dot tumblers. Someone rolls into town, creates a hot new product, and suddenly not only is that product associated with the people of the Methow Valley, but the people of the Methow Valley are identified by that product.

Some might call Methow consumers unimaginative. Have you been at a potluck at which a

Mazama sea salt baguette paired with Sunny Pine Farm chevre doesn’t make an appearance?

Have you given a gift bag that

Handblown glass

by Laura Aspenwall Showing at the

Winthrop Gallery

  

509-996-3316 www.ouzelglass.com 18

• 2015 Made in the Methow •

Nest box by Nice Nests.

Photo by Don Nelson

didn’t include a bar of Molly’s soap? When was the last public event you attended that didn’t include coffee from one of our local roasters?

With all the many purchasing choices available to us, why do we turn so consistently to those made close to home?

First-rate products

Well for starters, because they’re good.

Oh sure, we know the data about two-thirds of money spent at local businesses recirculating back into the local economy.

We appreciate local businesses employing local workers at fair wages.

And we believe that buying local strengthens community ties. But mostly, we buy Methow made products because they’re

first-rate.

Our commitment to buying Methow-made products is also bolstered by the idea that if we’re going to make the Methow work, we all have to do our part to ensure the success of others. Like our homesteading forefathers and the Methow people who settled here before all of us, we recognize the hardscrabble effort in scratching out a living in this place. But like them, we believe that the struggle is worth it.

So when we see someone trying to figure out a way to live here, and that way includes entrepreneurship, we want to nurture that effort. If they succeed, not only does it validate our own belief in the possibility of a Methow life, but it also — through a trickledown local economy — makes our own existence here more viable.

So Methow Valley growers, artists, and producers, go ahead and keep making your Methow products. Keep growing your wheat, throwing your pots, spinning your yarns, roasting your beans, sowing your seeds, and hammering your silver.

We’re here for you. Y

Hand towels from Door No. 3. Photo by Steve Mitchell

Naturally dyed yarns, sustainably raised meat.

Emily Post Pottery squareup.com/market/emilypostpottery emilyapost@gmail.com • 509-341-4710

• 2015 Made in the Methow •

M c F arland c reek l aMb r anch www.thelambranch.com • 509-923-1916

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Local art, up close & l a n o s r e p

L

TwispWorks

Confluence Gallery & Art Center

Door No. 3

OCAL arts and crafts are on exhibit — and for sale — at several locations in the Methow Valley. A few are listed below. Some local products can also be found at retail outlets including the Mazama Store, the Carlton General Store, the Winthrop Store, Hank’s Harvest Foods in Twisp, Evergreen IGA in Winthrop, the Sun Mountain Lodge gift shop, YardFood in Twisp and Glover Street Market in Twisp.

Local and regional artists 104 Glover St., Twisp (509) 997-2787 www.confluencegallery.com

Winthrop Gallery Local artists’ cooperative 237 Riverside Ave., Winthrop

(509) 996-3925 www.winthropgallery.com Several artists’ studios and workshops on the campus, including Culler Studio, d.o.g. dudz, eqpd, Glitter & Grit Silversmith, Lucid Glassworks, Methow Gallery, Methow Metalworks, Methow Valley Clay Arts Center, Twisted Knitters and Ward Studio 502 S. Glover St., Twisp (509) 997-3300 www.twispworks.org Print and book arts studio TwispWorks doorno3twisp@gmail.com

D*Signs

Gallery featuring local artists 109 B N. Glover St., Twisp (509) 997-0255

Methow Recycles is Methow Madeplease join us! aspengrovehome.com | 156 Riverside Ave. | (509) 996-2009

12 Airport Road, Twisp www.methowrecycles.org • 997-0520 Tuesday & Thursday: 10am to 4pm Saturday: 9am to 4pm

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• 2015 Made in the Methow •

Handmade in Mazama intertwineddesigns.com

Available Locally At: Goat’s Beard, Nectar, & ConfLuence Gallery

Find local products at Confluence Gallery’s gift shop. Photo by Don Nelson

Local. Very local.

Since 1903, the independent and locally owned Methow Valley News has focused solely on two things: 1) Reporting the news and events of the Methow Valley.

2) Providing an effective and reliable source of advertising for local and regional businesses.

More than 100 years serving the Methow Valley.

509-997-7011 • www.methowvalleynews.com • 2015 Made in the Methow •

K - Root organic methow radio

97.5 FM KtRt

tHE Root

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Glass comes in many shapes at Glass Works of Winthrop. Photo

by Don Nelson

D*signs gallery in Twisp features local artists. Photo

by Don Nelson

More that’s ‘ Made in the Methow’

Methow-made ceramics are popular gifts.

Photo by Don Nelson

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Organically grown produce from Ruby Slipper Farms.

VEGETABLE Photos

by Laurelle WALSH

A variety of lotions, salves and creams are available for soothing relief. Photo by Don Nelson

• 2015 Made in the Methow •

Fresh bread is a staple at local farmers markets. Photo by Don Nelson

High-quality local art is always on display at Confluence Gallery in Twisp. Photos by don Nelson

Find hand-crafted wearables at Winthrop Gallery. Photo by Don Nelson

Carving & Sculpture SIGNS • DOORS • MANTELS • ORNAMENTS ovalpeak@gmail.com www.brucemorrison.com

(509) 997-4805 - 402 Bridge Street Twisp WA 98856 • 2015 Made in the Methow •

Local Artists Cooperative Gallery Fine Art and

Gifts 996-3925 237 Riverside Ave, Downtown Winthrop www.winthropgallery.com

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Made in the Methow Business Directory Artists & Artisans Bruce Morrison Sculpture Capturing your vision in hand carved wood and stone.

(509) 429-7726 brucemorrison.com ovalpeak@gmail.com (509) 997-4805 - 402 Bridge St. Twisp WA 98856

Ouzel Glassworks Hand-blown glass

by Laura Aspenwall.

Located on the Methow Valley Community Trail.

Open studio Saturdays noon to 4:00 during the ski season.

(509) 996-3316 ouzelglass.com 227 Wolf Creek Road, Winthrop, WA 98862

See Display ad on page 18

Emily Post Pottery Handcrafted ceramic wares inspired by nature for yourself and for your home.

(509) 341-4710 emilyapost@gmail.com squareup.com/market/emilypostpottery See Display ad on page 19

40+ years experience in custom furniture and cabinetry for new construction or interior remodels. Licensed & bonded – local references available.

Rick Swanson (509) 996-2297 rick@swansonwoodcraft.com PO Box 1196, 20 Pleasant View Dr., Winthrop. WA 98862 See Display ad on page 17

Winthrop Gallery

Ginger Reddington

Working out of her home studio in Twisp, Ginger’s paintings have a depth, movement and jewel-like quality to the color (509) 997-2721 or (509) 995-2471 that make them gingerreddington.com truly unique. On display at the info@gingerreddington.com Twisp River Pub. See Display ad on page 10

Methow Valley Spinners & Weavers

Weekly meetings-check our website.

Want to see the work done by the Guild?

Annual Show & Sale Nov. 20-21, 2015

methowweavers.com See Display ad on page 17

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Lariat Coffee Roasters

Swanson Woodcraft

See Display ad on page 23

(509) 996-3925 winthropgallery.com info@winthropgallery.com 237 Riverside Ave. Downtown Winthrop, WA 98862

Coffee Roasters

Representing many professional artists of the region as a cooperative gallery. Staffed and managed entirely by its artist members and volunteers.

See Display ad on page 23

Brewers

Stop by our shop for locally roasted coffee, brewing equipment and more. Also available for sale throughout the Methow or visit our online store.

(509) 996-3371 lariatcoffee.com info@lariatcoffee.com 6 Horizon Flats Rd, Winthrop, WA 98862

See Display ad on page 9

Eateries Cinnamon Twisp Bakery Handcrafted breads, bagels & pastries baked daily with local, organic ingredients.

Breakfast, lunch, cookies, bars & (509) 997-5030 dessert items galore! cinnamontwisp.com Espresso, smoothies 116 North Glover Street & shakes. Delightful Twisp, WA 98856 service in town.

See Display ad on page 13

Old Schoolhouse Brewery We’re all about the beer!

Live music every weekend.

Open daily at noon for lunch & dinner.

(509) 996-3183 oldschoolhousebrewery.com 155 Riverside Ave. Winthrop, WA 98862 See Display ad on page 2

• 2015 Made in the Methow •

Local Goods

d.o.g. dudz

Aspen Grove

Eateries, Cont.

(509) 996-2009 aspengrovehome.com 156 Riverside Avenue Winthrop, Wash. 98862

Aspen Grove is a home and kitchen store. Stop in to discover cookware, dishes, table linens, cookbooks and many locally made products, wines and ciders.

Rocking Horse Bakery

(509) 996-4241 rockinghorsebakery.com rockinghorsebakery@gmail.com 265 Riverside Ave., Downtown Winthrop, 98862 See Display ad on page 16

Bluebird Grain Farms

(509) 996-3526 bluebirdgrainfarms.com PO Box 1082 Winthrop, WA 98862 See Display ad on page 18

Sun Mountain Lodge

(800) 572-0493 sunmountainlodge.com sunmtn@sunmountainlodge.com 604 Patterson Lake Rd. Winthrop, WA 98862 See Display ad on page 2

Sun Mountain Lodge features 112 guest rooms, two restaurants, private lake, two pools, spa services, gear rentals, shopping and 60 kilometers of trails. Call 800.572.0493 for reservations. www. sunmountainlodge. com.

See Display ad on page 11

Hotspot Fire Pits

See Display ad on page 20

Delectable breads, pastries, organic Espresso, salads and sandwiches featuring local ingredients handcrafted in Winthrop’s favorite gathering spot.

(509) 429-9820 dogdudzllc@gmail.com Confluence Gallery, Carlton Store, TwispWorks South Warehouse Studio

Performance gear for your dog’s active lifestyle.

Your source for the finest 100% organic grains, fresh-milled flour and whole-grain blends, including mixes for greattasting and nutritious cereals, pancakes, pilafs and more.

Made in the Methow Valley by craftspeople and skilled metalworkers who are dedicated to quality and longevity. Multiple (509) 997-4766 sizes and a variety (888) 295-4765 of accessories hotspotfirepits.com available.

See Display ad on page 15

eqpd Merging great design with local manufacturing in a variety of bags, totes, packs and protective gear for use in active, everyday lives.

(509) 997-2010 eqpdgear@gmail.com TwispWorks 502 Glover Street, Twisp WA 98856 See Display ad on page 7

Fruit & Produce Growers Smallwood Farms

(509) 422-2444 smallwoodfarms.net 23090 Hwy. 20 Okanogan, WA 98840 See Display ad on page 13

We strive to grow the highest quality fruit and produce, also come visit us for espresso and our restaurant with smokehouse BBQ dinners on the deck.

• 2015 Made in the Methow •

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Local Goods, Cont.

Hank’s Harvest Foods Family owned and operated since 1975.

Open Mon - Sat, 7am - 9pm & Sunday, 8am 8pm

(509) 997-7711 hanksharvestfoods.com info@hanksharvestfoods.com 412 Hwy 20, Twisp WA 98856

Robins Egg Bleu Antiques, collectibles, vintage home and garden. Repurposed, recycled and locally crafted décor and furniture. Whimsical and needful things. Patina and rust!!

See Display ad on page 2

(509) 996-8297 501 HWY 20 Winthrop, WA 98862

Intertwined Designs

(360) 319-0342 intertwineddesigns.com

Intertwined Designs Produces Organic, Eco-Friendly Clothing that is Handmade in Mazama. Celebrating 15 years of Making Clothing in the North Cascades. Visit our Website.

See Display ad on page 5

Methow Cycle & Sport

A little bit of everything good...

(509) 996-2855 themazamastore.com 50 Lost River Rd Mazama, WA 98833

McFarland Creek Lamb Ranch

(509) 923-1916 thelambranch.com

(509) 996-3645 methowcyclesport.com rideyourbike@methowcyclesport.com See Display ad on page 5

Methow Recycles

See Display ad on page 10

McFarland Creek Lamb Ranch is a small sheep farm near the town of Methow. Our products include yarn (hand dyed/natural), roving, fleece and meat.

The valley’s only Recycling Center.

Twisp: Open Tues. & Thurs. 10am-4pm, Sat. 9am-4pm, 12 Twisp Airport Rd. Winthrop: Open 24/7 (509) 997-0520 on Horizon Flats Rd. Check our website for methowrecycles.org materials accepted.

12 Airport Road, Twisp See Display ad on page 20

Molly’s Soap

See Display ad on page 19

(509) 996-2620 mollyssoap.com molly@mollyssoap.com

Handmade in the Methow Valley. Available online or at Glover St. Market, Mazama Store, Winthrop Evergreen Market, Sun Mt. Lodge, Robins Egg Bleu,The Winthrop Store, Aspen Grove and Methow Masala.

See Display ad on page 16

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Organic Dairy featuring Chevre, Feta & Yogurt Coming soon: Dairy products from our Guernsey & Jersey cows.

A full service bicycle and Nordic ski shop serving the Methow Valley since 2005.

See Display ad on page 21

Mazama Store

Sunny Pine Farm

(509) 997-4812 sunnypinefarm.com sunnypinedairy@gmail.com 932A Twisp River Road, Twisp, WA 98856 See Display ad on page 8

Texas Creek Products Fresh salsa and specialty sauces made with locally grown chiles and other unique ingredients. Available at local stores and online.

(800) 231-2607 or (509) 997-5420 texascreekproducts.com PO Box 116 / 33 Old Carlton Rd Carlton, WA 98814 See Display ad on page 8

Thomson’s Custom Meats stom Cu

USDA certified meat shop selling all varieties of meats natural meats.

(509) 997-9353 Specializing thomsonscustommeats.com in handcrafted thomsonscustommeats@gmail.com sausage and 992 Twisp Carlton Rd. smoked meats.

Thomson’s

Twisp, WA 98856

See Display ad on page 15

• 2015 Made in the Methow •

Local Goods, Cont.

Twisted Knitters Offering locally handspun yarns, needles, notions, pure Romney wool yarns from the Methow Valley, hand-dyed in beautiful colors.

LOGO mvtwistedknitters.com Located at TwispWorks 502 S. Glover St, Twisp, WA 98856 See Display ad on page 7

Local Organizations Methow Conservancy

Wild Hearts Nursery

(509) 341-4819 wildheartsnursery.com 809 T/W Eastside Road PO Box 788 Winthrop, WA 98862

Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10-5, AprilOctober. We grow and offer for sale a variety of trees, shrubs, perennials, vines and evergreens all raised right here in the Methow Valley.

(509) 996-2870 methowconservancy.org info@methowconservancy.org 315 Riverside Avenue/PO Box 71 Winthrop, WA 98862 See Display ad on page 11

The Methow Conservancy is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring people to care for and conserve the land of the Methow Valley.

See Display ad on page 9

Radio

Winthrop Market Local produce, art, crafts and vintage LOGO collectibles. In the shady Winthrop Town Park. Every Sunday 10am - 2pm, Memorial winthropmarket.com winthropmarket@gmail.com Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

51 N. Hwy 20,

Winthrop, WA 98862

KTRT 97.5 FM The Methow Valley’s own independent radio station featuring an eclectic mix of music and programming.

K - ROOT

(509) 996-8200 radioroot.com PO Box 3008 Winthrop, WA, 98862-3008

See Display ad on page 5

Wineries Lost River Winery

Winthrop (509) 996-2888 Seattle (206) 448-2124 lostriverwinery.com

Demystifying wine & bringing joy to your table from the Methow Valley since 2002.

Visit our tasting rooms in Winthrop and Seattle.

See Display ad on page 13

See Display ad on page 21

Real Estate Windermere Real Estate

R E A L E S TAT E

(509) 997-6562 windermeremethow.com 313 E. Methow Valley Hwy Twisp, WA 98856 See Display ad on page 28

• 2015 Made in the Methow •

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• 2015 Made in the Methow •