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The Country Register of Indiana
Happy Holidays from all of us!
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o f In d iana Ind Gail & Merle Taylor, Editors & Publishers P. O. Box 128, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763 Phone: 888-616-8319 • Fax: 800-609-0278 IN@CountryRegisterOnline.com • www.countryregisteronline.com The Country Register of Indiana • Nov. & Dec. , 2016 • Vol. 17 No. 4 The Country Register is published every other month. Copyright © 1998. The Country Register of Indiana, Inc. is one of a national network of independently owned and published specialty newspapers licensed by The Country Register with exclusive rights to publish in the state of Indiana using logos and graphics owned by The Country Register. Page header and footer, and icons accompanying regular features in this edition are copyright © 2006 by Tracey Miller and this publication and may not be reprinted. Reproduction or use, without obtaining permission, of editorial or graphic content by anyone in any manner is strictly prohibited.
I know! I find it as hard to believe as you must. Can it be true that it is the Holiday Season already? If you need proof just visit any of the shops advertising in this issue of The Country Register and see the beautiful Thanksgiving and Christmas displays that only our advertisers can bring you. They have worked for months hand making, shopping for and gathering all the best for the Holidays and you will be amazed at the choices you find this year. Review the list of Holiday Open Houses the shops have scheduled, which are listed on the following page, and mark your calendar accordingly. You won’t want to miss them! Now is the time to “make your list and check it twice” to be sure you don’t miss that special, oneof-a kind gift you know your loved one will cherish.
Our writers have lots of ideas not only for making your Holiday Season less stressful but also for recipes and gift ideas that might simplify your planning and gift giving. When you visit the shops and events who advertise with us this season please remember to thank them for bringing you The Country Register. It is their ad dollars that keep this publication coming your way every two months.
Let’s Go Shopping-
AND THE GR ANDKIDS! GRANDKIDS!
Articles published in this newspaper, which are contributed by outside sources, express the opinions of their authors only, and may not express the viewpoint(s) of the management or staff of The Country Register. Such articles that are accepted for publication herein may be edited at the sole discretion of the publisher. Responsibility for products advertised in this newspaper lies with the advertisers themselves. Though The Country Register will not knowingly publish fraudulent materials or fraudulently obtained materials, we are not liable for any damages arising from purchase or use of products advertised herein. Notification regarding any consumer complaints related to merchandise purchased from our advertisers would be appreciated and would assist in our publishing efforts.
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The Country Register Publisher Contact List
The Country Register began in Arizona in the Fall of 1988, to provide effective, affordable advertising for shops, shows, and other experiences enjoyed by a kindred readership. Since then the paper has flourished and spread. Look for the paper in your travels. To receive a sample paper from another area, please mail $3.00 in U.S.A. or $4.00 in Canada to that area’s editor. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.COUNTRYREGISTER.COM
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Life in Skunk Hollow
by Mrs. Julie A. Druck
Finding the Peace
Upon recently sorting through a tote of Christmas decorations, I came across a small cardboard box. Inside was a hodge-podge of plastic nativity figures that were bought a few summers ago at a yard sale. What drew me to them originally was their uniqueness. Though they were plastic, they were obviously vintage and from a decade in which plastic was the exception instead of the norm. At 50 cents for the box, the decision was quickly made for them to come home and be tucked away for the enjoyment of future grandchildren. The little box typically gets moved aside to get out the “real” decorations, but I decided there just might be a spot in the house for that nativity this year. Now that one of our chicks has left the nest, there’s a room upstairs with some extra space in it. There, on top of an old desk, seemed a good spot where the angels and camels and company could spend a little time this season. As each piece was pulled out and arranged into the scene, the usual were found: Mary and Joseph, three Wise Men, some shepherds and sheep, a lone donkey and two angels. I particularly love the three camels, each one having a gold cord attached to their very own handler – presumably, servants of the three Wise Men. Something else that endears me to these figures is their apparent age. It’s obvious by looking at them that they’ve been around for awhile and have seen better days. One of the camels and a sheep each have a broken leg, some of the lambs’ eyes are worn off, the donkey’s coat is pretty scruffy, and one of the shepherds is looking mighty washed out. No matter – I set them all up in places to their advantage and tried to arrange those with missing limbs in stable positions.
The scene being nearly complete, I dove back into the box for the Piece of Pieces, the Baby Jesus. But lo and behold, the box was empty. What disappointment! As I looked at the forlorn little scene, with expectant-faced members eagerly facing forward, bowed and ready to show honor to the One they came to worship, I contemplated putting it all away. For what’s a manger scene without the One Whom we celebrate? A f t e r considering it, I realized that the vintage vignette is actually a good illustration of our world today. Each ragtag figurine reminding me that we, too, come to the celebration with missing limbs and blurry eyes and broken spirits. Yet we come with expectancy and hope, looking for someone or something to heal our hurt, our pain and our hearts once and for all. We wonder, “Where is peace?” – looking to find it in a program, a policy, or a political agenda. And we find ourselves staring into empty space. But the angels gave us the answer. It was delivered in the birth announcement on that holy - but not very silent - night long ago: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill among men.” Peace was, and continues to be, found in the One called Emmanuel, “God with us.” He is not lost; we do not need to find Him. He is with us. In our brokenness, He is with us – continually holding out His hand for us to grasp, knowing that we’ll find hope and love and healing and true peace only in the midst of His embrace. –Julie Druck is from York, Pennsylvania, and writes from her farm in Skunk Hollow. There she seeks to follow God by serving her family, keeping her home, and encouraging others. thedrucks@netzero.com.
November & December 2016
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Advertiser Index
Events Listing
Shops are listed alphabetically by location. Cities & Shops
P Page age #
Angola ................................. 21 Sewing Treasures Beech Grove ........................ 24 The Fussy Cut Quilt Shop Bloomington ......................... 9 Fancy Works In A Yarn Basket Indiana Heritage Quilt Show Simply Primitive Brownstown ......................... 11 Scrappy Patches Quilt Shop Centerville ........................... 22 Warm Glow Candle Company Corydon ................................. 5 HollyHock Quilt Shop Crawfordsville ........................ 8 Harvest Inn Interior Decor/Gifts Danville ............................... 15 Whispering Pines Designs Decatur ................................ 18 Country Creations Evansville .............................. 5 Let’s Sew Franklin ............................... 24 Honey & Me Georgetown ........................... 5 The Quilting Bee Greensburg .......................... 17 Tree City Stitches Greenwood ......................... 24 Back Door Quilts Lafayette ................................ 8 Keepers Lebanon ............................... 24 Christmas Craft Mall Lewisville ............................. 23 Flatrock Christmas Bazaar Liberty ................................. 22 Pohlar Fabrics Madison ................................. 4 Fabric Shop Marion ................................. 20 Quilters Hall of Fame Martinsville.......................... 13 Berries & Ivy Metamora .............................. 6
Cities & Shops
See shop & show ads for complete details.
P age # Page
Christmas Walk Mooresville .......................... 15 Breezy Manor Farm Muncie ................................... 6 Cotton Candy Quilt Shoppe Nashville .............................. 14 The Story Inn Wishful Thinking Nineveh ............................... 14 Primitive Spirit North Vernon ...................... 11 Sharynn’s Quilt Box Pierceton ............................. 18 Heritage Gathering Primitives Show Richmond ............................ 23 Heartland Antique Show Rising Sun ............................. 4 QuiltFest Rushville ................................ 7 Elizabeth’s Keepsakes In Stitches St Paul .................................. 17 Olde Barn Primitives Salem ................................... 12 Past N Present by Michelle Past N Present Too Seymour ............................... 10 Primitive Crow Quilter’s Holiday Extravaganza Small Town Stitches Shipshewana ........................ 21 Yoder Department Store Spencer ................................ 13 Unraveled Quilt and Fabric Store Wabash ............................... 19 Heaven on Earth Nancy J’s Fabrics Washington ............................ 5 The Stitching Post
Not Classified by T own Town and Out of State Classified Ads ............................. 17 Out of State ............................... 16 Tour Towns ................................ 12 Web Based .................................. 16
Our Jan/Feb Edition will feature...
Quilting, Sewing and Needle Arts Call NOW to place your ad so that your shop does not miss out on all of the sewing enthusiasts who save this edition each year for shopping Send your info to: in@countryregisteronline.com We will reply with an ad design for your consideration.
Day
Event
November
Page #
now -12/3Exhibit by Ruby Short McKim - Quilters Hall of Fame, Marion ....... 20 4, 5 Christmas Open House - Honey & Me, Franklin ........................................ 24 5 Holiday Open House - Berries & Ivy, Martinsville ..................................... 13 5 Christmas Open House - Keepers, Lafayette ................................................. 8 5, 6 Christmas Open House - Simply Primitive, Bloomington ........................... 9 6, 13, 20, 27 Holiday Open House - Primitive Spirit, Nineveh ............................ 14 10-12 Country Neighbors Home Tour, Various Towns ........................................ 12 11, 12 Preview Event - Harvest Inn Interior, Crawfordsville .................................. 8 11, 12 Christmas Open House - Honey & Me, Franklin ........................................ 24 18-20 Flatrock Christmas Bazaar & Craft Show, Lewisville .................................. 23 18, 19 Quilter’s Holiday Extravaganza, Seymour ..................................................... 10 19 Meet “The Shepard” - In A Yarn Basket, Bloomington .............................. 9 19 Antique Show - Heartland, Richmond .......................................................... 23 25 Christmas Walk begins, Metamora ................................................................... 6 25-12/5Christmas Open House - Breezy Manor Farm, Mooresville ................... 15 25, 26 Christmas Thyme Open House - Olde Barn Primitives, St Paul .............. 17 29 Wana Night Out - Yoder, Shipshewana ......................................................... 21
December
Day
Event
1-4 2, 3 3 9, 10 9-11 30, 31 30, 31
Christmas Open House - Warm Glow Candle Company, Centerville ..... 22 Secret Santa Sale - Honey & Me, Franklin .................................................... 24 Antique & Primitive Show - Heritage Gathering, Pierceton ...................... 18 Secret Santa Sale - Honey & Me, Franklin .................................................... 24 Christmas Craft Mall, Lebanon ....................................................................... 24 New Year Eve Sale - Heaven On Earth, Wabash ........................................ 19 New Year Eve Sale - Nancy J’s, Wabash ........................................................ 19
Wit and Wisdom
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by Cheryl A. Potts
Christmas Cookies Three days before Christmas is a busy time at the Potts’s house. Every year, our three young adult children come home from college or their jobs to “make cookies”, for Christmas day festivities. This is not your typical make a batch of cookies and call it good kind of activity. No. The Potts children spend one whole day mixing, rolling, cutting, baking and frosting their favorite Christmas cut out cookies. The process begins about 10:00 a.m. Everyone is in their pajamas for the day. Janelle and Joelle get out the mixing bowls, measuring spoons, cups, rolling pin, cookie sheets and ingredients. Brett gets out of bed. I stand by shaking my head and staying out of their way as my kitchen is completely destroyed. Every bit of counter top space is covered with something. Often they “biff ” each other in the face with flour (for a little drama) and of course a lot of flour ends up on the floor. Several batches of cookies have to be made because every cookie cutter we’ve ever collected has to be used (a big shoebox full), reindeer, stars, bells, Santa, trees, shamrocks, diamonds, hearts, and many more. Cookies are piled three deep on every counter waiting for the final touches. Without question, the absolutely best part of cookie making is creating the frosting color palette. In advance, great
care is taken to buy as many food color options there are. Which happens to be the primary colors, and new a few years ago, five florescent colors. However, my children are not happy just using these varieties. Our table becomes a color lab where new hues of food coloring are invented that would dazzle your eyes but not your taste buds. After all how appetizing does khaki green frosting look? Or lavender? Or fuchsia? Try maroon? Yikes! Every year it’s a different color spectrum. (I have the pictures to prove it!) Next, every cookie has to have some kind of sprinkle, be it chocolate, red, or green sugar, silver balls, red cinnamon candies or multi-colored specks. I can’t really say each cookie is a work of art, but it definitely is a color explosion. All in all the day sweeps by quickly with lots of laughter and fun. Making memories, that’s what it’s all about. It won’t be long now and I’ll be getting a phone call: “Mom we’ll be home December 21st to make cookies. See ya!” I just smile. Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.
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The Country Register of Indiana
MADISON - RISING SUN
FABRIC SHOP Hurley Adams & Judith Adams - Owners
Embroidery Unlimited Custom Embroidery by Ilene
220 E. Main St • Madison
812-265-5828
• Wide Variety of Fabrics & Notions • Quilting Supplies • DMC Floss • Knitting Yarn & Accessories • Kwik-Sew Patterns • Handmade Quilts • Machine Quilted Quilts • Sewing Machines - New & Used
KISSed Quilts
by Marlene Oddie
New Opportunities – Just Go for It!
Free Pattern
Find more free patterns at: JacquelynneSteves.com
Use this pattern for embroidery, wool applique, punch needle or rug hooking, painted projects or whatever your imagination can dream up! Reduce or enlarge pattern as desired. Commer cial use is strictl ohibited. Commercial strictlyy pr prohibited.
We love to see the projects that you have made from our patterns. If you decide to post projects based on one of our patterns on a blog or website, please give design credit to Jacquelynne Steves. Thank you!
This year, the Island Batik Ambassadors (IBA) are having monthly challenges. I’ve tried to get monthly blog postings up and the blog hops have been great fun with all the inspiration and giveaways! Are you participating? As designers using Island Batik (IB) fabrics, we are often given a request for quilts through other channels. One was with McCall’s Quick Quilts sometime last year. I proposed some ideas but, alas, they were not selected. But it showed me a new channel to share my quilt designs and made the process less intimidating. New fall quilt designs were underway and I pitched this Zig Zag design with Island Batik fabrics and it was selected. But they wanted different fabrics to be used because another IBA had already pitched a project that was selected with IB fabrics for the same issue. At first I could not understand how these Rustic Winds – Marcus fabrics would work with this modern design. The more I worked with it, the more comfortable I got. Ultimately, the team at McCall’s Quick Quilts gave it the name Mountain Pass and it suddenly all came together and made sense to me, too. So, check newsstands for McCall’s Quick
Quilts October/November issue and you, too, can get this new technique for making a chevron design that minimizes seams. I originally designed it for my Mom’s charity group in Apache Junction, AZ. I’m excited to share it with a much wider audience through a m a g a z i n e publication. I did a guest blog post over at McCall's and have shared additional piecing illustration details on my own blog. Sometimes our fears are the stumbling block to our own progress. In this case, when I don’t know the process of something, I tend to be intimidated and not as driven to push forward. I’m grateful for those opportunities that continue to be given to me on this quilting journey. Thanks for sharing it with me. –Marlene Oddie is an engineer by education, project manager by profession and now a quilter by passion in Grand Coulee, WA. She enjoys long-arm quilting on her Gammill Optimum Plus, but especially enjoys designing quilts and assisting in the creation of a meaningful treasure for the recipient. Follow Marlene’s adventures via http:// www.facebook.com/kissedquilts and her blog at http://kissedquilts.blogspot.com.
November & December 2016
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COR YDON - EV ANSVILLE - GEORGETOWN - W ASHING TON CORYDON EVANSVILLE WASHING ASHINGTON
4904 Old Georgetown Road, Georgetown (Edwardsville), IN 47122 I-64 at Exit 118 • (812) 542-1236 Store Hours: • Tues - Fri 10 - 5 • Saturday 10-3 • Closed Sun & Mon
HollyH ock ollyHock Quilt Shop
1124 Highway 62 NW, Corydon, IN 47112
The Stitching P ost Post
Hrs: Mon - Sat “Your Country Quilt Store” 10 - 5 A friendly country store with lots of MODA, Riley Blake, Andover and Quilting Treasures. Also 1930’s and Civil War reproduction fabrics, flannels, batiks and solids. Southwestern Indiana's largest full service quilt store with over 10,000 bolts. Come see for yourself! Online Catalog: http://stitchingpostquilts.com
401 E Main St, Washington, IN 47501 812-254-6063 • Like us on Facebook
Christmas Trees Why do we set up and decorate fir or pine trees for Christmas? The evergreen tree has always been a symbol of life. Many ancient people, both pagan and Christian, used evergreen branches to decorate their homes during the New Year celebrations. The first Christmas trees were set up in public or town squares for everyone to enjoy. The record of who was first to use a fir tree to celebrate the Christmas holiday is unclear. The city of Tallinn in Estonia claims to have had the first Christmas tree in 1441. Riga, a city in Latvia, claims to have had the first tree, as well. There is a plaque in Riga’s town square that is engraved with the words: “The First New Year’s Tree in Riga 1510,” in eight languages. There are many legends as to how the tradition of bringing a tree into the home began. One says that Martin Luther began the tradition when saw the stars shining through the branches of a tree as he walked home one evening. He told his children it reminded him of Jesus, who
Directions from I-64: (Corydon Exit) Go south on IN-135 South, turn right onto IN-62. HollyHock Quilt Shop is on the right.
Fabrics ~ Quilting Classes Patterns ~ Books ~ Notions Hours: Tues - Fri 10-5; Saturday 10-3; Closed Sunday & Monday
www.HollyHockQuiltShop.com 812-738-1312 • “Like” us on facebook Come Quilt with Us! by Jo Branham
had left the heavens to walk on the Earth to save mankind. Another version says and English priest, St. Boniface, had gone to Germany to preach to the pagans there. One night, as he was traveling, he came upon a ceremony where the people were going to sacrifice a young person to an oak tree, which they worshipped. St. Boniface jumped from his horse and cut down the oak. From the oak’s roots, a fir tree sprang up, which St. Boniface took as a sign of Christian faith. His followers supposedly placed lit candles on the tree so St. Boniface could preach to the pagans at night. The first Christmas trees were decorated mostly with edible treats, such as gingerbread men, candy, nuts, apples wrapped in gold foil. Glass makers began making special small ornaments, similar to those used today and glass bead garlands. Eventually other types of garlands (cranberries, popcorn), tinsel and candy canes became common ornaments for the tree. Toppers were originally the Christ child in a manger, but were quickly replaced with either and
Angel, such as the shepherds saw or a Star as the one the wise men followed. Artificial trees became popular in the early 20th century. They have been made from feathers, aluminum, paper mache, metal, glass and many different types of plastic. White trees were popular for a short while. In the 1800s, white trees were made by wrapping cotton batting around branches, creating a snow covered effect. While we are most accustomed to seeing fir or pine trees used as Christmas trees, other countries often us native trees to celebrate their Christmas. New Zealanders will sometimes use a native tree with red flowers. In India, they commonly use Mango or banana trees. The most commonly used trees in the United States are the Douglas Fir and White Fir. The fir tree does not shed its needles when it dries out and retains good foliage color and scent. I love the smell! Since I have an artificial tree, I buy all kinds of evergreen scented candles and melts to scent my home for the holidays. There was also a tradition about when
you were to put up and take down your tree that went along with different religious beliefs. Some people put up the tree and decorated it on Christmas Eve, after the children had gone to bed. Others put there’s up the week before Thanksgiving! It could be taken down January 5th (which is the day after 12th Night) or even as far into the new year as the first week of February. Public Christmas trees are still popular today. Many cities, towns and department stores put up public trees, such as the tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City and the large Christmas tree at Victoria Square in Adelaide, New Zealand. The famous Macy’s Great Tree in Atlanta was first put up in 1948. Whether you celebrate with a small electric ceramic tree or a huge Douglas fir . . . or no tree at all, it doesn’t matter because Christmas isn’t about trees or lights or presents. It’s about love. The love that came down from God on that very first Christmas and shown on all of us. Spread the love. Have a very Merry Christmas!
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The Country Register of Indiana
MUNCIE - MET AMORA METAMORA
(765)254-1584 www.cottoncandyquiltshoppe.com
Christmas Walk
4 Weekends Beginning Thanksgiving Friday Friday & Saturday – Open Until 10pm
www.metamoraindiana.com
• Block of the Month Programs • Classes • Full Range of the Best Quality Fabrics from Moda, Robert Kaufman, and many more including American Made Brand Solids.
5001 N Wheeling Ave., Muncie, IN 47304 Are you in? “12 TUESDAYS OF CHRISTMAS” There’s still time! Call or visit our website for details
What’s in Your Wall–…er…Cupboard? Fiesta Tea Time
Book Give-Away
Stars in the Grass: A Gift for the Season by Ann Stewart The idyllic world of nine-year-old Abby McAndrews is transformed when a tragedy tears her family apart. Before the accident, her dad, Reverend John McAndrews, had all the answers, but now his questions and guilt threaten to destroy his family. Abby’s fifteen-year-old brother, Matt, begins an angry descent as he acts out in dangerous ways. Her mother tries to hold her grieving family together, but when Abby’s dad refuses to move on, the family is at a crossroads. Set in a small Midwestern town in 1970, Abby’s heart breaking remembrances are balanced by humor and nostalgia as her family struggles with—and ultimately celebrates—an authentic story of faith and life after loss. The first-person narrative in Abby’s voice is simply elegant as she looks back in childlike remembrances on her family’s life. “The summer before I turned ten was idyllic—until August 3, 1970. It perfectly describes a time when I thought the world was safe and good things lasted forever. What I couldn’t know then, but try to remember now, is how fragile and delicate
are the moments we most treasure, and if they break into pieces, repairing means seeing anew.” Readers who enjoyed The Deep End of the Ocean, A Girl Named Zippy, or To Kill a Mockingbird will also enjoy Stars in the Grass. This debut novel is a wonderful book club selection because it's new (Feb. 1, 2017) and prompts great discussion. In fact, the author welcomes phone interviews with book clubs and will come speak to your group if you live close enough to her Virginia farm. Author Ann Marie Stewart is the Country Register’s own “Ann’s Lovin’ Ewe” columnist. She raises two daughters and a whole flock of woolly sheep on a farm in Virginia. She is the originator and author of three books in the Preparing My Heart series and writes for Mentoring Moment. Ann's love of teaching, musical theater, and film and television production adds depth to her storytelling. That’s why THIS story of love, loss, and healing is the perfect Valentine gift for yourself or a fellow reader. (Listed on Amazon for Pre-Order) www.AnnMarieStewart.com Facebook: AnnMarieStewart @ StarsintheGrass
REGISTER TO WIN BOOKS!
Register to win your very own copy of this wonderful book courtesy of the publishers. Just complete and mail this form. Winners will be announced in the paper & sent their prize by mail. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY - THIS WILL BE YOUR MAILING LABEL. The Register P O Box 128 OXR, AL 35763
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When friend, Angela McInnis (who crafted the quilt for my book cover), posted a pictorial record of her new Fiesta collection on Facebook, I rushed to check my own kitchen collectables, including vintage Fiesta, partying behind my cupboard doors. Goodness, but her new Fiesta was charming! Did I like it better than the old? I read that it’s now (and has been) the most popular line of everyday dishes for Macy’s. Unlike the old, the new stuff has added wonderful pastel colors, is microwaveable, and dishwasher safe. Nice. My daughter uses hers daily & her kids love to pick out their own plate colors. (Me, too.) But my Fiesta is all from the 1930s and ‘40s and must be handwashed. No microwave use. Yet, has a charm of its own. Unlike some of my collections acquired over many years, picking through antique stores, yard sales, and online, the Fiesta came to me in an unusual way. A friend of mine was getting rid of boxes of old things off loaded by someone. “Do what you want with these,” she’d been advised. Knowing I was a collector, she invited me over to check them out and help her decide what to toss and what to keep. Deep in the first box, I found treasure. And became over-the-moon-excited about some Vaseline glass pieces, hoping to absorb one or two into my small collection. I oo-ed & ah-ed so much, she decided to keep them all. Rats. But one box housed quite a lot of old Fiesta ware ready to use. The colors were mainly cobalt, yellow, light green, and ivory. Plus a couple broken bits, some chipped plates, and a cup with no handle. Of little interest to my friend, she offered the entire box to me for $75.00. Of course, I’d hoped for my favorite price. Free. But her price seemed fair. A few special pieces beckoned from the bottom. A carafe with its rare top and a
by Cathy Elliott
mint, covered casserole. Later, shopping for missing pieces out in the antique world, I realized that three dinner plates alone might cost $75.00. I had almost an entire set of dishes! Along with the Fiesta in my cupboard, reside my everyday dishes – a monax American Sweetheart set from the Depression era. They are lovely in form, opalescent, with a raised design decorating scalloped edges. Unlike the Fiesta, it took me ages to collect the A m e r i c a n Sweetheart. The top shelf is populated with early Franciscan ware (Gladding McBean) in a creamy, swirl pattern. A service for twelve, they have appeared in many Thanksgivings at my home, doing utilitarian duty in a most elegant way. I look into my cupboards and see great value there. Not how much they are worth. But the years of pleasure I’ve had, treasure hunting with like-minded dear ones. I see places I’ve been and conversations and laughter. They are more than colorful dishes. They represent shared experiences. A very special lady once said to me, “Things do not satisfy. Only Jesus satisfies.” I so agree. These dishes are just things that will break and chip. They won’t last. But He knows what delights my collector heart. So I’ll enjoy them in the here & now, until the day when I’m walking on the streets of gold. – Now retired from the day job as a Library Information Technician, Cathy Elliott is a full-time writer in northern California, creating cozy mysteries and more on her trusty laptop. She has authored three cozy mysteries with the newest – A Stitch in Crime released in 2015, in tandem with the RErelease of a companion book, A Vase of Mistaken Identity. Find out more at: www.cathyelliottbooks.wordpress.com
November & December 2016
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RUSHVILLE
In Stitches
A chill is in the air. Enjoy homemade soup and a sandwich while you browse the many antiques dealer’s booths and new seasonal merchandise and home decor. A cup of cappuccino and pie are sure to please your taste buds.
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837 W. Third St., Rushville, IN 765-938-1818 • www.institchesquiltshop.com
Our specialty is panels. Lots of samples to inspire! Fabrics by: • Moda • Timeless Treasures • Hoffman • Quilting Treasures and more! HOURS: Mon–Fri 10–5, Sat 10–2; Closed Sun
“Like” us on FACEBOOK search: “In Stitches Quilt Shop”
www .elizabethskeepsakes.com www.elizabethskeepsakes.com
Holiday Musings Upon A New Decade The Knitting Savant By Kerri Habben
Today I received an early Christmas present. Some time ago I was affirmed when I saw my grandmother in a dream. I was in her home and everything was where it had always been. She came around the corner into the den wearing a nightgown, the blue one with pink flowers. “You’re here.” I murmured in wonder from where I sat in the rust chair Uncle Henry bought for Aunt Wilma. I went to her and wrapped my arms around her, enfolding her as a treasure one never expected to hold again. She was solid and real. “Of course,” she answered, embracing me but glancing a bit askance. “Where else would I be?” Last night I dreamt of her again. We were in her home, she again wearing the same nightgown. Today I was in a storage area off our garage looking for some supplies. Moving things around, fabric fell from a nearly empty box. Before me waited the blue nightgown with pink flowers, neatly folded. With that I was infused with the true spirit of the season. This is the eleventh holiday season for Mom and I since our mother and grandmother passed away. Huba, as I called her, was the last of our family here, with the rest living in different parts of the country. So for Thanksgiving and Christmas it is just the two of us. We share a home, and we treasure the precious rhythm of daily life all year through. For those who have faced loss or traumatic change during the past year, the holidays present a unique challenge. Often we see ourselves in strangers and they see themselves in us. Then, perhaps, we are no longer unknown to one another. In our common humanity we are connected by our joys and our sorrows,
our resilience and our hopes. We may wear a range of skin colors, emerge from diverse backgrounds, and worship in different ways. Together we are all navigating this precious journey called life. Back to celebrating holidays. We mail our packages by the first week in December. We write our season’s greetings, most of which are sent in due time for their destination. We decorate with special items from over the years. Aunt Wilma’s velvet-suited Santa Claus is set out, and Huba’s ceramic church graces the front table. I write my letter to Santa Claus. I never actually mail it. I merely write it to take stock of where I am at the tail end of one year and at the cusp of the next. These last few years I find myself compiling a list of what I treasure rather than what I want. I ask Mr. Claus, who is an example in giving, not to give up on us. That even with all of the strife and sadness in this world, we may yet discover and offer the best of ourselves to each other. On Christmas we usually go out to eat at a chain restaurant that is open that day. We carry a handmade gift for our server. We call our relatives and friends or they call us. We open our gifts. Always the moment arrives when we realize the room around us isn’t full of people and yet it is. For our loved ones are always with us, even as they are safe and whole in the palm of God’s hand. Thus in our prayerful hearts and houses of memory the past, present, and future breathe a grateful, joyful sigh. –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. Kerri has gathered a decade of essays she is working to publish. She can be reached at 913jeeves@gmail.com
By Andrea Springer
Our Knitting Muses
Nothing triggers the desire to knit quite like a cold snap. The hustle and flow of summer projects, vacations and family activities have demanded our attention. Then, out of nowhere, there’s a subtle shift of light and temperature, and we yearn again for our needles and big piles of yarn. Ready to create a new season of projects, we stock our stash, gathering what we’ll need to get us through, and start casting on stitches. But where do we go when our creative bucket is empty? I’ve asked myself that question several times in recent months. 2016 has been a season of change for us – from new jobs and added responsibilities, to the loss of my dear father-in-law. Our LYS closed earlier in the year, so my regular knitting groups were meeting at new times and places that didn’t fit my schedule – more change! Even personal knitting time, the creative outlet that’s grounded me for years, has been at a premium because of this season of change. I wouldn’t have missed a moment of this year for the world, but I realized I needed an intervention recently when I stood looking at all the yarn in my stash closet and couldn’t come up with one project I wanted to make. My creative energies had been directed in other areas for months, and I was running on fumes. Thank heavens for fellow knitters! Two friends who took sweater classes from me in recent years called to ask if I’d help them finish projects they didn’t get done during class time, and it was the nudge I needed. Together, we looked at why
they’d stopped working on the sweaters, ripped out what wasn’t right, and they both finished their projects beautifully. They inspired me to go back to my own WIP’s (works in progress) and finish a sweater I’d put away three years ago. Slowly but surely, they’re helping me prime my creative pump with their inspired knitting and supportive friendship. Knitting is a solitary activity by definition, but the energy and connection that’s generated when a group of knitters get together can multiply creativity exponentially, not just around the table but for weeks after. A good knitting group is part class time, part show and tell, part pep rally, part recipe swap, part group therapy session; with a generous dose of belly laughs and a few “Double Dog” dare projects for good measure. Wine and food are a nice touch, but not as important as being able to add another chair around the table for a new knitter. It’s “community” in the best sense of the term. If you’re lucky in your knitting journey, you’ll spend time with “muses” who inspire you to jump off of creative cliffs with the things you make and who’ll carry you along when you’ve failed to grow wings on the way down. If you can’t find a group in your area, be someone else’s “muse” and start one. You’ll be glad you did! –Andrea Springer blogs at www.knittingsavant.com where she helps folks remember that they have everything they need to be successful in knitting and in life. You can share comments or ideas with her at andrea@knittingsavant.com or follow Knitting Savant on Facebook and Twitter.
Page 8
The Country Register of Indiana
CRA WFORDSVILLE - LLAF AF AYET TE CRAWFORDSVILLE AFA YETTE
Har Harvvest Inn
Harvest Inn Interior Decor & Gifts 1521 South Washington Street Crawfordsville, IN 47933 (across from Applebee's on 231 S.)
765-376-5802 • Open at 10am Tues-Sat
Blessings to you and your family during this special time of year! Please join us for our Preview of: All that brings Comfort and Joy November 11th and 12th • Aspen Mulling Spice, Eggnog and Teas • Albanese Confectionery Candy • Candles and Melts • Lamps, Curtains, Rugs and Table Runners • Lanterns, Seasonal Decor, Wreaths & Gifts
Something Special goes on daily at Harvest Inn Stop in and see us!
KEEPERS
www.keepersprimitives.webs.com picturetrail.com/keepersprimitives Facebook: keepersprimitives We w elcome yyou ou to stop by K eepers, a unique combination of primitiv welcome Keepers, primitivee country decor and needful items for yyour our home. W Wee offer handmade in the USA one of a kinds, antiques, a w ide variety of brand name wide candles (W arm Glow an Creek, Cross Roads & more), rugs & (Warm Glow,, Sw Swan accessories, w indow treatments, furniture, Billy Jacob pictures, Audry' window Audry'ss Pumpkin Rolls, Family Heirloom W ea extiles and lots of Wea eavvers T Textiles primitiv ith 19 merchants plus K eepers Home primitivee needfuls. And w with Keepers Collection there is alw alwaays something new!
Come see why w wee ha havve been selected as a fa vorite by Country Register readers 3 times! favorite Join our W arm Glow and Sw an Creek Candle Buying Club Warm Swan For Free Candles – ev en good on w ebsite purchases! even website
Christmas Open House No Novvember 5th
Join us on Facebook & Website
www.harvestinn.webs.com
765.446.8800 3635 SR 38 E Suite B Lafa Lafayyette, IN 47905 Store Hours: Mon-Fri 10-5; Sat 10-6; Sunday12-5 Gift Certificates Available
Life on the Farm
Handmade dealers always welcome. Antique dealers wanted. Call for details.
by Donna Jo Copeland
On Being Thankful Late fall, almost winter brings the season of thankfulness, centering down, family memories. And while enticing aromas wander out of the kitchen and to do lists cover the fridge, we do all need to pause and count our thankfulness’s. My life is a simple one, my income meager; my 19th century farmhouse has none of the modern conveniences such as furnace, air conditioning, hot water, TV nor internet. Nonetheless I am thankful for my blessings, happy and content with my farm life. Oh don't get me wrong, I do have my moments of "woe is me" but that is when my blessings shine the brightest--bunny snuggles and sheep kisses. You see I am a lover of history, keeper of family stories, oldest grandchild. As a child I was surrounded by great and greatgreat grandparents, aunts and uncles. Some of these wonderful people were the children and grandchildren of the Civil War. I listened to their stories of farm life, doing without, fear of Morgan's Raid and being proud and thankful for what they had and could produce. My grandpa was so proud of his goat cart, which he could drive all over Brooklyn which only had 4 streets then. I enjoyed my great grandmother's silly songs, needlework and cooking she shared with me. She also related the story of moving to California as a small child only to be shuttled back when her mother died soon after arriving, then being given away to an older couple who raised her. A great-great grandmother homesteaded in Oklahoma only to lose the land after her husband died. She walked back to Indiana with two
small children reading palms and healing folks along the way, took her two years. Another great-great grandmother's husband left her a grass widow, took off south, married again and was killed in Mississippi near the end of the Civil War. She took in boarders and milked cows for a living and quilted, raising her children on their small farm. My grandfathers had lots of stories too, good ones. But it is the stories from my female ancestors which strike a chord in my soul. The very fact that they kept going, kept living, kept being thankful for whatever blessings they could fashion. In no small way I cherish their blood which runs in my veins. And I am very thankful for my wee farm, my farm life, livestock, and my "fiber life". And oh so thankful for my friends--they are the sparkle in my life. As I am the last one in my family to farm, they are thankful they are not me. I mentioned kitchen aromas. One of our fall treats always brought us in from chores lickety-split...Apple Crisp. –Donna Jo Copeland is a 15th generation farmeress/fiber artist who owns and operates Brezzy Manor Farm in Mooresville, IN. See more information at Breezy Manor Farm on Facebook. Brezzy Manor Farm Apple Crisp Cut together 3/4 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup Quaker Oats, 1/4 cup cinnamon. Core and chop 8-10 apples and put in the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan. Sprinkle cinnamon mixture over the top. Bake at 350 for 45-60 minutes. Best served with homemade ice cream.
Simply Primitive
By Jo Branham
Home of Hilltop Candles and More Located just west of Bloomington, Indiana on State Road 45, Simply Primitive is a must for any country, primitive home décor and/or candle enthusiast. The diverse selection of “one of a kind” items makes it a sure bet that you’ll be able to find something to add to your home. Susan StarnesLiford worked as a RN at Bloomington Hospital for thirty years. During that time, she began making and selling candles at craft shows and festivals, calling her venture Hilltop Candles. Susan has been selling her candles for over 10 years. As the business began to expand, she moved it from her house to a small building nearby which she quickly outgrew. Her landlord purchased the old Melton’s Orchard building and . . . Simply Primitive expanded even more.
Simply Primitive, along with Hilltop Candles, moved into the Melton’s Orchard building 18 months ago. She hand pours all of her candles on site. Wonderful scents greet your nose as you walk through the door. Candles with such interesting names as Hansel & Gretel House, Cider Lane, Pumpkin Soufflé, Country Bumpkin and Butt Naked are available. Yes, you read that right. And it smells good, too! I counted over 30 different scents from coffee to fruits and flowers. I bought a Pumpkin Pecan Waffle candle for myself. My house smells scrumptious! Candles are available as votives and in 6 different jar sizes: 8 oz., 16 oz., 26 oz., ½ gallon, 1 gallon and 2 gallon. The 2 gallon candle has twelve wicks and burns for 1100 hours. If real candles aren’t your thing, Simply Primitive has a wide selection of battery
November & December 2016
Page 9
BLOOMING TON BLOOMINGTON
Simply Primitive Home of Hilltop Candles
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812-825-9660 • hhil il les@g m a il illl t o p c a nd ndles@g les@gm il.. c o m
www .f ac eb m p ri m www.f .fac aceb eboo o k .c o m/si m/sim
Fancy Works
Needlework Supplies & Accessories Offering charts, fabric, fibers for counted cross stitch, Comecharted have aneedlepoint, look aroundembroidery, our shop! cross stitch supplies and designs, frames and more!! We are “Your NeedleArts Supply Center!” 3635 West State Road 46, Bloomington, Indiana 47404 Located behind Arby's on Hwy 46 West, between Bloomington & Ellettsville 812-935-6353 or 877-470-5031
• stitch@fancy-works.com • Mon - Wed 10-6; Thurs 10:-8; Fri 10-6; Sat 10-2 or later by appointment • Find us on FACEBOOK at Fancy Works
IN A YARN BASKET Offering a large selection of yarns, notions, books, patterns and classes in knitting, crocheting, weaving, and spinning.
Come Meet “THE SHEP ARD” SHEPARD” Saturday, November 19th, 10-5 Featuring: Cestari Wool Gr own and Manuf actur ed in the US A Gro Manufactur actured USA
Think About Us for Your Holiday Needs • Gift Certificates • Wish Lists • Private Shopping ... by Appointment Only 1907 S. Walnut St., Bloomington, IN 47401 812-330-5394 • inayarnbasket@gmail.com Mon-Wed 11-6, Thurs 11-8, Fri & Sat10-5 operated candles with 5 hour timers. Some are grunged with wax and colored; others are left plain. Different types of candle holders and rings are available through out the store. You’ll also find scented potpourri, room sprays and air fresheners (grunged paper stars), to hang in your car or around the house, available in Susan’s signature scents. The autumn scents are very popular so they are offered year round. She will have special Christmas scents available for the holiday season. But candles aren’t the only thing you’ll find at Simply Primitive. Amish baked goods from sweet rolls to breads, noodles, farm-fresh eggs and seasonal produce and other delectable treats are for sale. A variety of products from
Dillman Farms: m u s t a r d s , preserves, butters, marmalades, salsas, syrups and BBQ sauces. There are gooseberry preserves and strawberry preser ves; pumpkin butter; cherry syrup; and reduced sugar spreads such as blackberry, peach and red raspberry. Lotions and lip balms from Bass Farms, an Indiana company, can be found here, too. And then there’s all the home décor items, which are way too numerous to name but I’ll tell you about some of the things that caught my eye. Old windows painted with autumn themes. Old fashioned looking wooden signs. You will find tin baskets/buckets, fabric pumpkins and gourds, wooden houses, wreaths and flowers. Chairs
www.inayarnbasket.com created from old tin wash tubs, curtains and towels, handmade furniture such as tables and benches, Mason jar lamps and strands of small lights to weave into your tableaus are all displayed. I could keep going, but I think you’ve probably got the idea. Most of the items found at Simply Primitive are handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces. Susan feels the shop offers as much outside decorations as inside. Signs and wooden pumpkins were mixed with a sea of pumpkins and mums as I pulled in the parking lot on a gorgeous October Saturday. As the Christmas season arrives, she’ll replace the mums and pumpkins with trees and live evergreen wreaths. And I’m sure there’ll be other outdoor items as well. Simply Primitive was featured in the Autumn 2016 issue of Simply Vintage Magazine, a quarterly magazine featuring vintage and country style. A six page photo spread and article surprised and pleased Susan very much. Susan and her employees would also be pleased to see you at the Christmas Open House coming up
November 5th and 6th. Or any time you can get there. Simply Primitive is open 6 days a week, Tuesday through Sunday, year round. See store ad for more information. And make sure you tell them that you read about their shop here.
Page 10
The Country Register of Indiana
SEYMOUR
PRIMITIVE CROW MOVED TO THE CABINS
1515 West Dalton Ct/Persimmon Lake, Seymour, IN 47274
812-497-3057 Hours will be posted on FB, Call for Appointment or by chance Early Wares Antiques Primitive Goods Tattered Linens Primitive Candles
Country Neighbors Home Tour Annual Tours November 10, 11 & 12
Quilting Memories announces our 6th Annual
Quilter ’s Holiday Quilter’s Extravaganza Goodie Bags • Demonstrations Special Quilt Display • Door Prizes & Games WHAT: A holiday shopping experience with many of your favorite quilt shops, antique vendors, jewelry, boutique clothing, and others showing Christmas gifts, projects and much more! All in one convenient location! WHERE: Celebrations, 357 Tanger Blvd at Shoppes of Seymour. Junction I-65 Hwy 50, Seymour, IN 47274
for more details see separate ad or www.picturetrail.com/countryneighbors Like us on FACEBOOK
WHEN: Friday, November 18 - 9am-6pm and Saturday, November 19 - 9am-3pm DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From I-65 Exit at the Seymour Exit, Hwy 50, turn East to stoplight at the McDonalds. Turn left and follow boulevard around to the old Liz Claiborne store. Park in front. Lunch will be available at the Quilter’s Holiday Extravaganza.
Bring in your dull scissor for Joe Callahan to sharpen on site.
Spe ci Speci ciaaliz izee in Long Arm Qui lting Quilting Wid et cs and Qui lting SSuuppl Widee VVaa ri riet etyy of FFaabri brics Quilting ppliies Monthly Cl es + Si Claa ss sses Sitt and SSew Avvai aillabl blee ew A Block of the M onth N ow A Month Now Avvai aillabl blee
mai l@sma owns .com mail@sma l@small ltltowns ownstititittches cheslllc lc.com 1129 W es t Tip t on, S eymour 727 4 Wes est Tipt Seymour eymour,, IN 4 4727 7274 Hrs: M on-F ri 9:30-5 1-16 63 Mon-F on-Fri 9:30-5,, Sat 9:30-1 • 812 812--27 271-16 1-166
Quilts That Redeem
ffol ol olllow us at owns small ltltowns ownstititittches chesll lc sma on...
by Sherry Osland
A Child’s Heart
My last QTR article was about the 2016 Tornado Quilt Effort taking place in the Abilene/Chapman area. Quilts are still being made, collected and being given. I’ve seen so many heart-felt things amongst those affected and those giving through generous hearts and hands. One of the most touching, I just have to share. A quilter came into my studio one day early-on in this “effort.” This particular lady had responded – above and beyond the call – by giving five BEAUTIFUL quilts. She said they had no particular destination, and they might as well be helping others. (!) A few days later, she returned and told me a story about her cousin’s grandson, Zeke. Her cousin lives in another state and her sixyear-old grandson, Zeke, was visiting her. She told him about the tornado touching down and destroying people’s homes, upsetting their lives and costing them a whole lot of money to fix and rebuild their homes. She said Zeke disappeared for a little bit. When he came back, he had one dollar and twenty-five cents in his hand. It was his piggy bank money, and he held it out to her and asked if it could help the people. When I was told this story, it stayed in my heart and mind – always will. I thought long and hard about the thank you note back to Zeke. This was a life event he
would no doubt remember for the rest of his life. Oh my goodness - the honor and blessing to receive Zeke’s gift and then to pass it on. In such an important note, I wanted to say what God would have me say to him for his great gift. Oh! To see the tenderness of a child’s heart created after God’s own. Editor’s Note: Since Sherry submitted this article, she has sent some updates on the efforts to provide quilts to Kansas tornado victims, including from Country Register readers in other states, who saw the column in their own state’s Country Register editions. She has been blessed with the concern and response from these Country Register readers including: • A reader from Michigan who belongs to a group called the Sew Crazy quilt ladies. The reader had two quilts on hand and the group had several others that they are sending. • A Country Register reader from Tennessee who stopped at Sherry’s shop in Abilene while on a month-long, 50thanniversary trip that went as far as White Horse, Yukon, Canada, had read the article and volunteered to take quilt tops home with her to quilt, then will be ship them back when they are finished.
• Register to Win A Handmade Christmas Quilt (2nd chance to win with a nonperishable food donation)
• Certified AQS Quilt Appraisals Available Please contact Cindy Claycamp for more information: 812-216-2225 Admission $5.00 for one or two days
www.quiltersholidayextravaganza.com
Thanksgiving Traditions I don’t know why, but I’m thinking a lot about traditions this year. Maybe it’s my age. Or the fact that so much of my family is gone and I’m thinking a lot about holidays past. As I looked up Thanksgiving traditions, I found some traditions I knew . . . and a few I hadn’t heard of. Turkey pardon: One lucky turkey gets a break every year. The president of the United States grants him a pardon. Turkey far mers had been sending their choicest birds to the presidents since the 1800s. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy sent the turkey back and said: We’ll just let this one grow. President Richard Nixon sent his turkeys to a Washington D.C. petting farm. The first official pardon was granted by President George H. W. Bush in 1989. The lucky turkey lived out his days at a Virginia
by Jo Branham
petting zoo called Frying Pan Park. Macy’s parade: The first parade was in 1924 when Macy’s employees held a Christmas parade with knights, clowns and jugglers. It was a 6 mile long parade and attracted a crowd of over 251,000 viewers. Since it was so popular, the department store decided to hold it every year. The first balloon was Felix the Cat in the 1927 parade. Mickey Mouse made his appearance in 1934. Cranberries: American Indians used cranberries for food, to dye fabric and as medicine. The Indians would have introduced this food, along with corn and turkey, to the Pilgrims. It was without a doubt an item on the very first Thanksgiving menu.
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• Another Country Register reader from Massachusetts called after reading about the effort in the Massachusetts Country Register and donated several quilts and will also be sharing the story with her 125member quilt guild to see if anyone else has quilts that could be donated. “People ask me how many quilts we need,” Sherry said. “I have a general idea, but no definite number. One night, thinking about this when trying to quiet my mind and go to sleep, it came to me that I shouldn’t set a specific number and tell God how many we need. God is the one who knows, and He will move in the hearts of those He wants to have given.
My/our job is to make sure they are given. Let this blessing give you encouragement!” To see pictures of families and individuals receiving their quilts, check out Praise Work Quilting’s Facebook page. Pictures and stories about the recipients are posted as the quilts are given. -Sherry Osland, 1216 NW 3rd St. Abilene, Ks. In ministry and business since Sept. 4, 2000. Contact information: sherryo51@hotmail.com or 785-263-4600. For exs of work: facebook.com/ PraiseWorksQuilting
November & December 2016
Page 11
BROWNSTOWN - NOR TH VERNON NORTH
Scr app y P at ches Scrapp appy Pat atches Quilt Shop
Sharynn’s Quilt Box (PO Box 1041)
“Come Sit and Sew”
408 W. Spring St., Brownstown, IN 47220 812-358-1734 Fabrics • Notions • Classes HRS: Mon-Fri 9-5; Sat 9-12 After Hours Available
@scrappypatches
Moving Day Blues – Part 2 by Deb Heatherly In my last article I shared a little about my then-upcoming move and the process of ‘camouflaging’ my fabric boxes so that my husband would not know how much fabric we were really moving. (Note: The fabric in those boxes seemed to somehow multiple during the move so that even I was surprised at just how much there was when I began to unpack, but that’s another story.) In this article, I’d just like to say that I learned a lot during this move and decided that I might need to impart some of my newfound ‘wisdom’ to those of you thinking about moving in the near future—especially those of you with cats. First, if you’re on the north side of 50, moving will not be as easy as you may have remembered. During the process I began to wonder what we had been drinking when we decided this was a good idea—especially moving from a one level home to one with three levels. I kept repeating, “I love the kitchen and the quilting studio,” over and over to myself. That vision kept me going. We won’t talk about what dear hubby kept repeating while moving a king size mattress to the third level. Second, don’t do it in the hottest month of the year!!! The mountains of western NC are known for their temperate climate but even here we have about three weeks of unbearable heat. As luck would have it, we closed on our new house and moved during this stretch. The second mantra in my head was, “It will all be worth it in the end.” But, as I huffed and puffed, even I was having my doubts. Third, make sure you are prepared to move the furry children and all the problems that come with that task alone. I have moved many cats through the years but it had been twelve years since the last major move and I needed a refresher—especially with these three. I read everything I could about successfully moving the fur babies and had a long discussion with my vet. As advised, we waited until everything had been moved into the new house, saving their move for the last trip over. My husband thought I was worried for nothing. After all, we were only moving
14 miles so how hard could this be? Their beds were in place, litter and food were ready and a plug in was in the wall of their new room. (You know, one of those sold by the pet store that is supposed to help everyone be ‘stress free.’) We put Miss Lacey, our escape artist, in her carrier first and covered it to try and keep her calm. (Lacey is the feral I rescued three years ago who still gets very nervous about change. And she also absolutely hates a carrier.) Immediately, she became enraged and it sounded as though five cats were trying to break free but I had reinforced the lock and we were good to go. The vet had given us meds for sweet Lily to try and keep her from getting carsick and we administered them as directed—receiving battle scares for our efforts. A few band-aids later, we were ready for the third ‘child.’ Gracie was given special treats and tucked into her carrier with her special toy. She seemed content. I felt like a very organized and well-planned “mom” and I mentally patted myself on the back. So far, so good. The problem was that no one told the fur kids about these wonderful tricks that were supposed to help everyone’s anxiety. Lily got carsick three miles from the old house. (So much for the meds), Gracie howled the entire ride and, as soon as they were let out, poor Lacey ran behind the washer and hid for the first three days. Maggie the dog tried to comfort her friends but was met with hissing and growling. It was a very long first week. To make matter worse, Lily seemed to be out for revenge. I woke the third morning to the sound of water. I listened intently as I tried to figure out what could be making the sound. The new house was full of new and different sounds but this definitely sounded like water. I imagined a burst pipe and groaned—just what we needed! I checked the master bathroom, the guest bathroom and the kitchen and found nothing. Then, as I approached my studio, the sound grew louder and I knew I was on the right track. As I entered the bathroom adjacent to my studio, the
EST EST.. 1994
890 South State Street North Vernon, IN 47265
We moved, Come take a look!
812-346-4731 shar ynn@fr ontier .com sharynn@fr ynn@frontier ontier.com Shop online at: www .shar ynns.com www.shar .sharynns.com
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Hours: Tues-F ri 10-5; SSat at 10-3 ues-Fri 2000+ Bolts of 1st Q uality 100% Cotton F abric Quality Fabric ift Cer tificates Kits • Books • P atterns • N otions • G Patterns Notions Gift Certificates staff.. Knowledgeable Kno wledgeable and friendly staff onth • Classes and Clubs Month Block of the M
It’s a 4 County Shop Hop 2016 Reindeer Dash December 1st, 2nd & 3rd – 9-5 Authorized S ales R ep Rep
Dealer
Christmas time is here Twinkling lights sparking on a window pane. Brightly wrapped presents scattered under the tree. Excitement flowing like an electric current as the Big Day draws closer. We may not have had a lot of presents under our tree on some of my childhood Christmases. But one thing I always knew I would find was a book - at least one, maybe more, if I was lucky. Mom started buying us the Trixie Belden mystery series when I was around 10 years old. Between my middle sister and me, we ended up with practically the whole series by the time we were in our late teens. Mom would buy us books for other holidays and occasions, too. Like birthdays. And she signed up to receive the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys “2 in 1 books” through the mail. It was almost like another holiday when a book would arrive. We always had a tussle over who got to read it first. Including Mom! In these modern days, a lot of our Christmas presents have become electronic. Everyone wants a tablet or an
by Jo Branham Ipad, video games or DVDs of a favorite movie or TV show. And there’s nothing wrong with those things, but I find it hard to believe kids of today can get as excited about their gadgets as I did about my Christmas books. I still have a lot of them. And I get them off the shelf and read them over again now and then.It’s not just about the book itself. It’s about the memories it brings of Christmases past and of spending time with loved ones and family who’ve left us. Spend time with your family this holiday season. Create memories. –Jo Branham lives in Brown County, IN.
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source and the culprit were apparent. Lily sat on the edge of the walk in tub/shower combo happily playing with the handles that turned on the shower. She was oblivious to the flooded floor and watched with glee at what she had done. (I’ve always said she should have been a dog because she is definitely the smartest cat I’ve ever owned.) I’m sure I muttered something like “Lily, what have you done?” As I reached to grab Lily and turn off the water, my foot slipped and down I went. Maggie, the dog, came running and barking to see what was wrong. Gracie began to howl and pandemonium ensued as Lacey ran up the stairs to hide. Let’s just say, it was not a good morning but at least I can laugh at it now. Two hours of clean up and I was back on task for more unpacking as we tried completing this transition. Each day had its own adventure but ever so slowly, the fur kids seem to have
forgiven us and we are settling in. The shower handles have been tied together so that Lily cannot repeat her trick and the mountains of boxes seem to actually have an end in sight. Soon, like childbirth, the pain of this move will all just be a memory. Yes, it will all be worth it in the end and I can’t wait to sit in my new studio, happily stitching away as I gaze out the windows to the beautiful mountain just outside. I’m sure I will have help from the fur kids but this ‘furless’ mom wouldn’t have it any other way. –Deb Heatherly is a Creative Grids® Designer and the designer of the Creative Grids Cat’s Cradle Tool, Strippy Stars Tool, and the new Turbo 4 Patch Trim Tool. Look for Deb’s books and patterns, and these tools at your local quilt shop. Deb also travels and does Creative Grids® lectures and workshops. Contact her at Debscatsnquilts@aol.com for
Page 12
The Country Register of Indiana
SALEM - TOUR TOWNS
Past 'N' Present Michel le by
A primitive and country home decor & gift shop.
a ring Offe ide w of: ty varie
and nd....
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Join us for our ... Christmas Open House our... Please call or see our Facebook PPage age for more details. “Like” Us On:
ys! ol ida H py Hap
COUNTR Y COUNTRY NEIGHBORS TOUR Home for the Holidays TTour our Nov ember 10, 11, & 12 November
211 N Main St., Salem, IN (812) 883-9600 and... Past N Present Too 103 E. Mulberry St. Salem, IN Hrs Tue-Fri: 10 - 5; Sat: 9 - 4
We ar aree a unique gathering of like-minded country folks folks,, bonding together to unv eil our war es and cr eations ab your family unveil wares creations eations.. Gr Grab and friends for a tour of our home-based businesses in southern Indiana... Come for a visit and make a day of it in the country visiting our 13 hidden gems gems.. Blessings friends ~the Neighbors
Watch for 2017 TTour our D ates Her Dates Heree For a map & list of all par ticipating shops visit: participating www .pictur etr ail.com/countryneighbors www.pictur .picturetr etrail.com/countryneighbors For mor moree info: (812) 834-5529 Come in for $5.00 OFF A PURCHASE OF $25.00 or more. Not valid with other offers. Expires December 31, 2016
Over The Tea Cup
By Janet Young
Let Us Give Thanks
As I write this, Louisiana has just experienced the worst, or at least comparable, flooding equal to what they experienced when Katrina hit few years ago. Florida has just weathered a hurricane dumping rain and damaging winds throughout before raging up the coastline. California continues to battle wild fires where scores of people have had their homes burnt to the ground. These accounts are only a few of the disasters that have reached our shorelines recently. Nationally, there continues to be devastation after devastation reported almost daily. As we approach Thanksgiving it brings to mind how, we who have escaped such loss have so much for which to be thankful, while for those who have suffered such tragedy, may be feeling down and discouraged. When put in the proper perspective they have much for which they can still be thankful. Granted, some have had the added sorrow of losing a loved one(s) or even their pets. That is not easy to accept, yet they go on. In this difficult time we, the American people, have showered them with an outpouring of love through donations of time, food, money, household items, and even helping them to rebuild their homes. In this worst hour of need that is when neighbors helping neighbors sprang into action as boat owners in Louisiana went with police to help rescue people from their rain-swollen homes. These acts are
an out-pouring of love we have for our fellow-man. After the storm strangers were there to help in any way they could. Suffering the losses these people have endured may impact them forever, yet they will go on because they are a people who through their faith, hope, and love will not give up; but continue to fight their fears as they rebuild their homes and lives once more. As we sit down at our Thanksgiving table this year, be thankful for except for the grace of God’s many blessings, there go I you. We could be without a home, eating our turkey dinner in a shelter wearing donated clothing. This Thanksgiving and Christmas season reach out in love to those in need. An invitation to dinner, even a cup of tea served in a dainty teacup can reach the hearts of those less fortunate. This Thanksgiving may we especially be thankful for all God has provided for us. And may His Light shine through us, as we reach out to others in need. For in that one moment, we provide these dear people the opportunity to forget their hardship and experience the love and courage to go on. –Janet Young, Certified Tea and Etiquette Consultant from the Protocol School of Washington, is a Founding member of MidAtlantic Tea Business Association, freelance writer/national tea presenter, and owner of Over The Teacup Inc. You can email her at janet@overtheteacup.com.
Holiday Word Scramble
November & December 2016
Page 13
MAR TINSVILLE - SPENCER MARTINSVILLE
BE RRI E S & IVY ER ES Antiques ~ Primitives ~ Country Décor Holida y Open House N o v ember 5t h Holiday No Candles, Rugs, Country Textiles, Willow Tree Painted Gourds and Gourd Demonstrations Rug Hooking Supplies, Wool and Patterns Hooking Group meets Saturdays 10-12 28 N. Main St. Martinsville, IN 765-342-7722 Open 6 days a week Google us for Virtual Tour Visit us on Facebook For area information www .visit morg ancount y in.com w.visit .visitmorg morgancount ancounty
Letter Writing
Unraveled
Quilt & Fabric Store
"Where Creativity Comes Together"
Our Unique Quilt Shop Features: Fabric, Notions, Patterns, Classes Quality Fabrics Plus Friendly Service! Open Sew Studio times for groups and individuals 381 N Fletcher Ave., Spencer, Indiana 47460 • 812-821-0309 HOURS: Tues, Wed and Fri 10-5; Thurs 10-7; Sat 10-2; Closed Sun and Mon Unraveled Quilt Store
www.UnraveledQuiltStore.com unraveledquilts@gmail.com
unraveled quilts
by Mrs. Kimberly Chaffee
Can we bring writing letters with pen and paper back? Discourse in American culture can be summed up in two words, mobile apps. These nifty little tools allow us to communicate instantly with short bursts of text to make dinner plans, remind hubby to pick up a gallon of milk, or check in on a teenager. Not only can we “converse” with single letters, but also pictures have made a comeback from the ancient ruins of Mesopotamia. Emoji’s, which are modern examples of hieroglyphics, add emotion to our texts, verifying the fact we have come full circle in 8,000 years. F o r t u n a t e l y, hieroglyphics only lasted so long, as their inability to tell the whole story was bothersome. A picture of men holding spears with a large elephant in front of them left too many questions unanswered. Who were these brave men? How did their hunt turn out? Did they all survive? The story being depicted was significant and yet there was no way of knowing the outcome. Thankfully, the alphabet was invented, and the greatest stories of mankind began to be captured through written letters. Wisdom, history, life lessons, feelings of hope, love, and tragedy were shared through hand written letters. Mountains or oceans did not bind these lasting stories. Battlefields and catastrophes could not impede their discovery by future generations. The words written were revealing, but so too was the paper, the penmanship, the smell of the person, perhaps their surroundings; all the individuality had been captured. What concerns me is our modern writing with its simple text messages, removes the essence of our existence from history. As brief as a time that we are here, our thoughts are forever lost in cyber space. In 50 years, no one will know my beliefs, the lessons I have learned, the people I enjoyed spending time with, or the ones that impacted me most. Which brings me to my point. Did anyone else notice last year, the lack of Christmas cards delivered to their mailbox? I certainly did. I understand that one stamp is now worth what my father described as an amazing afternoon to a 12 year old in 1955. He could get his
haircut, take in an entire afternoon of movies, have ice cream, and still have money in his pocket at the end of the day. So yes, the stamp is expensive. Writing with pen and paper is cumbersome; you can’t easily backspace. But what is capturing our existence? Facebook? Instagram? What is capturing you? My grandmother wrote hand written letters to our family. I can still smell her perfume on the paper, which is remarkable considering her letters are 30 years old. She talked about simple things happening in her small town of Fair Haven, New York. She mentioned that the bay had white caps from a recent storm. Stories, where now as I read them as an adult, reveal her character and faith. Her letters kept her real to me long after she passed away. This time of year we begin to focus on being thankful, seeing family, reminding ourselves what is important. Can we bring writing letters with pen and paper back? Can we share with our children thoughts that are important to us? Can we share simple stories, maybe even family history on something far more special than an emoji? Your letter may find its way into a special book or Bible, and become the treasure of a future family member. Can you write a letter to a dear friend that shows you are thinking of them? This letter may be tucked in a drawer and reread on days they may feel lonely or without hope. Our existence is important, and is something that should last long after a cell phone is shut off, or a text is deleted. I believe your family and friends will want to cherish you long after you have left them for a better place. Give your family and dear friends a true gift this holiday season. Give them your stories, your wisdom, your praise, your hope, and certainly most of all your love. Write them a letter, stamp it, and mail it to them. –Mrs. Kimberly Chaffee is a homeschooling mother of four great kids, living north of Pittsburgh, Pa with her husband and herd of dairy goats. You can reach her with comments at pittsewing@gmail.com.
Wit & Wisdom
by Judyann Grant
Walking to Heaven Deep into autumn, we awoke to an unseasonably warm day. I took advantage of this unexpected gift by tackling a longneglected outdoor chore. With my little helper, grand-daughter Annie, close at my side, we set to work pruning English ivy vines from the wide cement steps that lead from our lawn down to the road. Years ago I planted the ivy with the idea that the vines would trail picturesquely down each side of the steps. Instead of growing neatly down, they criss-crossed through the middle, creating a thick mat that completely swallowed up the steps. As I pruned my way through the tangled mess, Annie asked non-stop questions. “Why are you cutting that?” “Because it’s too thick.” “Why is it too thick?” “Because it’s not growing right.” “Why isn’t it growing right?” “Because I didn’t train the vines.” Then, to steer the conversation in another direction, I said, “Look! We can almost see the bottom step!” “Where do the steps go?” Annie asked. “Down to the road.” “Why do they go down to the road?” “Well, the story we heard is that long ago our house belonged to a farmer. His barn was across the road. He used the steps to get to his barn.” “He walked?” “Yes.” “He didn’t drive?” “No, he didn’t drive.” Annie was quiet
for a minute, then she said, “Sometimes you have to walk, like when you go to heaven. You can’t drive there.” Taking her statement literally, I responded, “Well you don’t actually walk to heaven, Jesus calls you home when He wants you to come.” “Yeah,” Annie agreed, “and you have to walk ‘cause you can’t drive there.” Now, when Annie gets a thought in her head, she’s like a hungry pup with a ham bone; she just won’t give it up. So after repeating this same exchange several times, I finally gave in. “Yes, Annie, you have to walk to heaven ‘cause you can’t drive there.” Satisfied, Annie turned her attention to collecting rocks and kicking up dirt with her sneakers. While I continued to prune and drag away the vines, I thought about what Annie had said. And I realized, how right she was: we do get to heaven by walking – walking with Jesus every day – and it’s true - you can’t get there by car. Two flats of English ivy vines from Wal-Mart: Six dollars. Spiritual lesson from a 4year-old: Priceless. –Submitted for Wit & Wisdom
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The Country Register of Indiana
NASHVILLE - NINEVEH
• Free In-store Product Demonstrations • High quality Scrapbooking and Stamping Supplies • Nashville’s Oldest and Largest Scrapbooking and Stamping Shop • Located on the Northwest Corner of: Pittman House Lane & Old School Way
20% OFF Any 1 Item With this Coupon Expires: December 31, 2016
Pri mitive tive Spi rit
Studio located 5 miles north of Nashville www.wishfulthinking-in.com
Primitive Fabric Dolls Wool Kits Patterns
Open Sun-Thurs 10-5, Fri-Sat 10-6
Holiday Open House Every Sunday in November 12 to 5
Established 2001 Celebrating 15th Anniversary
150 S. Old School Way In the heart of scenic... Nashville, IN 47448 812-988-7009
Wishful Thinking
in the Hills of Brown County
Offering classes for the beginner through the advanced hobbyist. For details click on “Classes & Sales” on website
Ask about our Quilting Retreats... available for small groups! 219-384-6477 3705 Raspberry Lane, Nineveh, IN 46164 Thurs 12-5 beginning Nov 3rd - or by appt.
by Jo Branham
Nashville’s Oldest and Largest Scrapbooking and Stamping Shop Marlene Miller moved to Columbus, Indiana from the East Coast in 1998 when her new husband’s job relocated them. Fortunately her employers were also able to relocate her as well. As she began making new friends with the o t h e r ‘relocated’ wives, she was invited to a stamping party. Marlene had no idea what that was, but she agreed to go and watch. And so, a new stamping addict was
born. Not that she was totally unfamiliar with some of the elements involved. Marlene began making scrapbooks in 1978 when s h e commemorated a trip to the British Isles. She recorded her later travels with a “memory book,” each one more elaborate as she grew in skill and confidence. When she was laid off from her job, she decided she needed a career change.
Wishful Thinking, a one year old shop in Nashville, Indiana, was up for sale. It featured stamps and gift items. With the approval and help from her husband and family, Marlene decided to take the p l u n g e . Scrapbooking and stamping were two things she was very familiar with. And best of all, she absolutely enjoyed them. In February 2002, Marlene re-opened Wishful Thinking minus the gift items,
focusing totally on scrapbooking and stamping. The original store consisted of 1000 square feet, crammed full of stamps, papers, inks and all the other paraphernalia you need to scrap and stamp. Ten years later Marlene moved just down the alley to a larger building, full of light. Along with the traditional products you would expect to find (Ranger, Hero Arts, etc.), you’ll find unique and unusual items not
November & December 2016
Page 15
DANVILLE - MOORESVILLE
Whispering Pines Designs Rug Hooking Studio
2010 E. County Rd 300 S. Danville, IN 46122 For information contact Bev Stewart: (317) 745-5133
“Like” us on FACEBOOK: Breezy Manor Farm
Breezy Manor Farm SHOP LOCAL Wool Shed Handmade Woolen Goodies from my sheep, goats and bunnies.
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE NOV 25 - DEC 5
– Full line of rug hooking supplies including: frames, hooks, lots of wool, patterns, etc. – Classes are $75 for three two-hour sessions including: pattern, wool and hook – finished product is approx. 14 x 16 – See us demonstrating at shows & fairs around Indiana 5803 E Watson Rd., Mooresville, IN • 317-260-0571 Mon-Wed 11-4 or by appt. • Donna Jo Copeland, Farmeress
available at Hobby Lobby or Michaels. Theme based displays are set up around the shop and include: stamps, papers, embellishments, inks, etc. Card samples are also on display through out the store to help get your creative juices flowing. Wishful Thinking offers a variety of classes: beginning scrapbooking; Stamping 101; classes by guest artists who come to the shop. This summer marks the fourth year for a Creative Card class held for one hour every Wednesday afternoon, from June through August. It’s so popular, that they expanded it into September this year! There is one “student” who has been to every single class for the past four years. A quarterly newsletter is available at the shop and is emailed to those customers who have signed up to receive it. It includes information about new items available at the shop, sales, and classes. So, what will you find when you walk in Wishful Thinking? Papers by BoBunny, Graphic 45, Echo Park, Blue Fern Studio and Kaiser Craft, to name just a few. There’s also a special line of Brown
WIN A STOR Y INN STORY GIF TE GIFTT CERTIFICA CERTIFICATE Keep those cards, favorite recipes and letters coming! We enjoy going to the mailbox and finding envelopes from our loyal readers. The shopping trip stories you send are awesome. And we love sharing your favorite recipes on our pages. We also enjoy hearing about your favorite shops and events plus what you enjoy about shopping there. To encourage more of you to write all recipe and story submissions received will be entered into a drawing for one of two $25.00 Gift Certificates* to The Story Inn in Nashville, IN each edition. Certificates will be mailed to winners and announced here. (*Valid towards a stay, dining or gift shop.)
County, Indiana papers by Laserline available only at Wishful Thinking. They also offer specialty papers such as sparkle, holograph, water color, trading cards and greeting cards with envelopes, scrapbook albums by Pioneer, K & Co., etc. You will find dies by Penny Black, Impression Obsession (fondly abbreviated to “IO”). Embellishing powders by Stampendous!, Judy Kins and Wow will be found here. Inks in ink pads and spray bottles, embellishments such as stickers and flowers, adhesives, and, of course stamps, are all displayed. W o o d mounted, clear and cling stamps are all available. Penny Black, Magenta, Northwoods, B Line Designs, Carabelle Studio and Unity Stamp Company are all featured. Looking for a new idea? Wishful Thinking carries books and magazines such as the many Somerset Studio lines and cloth paper scissors.
What is most important to Marlene is customer service. Everyone who walks in her door is greeted cheerfully. Free demos are available. Marlene and her staff will set right down and show you how a certain tool or ink is used. They love to play with the merchandise! Wishful Thinking is open 7 days a week year round. The website for the shop is: www.wishfulthinking-in.com. There is also a Facebook page also. See her ad for more information and please let her know that you read about her here.
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The Country Register of Indiana
NEIGHB ORING ST ATE AD VER TISERS & ONLINE AD VER TISERS NEIGHBORING STA ADVER VERTISERS ON-LINE ADVER VERTISERS
From Lydia’s Idea File
Three-Ingredient Chocolate Cherry Clusters
During the holidays, we need simple, delicious recipes. These cookies remind me of chocolate covered cherries Ingredients: • 3 cups cornflakes, slightly crushed • 1/2 cup dried cherries. • 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 2 cups) • Red and green candied cherries for garnish (or maraschino cherries, well drained) Directions: 1. Cut each dried cherry in half. Combine the corn flakes and dried cherries in a large bowl. 2. Microwave the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each time interval, until melted. 3. Pour melted chocolate over cornflake mixture. Gently mix with a rubber spatula until cereal and cherries are completely coated. 4. Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto parchment-lined baking sheets. (A cookie scoop works well.) Decorate with candied cherries or another colorful garnish. 5. Let cookies sit in a cool, dry place for about one hour. Store in an airtight container. If desired, serve each cluster in a paper cupcake liner. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.
November & December 2016
Page 17
GREENSBURG - ST P AUL PA
il t u Q op Sh Located on the square in downtown Greensburg
125 E. Main Street, Greensburg, IN 47240 812.222.0920 www .tcstitches.com www.tcstitches.com
Join the fun for the 1st Annual
4 County Holiday Shop Hop Decatur, Rush, Jennings and Ripley
Olde Barn Primitives 5827 W County Road 700 N, St. Paul, IN 47272 www.oldebarnprimitives.com “Like:” us on Facebook
(765) 525-6249
Regular hours: Fri & Sat 9 - 3
Handmade Primitives Prim Tart Burners Electric Lights Signs Dolls Stitcheries A Sprinkling of Antiques Lighted Canvas Pictures Gift certificates available
Christmas Thyme Open House th th November 25th & 26th 9-3
Not your typical shop hop!
“Come in out of the cold to shop in the cozy barn, filled with lots of handmades and such. Get warmed up with spiced cider and homemade cookies while you shop.”
Enjoy this time of year with family & freinds.
Cash or check only… no credit or debit cards
Dec 1, 2 & 3, 9 to 5
Batiks • Cott ons • Pr Cottons Pre-cuts e-cuts • Flannels Wide Backing & much mor moree.
NEW fabrics arriving daily! Stop in and take a look. Check our website for classes. Open: TTues ues & Thurs 9 - 5; W ed 9 - 8; FFriri 10 - 6; Sat 9 - 4 Wed
A Cup of Tea with Lydia
By Lydia E. Harris
A Holiday Chocolate Tea When our granddaughter Anna was learning to walk, we enticed her to take a few hesitant steps by holding chocolate candy in front of her. She looked so cute that we took a photo of her at 18 months holding the sign “Will walk for chocolate.” Anna isn’t the only person who loves chocolate. Both young and old think life is sweeter and more bearable with this confection. In fact, John Tullius said, “Nine out of 10 people like chocolate. The tenth person always lies.” Since chocolate is popular and pairs well with tea, enjoy these ideas to host a chocolate-TEA event. Prepare the setting It’s easy to decorate for a chocolate tea party during the holidays. Simply add a few chocolate touches to your usual decorations. On the table, scatter candy kisses on a festive tablecloth. For a centerpiece, arrange flowers or holly in teapots or tea tins and add a few small Hershey’s bars fastened on picks. Or make a candy bouquet with full-size chocolate bars. If you like, add candles with a chocolate fragrance. I found some at the Dollar Store and at the Chocolate Man, a local store that sells all things chocolate (also online). I even found packets of flower seeds that are supposed to smell like chocolate when they bloom. Candles, seed packets, or truffles would make nice party favors at each place setting. Have your chocolate and drink it too Guests will expect chocolate foods at the party, but surprise them with chocolate tea too. I sipped my first cup of chocolate tea at Myrtle’s Tea House in Ridgefield,
Washington, near Portland, Oregon. For the dessert course, the menu included four chocolate teas to choose from: Valentine’s Blend with chocolate and rosebuds; Chocolate Mint with chocolate flavoring and peppermint leaves; Florence with chocolate and hazelnuts; Soho with chocolate and coconut (imagine a Mounds candy bar). But you won’t need to travel to Myrtle’s for chocolate tea. You can buy it in markets and on the Internet. Republic of Tea lists five luscious flavors, including Red Velvet Chocolate and Strawberry Chocolate, which tastes like fresh strawberries, dipped in chocolate. Dove makes three delectable blends: Chocolate Truffle, Chocolate Coconut Macaroon, and Chocolate Mint Cookie. With all the chocolate tea choices, you could plan a tea-tasting party and offer several to sample. Serve your favorite chocolate treat or shortbread with the tea. Just desserts—chocolate of course Although chocolate tea is satisfying and makes a nearly calorie-free sweet treat, the disclaimer on Myrtle’s menu says: “If you really need a chocolate fix, these teas will not do. But they are lovely with a dessert course.” In my travels to tearooms, I’ve enjoyed chocolate fondue, chocolate satin pie, and chocolate lava cake. So what decadent desserts can you serve? How about hosting a dessert smorgasbord and asking guests to bring their favorite chocolate goodie? My recipe box includes recipes for chocolate candies, cakes, pies, cookies, and puddings. You could assign a food category to each guest so you don’t get all cookies and can sample a wide array of gourmet chocolate delights. As the hostess, prepare one extra-special dessert,
Classified Ads TO PL ACE A CL AS SIFIED COUNTR Y AD: PLACE CLAS ASSIFIED COUNTRY These 2x2 ads are offered to crafters, artisans, mail order houses, shop or antique mall space for rent, businesses for sale and similar supporting businesses. Send your ad information along with a check for $40.00 to the address on Pg. 2. Ad copy and check must be received by the 10th of the month preceeding publication. We reserve the right to reject any ad not in keeping with the theme of our paper.
APRON ART BY JAN ELAINE Unique handmade aprons for serving in your café, tea room, bed & breakfast and home entertaining. www.apronartbyjanelaine.etsy.com
such as chocolate fondue. For a large group, you could even rent a chocolate fountain. Recently, someone gave me one, and Anna, now six, is licking her lips in anticipation. Of course, you can include other foods in the menu. But I’ve heard a balanced diet includes chocolate in each hand. With that in mind, I purchased raspberries-andchocolate jam, which I served with scones. It also tasted yummy spread on crackers and served with sliced cheese on the side. Adding fruit is nice, especially chocolate-dipped strawberries. You can never have too much chocolate! More chocolate fun and inspiration When I shared a simple chocolate teatime with a friend, I included a sweet game: Name the Candy Bar. I bought Baby Ruth, Snickers, Kit Kat, Almond Joy, and other candy and placed chunks of unwrapped candy bars on a plate. Then I asked my friend to guess the name of each kind. She couldn’t identify them all by looks, but she got to eat them all. For a larger party, number each chunk of candy with a small piece of paper attached to a toothpick poked into the candy. Provide guests with paper to write down the names of candy bars. Offer a prize to the winner. With these ideas plus your own, I’m sure you can create a teatime that evokes sweet memories. I’m ready for a festive chocolate tea party. Will you join me?
Lydia E. Harris, who holds a master’s degree in home economics, wrote the book, Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting (AMG Publishers). Her grandchildren call her “Grandma Tea.”
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Page 18
The Country Register of Indiana
DEC ATUR - PIERCETON DECA Country Creations Quilt Shop For your quilting needs
~fabrics
~ notions
~quilting supplies Visit us on Facebook at Country Creations 5342 N 400 W Decatur, IN 46733 Hours: Mon-Fri 10-5; Sat 9-2
260.547.4535
fabrics2@onlyinternet.net
Upcoming Events: Frosty’ osty’ss Gone Shopping Shop Hop No Novvember 1st - 5th Six Indiana & Ohio Shops
It’s Party Time with Lesley
by Lesley Nuttall
Giving Thanks
I have always loved to plan parties, and I find it interesting how some of our major events and customs had their beginnings. Many countries have different names for their Thanksgiving even though it’s all about being thankful. Thanksgiving is a great “family event” and the concept around the world remains the same; to give “thanks” to God for our blessings. Originally the day was about being thankful for the bountiful fall harvest. In the year 2000, the United Nations proclaimed the year as “the international year of Thanksgiving.” In Canada, our thanksgiving can be traced back to 1578 when explorer Martin Frobisher held a celebration on Baffin Island, (now called Nunavut, Canada’s newest territory.) It was about giving thanks to God for surviving his long journey from England through storms and icebergs. In 1957 our Thanksgiving date was officially set as the 2nd Monday in October. Canada’s celebrations include colorful parades, watching the football games, family gatherings with lots of food including roasted turkey with stuffing, ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, and pumpkin pie. In the United States, some historians believe the first Thanksgiving took place in Florida in 1513 with Juan Ponce De Leon’s landing, or Francisco V. De Coronado’s service of Thanksgiving in the Texas panhandle in 1541. America’s first President, George Washington designated a special day for a national Thanksgiving, and later it was President Abraham Lincoln who declared Thanksgiving s national holiday to be held the last Thursday in November each year. Thanksgiving Day in the United States is a festive time with carved turkey and cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes or yams, corn, and pumpkin pie. An amazing event is Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade. Some folks enjoy relaxing and watching the football games on television. A tradition is the annual “pardoning” of
a live turkey by the U.S. President who spares the bird from the chopping block and it is able to live out its life in a petting zoo. Australia has numerous different festivals throughout the year. The Lavender Festival is held in the first three weeks of January. In February they have the Hops Festival which continues into March; and in March they also have the Apple and Grape Har vest. They celebrate for three or four days with street carnivals, a parade, grape crushing, apple competitions and fireworks. They end their festivities with the crowning of an ‘apple ‘n grape’ ambassador. In Africa, their African Harvest festivals are held in August and include a lot of religious ceremonies. Singing, dancing and beauty competitions are also part of their celebrations. Some of their entertainment also includes bull or bird fights. A western African tradition is the Yams, (Homowo) Festival which lasts for three days. Yams are a very important crop in Africa, especially in Ghana. The people dress in brightly colorful kind of toga’s made from kente cloth, (which is the best known of all African textiles.) They dance and sing to the sounds of drums. In China, their celebration is called the August Moon festival. On the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, they celebrate in honor of the harvest of rice and their wheat crops. During the Moon festival, families get together to view the full moon which is a symbol of harmony, abundance and luck. On this day they believe that the moon is the roundest and brightest. Instead of pumpkin pie, they serve moon-cake. The children enjoy puppet shows and a parade of brightly lit lanterns. In Rome, September is wine harvest time in most regions of Italy. After their harvest is finished, they spend several weeks celebrating the success of their harvest. Their harvest festival is known as Cerelia, and commences on October 4th. Music, parades and sports activities
Salvage Style
by Marla Wilson
Old Ironing Board Accessories Organizer
This is a very simple project, as there is no carpentry work involved and old metal ironing boards are easy to find at yard sales or flea markets. After removing the legs, I used a wire brush to clean the rust off this ironing board. Next I sprayed it with primer and then white spray paint. I had purchased drawer pulls and a set of hooks at a local hobby shop. Vintage hardware would be great, if you have it. Attach the drawer pulls through the openings in the ironing board top and tighten the screws down. Do the same with the set of hooks. Attach it to the wall with screws. You are
ready to get organized!!! This works well for jewelry, scarves, purses, belts, and hats. Very easy to do and so useful!!!! –Marla Wilson is the owner of The Rusty Wheel, a gift boutique in Scandia, KS. The shop features her floral designs and repurposed "junk," as well as kitchen and baby gifts, home decor and fashion accessories. Follow The Rusty Wheel on Facebook, or www.therustywheel.vpweb.com or contact her at stumpy1954@hotmail.com
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are all part of their celebrations. They are famous for their huge bowls of salad and of course numerous pasta entrees. As you can see, everyone around the world celebrates with thankfulness for their good harvest. Whether they call it Thanksgiving or by another name, it all means the same! But we don’t need a special harvest to be thankful. I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving and the blessings bestowed upon you and your family! Make this a Thanksgiving full of wonderful new memories to last a lifetime! –Lesley is the Author of Secrets of Party Planning. She lives with her husband in Dryden, ON, Canada © 2016, Lesley R. Nuttall
Honey-Glazed Sweet Potatoes 3 medium sweet potatoes 2 tbsp butter or margarine 3 tbsp honey grated peel from 1 orange 2 tbsp fresh orange juice 1) Wash, pare and thinly slice potatoes. Melt butter in a large non-stick pan. 2) Add potatoes, cover and cook over medium heat, 8-10 minutes until tender. Turn often. 3) Combine honey, peel and orange juice and pour over potatoes. 4) Continue cooking, tossing gently until the potatoes are thoroughly glazed with the mixture. Yield: 4 servings (double as desired)
November & December 2016
Page 19
WABASH By Simone Gers
Heaven on Earth
Souvenirs: Markers of Our Lives and other big events. Some people love old state license plates. Antique postcards and other cards are also favorites. I really love some of the really old cards that look hand painted or photos that are processed in a special way. One of our vendors picked up a collection of retableaus that were stunning. I kept picking them up, turning them over in my hands, imagining packing them in a trunk for the journey home and thankful they’re still around. Of course, if we’re driving on vacation, I’m really kidding myself thinking that we are going on vacation. Vacation has become a euphemism for buying trip. Last year, our Christmas trip to see the grandkids on the east coast was so fruitful for Tray that I ended up flying home— there was no more room in the van, so he dropped me off at my folks’ home in Louisiana. And poor Dottie West, our sixpound Pomeranian, was snuggled up on her bed that was strapped on top of finds stacked almost to the ceiling of the front passenger seat. She had to duck her head to see out the window. As he pulled away, I told Tray, “Dottie West better make it home.” He winked as he drove off, and I knew that on his journey home, he’d find more along the way, figure out some way to pack it in. And that’s okay because some of my favorite antiques are pieces we found through our travels, commemorating not only an awesome trip but also the journey of looking for wonderful things, stories about finding our way through winding streets to local shops and all of the people along the way. Would I remember the day in old town Puerto Rico if the crazed ironstone piece wasn’t right behind my desk or that friendly old man in Malta if I didn’t see that piece of lace sitting under it? Would I think about St. John’s island, all of the birds or the beautiful water as often if I didn’t see the antique hand-painted botanical cards on the table at the end of the hall? I don’t know. All of our travel treasures mean so much to me that when Tray says, “I wonder if there’s an antique place here,” I’m quick to pull out my phone and Google it. And we’re off, collecting memories along the way. –Simone Gers began her antiquing journey 35 years ago when she married Tray, an avid collector. They still have the first piece they bought together—a pegged farm table that was so decrepit it was behind the antique store— and they have been upcycling vintage finds ever since. The Gers own Gather A Vintage Market in Tucson, AZ, a monthly market (www.gatheravintagemarket.com). Simone has taught writing and literature at the college level for many years.
4767 N. St. Rd. 15, Wabash IN 46992 (6 miles north of Wabash) • 765.833.5461
• New Years Eve Sale - December 30 & 31 Storewide Sales!
Large selection of quality cottons, homespuns and wools Lots of samples for inspiration • We purchase full fabric lines Embroidery and Punch Needle Long arm quilting service • Friendly service
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5; Sat. 9-3; Closed Sun. www.heavenonearthofwabash.com info@ heavenonearthofwabash.com
N eeww YYee a r ’ s E v e
December 30 & 31 • 10am - 4pm both days
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Last spring at the market, we had several customers who were visiting Tucson and were buying awesome collectibles to take home in their suitcases. One lady was buying a large jar of liquid wax. I triple wrapped it and advised her to slip the whole thing into a zip lock bag before she put it in her suitcase. I love seeing what other people love so much they are prepared to pack them in their suitcases or carry onto planes. How cool is it to bring home some awesome antique instead of another t-shirt or ball cap? I have a catalogue of stories around antique souvenirs. After 35 years of marriage to a collector, I can tell you most of my luggage and carryon bags are stuffed to the gills with whatever my husband Tray thinks he can get home. One year, he had three crystal chandeliers in our carry-on pieces. Another time, it was an antique gumball machine—the kind with the big glass dome. It weighed a ton. Our clothes become wrap and cushion for all his finds. One year, when we were leaving Paris, Tray stuffed a bunch of art in one of the duffle bags. One of the pieces was big. I remember looking at it on the street as he was deciding whether or not he could get it home. I kept say, “It’s kinda big.” And he kept saying, “I think I can make it work.” And he did. He had to wrangle with the French gate agent who kept saying, “But sir, it has to fit through the door of the conveyor belt.” And Tray kept saying, “Let me redo it,” until he was able to reorganize so the whole thing slowly pushed through the plastic flaps. He beamed at her when it finally made it. I’m sure she was thinking the baggage guys are going to love this. To Tray’s delight, all of the art made it home in one piece. Antique souvenirs are legendary in our home. When our boys were little and Tray would return from a business trip, he’d sit us all down on the sofa and make a big deal of pulling each precious gift from his suitcase. Old rusty skates for you, an antique bug sprayer for you, and an antique croquet set for you. Other times, he’d hit a little closer to something that could almost pass for acceptable to the boys with antique sports and gamerelated gifts—an old catcher’s mitt, collectible cards or a wooden, handpainted game board. I love antique souvenirs. Of course, there are the standard teaspoons, teacups, thimbles, dishtowels, tablecloths and other items that memorialized states, towns, fairs—especially the World’s fair—
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Gather – A Vintage Market
1604 S. Wabash St., Wabash 866-563-3505 www.nancyjsfabrics.com
Fa b r i c s
Enter and Win Contest
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-Fri Open: Mon -5
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at 10
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From Susan’s Recipe File
Every Holiday Breakfast Casserole 1 lb. sausage, cooked and drained 1 (5.5 oz.) pkg. seasoned croutons 1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese 1 c. shredded Swiss cheese 1 c. shredded Monterey Jack or Pepperjack cheese
8 eggs 2 c. (16 oz. carton) 1/2 & 1/2 1 1/2 c. milk 1 1/2 t. dry mustard 1 T. minced onion
Layer in greased 9 x 13 baking dish: 1. croutons 2. cheeses 3. sausage Beat together remaining ingredients and pour over top. Cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning (or at least 8 hours to give the croutons time to soak up the liquid), bake 50-60 min. at 350°. 12 hearty servings.
Page 20
The Country Register of Indiana
MARION
Town and Country Cooking
by Janette Hess
No-risk bisque
Our fall exhibit will feature the creative quilt designs of Ruby Short McKim: Quilt designer 1916-1937 through December 3, 2016 The Quilters Hall of Fame is open Thursday thru Saturday, 10am - 3pm and will be closing December 3 for the winter and will reopen April 7, 2016 926 S Washington Street, Marion, IN 46953 (765)664-9333 www.quiltershalloffame.net ~ quiltershalloffame@sbcglobal.net
Building Harmony
by Jeff Cappis
We were bent on finding another pet. Our old dog Pudge had died some years earlier at the ripe old age of 18 and the house never seemed the same. Somehow the sound of his pitter patter around the place was still with us. He was a great dog and he loved living on the acreage. We all agreed, for him, it was doggie heaven. In fact, many other dogs who had come by over the years, didn’t want to leave. He was a small dog with a big heart. He was always happy to see us, never peed in the house, and kept the floor spotless of crumbs and other food debris. If you were down, he’d snuggle. If you were up, he’d play. You could just tell he was one of those dogs who tried to do what was right. Even outside, whenever he ran across dead mice, squirrels or birds, he would promptly give them a proper burial and even stand vigil. Once he tried to bury a skunk that wasn’t quite dead. It just smelled that way. Afterwards so did he, for about a week. The skunk however made a full recovery. In the end he got old. We called him butt breath because he smelled the same at both ends. His nose worked, but it was right next to his mouth so that’s all he could smell. His eyesight was failing and his hearing wasn’t very good. More than once he was accidentally kick across the floor when he stepped in the way. Finally, one cold winter’s day he died peacefully in Cathy’s arms. We had him cremated and kept his ashes in a special handmade wooden box. On it was a brass plaque that read; “Pudge- world’s greatest dog.” So a few years later, Cathy, our grandson Kane and I, found ourselves at a breeder’s place surrounded by a bunch of 10 week old puppies. They were super cute fluffy little things- all running around playing and peeing to their hearts content. We were smitten. “How do we choose?” asked Cathy. “They’re all so precious and all so much like Pudge.” Kane wanted to buy them all. I looked around. In the end there were two males that reminded us most of Pudge. One was sleeping and the other was running around. “Let’s take him,” I pointed to the dog running around. “He seems to have the
most spunk.” We all agreed. Kane asked if he could feed the puppy sometimes and give him baths. “Sure”, Cathy said with a smile. “Careful not to drowned him when you do,” I joked. I called over the breeder who was a well-mannered and polite woman with a kind face. “Have you decided?” she asked. “Yes,” I replied. “We’ll take that one.” She smiled with her kindly face and picked him up. “He’s so sweet,” she said. “He’s my favorite too.” “We’re taking him to doggie heaven,” said Kane. Good-bye kindly breeder’s face. Hello concerned dog lover. Cathy picked up on that and explained. “What he means is our place is heaven for dogs.” The breeder looked relieved. Then, hoping to convince the breeder further I added, “There are lots of places to bury small animals on our property.” Back to concerned dog lover. Then Kane added, “We burned the last one but we know how to take care of little dogs. They never leave!” Shocked, the breeder clutched the puppy to her chest and turned as if to protect it. Then Kane went on, “we won’t kick him across the floor if he stays out of our way. We’ll even feed him sometimes,” Then, and with a big smile he said, “and I promise not to drown him!” At this point, even the puppy seemed to be worried. The breeder began to hustle him away. Realizing now what was going on in the panicked breeder’s mind, Cathy and I followed. We spent fifteen long minutes trying to convince her we weren’t blood thirsty puppy murderers and explained the misunderstandings. The breeder acquiesced. As she filled out the paperwork, she’d stop and look us up and down, then go on to the paperwork again. That kind face had turned somewhat sour. She shoved the paper at us. “Sign here.” We did. She handed us a leash along with a few pet supplies. With a smile and a “thank-you”, we turned and began to walk the puppy out the door. At the last minute he stopped and turned to the breeder as if to say, “Where are you letting them take me?” We named him Max.
A Puppy Heaven
Cool days call for hot, hearty soups. This fall, let bisque take you out of your chili-and-chicken-noodle-soup comfort zone. The term “bisque” once was reserved for soups with a seafood base, but current usage applies it to most any smooth-textured soup. Rich Mushroom Bisque is for mushroom lovers only. Risk it, and you’ll never again be satisfied with canned cream of mushroom soup. This bisque also can double as a sauce for grilled steaks or as a base for beef stroganoff. Don’t be timid about experimenting with the leftovers, if you have any. Butternut Squash Bisque is a perennial favorite. Despite its sophisticated taste and look, it is surprisingly simple to make. Soups featuring roasted red peppers also are popular, especially in fine restaurants. This month’s Smokey Pepper Bisque recipe allows you to bring the elegance home! –A trained journalist, Janette Hess focuses her writing on interesting foods. She is a Master Food Volunteer with her local Extension service and enjoys collecting, testing and sharing recipes. . Rich Mushroom Bisque 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 1 pound fresh white mushrooms, cleaned and sliced 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced ¼ cup sherry (optional) ½ ounce dried porcini mushrooms 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon sweet paprika 1 teaspoon dried marjoram 2 cups beef broth 1½ cups water ¾ cup light cream (“half and half ”) 1 to 2 ounces blue cheese (¼ to ½ cup crumbles) Freshly ground black pepper In large pot, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until onion is softened, approximately 10 minutes. Stir in fresh mushrooms and chopped carrot. Cook an additional 10 minutes, or until mushrooms release their liquid. Add sherry, dried mushrooms, garlic, paprika, marjoram, broth and water. Cover and slowly simmer until carrots and dried mushrooms are soft, about an hour. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Using food processor or blender, process mixture until very smooth. Return to pot. Add cream and heat through, taking care not to boil. Whisk in crumbled blue cheese 1 tablespoon at a time. Taste after each addition, stopping when desired saltiness is achieved. Season with freshly ground pepper. Makes approximately 6 cups soup. If desired, garnish with fresh chives and a swirl of cream. Serving suggestion: If a chunky mushroom soup is desired, sauté an additional ½ pound of fresh mushrooms in 1 tablespoon butter. Add to soup before serving.
Butternut Squash Bisque 1 medium butternut squash (2 to 2½ pounds) 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion 2½ cups chicken stock ¼ teaspoon black pepper ¼ teaspoon dried thyme 3-4 drops hot pepper sauce ½ cup light cream (“half and half ”) Salt to taste Prepare squash by carefully slicing lengthwise and removing seeds. Wrap each half in aluminum foil and place on baking sheet. Roast at 375 degrees for approximately 1 hour, or until squash is very soft. Remove from oven. When cool enough to handle, scoop out flesh and set aside. In large pot, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Add onion. Slowly cook and stir until onion is very soft, 15 to 20 minutes. Add squash, stock, pepper and thyme. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Using food processor or blender, process mixture until very smooth. Return to pot. Add cream and heat through, taking care not to boil. Add salt, if necessary. Makes approximately 6 cups soup.
Smokey Pepper Bisque 3 large, red bell peppers OR jarred equivalent of roasted red peppers, cleaned, rinsed and drained ¼ cup diced shallot 1 medium carrot, finely grated 1 teaspoon minced garlic 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 1 tablespoon flour 3 cups chicken stock 2 ounces smoked Gouda cheese, finely grated 2 ounces cream cheese 1½ teaspoons dried basil Salt to taste If using fresh peppers, cut, seed and quarter peppers. Lay skin side up on rimmed baking sheet. Broil until skins are blistered and blackened. Quickly remove from oven and wrap in aluminum foil. When cool, peel away loosened skins and discard. Refrigerate until needed, up to three days in advance. In large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add shallots and sauté until soft and fragrant. Add roughly chopped peppers, garlic and grated carrots. Simmer until vegetables are completely softened. Add paprika and flour. Stir to combine. Add stock and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Using food processor or blender, process mixture until very smooth. Return to pot. Add cheese, cream cheese and basil; whisk to combine. Heat through but do not boil. Add salt, if necessary. Makes approximately 4 cups soup.
November & December 2016
Page 21
ANGOL A - SHIPSHEW ANA ANGOLA SHIPSHEWANA
Crochet Christmas Stars These crochet stars will make your christmas tree shine! Make each of them unique by varying the color and the yarn type. MATERIAL Yarn used : Järbo 8/4 (Mercerised cotton, 4 ply, fingering weight) in white, light grey and red. Järbo Glittra (effect yarn) in red and silver. Hook: 2,5 mm ABBREVIATIONS, US CROCHET TERMS st - stitch sl st - sling stitch ch - chain sc - single crochet hdc - half double crochet dc - double crochet tr - treble crochet DESCRIPTION (Crochet diagram below) Start with a magic ring. Round 1: 10 sc in the magic ring. Join round with a sl st in first sc. Round 2: ch 3 (counts as 1 hdc and 1 ch) , (1 hdc in next sc, ch 1) repeat 9 times. Join round with 1 sc in 2:nd ch of the first ch 3. Round 3: (1 sc in next ch-1 space, 1 sc in next hdc, 2 sc in next ch-1 space, 1 sc in next hdc) (There should now be 25 sc.) Round 4: (ch 3, sk next sc, 1 sl st in next sc, ch 4, sk next 2 sc, 1 sl st in next sc) repeat 5 times. Round 5: 1 sl st in next ch-3 space, (ch 5,
by Charlotta Wadman
1 tr in next ch-4 space, ch 5, 1 sl st in next ch 3 space) repeat 5 times. Round 6: ch 2 (4 hdc in next ch-5 space, ch 1, [1 dc, ch 3, 1 dc] in next tr, ch 1, 4 hdc in next ch-5 space, 1 hdc i next ch-3 space from round 4) repeat 5 times. Join round with a sl st in 2:nd ch of first ch 2. Fasten off and weave in the ends. STARCH AND BLOCK Your stars need to be starched and blocked. I have used white glue mixed with water to make them stiff. Mix glue and water in equal proportions and soak your star in it. Pin it in desired shape on to a blocking board or whatever blocking device that you use, let it dry. Attach a thread to one of the star tips and you're done! Happy crocheting!
Sewing Treasures
100% Cotton Quilting Fabrics, Embroidery Stitch Designs, Wide Variety of Quilting & Embroidery Notions, Threads, Patterns & Books, Quilting & Embroidery Classes
AUTHORIZED HUSQVARNA VIKING SEWING MACHINE DEALER 1605 South Wayne Street, Angola, IN 46703 260-665-6948 located 1 mile south of the monument - South Wayne St. from circle Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-5:30pm; Sat 10am-4pm; Closed Sun & Tues
www.sewingtreasures.net
–© Charlotta Wadman, In the Yarn Garden, 2016. All rights reserved. It would be very nice to see your completed stars. Please tag images with #intheyarngarden or feel free to leave a comment with a link to your picture. https:// intheyarngarden.blogspot.com/ You can also email Charlotta at: intheyarngarden@gmail.com
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The Country Register of Indiana
LIBER TY - CENTER VILLE LIBERTY CENTERVILLE
Christmas Traditions There are many things that we automatically expect to see at Christmas time. Christmas trees, of course, with sparkling lights, bright colored ornaments and gifts under said tree. Where did these things that we take for granted as a part of our Christmas celebration come from? Gifts: We often assume the act of gift giving as coming from the gifts brought to the Christ child when he was born, which is possible. However, there was an early Roman practice where gifts were given during winter solstice. Christmas eventually replaced the winter
by Jo Branham
solstice celebrations. In the beginning, when Christmas trees first began to be used, gifts were hung from the tree. Tinsel: Tinsel was created in Germany. Silver was beaten into thin strips and hung on the tree. When plastic man-made tinsel was created, it became very popular because it was much cheaper and lighter to hang on the tree. Spider: The story goes that a family bought a tree but was too poor to decorate it. In the night, while the children slept, a spider spun webs all over the tree. On Christmas morning the
cobwebs were magically turned into silver and gold strands decorating the tree. Tree Decorations: The very first decorations were edible treats: nuts, apples, cookies, white candy sticks (that eventually became candy canes as we know them today). The first non-edible decorations were traditionally made of glass, wood and ceramic. Baubles, small hollow glass or plastic ornaments, coated with a thin metallic layer to make them shine and then painted with a polymer to add color. Mistletoe: Used by pagans for centuries, the plant was worshipped because it seemed magical. It had no roots yet it remained green even during the coldest winter. It was also a symbol of peace and
the Celtic people believed it had magical healing powers. It was often placed in the house to bring good luck and to ward off evil spirits. Why do people kiss under the mistletoe? I did look into that, but there are so many different theories. Christmas Cards: Probably began in England where children, practicing their writing, would write special Christmas greetings for their parents. Sir Henry Cole is credited with creating the first Christmas card. He was the director of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The Christmas of 1843 found him too busy to pen his usual Christmas letters, so he hired an artist, John Calcott Horsley, to illustrate some cards for him.
November & December 2016
Page 23
LEWISVILLE - RICHMOND
Heartland Fall Antiques Show
Get in the mood for Christmas with Texan Betty Bell and Much More Get ready for the fall edition of Heartland! On Saturday, November 19, eighty-five Country Strong dealers will be at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Richmond, Indiana. These Heartland Exhibitors travel from 12 states for this antiques rendezvous. Expect to see many roomsetting booths complete with lighting as dealers present country furniture and accessories. One dealer who specializes in painted furniture is Tim Chambers, owner of Missouri Plain Folk. Tim is also a purveyor of early game boards, rustic hand-painted signs, and unusual folk art pieces. Chambers is the co-author of The Art of the Game. This book, which contains photographs of painted game boards and history, will be available for sale at the show. For those who prefer a bit more formality, several New England dealers will be offering 18th century pieces. Ste phenDouglas, Vermont, always have an interesting display of both furniture and a c c e s s o r i e s. J e s s e n Hohnwald, Connecticut, are a n o t h e r twosome who feature 18th century decor. Antiques with a southern
provenance will be offered by Kentucky dealers Bruce Rigsby and Big Creek Antiques. Look for hunt boards, pie safes, and Cherokee baskets in their booths. Get in the mood for Christmas with Texan Betty Bell. Betty will have a booth full of vintage Christmas items— ornaments, feather trees, wreaths, and various nativity arrangements. We hope you join our dealers for this oneday gathering. We are easily accessible off I - 7 0 halfway between Indianapolis a n d Dayton, Ohio. All dealers are undercover in one b u i l d i n g. F o o d service provided by l o c a l favorite caterer Willie & Reds. Please visit the website www..heartlandantiqueshow.com for more information and the latest details.
Camera's Last Stand Back in the day, women would often carry "brag books" in their purses. These were little albums showing their kids' or their grandkids' photos. The modern version is on our cell phones with the addition of video capabilities that can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how the pictures were taken. Years ago, I started compiling a special brag book that I entitled "My NonBrag Book" with all the worst photos we ever took. It's been a source of great fun as we giggle and cackle at our collection of blooper photos. It started with my Aunt Ruth Jean sending me a picture, taken by my cousin Jim, just as she was cleaning her teeth with her tongue— mouth closed. It made her look like a chimpanzee. I opened up the letter and kept giggling at the worst picture my aunt ever took. She had a wonderful sense of humor and wrote that her son told her when she saw the horrible photo, "Mom, the camera never lies." That started a fun book that I enjoy to this day. I've added a few photos of my own over the years. One day, I fixed my hair in a modified "beehive" like my fashion conscious sister, Christy, and I honestly thought I looked hot. That same day, I went to a big box store and had a photo taken for my membership card and about croaked when I saw the photo. It was, to put it mildly, hideous. I have never worn that hairstyle again. My next photo was for another ID card and I had lightened my hair and thought the blonde streaks looked like a million dollars. The photo with the new "do" made me look pasty and washed out. Another zinger in my hairstyling Hall of Shame. Now it is a bit of a fun thing. Instead of photo shopping 20 lbs off my figure and/or reshaping things a bit with a pair of shears, I just leave the dreadful photos as is and think, "Okay, another candidate for the non-brag book." Of course, no one but those in the nefarious book and myself actually look at these nasty pictures, but it serves a
by Susan Springer
couple of purposes for me. One lesson learned is a reminder that looks are truly not the end all and true beauty is not measured by a good photograph. We've all known the super vain soul who you can't stand to be around. I keep telling myself that we are all marching towards aging, which ultimately is the greatest equalizer of the impossible goal of youthful outer beauty lasting forever. Accepting a rotten photo now and then is the least of our worries and, in its own way, has great value in the lesson of humility. I am always amazed at how shocked I am to see a wretched photo of myself. I think it stems from a visit of sorts to those fantasy worlds imagining we are creatures in a romance novel who never had an ugly moment or could possibly look horrid in a photograph. We all know that in photos, angles of the camera matter—a lot. I learned a neat trick while getting a photo for my new auto license. The woman manning the camera told me that I should think like a turtle. She said to look straight at the camera and then the second before taking the shot stick my neck out propelling the face forward. She proclaimed that this eliminates another nemesis of the photo you don't want "out there"—the double chin shot. It worked! Having taken a number of hideously horrid photos lately, I can now understand Jane Jetson, the cartoon character of the future. She would answer her videophone holding up a made-up mask with a perfectly coiffed hairstyle. Sounds good to me and meanwhile apparently the future is now. I'll see y'all at the beauty parlor! -Copyright 2016 by Susan Salisbury Springer. All rights reserved. Used by permission, no reprint without author’s permission. Ms. Springer has a degree in Family & Consumer Sciences and writes about life in the shadow of the Cascade Mountain range in the Pacific Northwest. She can be reached at ssspringer@consultant.com.
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The Country Register of Indiana
BEECH GROVE - FRANKLIN - GREENWOOD - LEBANON Thousands of bolts of fine quilting fabrics Hundr eds of books and patterns for: Hundreds quilts quilts,, stitchery stitchery,, English paper piecing, and mor moree
Back Door Quilts 2503 Fairview Place,Suite W Greenwood, IN 46142 (317) 882-2120 Established 1973 Located just off SR 135 South Indianapolis Call for Dir ections Directions
Better Homes & Gar dens Gardens Top 10 Shop
HRS: Mon - Thur 9:30 - 9:00; Fri & S at 9:30 - 5:00 Sat 1st & 3r d Sundays 1 - 4 3rd
www .backdoor quilts w.backdoor .backdoorquilts quilts.. c o m
201 Bethel Ave, Suite A-1 Beec Beechh Gr Groove, IN 46107 317-786-9289
www.theFussyCut.com • Longarm Service • Quality Fabric • Notions & Books • CLOSE OUT ON.. Vintage Sewing Machines
11th Annual Country Folk Art Creations’
Christmas Craft Mall December 9th, 10th & 11th Farm Bureau Community Building Boone County Fairgrounds, Lebanon, IN Friday & Saturday 10am - 6pm Sunday 10am - 4pm
FREE ADMISSION
Over 30 Vendors of Country Crafts & Holiday Decor Antiques & Country Furniture • Calendars & Stationery Rag Rugs, Curtains, Linens • “Keepers” of Lafayette Hand Poured Soy Candles • “Thirty-One” Products Christmas Decor & Ornaments
Boone County Symphony at Sunset will be selling Cheeseballs. Watch for the red signs & banners. Check Us Out on Facebook: Country Folk Art Creations We have a few booth spaces left for quality vendors. Visit our Facebook page for further information.