may/june 2014 – country register of the northern rockies & great plains

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Index: See page 14 for advertiser’s index by name and by community as well as upcoming events.

Next Deadline: Ads and articles for the July/August 2014 issue are due June 7, 2014.

Bozeman, Great Falls & Townsend, Montana

Welcome to

The Quilt AWay

Montana Statewide Shop Hop April 25 - May10

Lot of new arrivals for Spring & Summer

Stop in and look us over!

Or Shop online 24/7 at www.montanasquiltaway.com

222 13th St. SouthGreat Falls, MT(406) 453-2788

Store Hours:Monday - Friday 10 - 6

Saturday 10 - 5Sunday 11 - 4

[email protected]

Cover Artist: Monica Sabolla Gruppo

Answered her CallingBorn and raised in Italy, artist Monica

Sabolla Gruppo inherited the love for brush-es and colors from her maternal Grandfather, an award-winning painter. She has spent the latest 20 years nurturing her creative soul full-time through painting, crafting and photography, always growing and evolving, experimenting and trying new techniques until she decided to answer her calling and devote herself to painting as a profession.

Monica lives in England with her beloved husband and their sweet Golden Retriever, and she’s passionate about in-fusing creativity, beauty and inspiration in every aspect of her life. Monica is represented for licensing by Linda McDonald, Inc. in Charlotte, N.C.

May-June 2014 | View the paper online at www.CountryRegister.com/NRGP

Publisher’s Notes I Agree With Columnist about Pros, Cons of Country Living

I know that I enjoy reading the submissions for each issue of The Country Register as much as anyone as I review them for possible inclusion in the printed paper. We are working to include more unique, local articles and two of our local colum-nists – Peggy Sanders and Sierra Shea – continued to provide quality content for this issue.

Sierra writes about what it’s like to finish anoth-er woman’s quilt. She is newly married and newly settled in South Dakota, and she uses the art and skill of quilting to connect with women in her area.

Peggy details things to consider before mak-ing a move to the country. I live about 15 minutes northwest of Spearfish on part of the Sleep Fam-ily ranch, so I could completely relate to Peggy’s points. In fact, I started a blog a few years back to write about what it’s like to be a country mom.

Unfortunately, I haven’t added a lot of fresh content to the blog, but I have lots of ideas for posts. I could write about the benefits of not having to confine our dogs, but then I would also have to acknowledge the risk and likely consequence of our dogs possibly interfering with the neighbor’s livestock. Or I could write about the calm, quiet of the evenings and nights, even when we leave our windows open. But then I would have to admit that the wind often blows through like a freight train, and we have no siren to warn us when those winds might bring a tornado or other danger.

I could also write about how exciting it is to be able to raise sheep, hors-es, rabbits and chicks. But then I would also need to write about our sad experiences with death regarding the animals we have lost.

While I truly enjoy my life in the country, Peggy is right when she basically says there are trade offs. It’s not always as romantic and ideal as it might seem.

As I say in my blog, life is just a bit different for those of us living in the country. You can read about my experiences and observations at www.countrymom.net.

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains including North Dakota,

South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, & Northern IdahoDee Sleep, Publisher

Amy Rans, EditorProduced by Chicken Creek Communications

132 W. Hudson St. • Spearfish, SD 57783605-722-7028 Office • 605-385-0035 Fax

www.countryregister.com/nrgpwww.chickencreek.net

Publisher’s contact numbers across theUSA & Canada for The Country Register

Send $3 to any publisher below to obtain a paper from another area:* Indicates these editions are available on-line at www.countryregister.com.

Country Register Founder: Barbara Floyd, 602-237-6008, [email protected], located: Phoenix, AX

USA Alabama: Dana Wilburn, 6349 Knollwood Ct. Frederick, MD 21701, [email protected]* Arizona: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950* Arkansas: Lenda Williams, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, [email protected]* California: Betty Fassett, 26941 Cabot Rd., Suite 132, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653, 800-349-1858 Colorado: Jan & John Keller, 16755 Oak Brush Loop, Peyton, CO, 80831, 719-749-9797* Connecticut: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC, [email protected]* Delaware: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 594, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected]* Florida: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected]* Georgia: Linda Parish, P.O. Box 389, Lexington, GA, 30648, [email protected]* Idaho (N): Dee Sleep, 132 W. Hudson Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, [email protected]* Idaho (S): Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950* Illinois: Lenda Williams, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, [email protected]* Indiana: Gail & Merle Taylor, P.O. Box 594, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected] Iowa: Linda Glendy, P.O. Box 6, Tama, IA, 52339, [email protected]* Kansas: Cindy Baldwin, 988 9th Ave., McPherson, KS 67460, [email protected]* Kentucky: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whiterose Way, New Market, MD 21774 443-243, [email protected] Maine: Gail Hageman, 221 Winslow Rd, Albion, ME 04910, 207-437-2663* Maryland: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected]* Massachusetts: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC , 27603, [email protected] Michigan: Bill and Marlene Howell, 3790 Manistee, Saginaw, MI, 48603-3143, 989-793-4211* Minnesota: Kim & Mickey Keller, 12835 Kiska St. NE, Blaine, MN, 55449, [email protected]* Missouri: Lenda Williams, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, [email protected]* Montana: Dee Sleep, 132 W. Hudson Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, [email protected]* Nebraska: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950* Nevada (N): Betty Fassett, 26941 Cabot Rd., Suite 132, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653, 800-349-1858* Nevada (S): Glena Dunn, 4568 Carol Circle, Las Vegas, NV, 89120, 702-523-1803 New Hampshire: Kathleen Graham, 330 North Road, Deerfield, NH, 03037, [email protected]* New Jersey: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 594, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected] New Mexico: Jan & John Keller, 16755 Oak Brush Loop, Peyton, CO, 80831, 719-749-9797* New York: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected]* North Carolina: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 888-942-8950* North Dakota: Dee Sleep, 132 W. Hudson Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, [email protected]* Ohio: Barb Moore, P. O. Box 37, Cable, OH, 43009, [email protected]* Oklahoma: Lenda Williams, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, [email protected]* Oregon: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950* Pennsylvania: Dave & Amy Carter, PO Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected]* Rhode Island: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC , 27603, [email protected]* South Carolina: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 888-942-8950* South Dakota: Dee Sleep, 132 W. Hudson Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, [email protected]* Tennessee: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whiterose Way, New Market, MD 21774 443-243, [email protected]* Texas: Lenda Williams, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, [email protected]* Utah: Daniel & Stacy Tueller, 153 S 2050 W, Provo UT 84601, [email protected]* Vermont: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whiterose Way, New Market, MD 21774, [email protected]* Virginia: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected]* Washington: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950* West Virginia: Dave & Amy Carter, PO Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected]* Wisconsin: Scott & Jennifer Hughes, P. O. Box 276, Altoona, WI, 54720, [email protected]* Wyoming: Dee Sleep, 132 W. Hudson Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, [email protected]

CANADA* Alberta: Ruth Burke, P.O. Box 97, Heisler, AB, T0B2A0,780-889-3776, [email protected] British Columbia: Bryan Stonehill, Box 1338, Summerland, BC, V0H 1Z0, 800-784-6711* Manitoba & Saskatchewan: Scott & Marj Kearns, Box 850, Kipling, SK, S0G 2S0, [email protected]

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains May-June 2014 • Volume 4 Issue 3

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains is published every two months. Copyright 2014.

Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited by law. The Country Register is a registered business trade name. Chicken Creek Communications produced The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains.

Subscription price: 1 year, 6 issues, $18.00. Single copies: $3.00. This paper is furnished free at each advertiser, highway welcome centers tourism centers, shows, events, and other selected locations throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyo-ming, Montana, and Northern Idaho.

Articles published in this newspaper, which are contributed from outside sourc-es, express the opinions of their authors only and may not express the viewpoints of the management and staff of The Country Register. Such articles that are accepted for publication herein may be edited at the sole discretion of the publisher.

Responsibility for products advertised in this newspaper lies with the advertis-ers themselves. Though The Country Register will not knowingly publish fraudulent materials or fraudulently obtained materials, we are not liable for any damages arising from the purchase or use of products advertised herein.

Dee Sleep Editor of

The Country Register of ND, SD, WY,

MT & N. ID


Montana Shop HopApril 25 - May 10, 2014Visit your local quilt shop &

celebrate your creativity111 W Main Street Ennis MT • 406-682-3166

Store hours are Tues-Sat from 10am-5:30pm

Stitches That Bind A traditional quilt and cross stitch shop.

Ennis & Sidney, Montana

Are You Cut Out for Stashbusting?Have you ever felt intimidated by your ever-growing stash of fabrics? Or

perhaps you face an unorganized pile of UFOs (unfinished objects)? Do you have a WOMBAT—what Stashbuster.com calls “a waste of material, batting, and time”?

Lynda Burns, current president of the Washington State Quilters - Spo-kane Chapter (WSQ), recently commented, “We know when we’ve gotten ahead of ourselves. Especially when that pattern is too hard or we hate the color. We all would like to get these UFOs out of our sewing room!”

What quilter doesn't salivate at the thought of new fabric? We drop into our favorite quilt shop to check out what is new or what catches our eye. For example, I've been collecting Japanese fabrics for several years now. I now have enough fabric for two quilts but have I started on my Japanese quilt? Not until I finish that wedding quilt due by May, that hand appliqué wall hanging from the class I took last spring, and two chari-ty quilts. In other words, not yet.

Here are some suggestions to help you manage those UFOs and that runaway stash:

Shop your own stash first. You've got a wedding quilt to make or a new baby quilt. Maybe you've signed up for a class at a local quilt shop. Avoid temptation! Why not start by digging into your own stash first?

Sell or swap that fabric and/or those quilting no-tions. Why not simply let go of fabric you may never use? WSQ also holds an annual Yard Sale on the first Saturday in April. This indoor yard sale, held in a large gym, is all about quilting fabrics, books, patterns, and notions at bargain prices. WSQ members can purchase a table for a nominal $10 to sell their quilting related goodies. At 8 a.m., the doors open and the buying frenzy begins. At the end of the day, some quilters have cut down their stash while other quilters go home with new projects. Quilters report using Craig-slist, holding a fabric swap, or giving away fabrics to their own quilt group.

Donate UFOs and/or fabric to charity. You can let go of some of those fabrics you know in your heart you will never use. Pick out your favorite charity, find a simple pattern and sew a charity quilt to give away. Quilts for

boys, teens and veterans are always in demand. Some organizations love to receive more complicated quilts because they can then be raffled off as fund-raisers. If all else fails, why not donate fabric you won't really ever use to the Salvation Army or the Goodwill?

Work with your guild to make 2014 “The Year of the UFO.” Could your guild follow the example of WSQ? Lynda Burns has challenged WSQ

members to break into our carefully organized stash of quilting fabrics to complete as many UFOs as possible. At each quarterly meeting, we'll report in on how many UFOs we've finished. Our names will be entered into a drawing for a free quilting class (we'll earn an entry for each finished project). The spirit of competition can be a great motivator.

Tips to Motivate You to Break Up Your Stash:1. Make a commitment to be a "stashbuster" this year! 2. Start with fabric. If your fabrics are organized by

type (for example, all batiks together, all 1930s fabrics together), think about how your own tastes have changed in the last few years. Which fabrics could you let go of? Swap with another quilter?

3. Take an inventory. How many UFOs do you have? Are you surprised? How many of these do you real-ly want to complete?

4. Analyze what you need to finish those UFOs. Do you need a pattern? Tools? A larger workspace? You may need more fabric or thread to get you going.

5. Recognize your time constraints. Pick out your favorite 2 or 3 unfinished projects. Ask exactly what is holding you back for this UFO. Consider dropping in at one of those sewing ‘open house help’ sessions at your local fabric shop to take you to the next level. 6. Talk to other quilters you know to find a stashbuster buddy. Set up a

sewing retreat to work specifically on those unfinished projects that use up your stash.

Need inspiration to get started? Check out Stashbusters online at www.stashbuster.org, an online group that shares goals and tips for using up that ever-growing collection of fabrics. Started as a Yahoo group, Stashbuster now has over 5,000 members with annual "no buy" challenges, stay-at-home retreats, and forums for members to share their goals and progress.

• One spin-off group, Stashbuster Fling It All (currently with 800 members), invites quilters to swap or give away their extra fabric, but you must be a member of Stashbuster to participate.

• Each year Stashbuster members may enter a UFO Challenge by sending in 2 fat quarters. Members report progress and then are entered into motivational drawings each quarter.

Plan to make 2014 YOUR year of the UFO. If you select “just one thing” to work on, you may surprise yourself with a finished project that will lead to another finished project. Start small. Set a deadline. And, decide what reward you will give yourself when you meet your goals. Maybe you’ll choose a trip to your favorite quilt shop or an upcoming quilt show.

Enjoying the results. Several quilters in our Thursday group contribut-ed fabric with an African theme to member Venita Aldrich. The result is a stunning and now finished quilt!

Lynda Burns, Venita Aldrich and Beth Camp are members of the Washington State Quilters - Spokane Chapter.


Missoula, Montana & Wyoming

Perfect the Art of Grilling Juicy, Tender Pork Chops

(Family Features) A recent survey by the Heart, Patio and Barbecue Association found that seven out of 10 home grillers consider themselves to be “better than average” at grilling. With warmer weather on the hori-zon, there’s no better time to put your skills to the test and perfect the art of pork chops on the grill. An incredibly flavorful, juicy and tender choice, pork chops – with cuts like Porterhouse, Ribeye and New York – are perfect for casual backyard entertaining and easy family dinners alike.

Tips for Tender ChopsMastering grilled pork chops is easy no matter your skill on the grill. It’s

all about selecting the right recipe, preparing the grill correctly and grill-ing your pork chops like a steak using a digital thermometer to ensure the proper range of doneness – between 145°F (medium rare), followed by a three-minute rest and 160°F (medium). To prep your grill:

• Arrange hot coals evenly on the fire grate of the grill or use all gas burners on medium-hot heat

• Place pork directly above the heat source• Follow suggested cooking times – 3/4 inch chops should be cooked

for 8-9 minutes and 1 1/2 inch chops for 12-16 minutes -turning once during cooking

For a deliciously sweet and spicy recipe like Sweet Fire Pork Chops, sea-soned with hot chipotle chile, zesty orange, garlic and sweet honey – choose 3/4-inch Porterhouse (bone-in loin) chops to create your new favorite masterpiece. For a complete meal, serve them with a side of mashed sweet potatoes and sauteed green beans.

Visit www.PorkBeinspired.com to learn ways you can win with pork and to find more inspiring recipes that will keep your grill hot all summer long.

“Sweet Fire” Porterhouse Pork Chops

4 Porterhouse (bone-in loin) pork chops, about 3/4-inch thick

2 TBLS olive oil1 1/2 tsp ground chipotle chile1 1/2 tsp coarse salt

Grated zest of 1 large orange2 tsp garlic, minced1/3 cup honey

In a small bowl, stir oil, ground chipotle, salt, orange zest and garlic together into a paste. Using a rubber spatula, spread chipotle mixture over both sides of pork. Let stand for 15 to 30 minutes.

Prepare a medium-hot fire in grill. Place chops on grill and close lid. Grill over direct heat, turning once, about 4-5 minutes per side, until the internal temperature of the pork on a meat thermometer measures between 145°F (medium rare) and 160°F (medium). During the last 2 minutes, brush chops on both sides with honey. Remove from grill and let rest for 3 minutes. Yield: 4 servings


Kit ‘n Kaboodle Things to Consider Before Moving to the Country

Contemplating a move to the country? Moving is a big step, whether if it’s to another apartment, house, or to the country. Like any move, you need to consider the ram-ifications as much as possible before you re-locate. Why do you want to move to the country? Do you want to

farm and if so, as a hobby or as a fulltime job? Do you just want to have “five acres and a horse”, like so many people do? Do you plan on just living in the country or on becoming part of the community?

If you do not live alone, have you asked your family how they would feel about becoming rural residents? Would they mind the isolation? Can you make a living? Will you and/or your spouse have to work off the place? Are there good schools close by? Are your children youngsters or teenagers?

First you need to answer these questions and determine if the move will unite the family or if it will be an uphill battle. The life style changes may be more simple but not necessarily easier. Yet, you will learn how to do things you never imagined you would do, if for no other reason than you have never had the opportunity to do them. Can you and your family rise to the challenges?

For example, there is a vast difference in occasionally riding a friend’s horse and having full responsibility for one. There are feed bills, veterinary bills, equipment needs, perhaps riding lessons or the expense of a horse trainer. Money is pretty much the answer to these considerations. But time cannot be bought. The stalls have to be mucked out and the horse fed and ridden. These might sound like relaxing, interesting activities; you just need

to realize the horse represents everyday – not just weekend or when you feel like it – chores.

Consider a teenager or even a younger child who is below the age of employment and perhaps has no interest in sports or other activities. The chores they have may now consist of taking out the trash once or twice per week, making a bed, and emptying the dishwasher. What does such a teenager do with the balance of his or her free time? A move to the country might awaken an interest in some aspect of nature, such as gardening, domesticated or feral animals, rock collecting, fishing, or hunting. It is the opportunities

that are available in the country which create outlets of interest and open doors to unlimited possibilities.

The benefits of country life may outweigh living in town – or they may not. Thinking through the opportunities and the difficulties will allow you a smoother transition if you do make the move.

Peggy Sanders is a farm wife, nationally-awarded columnist and author. Please send her comments and questions about transitioning to the country at [email protected]. Sanders’ internet latchstring is out at peggysanders.com or [email protected].

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Become Inspired!Decorating, Entertaining and Living in the Early American Style Spring’s Spectacular Splendor

Each season in New England brings with it certain blessings and spring is no exception. With warmer temperatures coupled with longer days, we are naturally drawn to the out of doors.

Our decorating attention often shifts to cre-ating appealing settings to enjoy all season long. As spring unfolds before us, the landscape comes alive with vibrant green and blooming color. This new beauty often captivates us and we find ourselves inspired to capture its splendor at our own dwelling.

Parallel Traditions to the PastOne of the days I treasure most is the first day

I can happily work in my herb garden to see the perennials bursting forth. My garden of herbs contains a small, “clipping garden,” of cooking herbs just off the back step. Beyond the primitive picket fence are tall stands of red bee balm, purple anise hyssop, and silver king artemesia. Large field stone steps reach out to the back yard and nestled between the stepping stones are my plantings of thyme. After three years of having the handcraft-ed fence, herb garden and stone steps, it looks as if this setting was original to my 1830s home.

Symbols of SimplicityBeyond the herb garden, off the side of the

house, is my vegetable garden consisting of five handcrafted raised beds tucked beyond a wall of lilacs. Using weathered boards and primitive poles for the beans, we tried to replicate the look of an early garden. To enhance the primitive setting, I put a sturdy antique wheelbarrow back to use and often find that my early garden tools make my gardening easier.

A recent addition to my gardens is a sundial that we mounted on a natural stump. It is a sim-ple, accurate accent and it reminds me of the past. Other accents of simplicity include my woven bee skeps and a primitive feeder for the birds, crafted from weathered wood.

This year we feel doubly blessed for our long-awaited New England spring. The winter months were demanding ones and our hardy spirits were indeed tested. This spring plan to venture out of doors to enjoy the beauty of the season. Enhance your outdoor spaces with time-tested antiques and creative accents. As you build and nurture your outdoor space, you will no doubt feel inspired by the intrinsic reward of hard work and the beautiful wonder of simplicity.

For further information and inspirational photos Facebook us at Milltown Primitives. Annice Brad-ley Rockwell is an educator and owner of Pomfret Antiques. She is currently working on her book, New England Girl. [email protected] Robin Rock is the owner of Milltown Primitives. www.milltownprimitvesshop.com


Cheyenne & Sheridan, Wyoming

Bringing Indoor Comfort OutsideMake outdoor space an extension of your home

(Family Features) The arrival of summer, along with its sunny skies and beautiful weather, beckons homeowners to create a space to entertain guests and enjoy the great outdoors. Design an outdoor living room that merges style and function, and incorporates elements of indoor comfort.

Whether entertaining for two or 10, the warmer weather provides an abundance of opportunities to lounge in peaceful, open-air sur-roundings. New offerings in decor and design breathe indoor inspira-tion into your outdoor spaces, cre-ating a beautiful extension of your home for all to enjoy.

“It’s easier than ever to bring the comfort and style of your favorite indoor spaces into your porch, patio and other outdoor areas,” said Aimee Beatty, in-house stylist with Pier 1 Imports. “From comfy throw pillows to trendy rugs, colorful artwork and cheery curtains, new outdoor prod-ucts boast durability and so much style that your patio will be the neigh-borhood’s go-to summer hot spot.”

Beatty shares some of her stylish secrets to make your outdoor space an elegant living space worth sharing.Arrange away

Treat your outdoor area as you would your living room. If space is limited, use sectionals to create seating in whatever arrangement fits best. If there is more room, add an investment piece, such as the Echo Beach Dining Table from Pier 1 Imports. This high-quality piece is made from handcrafted, all-weather synthetic rattan and offers plenty of space to arrange chairs just as you would in your dining room. Finish the look by layering your favorite ac-cessories, such as handcrafted trays, detailed lanterns and a colorful floral arrangement to create a cheerful centerpiece that makes your guests feel welcome.Tie it all together

To let you in on a little secret — outdoor rugs tie everything togeth-er and really bring a space to life. Simply layer a rug, such as Pier 1 Imports’ chic Wavy Geo Rug, with a

beautiful seating collection, colorful cushions and pillows, and you’ve got an outdoor area that makes everyone comfortable and happy.Embrace the bold

Some might be afraid to create a statement outside because — it’s outside. But an outdoor living space lends itself to adventures with color and pattern, providing the oppor-tunity to be bold and to go beyond your comfort zone. When shopping for the outdoors, remember — any-thing goes.Make it uniquely yours

Mix and match with color and patterns, and personalize your space with accents such as outdoor art-work, planters, umbrellas and more. A smart combination of accessories really transforms an outdoor space from simple to fabulous. Be bright, all night

The sun may still be shining when the guests arrive, but you’ll need something to light up the night and keep the party going all evening

long. Create a delightful, welcoming atmosphere with a variety of outdoor lighting options, such as string lights, paper lanterns or floating LED can-dles placed around the patio. Fash-ion an elegant glow with lanterns in various sizes, such as the Scroll Trim Lanterns from Pier 1 Imports.Serve in style

Al fresco entertaining always focuses on food, drinks and friends. A self-service food station or bar enhances the casual tone, freeing guests to grab refreshments when-ever they please. This also allows you, the host, to focus on the fun at hand. Look for serving and drink carts that maximize space, such as the Rania Serving Cart from Pier 1 Imports, which has three levels so there’s plenty of room to stash an ice bucket, drink dispenser, snacks, lawn games and more.

So let the warmth of the season bring many memorable moments to your life and stylish elements into your outdoor spaces. For more great decorating ideas, visit www.pier1.com.


Devils Lake & Wishek, North Dakota • Story, Wyoming

Love of Junk, Walla Walla's Vintage Marketby Barbara Floyd

The Swenson Farm just on the outskirts of Walla Walla, complete with a big red barn, was the site of a busy Vintage Market in June of 2013. For two full days excited attendees came from all over Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Canada. Vendors were mainly from Washing-ton, Oregon and one even came from Arizona. Family help came from as far away as Georgia and included my daughter Barbie Skalleberg and two granddaughters, Hannah (17) and Olivia (6).

Hannah designed the events poster last year and is in the process of designing this years. She also had a booth with make and take visual journaling projects and she elected to have her senior portraits taken at Love of Junk towards the close of the second day. Shannon from Foto Novella (www.fotonovella.net) from Hermiston, OR was there to work her magic. So, when the rest of the crew was completely done for the day, Hannah and her cousin Lexi Swenson (16) were setting up a vintage tent in a scenic spot close to the farm and the pho-to shot continued.

This year excitement is running even higher for this Vintage Market in one of Washington's destination cities. It is a busy time of the year in Walla Walla with all the college graduations and the wineries plus other events. Lodging best be reserved in advance and it is a great time to try a bed and

breakfast or one of the many vacation rentals that are so popular in the quaint historic city.

News has spread about last years show so all of the indoor vendor spaces were filled by the middle of January, and there were more outdoor vendors, more vintage boutique trailer vendors, more campers and more food booths than last year as of March 15 with more inquires week-ly. That is a lot of "mores" and we suspect a lot more attendees.

There is a $5 entry fee and children 12 and under are free. Don't worry, you won't feel claus-trophobic...it is a farm...with lots of level green grass and adequate parking. The Blue Mountains

make a great backdrop to the setting and picnic tables with benches under large shade trees will give you a spot to enjoy the various food choices. The dates for this years show are Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14. Hours Friday will be 9-5 and Saturday 9-3.

The barn will house on-going demos of Annie Sloan Chalk paint and the large metal building next to it will have a large array of vintage ven-dors. The outdoor vendors are close by. Come and spend a day or two with us on the farm.

For more information go to Facebook and like and share posts from Love of Junk, Walla Walla's Vintage Market. Our web site is www.loveofjunk.com and contact is Barbara Floyd, [email protected].

Like The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains on Facebook!


Huron & Central SD, South Dakota

100 Mile Route Promises Unique Finds in JuneFrom antiques to dolls, assorted treasures to be found

Mark your calendars! Scavenger’s Journey is coming back to Central South Dakota for its third year. The 2014 Journey will be held June 20-22. Participating communities on the nearly 100 mile route along old US Hwy 16 include Plankinton, White Lake, Kimball, Pukwana, Chamberlain, Oacoma, Reliance and Presho. The towns will showcase their unique business districts, host city-wide garage sales, organized flea markets, food fairs, and farmer’s markets.

Scavenger’s Journey is the perfect opportunity for people from all over the country to explore beautiful central South Dakota and spend a long

weekend shopping for unique finds old and new as well as sightseeing and sampling what the com-munities have to offer. In 2013 an estimated 2500 shoppers traveled the Scavenger’s Journey route in search of great deals in new and used, cherished and abused – everything from antiques and items that bring back childhood memories to historical items, garden supplies, books, coins, car parts, jewelry, furniture, architectural salvage, primi-tives, dolls, guns, clothing, cream cans, tractors, toys, and the list goes on and on! Many shoppers don’t know what they are looking for until they see “IT”.

A guidebook containing maps of the partic-ipating communities showing where the garage sales, flea markets and participating specialty shops and businesses are located will be available prior to the event.

Mail order for the guidebooks will be available by calling Old West Trading Post at 605-734-0770. Shoppers planning ahead can also find a list of sponsoring lodging establishments and camp-grounds on the website www.scavengersjourney.com. The website and the Scavenger’s Journey Facebook page contain lots of information about the event as well as pictures from previous years and updates about what will be happening in 2014.

Parties interested in selling during the Scaven-ger’s Journey either by having a garage sale, or by setting up at an organized flea market should not delay. The deadline to appear in the guidebook is May 17. Registration forms and contact infor-mation for each community can be found on the website or by calling Greg and Melanie at 605-234-4167 or Stephanie at 605-380-9486.


North Country Fiber FairSeptember 19th - 21st, 2014

Codington Co. Expo Building, Watertown, SD40+ Vendors*40+ Classes*Demos*Fiber Sandwhich

Spinning & Fiber Circle*Fashion Show*Goat ShowSpinning Wheel Raffle*Free Admission & Parking

Find us on Facebook or visitwww.northcountryfiberfair.org

Prize

Winner

Ramona LeBeau, Sturgis, SD won a $25 gift certificate to her favorite shop – Quilt Tiques, Rapid City, SD.

To enter the next drawing, fill out the form on page 14 or visit www.chickencreek.net.

Chamberlain & Watertown, South Dakota

Finishing Another Woman’s Quilt Before her mind dissolved into dementia, Imogene had been hand-piecing the blocks for a Stars and Flowers quilt. I found the blocks in a drawer after her death. Finishing another woman’s quilt left unfinished after her death is a traditional task that many have undertaken, but pastels are not for me. I chose a midnight blue cotton. “She must have been watching over your shoulder,” said my sister when she saw the finished quilt. –Writing Her Own Life, Mary Clearman Blew

Finishing another woman’s quilt can be rewarding, but it can be trou-blesome. The act forces us to ponder the life and death of the woman who started it. This can be emotional, each stitch brings healing – or sometimes more questions.

I am working on my first quilt of this type, but my blocks are a mystery. My grandma gave me the blocks at Thanksgiving. She bought them at an auction, but for many years she was unsure how to use the elongated hexa-gon shape. We presume that the woman who started them is deceased. Mary Clearman Blew worked to finish her aunt’s Stars and Flowers quilt. She knew about her aunt’s life and the blocks. Yet, I’m working to finish a nameless quilt with uncommon blocks from an unknown woman.

Oh, but I’ve learned something about the quilter. She probably lived in Missouri, that’s where my grandma picked up the blocks. She pieced these blocks by machine. On a few, her tension was set far too loose. She was fru-gal, piecing with scraps. She lived in the era of feed sack prints and hand-made clothing, or else she wouldn’t have had so many tiny, varied pieces.

I’ve learned about community while working on this quilt. Already, more than 20 women have helped me finish it. My grandmother’s curiosi-ty about the woman’s blocks was passed onto me. Next, the women of my quilt guild joined the process. They knew exactly what needed to be done to the long hexagon shape. I simply needed to add triangles in each corner to make a rectangle. One member even sent me a photo of a suggested layout. At a quilt shop, a woman helped me select a vintage color to tie together the rainbow of scraps.

When I finally stepped into my sewing room, I had the blocks, one yard of cheddar yellow fabric, and a picture of a final layout. But, I wasn’t working on this quilt alone. My heart was full of gratitude. Women and their quilts can form a strong community, which transcends time, place, and trials. I’ll never worry about what blocks I leave unfinished at my death; another quil-ter will pick up where I leave off.

Sierra Shea calls herself a “Modern Day Laura Ingalls Wilder” because of her new lifestyle in South Dakota as a farmer’s wife, quilter and writer. Read more on Sierra’s blog at www.sierrashea.com.

The woman who started the quilt must have lived in the era of feed sack prints and handmade clothing, or else she wouldn’t have had so many tiny, varied pieces.


Dell Rapids, Faulkton & Pierre, South Dakota

Fiber Arts Festival Takes Place in June

‘Art in the Barn’ in Sheep Capitol

The 4th Annual Art in the Barn Fleece and Fiber Arts Festival will be held on June 20-21, 2014 at the Newell Rodeo Grounds & Ram Show Building in Newell, SD, the Sheep Capitol of the World.

The Festival will feature fleece, fi-ber and sheep competitions, sheepdog trails, kids events and classes, art and craft booths, fiber and equipment, soaps, candles and gifts of all kinds.

The festival began in 2011 as a small festival in conjunction with the Newell Ram Show and Sale as a way to connect producers and artists. In its fourth year, the festival has grown exponentially, complete with ven-

dors, classes and competitions. The event is free to everyone. For more information about the festival or to become a vendor, contact

Barb Uhrig at 605-456-2802 or PO Box 444, Newell, SD 57760. More infor-mation can be found at www.newellramsale.com/Art_in_the_Barn.html.


Custer, Hot Springs, Rapid City & Wall, South Dakota

Black Hills Quilt Show Coming in June Quilts of every size and description will de-

light visitors in the 40th Annual Black Hills Quilt Show and Sale, set for June 13, 14 and 15 in Rapid City, SD. The Black Hills Quilters Guild presents the show every June to showcase creations by its members and other quilters around the region. The show, one of the largest in the Dakotas with over 400 quilts, is a colorful feast for the eyes. Viewing each quilt on its own reveals the care, creativity and workmanship quilters put into their fabric art. It can be appreciated not only by quilters, but also by anyone who enjoys looking at beautiful things.

Quilted work can be entered in both judged and non-judged categories. Art quilts, pillows, garments and other items stitched with three layers are eligible. The fee for a judged entry is $10 for BHQG members and $15 for non-mem-bers. The registration deadline is Tuesday, May 13, 2014. Registration forms are available on our website at www.bhquilters.org.

King-size bed covers, intricate miniatures and everything in between will be on display at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 444 Mt. Rush-more Road N. Along with the competition quilts, visitors will see a variety of special quilt displays. To celebrate the 40th anniversary the show will feature 28 of the 40 Best of Show quilts from past shows. “At the End of Life: Hospice Patients Teach us How to Live” is a special display of quilts

from a hospice nurse. Other displays include Friendship Quilts, Caring Heart Quilts, Thinking of You blocks, and special guild fabric challenges.

Shopping and demonstrations will be part of the show. New vendors, in addition to old favor-ites, will offer fabrics, embellishments, patterns, books and more. A Country Store will offer guild members’ hand-made creations for sale. Project Warmth, the charity outreach division of the quil-ters’ guild, will sell baby quilts and larger quilts, as well as smaller items, to raise money for its work. In the past year, guild members have made more than 300 quilts for hospitalized children, the Black Hills Children’s Home, the battered wom-en’s shelter, families who have lost their homes to fire, and more.

“Black Hills Jewels,” the hand appliquéd, machine quilted raffle quilt, will be awarded on Sunday. There will also be a raffle basket featuring a wide assortment of fabrics, notions, and many other extras.

Certified AQS appraiser, Jan Sears, will be available Thursday and Friday for written and verbal appraisals on old and new quilts. There is a fee for the appraisal. Drop-ins are welcome, or you can make a reservation by calling Gywnn at (605) 431-2519.

Each year at the show a silent auction raises thousands of dollars for Hospice House of the Black Hills. The bidding sheets for the handmade

little quilts and quilted objects, from true min-iatures to table runners and some unique items, are put out on Friday with the bidding ending on Sunday.

Quilt show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Ad-mission is $5 per day. Parking at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center is free. For more information on the quilt show, please go to www.bhquilters.org, Quilt Show page.

The 2014 raffle quilt, “Black Hills Jewels,” will be awarded on Sunday, June 15.


Win a $25 Gift Certificate!The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains is giving

away a $25 Gift Certificate to be used at YOUR FAVORITE SHOP!

Just fill out this form and send it to:

May-June 2014 EntryOR visit www.chickencreek.net, click on The Country Register to sign up online

Name ________________________________________________________

Phone _______________________________________________________

Email _______________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________

City ____________________________ State ____________ Zip _________

Favorite Shop Advertised ___________________________________________

This is My Favorite Shop Because _____________________________________

My Favorite Feature(s) of The Country Register ___________________________

Found This Issue At ______________________________________________

Are You a: n Regular Reader or n First Time Reader

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

____________________________________________________________

Entries received by April 7, 2013, with all questions answered will qualify for the drawing. One gift certificate is given away each issue.

The Country Register132 W. Hudson StreetSpearfish, SD 57783

Advertiser Directory by CommunityBozeman, Great Falls & Townsend, Montana .................................................. 2Ennis & Sidney, Montana .................................................................................... 4Missoula, Montana & Wyoming ........................................................................ 5Cheyenne & Sheridan, Wyoming ....................................................................... 8Devil’s Lake & Wishek, North Dakota • Story, Wyoming ............................... 9Huron & Central SD, South Dakota ..............................................................10Chamberlain & Watertown, South Dakota .....................................................11Dell Rapids, Faulkton & Pierre, South Dakota ..............................................12Custer, Hot Springs, Rapid City & Wall, South Dakota ................................13Edgemont, Hot Springs & Rapid City, South Dakota ................................................15Hill City, Spearfish & Belle Fourche, South Dakota.......................................16

Advertiser Directory by Name Always Your Design, Dell Rapids, SD .............................................................. 12Black Hills Quilt Show, Rapid City, SD ........................................................... 15Black Hills Visitor Center, Rapid City, SD ...................................................... 13Creative Closet, Townsend, MT ......................................................................... 2Dakota Quilt Company, Spearfish, SD ............................................................ 16Fall River Fibers, Hot Springs, SD .................................................................... 15Flip-Side Fabrics, Sidney, MT ............................................................................. 4Heartsong Quilts, Hot Springs ,SD .................................................................. 13Hill City Mercantile, Hill City, SD .................................................................... 16Knothole, Spearfish, SD ..................................................................................... 16North Country Fiber Fair, Watertown, SD ..................................................... 11Nuts & Bolts Fabric Shop, Edgemont, SD ....................................................... 15Oak by Amish, Chamberlain, SD ..................................................................... 11Pinewood Cottage, Story, WY ............................................................................ 9Quilt Connection, Rapid City, SD .................................................................... 15Quilt Essential, Devils Lake, ND ........................................................................ 9Quilt-Tiques, Rapid City, SD ............................................................................ 15Quilter’s Corner, Faulkton, SD.......................................................................... 12Quilting in the Country, Bozeman, MT ............................................................ 2Rubber Stamp Events, MN ................................................................................ 10Rumple Quiltskin, Wishek, ND .......................................................................... 9Scavenger’s Journey, SD ..................................................................................... 10South Dakota Quilter’s Guild, SD .................................................................... 10Stitches That Bind, Ennis, MT ............................................................................ 4The Fiber House, Sheridan, WY ......................................................................... 8The Quilt Yard, Pierre, SD ................................................................................. 12The Quilt-A-Way, Great Falls, MT ..................................................................... 2The Quilted Corner, Cheyenne, WY .................................................................. 8The Quilter’s Fix, Sheridan, WY ......................................................................... 8The Quilter’s Nook, Custer, SD ......................................................................... 13Things That Rock, Hill City, SD ........................................................................ 16Tri-State Bakery, Belle Fourche, SD ................................................................. 16Vicki’s Quilts Down Under, Missoula, MT ....................................................... 5Wall Drug, Wall, SD ........................................................................................... 13Wyoming State Shop Hop, WY .......................................................................... 5

Upcoming Area EventsMontana Big Sky Shop Hop April 25-May10

Wyoming WY State Shop Hop June 1-Aug 31

Rapid City, SD Black Hills Quilt Show June 13-15

Central SD Scavenger’s Journey June 20-22

Watertown, SD North Country Fiber Fair Sept 19-21

Huron, SD Fall Quilt Retreat Sept 26-28


Edgemont, Hot Springs & Rapid City, South Dakota


Hill City, Spearfish & Belle Fourche, South Dakota

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may/june 2014 – country register of the northern rockies & great plains

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