This is the 30th Anniversary issue – very special for us having had one of our quilts in the very first issue.

Thank you for all the support for our 30 years of quilting love. We became better known that we ever dreamed! It was never out intent – we both just loved to sew and make quilts and we made hundreds. Sadly when we closed the shop in 2014 we had no idea we’d still be in contact with so many past customers as well as many new blog readers so we sold those hundreds of quilts. So many times I’ve needed to refer to a quilt and it’s no longer here. Bummer.
Thanks for staying in touch and leaving your comments for all the readers to enjoy. You make my day!
P.S. I started the Rug Along yesterday. Remember to save these posts for future reference – they will not be posted again.

Mary,
Sorry to say I didn’t visit your store until it was about the time you decided to close. So I’m very happy you now blog and share so many photos and memories of the time you had the store with Connie. I don’t comment very often but know I read and enjoy all your posts and stories!! Thanks from a fellow Iowan!!
I missed beginning info about Rug Along, but want to make these. Is there a book, etc? I love them. FYI: I picked you up at the airport years ago when we attended Jane Quinn’s one day outdoor quilt show in Bozeman. My name has been changed, although I am no longer innocent…I love your site and all that you, Mary!! I have two precious rescues, Sable Ann and Sadie Sue and love my little girl critters.
Twined rugs are made on a simple frame that is made the actual size of the finished rug.
Twining starts at both ends and finishes in the middle.
Technique was taught to Mary by Rosa Smith in Britt, IA
Placemat frame requires 3/4+ yd. fabric cut into 2” strips.
$22 cash or check only for book and DVD. Includes shipping.
Email hazel2020@gmail.com
Li- thank you! You’re hired as my administrative assistant! 😊
You’re a busy woman, Mary. There are books and DVD’s to help these rug makers. Destashing is my thing.
Li – I am trying to use fabric, too! Right now I’m using 3 – 3-1/2” strips of 15 different fabrics which pretty much uses up my half yards with a bit left to go to Junkin Gal.
Li – I meant to ask if you’ve made a twined rug before – it sounds like you have!
Correction maryehazel2020@gmail.com
Love keeping in touch. You have touched our lives more than you realize. It’s good to keep those connections.
Anxiously awaiting my American Patchwork & Quilting Podcast scene it’s the only magazine I’ve subscribed to from the beginning, and still have all my copies. In fact, the plaid pattern that you made, and had published there. It was one of my first quilts, and it was kind of a mistake because it wasn’t that easy, but it looks very much like yours and I love it.
That should be magazine, not podcast scene!
I’m typing by voice because I fell and sprained my wrist and it’s just a whole lot easier I’m glad I discovered it.
My copy arrived yesterday and I turned to the last page first! What a tribute. My days are always brighter when your email pops up, and I am sure all the blog followers feel the same way.
I’m so grateful this blog is still going! It feels like a visit to the farm each time I open it and see your pictures!
It’s community that’s hard to find these days.
We are finally creeping up above freezing here. It has been a long, cold winter, and according to Puxatawny Phil, we’ve got six more weeks to get through yet. I’m looking for a pattern to use for fabric I bought a couple of years ago. New project ahead!!
I would like to order the rug book. Remind me of the price…..
Twined rugs are made on a simple frame that is made the actual size of the finished rug.
Twining starts at both ends and finishes in the middle.
technique was taught to Mary by Rosa Smith in Britt, IA
Placemat frame requires 3/4+ yd. fabric cut into 2” strips.
$22 cash or check only for book and DVD. Includes shipping.
Email hazel2020@gmail.com
My husband made me a rug loom based on the book and accompanying DVD years ago now. It has set in my sewing room in the corner unused, sadly. I look at the rugs you seem to make so effortlessly, and feel guilty! I have many of your patterns and quite a lot of fabric from one of your last sales, maybe the last one. Always enjoyed your shop(s) and the barn loft, your gardens, and interesting flower beds, the goats and your menagerie, especially the pups. Be well. BTW, I miss the Goat Gazette with all the quips and recipes, too. I am thankful that your blog continues. Stay warm and well. And thanks!!
I copied my husband on your blue print however requesting a bigger loom. Thanks so much. All of his former executive shirts will be recycled and given to the kids. I have used them for quilts but don’t care for the different feel of them.
Holly – what a great idea for your kids to have a rug made from Dad’s shirts!
Happy 30 th Anniversary from Honolulu Hawaii.
So happy to know you from the very beginning when we had an all night quilt along in your original chicken coop.
There are chickens roaming free here and yesterday I saw a hen spreading her wings over her many- maybe 10 chicks.
May you have as many more years doing quilts and rugs and patterns as you wish. I like my rugs.
Congratulations Mary and Connie on longevity! Have loved your patterns, and both of you guys, for probably close to those 30 years! Keep it going!
Congrats Mary and Connie. I was fortunate enough to visit Country Threads shop in both 2012 and 2014; it was wonderful!! You graciously received us for a morning visit on your lovely porch last summer when we were camped on Clear Lake on our way further west. 🤗
Thanks so much for all you do, Mary. 🥰
Jeanie – hope this finds you both well! I know it’s cold there, too!
Happy Anniversary to American Patchwork and Quilting! That’s a long time to be in business! So sad to hear Martingale Press is shutting down.
Happy anniversary! I have many of your early books and patterns . One of the first I bought was “wear Warm Clothes” probably early ‘90s ? Who knew I’d be moving from Indiana to Alaska then 🤣. When we were packing to move , I gave many books and magazines to the library and other quilting friends , but I moved every single Country Threads book and pattern up here with me !
Chris in Alaska – moving all your Country Threads books and patterns with you is an extremely special compliment! Thank you!
Congratulations Mary and Connie.
Mary, your blog posting if finally the way you always wanted it. Just the best presentation. Your pictures of quilts are just beautiful.
Can’t wait to buy the magazine.
Blessings in the future.
Lee
Lee – we go way back, don’t we?