In late 2007 I happened to be the one answering the phone in the quilt shop. The caller identified herself as Frances Bailey from Country Living Magazine. Haha – Country Living was our gold standard for just about everything we loved. I did not believe her but she insisted she was for real.
We had been chosen by the magazine as a top 10 entrepreneur in the United States. You’re kidding! Nope, they had obtained a copy of the Goat Gazette at the most recent Country Living Fair we vended at in Columbus, OH and were impressed by our policy for our beginning quilting classes.
Beginning Quilting – an introduction to this great hobby but how does anyone know if they’ll like it or not. For the class each student needed a rotary cutter, ruler and board plus a sewing machine. What young woman can spend that kind of money to take a class in something they may not even like in the end?
So….we loaned them equipment. If they enjoyed the class we gave them a steep discount on all supplies other than a machine.
And that’s something else I’d like to address. A beginning sewer will get discouraged very quickly if the bobbin gets jammed, the needle breaks, the tension is screwed up and a cheap machine will give them all of that. If anyone needed a reliable foolproof sewing machine, it’s a beginner. What beginner would/could buy a Bernina machine that would be so easy to learn on? That would be foolish. So we loaned our machines to the students.
And that’s what impressed Country Living Magazine so much they made us an Entrepreneur of the Year. In March of 2008 all 10 entrepreneurs were brought to Chicago to receive the honor. Whoa!!! There was a banquet, a breakfast, a Lunch With A Leader (the editor of the magazine) and a panel discussion.
Shortly after we were asked to design a quilt for Country Living’s 30th Anniversary and yes, that’s when we designed 30 Stars.
Here it is in the October 2008 issue.
I believe we entered a vocal agreement to make two quilts a year for the magazine and make the kits available. Honestly, we were on top of the world! I had loved Country Living Magazine since the first issue and had every single copy ever published saved in my upstairs. I’m not sure I had ever been so excited about anything.
And then the bottom fell out. The magazine was sold and it’s never been the same since. If you were a long time subscriber you’ll know what I mean. Our quilt agreement was with the previous owner and if you ever thought about it, quilts were never shown again in those beautifully decorated rooms in the following issues. “Country” fell out of favor and everything changed – now it was clean lines, minimalist decorating, no collecting and in our eyes, no fun.
From very high to very low – it was so sad because we had been so flattered and were now so defeated because our big plans fell through.
This big event is all I’m going to talk about tonight. Except for this – is this the quilt several have asked about? I can’t understand and if this is not it, you must take a screen shot and send me. I’m not going to keep guessing. My spacing is NOT the same as what you’re seeing.
Just watched Iowa State barely beat Houston – what a game!
Hi Mary,
I remember going to one of the County Living fairs in Ohio. My best friend, who lived in NY, and me in Wisconsin, met there specifically to find your booth and spend the weekend sewing.
Elizabeth – this is so touching I could cry! The Country Living Fairs were something else, weren’t they? I have many things in my home that came home with me that I still love today.
I was admiring that quilt on the cover as well so I will be sending $5 and SASE to get the pattern. I LOVED Country Living until it changed. I was read it from cover to cover and admire every picture. I bought the kit for 30 stars when I saw it in the magazine. I entered the finished quilt in the. Iowa State Fair (my first ever entry) and I got third place so I was quite happy!! When I first started quilting a friend of mine took me to your shop and I always loved to go there. I was there for your “closing” sale and was so excited to see Lynnette Jensen of Thimbleberries fame there that day. I was fan girling big time. Love your blog and have loved your history on how you and Connie got started. Quilting and quilt shops have changed so much the past several years and I’m not a real fan of all the bright modern fabrics.
I’m really enjoying your backstory! Yes, I remember when Country Living changed and it was such a disappointment. I didn’t know why until reading this post, but I stopped subscribing. This question isn’t about the shop or business, but would you mind telling us what brought you to Garner, where you were coming from and why did you and your then husband pick that location? And, like your neighbors, I’m wondering why you picked that property on the improbably named Palm Avenue, when the house was such a wreck. It looked like it hadn’t been lived in for forty years. What a huge job it was to tackle that, I can’t even imagine. My husband and I bought an old country house that took ten years to renovate and we didn’t do nearly as much as you did.
Holly – yes, I’ll be happy to write that!
Thank you!
Mary I also used to subscribe to Country Living and that magazine issue is what introduced me to you and Connie and Country Threads. I ordered the pattern for 30 stars. I haven’t made it yet but I will. At the same time I subscribed to the Goat Gazette and was surprised when you would mail it to Canada. I have ordered a few other patterns from you over the years and bought at least three of your books.
I too became very disappointed in Country Living magazine and stopped subscribing. I don’t know when the magazine first started, but I think that is when I started reading it.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful story of the quilt shop. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Teresa – I’ll show you the first few issues
So much fun to read! Plus, you sure are right about beginning quilters getting discouraged using a cheaply made machine. That almost happened to me. I had a very cheap one when I first started sewing and I remember how depressed I got. Then, we purchased a then, top of the line, Vikking. Wow! And, I just loved it. I made clothing then, not quilts. I made things for all three kids and myself. Knits were very popular then and my kids had lots of T-shirts. Ha! Later I discovered quilting and never looked back. YOu and Connie must have been such cute ladies at the Country Living Entepreneur event. Way to GO! I only wish that I had been able to visit your shop back then. I would have loved it so much.
Sue – so you didn’t give up even when you had to start with a bad machine – it really makes a difference! And when students brought machines I wasn’t familiar with, I could not help them – very frustrating for all. When they signed up for Beg Q we gave them strict notice to be familiar with their machine and don’t forget any parts!!! You have no idea how many showed up without the foot control!
yes love that pattern, can we order it?
Yes, Oh Behalf of Chickens cover quilt – $5 and SASE
Mary…is the cover quilt pattern also in the On Behalf of Chickens quilt book? I have the book and looks to be same pattern featured on cover.
Those patterns just live on!!
Nancy – if you have the book, on page 5 it says Chicken Tracks pictured on cover. You don’t really think we’d put a quilt on the cover and not include the pattern????
Martha – yes!
Congrats to Iowa State! Good game!
I have the pattern and this magazine issue AND the kit! I still enjoy looking at all three so much that I never made the quilt! Too much fun to anticipate!!! Keep ‘em coming!!
Now I am really impressed! Love the read this morning.
Mary, thank you for the “rest of the story” about Country Living and Country Threads. I had quit taking magazines in the late 80’s and 90’s when we had two kids in college. We both worked three jobs, we were teachers, in order to pay for it. I agree that Country Living really changed. Do you remember what was your last year at the Country Living Fair? I think that is when I met you and Connie.
Our snow is almost all melted and it is going to be in the 40’s, 50’s , and 60’s this week:)
Diane – I’m not really sure – maybe 2010?
That sounds about right. It still amazes me that Garner did not do anything about your shop being such an addition to the economy and the “city” or town. And, to ignore it after you are on a National magazine that probably was world wide as well is strange. I am still happy you and Connie had such a successful run and did so much. I am only sorry I never made it to see the shop. However, I did order quite a few things:) The lady who took the orders was awesome!!! Fun memories.
Diane – we probably walked right by each other that year at the Ohio Country Living fair. We looked like Noah’s Ark going there…..one daughter, one son and daughter in law, two dogs and a cat plus us all in our motor home. Worked out good for bringing home everyone’s purchases. We love that the fairgrounds allowed campers during the show so we parked with the vendors and were so exhausted at night from all the walking, lectures and activities they offered.
Hi Kathy,
That is funny about how many of you and with pets there were.
We live just about 45 minutes from where the show was held! Small world. I went several different years depending on schedule. It was a really neat show. I think they still have it in some states. I will check.
Mary,
Wow, just wow on the fun history and pictures you’ve been sharing. Thank you!
The 30 stars quilt continues to be one of my favorites.
The Iowa State vs Houston game was so close and fun to watch. The Duke game not so much! Michigan plays Duke Saturday. I hope it’s a good game. Really looking forward to March Madness!
My neighbor dog, Scotch, went home Sunday night and the house is lonely! But, Biscuit and I went on a walk already this morning. My neighbors came over with Scotch and their 3 year old daughter to see the chicken’s yesterday. She always wants to pet a red one and a white one ( she thinks it’s old but just different coloring). She was wearing light colored pink pants with hearts all over them and a shirt with a big valentine heart on it. With the sunny weather and snow melting the last few days, the coop area is really muddy. Needless to say, SHE was really muddy when she went home! But she was very happy.
Hope everyone has a nice day! 🌻
Yes!! Mary, that is the quilt I’m admiring. It looks like it is the cover for your first book—wow! I’m sending off orders for Spring Is Here and Thirty Stars. If the cover pattern is also available I will be so happy! I’m very sorry I didn’t check back on the blog yesterday to answer your question, I was focusing on house cleaning which wiped me out. Ugh.
Roxanne – I can copy it for you – $5 and SASE
You are awesome! Thank you!
Mary, you and Connie and all your patterns care “timeless classics”. Your patterns are just as wonderful today as they were the day you published them.
I bought the fall issue of Country Living last year. It reminded me of the original issues. My sister and I share the issues. I like the section of houses for sale, what’s it worth, and trying to find the horseshoe.
I’m very much enjoying your history, it is fascinating. I am feeling your thrill about being chosen as entrepreneurs and your experiences with Country Living.
I was fully in love with Country Living from 2000-2005 while we lived “in the country”, and the magazines really inspired me in my decorating. We moved to town in 2005 but I kept my subscription – they were like $12/year! I noticed the change you mentioned, and yes, they were never the same again. IMO they could have stayed wildly popular and flourished if they had embraced quilting.
Linda – the issues kept getting thinner and thinner – not a quilt in sight. They made a mistake, IMO
Mary it might be time for another 30 stars quilt show sent in by your readers. I remember some were made with different colors than yours and were just as striking. With new readers the various quilt shows from your dedicated followers are worth repeating. I never tire of seeing anyone’s quilts and their stories behind them. It’s always fascinated me about quilting……there’s a reason we cut up fabric and put it back together into a design and color we like to see.
Kathy – good idea!!! I’ll jot it down so I can call for them. Just one more installment to our story and then back to normal.
Thanks for sharing the history of Country Threads, I have really enjoyed reading it!
I love reading all your history! Wish I could have visited when the shop was open but it just wasn’t in the cards. I used to love Country Living but… I guess things change but I still love “country” decorating and antiques.
Always loved your patterns, fabric, retreats and the shop. I have wonderful memories of sewing in the barn and all the animals. Remember Will?
Jackie – OMG – no, I don’t remember Will. Please tell me
I loved hearing the “Huge Break” story and the history of your Thirty Stars quilt.I, too, lost interest in Country Living magazine. Eventually, I stopped my subscription.
I loved Country Living! I was a young wife/mother and just loved their decorating and antiques. I so looked forward to my evenings, after the day was done and everyone was settled in I would curl up on the couch and comb through the latest issue of Country Living.
I remember being so excited seeing your Thirty Stars in their magazine. I was already a fan of Country Threads. So of course I bought the pattern. And then just like that the magazine changed. I was so disappointed. I have continued to buy it through the years but it is nothing like it use to be. It’s been a fun trip down memory lane. Thanks for sharing ♥️
The 30 stars beautiful quilt! Seen it made in Shipawenia at BnB. One would love to make it, not sure if I have magazine for instructions. Yes I notice the difference with new people.
Mary – we sell the pattern for $5
It was a very exciting game!
Patty – was it ever an exciting game!!!! Whew!!
Yes, Country Living left all of us feeling betrayed. But look what you continue to do daily, inspire quilting, care and love of home and hearth, nurture your four legged friends, care for your friends and neighbors, and write your blog for all of us! Thanks for the keeping us all entertained and hungry for more.
Is your fabulous quilt 30 Stars for 30Years available as a pattern any longer.? I’d love to be able to purchase a signed copy from you! I was lucky enough to stop on a detour from NE to northern MN many years ago when I was a beginning quilter. It was a giant highlight in my quilting journey at that time!
Thanks, Meylonie
Melonie – yes! You can buy 30 Stars for $5 and a SASE – signed, huh? That’s a first!
Please keep going on your history – it’s fascinating! And I want to make 30 stars. Like I need another project ….