A Visit to Country Threads in Garner, Iowa

When I enter the gate for Country Threads, I feel like I am entering another world. 

A world of beauty and inspiration around every corner.

A world that I don't want to leave

Both of my visits have occurred in the fall, but I think it would be beautiful in any season.

Quilts and cats at each turn

Ever so peaceful.

Mary, one of the owners of Country Threads, who also lives on the property, is such a kind soul. 

Bittersweet Sister, Nicki, arranged with Mary to give us a tour of her recently remodeled home!

Thank you so much Mary for being so kind and giving us this glimpse of your gorgeous home!

A beautiful stone fireplace and the sweetest dog.

A wonderful and unique use for old greenhouse windows.

Don't you love this wonderful cabinet of ironstone?!

And wonderful antique sewing tools.

I love this cabinet of antique pincushions.

I fell in love with Ernie. Look at the size of those wonderful paws! He is at least twice the size of our sweet Orion :)

Mary even let us see her sewing room - where so many wonderful quilts are created.

We were so sorry that Nicki couldn't join us.

These antique quilt templates are so wonderful, think of the stories that they could tell.

We even made the Country Threads blog and felt like stars lol.

When Mary heard that I was hosting a giveaway here on my blog celebrating the trip, she put together a wonderful and generous goodie bag - Country Threads "Back to Charm School" book, not one but two different Goat Gazette cookbooks, Heirloom Mallow Seeds from the farm, and lovely notecards and Country Threads pencils too! Wow! the giveaway gift bag is filling up.

Thank you Mary ever so much for your generosity and kindness!

We had such a very special visit! 

After our visit, we headed to Nicki's house for dinner and to talk about the special day.

These beautiful flowers were blooming in front of Nicki's lovely home, but I forgot to ask what they are... Hey Nicki, can you tell me the name of these beauties???

And look at this beautiful wall in Nicki's hallway featuring not one, but two Maggie Bonanomi Club pieces from Country Sampler.

Another lovely special day in Iowa!

For all those that have asked about my new shoes:

The button clogs are by Think! of Austria. Unfortunately they are from last year's collection and are no longer available. Maybe you could get lucky on ebay?

The boiled wool slippers are by Haflinger of Germany.

My husband thinks they both look like old lady shoes. 

I'm glad that someone else appreciates them as I do lol!

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

~Psalm 51:12

Blessings, Patti

Saint Ansgar

 

The morning after our arrival, the Bittersweet Sisters took a trip to a new destination for us,

Saint Ansgar, Iowa.

 



 

Immediately upon arriving, we were beckoned into a little alley that was so welcoming.

I think the sign should have read no garden gnome on duty ;)

 

I would have loved to find a little bench to sit and stitch here.

 

For such a tiny space the meandering path was very endearing.

But the stores were calling us and it was time to shop.

 

 

Home Sweet Home has such unique home décor and fashions.

 

Then we saw another little interesting alley that hinted at treasures to be found within.

 

A wonderful chockfull antique store. I would stand in one place and just pivot around trying to take it all in...

 

 These are the treasures that went home with me:

 

 

Including an instant collection of Gurley turkey candles ;)

See the tiny vial of small antique mother of pearl buttons in the center of the photo?

Well there is a second vial to be included in my giveaway at the end of the journey.

 

After all that shopping, it was time for lunch.

Our Bittersweet Sister, Nicki, arranged for us to have lunch at the sweetest bed & breakfast.

We were so sorry that Nicki was unable to join us!

 

Isn't it lovely?

 

I usually don't photograph a meal as I want to eat right away, but look at this!

Isn't it pretty?



 

And here is my cottage pie:



Yum!

 

Here are the Bittersweet Sisters, although it just wasn't the same without Nicki:

 

 

 After lunch, it was time to hit the road for our next stop

 

 

Country Threads in Garner, Iowa!

 



 

I am realizing that Country Threads needs its own post, so I will leave you with these photos of their wonderful barn where they were having a sale.

 

I'll be back soon with the continuing story.

 

Blessings, Patti

 

p.s. Wow! What a response to my new shoes. I'll tell you the manufacturers in my next post. But I did discover that the button clogs were last years style, so they are not readily available.

Bittersweet Sisters Day One

Here are the Bittersweet Sisters:

Kim from IL, Nicki from IA, me from IL, Carla from ND, Linda from GA and Wendy from ME.

 

We started our trip with a bang - a trip to Country Threads!

 

Wow! It was overwhelming the moment you walk in the door!

So many wonderful things to see everywhere that you look - even on the ceiling!

 

 

It took a few minutes to catch my breath and stop hyperventilating :)

 

 

The views were so inspirational - both outside

 

 

and inside.

 

Everyone was so warm and welcoming, even Jackie the shop kitty.

 



 

And it was so fun to see the "Country Threads" spin on familiar patterns.

 

 

Even the view from the bathroom window was inspiring.

 

 

You don't even need to go in the shop to be taken in by lovely projects.

 



It is like a little fairy world, a slice of heaven for both humans and furry or featherd friends.

 



 

Everyone was so patient, kind and helpful. We spent a lot of time in the shop picking projects, fabrics and backings and it was wonderful having such personable help.

 

 

Here are Kim, Mary and I - Kim and I were ready to move in about then :)

All too soon we said our goodbyes and continued our journey...

If you aren't close to Garner, Iowa you can visit the Country Threads website by clicking here.

 

Next stop was Clear Lake, Iowa for some darling shops and lunch at Cabin Coffee - the hot chocolate was delicious.

 

 

On our way back to Osage, Nicki and her husband were kind enough to open up their lovely home to us to see all of Nicki's wonderful finishes and her busy stitching room.

 

 

The ladies were so patient when Kim and I had to stop the car to take some photos of this fun group at a pig farm long the way.

The didn't tease us too much when we hopped back in the car smelling more than a bit like swine...

 

 

I'll leave you with this sweet face until I can post our wonderful Day 2!

 

Blessings, Patti