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Hello Farmgirl Friends!! As most of you know, I love absolutely anything that is quilted… whether it is one of my quilts that I’m snuggled under, a quilt coat I’m wearing that I made from a vintage quilt, a book bag I’ve made from quilted fabric… anything quilted is my favorite!
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How many of my Farmgirl friends have seen the fashion trend from last year – making a coat from a vintage quilt? When I first saw it (for $700 at Anthropologie, no less) I was stunned and expected it to burn out pretty quickly… but here we are, more than a year later and the trend is still going strong!
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Kim Vanlandingham-Obrien says: I’m so inspired! Beautiful!
Dori Troutman says: Kim,
Thank you! There are SO many gorgeous quilt coats!
~ Dori ~
Carol Slater says: Oh I wish I could sew and could make one of these. These are beautiful (your granddaughter is too).
Dori Troutman says: Hi Carol,
Thank you!!! I wish you lived close to me and I’d help you make one! And yes… my sweet grand-girl is beautiful… probably the sweetest (almost) 17 year old around! (Says the Grammy!) Thank you.
~ Dori ~
Linda says: I bet Carol could find someone near her that would love helping.
Dori Troutman says: Linda,
YES!!! I bet she could!!!!
~ Dori ~
Janetsue Filberth says: Dori
I totally understand how hard it is to cut into a vintage quilt!! I had a beautiful one which I acquired at a thrift store for $10 but it was quite tattered
I decided to make full length curtains for our studio shed that my husband had built for me the quilt had a scalloped edge, and it just lent itself to curtains. I used every bit of that quilt without waste….. making treatments for two other windows that turned out darling
But I remember, stretching that quilt out and putting the scissors next to it and just breaking out in a cold sweat!!
Your jackets turned out beautifully!!
Dori Troutman says: Good morning!!! I got your email with the photos and WOW!!!! I love your curtains. Brilliant how you used the scalloped edge!!! Thank you for sharing.
~ Dori ~
Debbie Fischer says: Beautiful Quilt Coats and a way to enjoy a Vintage Family Quilt for many more years.
I truly enjoy reading your blog and I learn so much from you so thank you.
Hugs,
Debbie
Dori Troutman says: Aww Debbie. Thank you; such a sweet comment.
~ Dori ~
Claudia Conti says: I just ordered the Hovea pattern! So excited!! Just love the quilted coats you sewed. Hopefully I will be successful too. : )
Dori Troutman says: Yay Claudia!!! If you run into ANY problems and want some help, just send me an email: redfeedsack@gmail.com and I’ll try to help you out! But honestly if you can sew, you can do this!!!!
~ Dori ~
Holly Thompson says: Love this! I did a dress and bolero jacket for my 6 yr old granddaughter. I had a quilt top I had sewn together very quickly outside where I could not press it as I went. Of course it came out not so square. I could see that I could get past that by cutting in small pattern pieces for garmets. I lined it with preshrunk very light weight muslin and sewed together a sweet sundress with a gathered skirt, patch pockets, and jacket. Everything smoothed out nicely and it was a darling patchwork outfit. When you have sour lemons-make sweet lemonade!
Dori Troutman says: Holly,
Oh my word, that sounds SO sweet!!!!! What a perfect way to use your quilt top! And yes to the lemonade!!! Ha!
~ Dori ~
Heather says: Amazing! I wish I had some family quilts to do this with. I’m thinking I need to keep an eye out at garage sales and thrift stores and see what I can find. Plus, if I’m not so attached to it maybe it’ll be easier to cut up LOL!
Dori Troutman says: Heather,
You are absolutely right!!!! A quilt that you don’t have an emotional attachment to would be the way to go!!!
~ Dori ~
Mary, Rural Farmgirl says: Oh WOW WOW WOW, both coats are so gorgeous! I love the colors, the style, the red trim, the cheery colors, the sweet history and sentimental meaning behind the quilt. and you, my friend, what TALENT! I agree with the hesitation…”are you sure…” it’s how I’m wired, I fold, refold, and then fold again until I hide those parts of a worn quilt, I just can’t bring myself to cut into one, even though the best parts would make lovely cutter quilt projects. But these are stunning…I’m sure both Mom and daughter were absolutely thrilled! They just shout from the coop-tops “Farmgirl” and all that MaryJanesFarm is about – home, family, sweet memories, girlfriends, old & new friends, and the almost lost art of sewing – I am in awe. Thanks for sharing this…what an inspiring post!
Mary
Dori Troutman says: Hi Mary,
I hate cutting into quilts… even the old ratty ones. It is so hard!!! But I absolutely do say that projects made from old quilts are so awesome!!!
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Mary. Big hugs to you.
~ Dori ~
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Dori, as always, I am blown away by your mad quilting/sewing skills! Love this! I love vintage anything, and how cute are these quilts!? I have a relative who is an avid quilter – she makes these from new quilts, as well, but wow! This is repurposing at its very, high-fashion best. LOVE LOVE LOVE! How cute these would be with anything – over a dress, jeans and a t-shirt… I want one! Oh, and what a stunning beauty your granddaughter is! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole (Suburban Farmgirl)
Dori Troutman says: Nicole!!!
Thank you, sweet friend. I actually thought of you when I made these quilt coats! You would rock one for SURE!!!
Big hugs back…
~ Dori ~
Brenda Jean Gibbs says: Hi Dori
In the April – May issue of mary janes farm magazine , you have a project ” gifting words of encouragement ” . My granddaughter would love to make these with me . What kind of printer did you use that prints on fabric ? Thanks for your help . Brenda
Dori Troutman says: Hi Brenda,
I am going to send you an email with this info! It’s easier than typing it all here!
~ Dori ~
Ladybugloveslilacs says: Happy new year you and your family!
Our grand girls are coming to spend the night with us so though we won’t be doing a charcuterie with them, there has been a request for treats, snacks and cocoa at hand. Our tradition for the last few years had been to attend a gathering with friends but that isn’t happening this year so it works out as the girls asked to do this. They are 12 and 14 and I believe this is the first year they will stay up to bring in the new year!
Dori Troutman says: How fun!!! Having your grand girls for New Years Eve and the night is the best!!! Also that age is my favorite! I hope you had a really good time!
~ Dori ~
Debbie Fischer says: We love Charcuterie Boards as well And have them on Christmas Eve and New Years. But you have made foods I never thought of, we tend to keep it simpler but no more! Next year we will step it up. Thank you so much for sharing all your ideas with us.
Happy New Year to you and your Family Dori.
Hugs,
Debbie
Dori Troutman says: Hi Debbie!
They really are fun and once your mind gets thinking about it, it’s amazing how cool it can be!!!
Hugs back!!
~ Dori ~
Mary says: Oh all that looks sooo good! We made our first one last year – usually we have New Year’s Eve snacks, but laying them out like “artwork” was something new for us. Yours looks terrific- it’s packed with all kinds of yummy foods – now you have me wanting one! No need to wait for a special occasion – we’re under a winter storm warning – why not now? I’m off to see what I have on hand. Thanks for the inspiration, Dori!
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Happy Thanksgiving Day my Farmgirl Friends! I hope your day is full of all the good pies (my favorite thing ever!).
Do you remember my post where I told you about my Hoosier Bakers Cabinet that I bought last winter? Well, after I changed things up a bit to make it fit, I was suddenly in need of a unique coffee station! (You know how that goes right? One thing leads to another….!!)
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Dana Okerman says: The removable shelf was for the hostess to take off and offer drinks or nibbles to her guests.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Dana,
Thats what I was thinking too. Someone told me recently that my rolling cart was a medical cart used in doctors offices… and the removable tray held instruments etc… Have you heard that before???
~ Dori ~
Mary says: Oh wow, that’s an absolutely perfect find, Dori! It’s an ideal fit with all of your vintage goodies, and I LOVE the color you’ve chosen…a great pop of turquoise with all of the other cheery colors. It’s the same color as my little 1963 camper…what inspiration! If I can find one and paint it, it would be terrific for holding almost anything..and when I say “little” I mean tiny, but sitting outside it could hold snacks, dishes, blankets, s’more goodies. Okay, now the hunt is on, thanks!
Mary, Rural Farmgirl
Dori Troutman says: Mary,
Thank you! I love it too. And YES… go on the hunt!!!! :-).
~ Dori ~
Happy fall farmgirl friends!
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One of my favorite things to gift is something home made! I struggle to think of things that could be useful and not just stuck in a drawer somewhere. This week I suddenly thought of a simple iPad case and I jumped right in and made one. It was simple and came out so perfect. Luckily I took pictures along the way so I could share with you (just in case it turned out)! So let’s jump right in!
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Sylvia Jacobus says: It’s so darn cute!
Marlene Cosner says: Thank You for all the details and pics, who knows….I might even try it one day!
Terry Steinmetz says: what a perfect idea! I need to make a birthday gift for a dear friend. This fits the bill to a tee!!! And she will appreciate it so much. Thanks, Dori.
Mary says: Dori, you come up with the most clever designs, and the colors are always so cheery and fun! You’ve given great instructions, and I’m certain there are sewing machines humming away with grateful Sisters who now have names checked off their gift-giving list – it’s true: the best gifts are handmade! Hmmm, wonder if I can start up that vintage White sewing machine I found for free? Thanks again, Mary
Sandy Davis says: Very pretty, beautiful workmanship, as well as a wonderful gift that is useful! Thank you for sharing the tutorial.
Hello Farmgirl friends! This post today is different than my usual posts… but it’s what has been on my mind for three weeks now and so I’m going to write about it! In one word, its called…
Continue reading Mary Murray says: Oh Dori…what an example of coming back. I LOVE the quote, “Let your comeback be bigger than your setback” that’s inspiring and just what we need to hear. For all of us there are times – whether it’s heath-related, grief, unemployment, or other stresses, when we simply feel we won’t ever bounce back, but those words can keep us moving forward. Sounds like you’re now on the road to recovery…great news! And also you gave me a wonderful thought…better check with my mom to see if I had chicken pox and/or was vaccinated – you’ve undoubtedly spared so many people the discomfort you’ve had. Take care, Mary
Dori Troutman says: Mary… YES to a vaccine. I have not had the Shingles vaccine, however I will be getting it. I have to wait 90 days post shingles before I can get it. Once you’ve had Shingles, the chance of getting it again is very high. I just can’t bear the thought of going through it again. So I’ll be getting the vaccine soon.
Hope you are enjoying some beautiful Fall weather?? It has been so gorgeous here in Tennessee!
Hugs,
Dori
nancy zorzi says: im happy your well. what does shingles look like? thank you
Sandy Davis says: Your comeback is very inspiring! I’m a sewing blogger & have been on hiatus for over two years due to family care-giving responsibilites, but have the intention of getting back to writing/sending my weekly newsletter & posting some blog posts, along with developing some courses & products, so I’m taking your inspiration with me into my “Coming Back!” The quote you used, “Let your comeback be bigger than your setback” will be my new encouragement to go forward with my plans!
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I’m so excited to share this super fun project! If you are on Instagram you might’ve seen these jewelry boxes turning to sewing boxes? You can use the hashtag #travelsewingkit to see all kinds of ideas! After seeing a few on my IG feed I decided I needed to take the plunge and make one myself. Today I’m here to step you through my process and you can use my ideas to make one, customizing it to your liking!
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Vicki Lawson says: I am so excited to make this sewing box! (I only have 400,000 other projects in my mind) but this one is a priority. I can see me making a few of these for gifts. I am 72, soon to be 73 and working full time at a healthcare facility (ALF-Assisted Living Facility) and I can see some of my residents embracing this idea. Thank you so much. I am new to the blog but will definitely check this out often!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Vicki! The great thing about this project is that you can make it VERY SIMPLE by only removing a few things and adding fabric. It will still look beautiful and be simpler!
~ Dori ~
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Hello Farmgirls! Just admit that we never really grow out of adorable little party purses, especially for those darling little girls in our lives!!! How about we sit down and make some today and you can have them ready to gift the next time a tea party is in the works!
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Kathi Rose Wilson says: This is darling. I have a 6 year old granddaughter and 3 great granddaughters, ages 7, 4, and 2. They will adore these!
Diane West says: Hi lovely little handmade purses.
Do you ever sell the finished product?
I’d buy several if you do.
Thank you for sharing!! ☺
Jeretta Bliss says: this is so cute. thank you for sharing.
thank you for the pattern. Hae a wonderful day.
donna says: Dori these are sew cute. Thank you for sharing. This is something the littles can make as well.
Hugs,
donna
Clarisa Desilvio says: Your writing is a gift!
Mary Murray says: Oh Dori, the cheery colors and fun patterns…inside and out – I would have LOVED to make this when my daughter was little! But you know, they’re so stinkin’ cute, who says we have to be little…looks like it would hold my phone and a little mad money – what else does a “big” girl need?!
Hello Farmgirl Friends! Every now and then I seem to write a blog post completely unrelated to my “normal” Farmgirl life activities and show you a little bit of the crazy part of my life. So buckle up!
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Margaret King says: Dori, You made me feel like I was right there with you and felt all of your exhaustion. WOW! What a race. Congratulations to all of you.
Judith says: Congrats to your son (and you and his wife).
I’m telling my son about this; he thinks this kind of thing is fun. I think it is torture 🥺.
Ladybug loves lilacs says: Congrats on the fantastic finish! No easy task whatsoever.
Thank you for taking us along on the run.
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Hello Farmgirl Friends! Do you remember last year when I put together the little May Day baskets for a few of my closest friends?
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Pamela Czurak says: Those are beautiful. I try to give flowers but things have gotten so expensive I wasn’t able to. This is an inspiring gift. You can make things throughout the year and have them ready for the actual day. Thank you for sharing.
Wanda Sue Aldridge says: Oh Dori, these pouches are beautiful! This would be a great pouch for my colored pencils. I have a growing collection of adult themed coloring books. I have the Enchanted Forest, an Ocean themed one, Barn Quilts, and just recently received a Bee coloring book from a dear friend. One of your embroidered pouches would be perfect to carry my pencils all together. Thank you for the chance to win one of your beautiful creations!
Sister Hugs,
Wanda Sue
FS#3677
Deanna says: Sweet, sweet! You are so creative and it’s great that you can share your talents with us. Your blog is always a highlight of any day!
Pat says: So cute! You’re very creative and I always enjoy reading your posts. I would keep hand sewing supplies in your bag should I win! I too enjoy hand sewing in the evenings and I need to keep my essentials together.
Audra says: I would use this beautiful bag for my travel bible. And as an example to make this for others. I am new to sewing and embroidery. This is a beautiful idea for gift giving. Thank you for sharing irregardless of the giveaway.
Jill Walton says: I love these little pouches. The beauty of the color/texture combinations coupled with the simple embroidery stitches and easy sewing project are just my style (and skill level). I’m happy to see such a lovely project that is doable for me. Thank you!
Mary Jane Jones says: These are such a beautiful gift. I would love to have for an example to make more!
Deb B. says: I love these adorable pouches! The colors of the felt and the linen background are perfect. I would use one for hand sewing projects. It is small enough to carry with me on the go and my tiny embroidery scissors, floss, and small project would fit in it perfectly. It has the added bonus of being beautiful and cheery!
Debbie Allen says: This is such a thoughtful idea!! I would gift the little pouch to my daughter along with a “May Day” 🙂 basket for a summer treat. She is a reading specialist and would use this in her school bag each day! Thank you for sharing so many great ideas!
Tina Vandaam says: Those are so cute. Perfect travel size. I would use one of those for a travel size embroidery pouch. You are so talented!
Gail Green says: I’d love one of your little linen pouches. You have done a beautiful job making it.
I would take it with me to carry my travel toiletries. Love it.
Ladybug loves lilacs says: What a sweet thoughtful gift of handmade Dori! Love them and so enjoy Mayday. I’m sure your recipients were blessed by your gifts.
Claudia Conti says: SO BEAUTIFUL! Love your work. I am a vintage soul at heart. My mother’s embroidery is displayed throughout our home. ❤️ I have an antique dresser with swinging mirror in my dining room. I do not think I could tuck your lovely pouch inside a purse or drawer. Instead, I would display it on that dresser top with some pretty vintage hankies peaking out from the open zipper, alongside other treasures. Thank you for sharing your creative ideas. 🥰
Jacqueline Bates says: I love this idea! Back in 2020 (the dreaded Covid year!), I sent packages of flower seeds in beautiful cards I made to a group of friends. It is a tradition I have continued and enjoy doing it.
Claudia Conti says: The pouches are beautiful! Thank you for sharing. I have an antique dresser with swinging mirror in my dining room. I would display the pouch on the dresser top, with a few vintage hankies peaking out of the open zipper, alongside other embroidered treasures of my mother’s.
Claudia Conti says: Sorry, I am trying to comment. It keeps saying “waiting moderation.”
Sharon Morgan says: What an adorable little appliquéd zipper bag!!💝. I would use mine for a cosmetic bag in my purse to hold chapstick, gum and breath mints!!💕
I love reading your articles, Dori, and seeing your sweet projects!! I feel like we’re friends since we have a mutual friend, Ellen, from Arkansas!!😊
Thank you for sharing!!💐
Debbie Fischer says: Such Sweet pouches Dori so Spring. I always love coming on here and seeing what you have made next.
Your magazine article was amazing and you have such a beautiful home. I know you are so proud of it and it shows. Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us.
Deb Powell says: The zipper pouches are darling. I would use one to hold embroidery project supplies. Thank you for sharing your creativity.
Tracy Meeker says: Those are really cute and functional pouches!!! Thanks for sharing!
Brenda White says: A notions bag for one of my many on going crochet or knit projects.
Deborah Meaz says: I would usthis pouch to make a “Try It Out” kit for someone. The kit would include all the supplies necessary to make the pouch!
Marlene Burns says: These are gorgeous. Love the bird one. What a beautiful homemade gift!
Ruth Ann Farmer says: I think that the pouches are beautiful and I also like the Simple stitching. Thank you for sharing!!
debbi says: i love these and need to make some myself for friends. I would use it to hold little project pieces and threads and needle.
Joanna Ziolkowski says: These pouches are so sweet! I have recently gotten into sashiko stitching, and one of these pouches would be perfect for holding some stitching supplies for on-the-go projects!
Kelly says: I would use it to carry my embroidery thread or small project. I really like your color choices 😊
debbie kuklies says: I love this as I am not crafty 🙂
I would give this to my mom for her purse.
debbiek
Barb Falencki says: Love, love the pouches that I would tuck in my prayer cards to retrieve from my purse when stuck in traffic😉🙏💕
Jenny says: Pouches are adorable and creative!!! I would love to have a beautiful pouch from a awesome Farmgirl Sister. The first thing that comes to mind in how I would use it is a make up brush pouch, or a cute little change purse so my wallet doesn’t feel heavy and dump out change(some know how that goes). Thank you Dori!
Sue Gamel says: Absolutely adorable! I enjoy small project embroideries. Great idea!
Charlene Gravely says: I love these pouches! I would use them for a gift to my daughters.
Carol Smith says: I love each of these beautiful pouches. I have always loved anything made out of felt. They could be used for many purposes.
Karen Martell says: The pouches are quite lovely! 🙂 A wonderful gift! It would be a handy thing to organize items in my purse! 🙂
Cheri Sander says: I have been making handmade gifts for family and friends the past few years, usually to gift at Christmas. I will try to make these darling pouches, as I would love to have one for myself! I think it would make a perfect pouch to hold lip balm and tissue. I always dig through the purse searching for these!
Mary Murray says: Dori, those are adorable! The colors, the designs – love them! I can think of so many goodies they could hold and I love it when I read the word “simple”! I admit it, on May Day, I’m the ring & run type, but it’s not too late, the first Sunday in August is National Friendship Day!
Mary
Glenda York says: Adorable is right. Small gift for girlfriends is perfect. Or to carry lip gloss in. Or to carry change. Bright, cheery. Probably a thousand uses for these.
Christina Evans says: As part of a wedding gift I love to give something special, an old German tradition. It is Guarantee of a Happy Marriage, 12 Christmas ornaments to guarantee marital bliss. An angel symbolizes God’s guidance;a fish, Christ’s blessing;a heart,true love;and a rose,affection. A bird represents joy;a rabbit, hope; and a pinecone, fertility. A house is necessary to offer protection from the elements, a teapot for hospitality, a basket of fruit for jenerosity and one of flowers for good wishes. Finally, Santa is a symbol for goodwill. My first grandaughter is getting married, I would love to put this Wedding Wish in your beautiful purse for her and to someday pass on.
Lorraine Hess says: I love your projects. I want to make your grandma’s apron too. I would use this to keep my little scissors, embroidery threads, needles, and threader in for my take along projects. Thank you for providing your projects to us.
Liz Ross says: Along with everyone else, I just love these pouches! They remind me of my Mom: gentle, sweet, adorable. I would put a few memories of her in it. A thimble, bobby pins and a hanky!
Denise Barnard says: First of all Dori, let me say I adore your hearts! They make me smile! Thank you for sharing! They are surely a sweet treasure for those on the receiving end!!
My favorite place to quilt, or do anything creative is in front of my big dining room window at my lovely oval vintage table. This window looks out to a lovely stone well where my husband and I feed the birds. Birds always give me peace and joy.
Quilting is such a peaceful art to be savored and shared.
I pray this may be my lucky day!
All my best to you!
Denise Barnard
is a certified farmgirl at heart. She’s happily married to her beach bum Yankee husband of 20 years. She went from career gal to being a creative homeschooling mom for two of her biggest blessings and hasn’t looked back since. Debbie left her lifelong home in the high desert of Northern Nevada 10 years ago and washed up on the shore of America’s hometown, Plymouth, MA, where she and her family are now firmly planted. They spend part of each summer in a tiny, off–grid beach cottage named “The Sea Horse.”
“I found a piece of my farmgirl heart when I discovered MaryJanesFarm. Suddenly, everything I loved just made more sense! I enjoy unwinding at the beach, writing, gardening, and turning yard-sale furniture into ‘Painted Ladies’ I’m passionate about living a creative life and encouraging others to ‘make each day their masterpiece.’”
is a “MaryJane Farmgirl” who lives in a large metropolitan area. She is a lawyer who has worked in both criminal defense and prosecution. She has been a judge, a business woman and a stay-at-home mom. In addition to her law degree, she has a Masters of Theological Studies.
“Mustering up the courage to do the things you dream about,” she says, “is the essence of being a MaryJane Farmgirl.” Learning to live more organically and closer to nature is Rebekah’s current pursuit. She finds strength and encouragement through MaryJane’s writings, life, and products. And MaryJane’s Farmgirl Connection provides her a wealth of knowledge from true-blue farmgirls.
an old-fashioned farmgirl with a pioneer spirit, lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. As a “lifelong learner” in the “Live-Free-or-Die” state, she fiercely values self-reliance, independence, freedom, and fresh mountain air. Married to her childhood sweetheart of 40+ years (a few of them “uphill climbs”), she’s had plenty of time to reinvent herself. From museum curator, restaurant owner, homeschool mom/conference speaker, to post-and-beam house builder and entrepreneur, she’s also a multi-media artist, with an obsession for off-grid living and alternative housing. Cathi owns and operates a 32-room mountain lodge. Her specialty has evolved to include “hermit hospitality” at her rustic cabin in the mountains, where she offers weekend workshops of special interest to women.
“Mountains speak to my soul, and farming is an important part of my heritage. I want to pass on my love of these things to others through my writing. Living in the mountains has its own particular challenges, but I delight in turning them into opportunities from which we can all learn and grow.”
Dori Troutman is the daughter of second generation cattle ranchers in New Mexico. She grew up working and playing on the ranch that her grandparents homesteaded in 1928. That ranch, with the old adobe home, is still in the family today. Dori and her husband always yearned for a ranch of their own. That dream came true when they retired to the beautiful green rolling hills of Tennessee. Truly a cattleman’s paradise!
Dori loves all things farmgirl and actually has known no other life but that. She loves to cook, craft, garden, and help with any and all things on their cattle farm.
describes herself as a goat charmer, chicken whisperer, bee maven, and farmers’ market baker renovating an 1864 farmhouse on an Ohio farm. With a degree in Design, Mary says small-town auctions and country road barn sales "always make my heart skip a beat thinking about what I could create or design out of what I’ve seen.”
Rooted in the countryside, she likes simple things and old ways … gardening, preserving the harvest, cooking, baking, and all things home. While you might find her selling baked goods from the farm’s milkhouse, teaching herself to play the fiddle, or sprucing up a vintage camper named Maizy, you will always find her in an apron!
Mary says, “I’m happiest with the simple country pleasures … an old farmhouse, too many animals, a crackling fire, books to read, and the sound of laughter … these make life just perfect.”
is a budding rural farmgirl living in Palmer, the agricultural seat of Alaska. Alex is a graduate student at Alaska Pacific University pursuing an M.S. in Outdoor and Environmental Education. She lives and works on the university’s 700 acre environmental education center, Spring Creek Farm. When Alex has time outside of school, she loves to rock climb, repurpose found objects, cross-country ski on the hay fields, travel, practice yoga, and cook with new-fangled ingredients.
Alex grew up near the Twin Cities and went to college in Madison, Wisconsin—both places where perfectly painted barns and rolling green farmland are just a short drive away. After college, she taught at a rural middle school in South Korea where she biked past verdant rice paddies and old women selling home-grown produce from sidewalk stoops. She was introduced to MaryJanesFarm after returning, and found in it what she’d been searching for—a group of incredible women living their lives in ways that benefit their families, their communities, and the greater environment. What an amazing group of farmgirls to be a part of!
Suburban Farmgirl Nicole Christensen calls herself a “vintage enthusiast”. Born and raised in Texas, she has lived most of her life in the picturesque New England suburbs of Connecticut, just a stone’s throw from New York State. An Advanced Master Gardener, she has gardened since childhood, in several states and across numerous planting zones. In addition, she teaches knitting classes, loves to preserve, and raises backyard chickens.
Married over thirty years to her Danish-born sweetheart, Nicole has worked in various fields, been a world-traveler, an entrepreneur and a homemaker, but considers being mom to her now-adult daughter her greatest accomplishment. Loving all things creative, Nicole considers her life’s motto to be “Bloom where you are planted”.
It depends on the season, and the weather! In winter, in my cozy bed…and in warmer weather, outside my Little House…but I love that many projects are portable, so most any place will do!
“My favorite place to be when quilting is at Highland Sr. Center/Home Arts” with a lovely and talented group of ladies. Each quilter in this group is very talented and stitch up a lot quilts through the year (we meet every Tuesday).
We all have other crafts we enjoy; so, on any Tuesday, you will see quilting, weaving, knitting, twining and other wonderful projects being completed.
My favorite place: Texas, for quilting, sewing, or anything.
My favorite place to be consists of two areas. First is my comfort area, the sewing/laundry room in my parents 100 year old home. There are so many memories. But my very favorite place to be is in our very little rural church on Wednesday afternoons. The church quilters meet for an afternoon of quilting and visiting. We are all there for each other from the birth of great grandchildren to the sadness of losing a spouse. Ages range from 50 to over 80, but age means nothing when we are together. There is learning from each other, laughing with each other, hugs when tears are shed, and of course quilting. We have coffee time and everyone shares some goodies. Well over 100 quilts a year are donated which gives us much pleasure. It’s small town, it’s sharing, and it’s a special place to bond. It’s a wonderful place to be.
Ginger,
Can I say that your comment was so incredible… I could just put myself there with all you precious ladies. Actually I wish I was there!!! What an incredible thing to have and the best place and people to help share the burden of all of life’s woes… and share in the happiness of all of life’s good things. Hang on to those ladies and that time together!!!
And over 100 quilts a year??? THAT is the best thing ever!
~ Dori ~
I have few favorite places that I like to quilt. Quietly hand quilting on the couch at the end of the day when my husband and I watch TV together. With my neighborhood fellow quilters , we meet 3 times a month at a home , always good conversation and help if needed.
Joanne,
Fellow quilters are the BEST!!!!
~ Dori ~
The hearts are adorable. I love sewing in my sewing room !
I love to quilt in my sewing room.
My favorite place to quilt is sitting on the back porch with the dog in the early afternoon sun.
Vanessa,
I love quilting on my porch as well!!! Most relaxing place!
~ Dori ~
I am not much of a quilter but love to do crafts. I especially love to watercolor cards for all my friends and relatives.
I have subscribed to Mary Jane magazine for several years now. Don’t disturb me on the day it arrives in the mail because I read it from cover to cover. I also share them with my church ladies and have sent a subscription to my grandaughter. Her daughters (3) love it, too, when it comes in there mail on rural Colorado
Margaret,
My grand-girls love MaryJanesFarm magazine as well! I love watercolor cards… I have no artistic ability when it comes to drawing/painting/ etc… but wow do I admire those that do!
~ Dori ~
I love to do my crafts in the sun room. Your quilted heart would brighten up that room.
Carole,
A sun room is PERFECT of all kinds of crafts! And yes… for a quilted heart too!
~ Dori ~
I love to quilt in my living room. If it’s hand piecing or knot tying my quilt. I can be around my husband and spending quality time with him even if he’s watching tv.
My favorite place to quilt is in my art studio, but my studio and our home were lost in hurricane Helene. I don’t say that for pity it is simply fact. So, my favorite current place to quilt is on the floor of a room in our long term rental. Losing so much is hard but a blessing too. Ultimately it’s the people and the experiences that are important. Most of the things can be replaced. I have, in this moment, a chance to gain a new perspective on my life, on what I bring into it. I set out to make a memory quilt for my son as he quickly arrives at college graduation. It was scrappy and my back hurt for days from working on the ground but I got it done. Creating, quilting, cooking, spending time with people…these are the things that I’m focused on. The where isn’t as important anymore.
My favorite place to quilt is in the cozy confines of our home. I work full-time so any time I can squeeze a few precious hours to do my quilting, sewing, baking, or crafting, I grab it. Long time reader of MJ magazine!
I handquilt very little anymore, but when I do my favorite place is in my recliner, under my Ott light, with my hubby in his chair and a crime show on TV. Love the hearts!