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Hello Farmgirl Friends!!!
Have you ever had your eyes wide open looking, looking, looking for a certain antique item and you just can’t find it? I’ve been in that spot for literally YEARS (I’m talking 12 years here). I’m sure you’re dying to know what in the world it could be!
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Hello Farmgirl Friends! Do you remember the Liberty Nine Patch Quilt that I started almost two years ago? Normally I am a quick finisher… I do not do well with unfinished projects. But that quilt required more (expensive) Liberty fabrics and more time than I had energy for (smile!) so I literally put it away. (Knowing that if I left it in sight it would drive me crazy!)
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Arlyne says: Your quilt is beautiful!!!
Sandy Keller says: I agree about working on a quilt with someone or for someone makes it special! I often write on the label that love is sewn in with every stitch. That is just the way it feels.
I have only heard about Liberty fabrics, I am almost afraid to actually see and touch any! Would I ever sew with anything else?
STACEY M MITCHELL says: Such a beautiful. congrats for a finished quilt.
Wanda Sue says: So beautiful! Congratulations Heather!!
Ladybug loves lilacs says: Such a beautiful quilt and the best part is the love stitched into it by your momma as well as the conversation. Something for you to always treasure.
Congratulations to Heather my farmgirl sister!
MICHELINE D'ANGELIS says: This is the most beautiful quilt I have ever seen. Lovely! I can’t sew a straight line, but when I see this, I want to make one. My toxic trait is believing I can. Ha ha. That will not stop me from trying though. I simply love it! Such a great, clean work. You and your mom are real artists. Congratulations on finishing this absolute treasure.
Peggy Smith says: I love your quilt. It is absolutely beautiful. Do you use a quilting rack for hand sewing.
Patty says: It’s beautiful and I love the backing fabric. It’s so precious to know your mom helped stitch it!
Joanne Seruto says: Love it !!! Congratulations it is just beautiful !
Joan Piercy says: Dori, the quilt is beautiful! I love it that your mom worked on the quilting as well. What a treasure! And thank you for your blog. You always raise my spirit!
Sheila LaPoint says: Dori, your quilt is so pretty, it looks like spring time! I do not sew, maybe hem or sew a patch on. I do needle point and am working on a stamped cross-stitch my first one. I can feel the love as you talk about working on it with your mom. I makes me smile and makes my heart feel good thanks for sharing .
Mary Murray says: Dori, the 9-Patch pattern is one of my favorites! I love the colors you’ve chosen…together they create such a pretty vintage look. And the photo of your mom quilting alongside you is so sweet; I can just imagine the happy talk you both shared! Thanks for letting us take a look at the finished quilt, and for inspiring us to keep working on our projects, whatever they might be!
Mary
Rural Farmgirl
Judy says: Beautiful quilt! Love the fabrics you used.
Jennifer says: Your quilt is blue ribbon beautiful! And how special to have your mom working alongside you on it!!
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Hello Farmgirl Friends! I’m so excited that here in Tennessee we are seeing some signs of spring! Today I’m sharing a different kind of spring story on the blog! But I thought it was worth sharing for fun; plus I’ve got a giveaway at the end! So here we go…
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Debbie Allen says: The happiness comes through the photos, I see many things my mom and mamaw had in their kitchens, which I really love! Thank you for sharing!
Lara Johnson says: What an amazing opportunity! I love farm magazines (Mary Jane’s Farm is obviously top!) and country magazines. Can’t wait to see the article.
Kathi Rose Wilson says: I love your home. I just read the article about cleaning a cast iron piece. I have a wonderful, old cast iron skillet that I use for everything. Your Mom, as Mom’s always are, was right about burning all the nasty off!
Barbara Falencki says: Your craft room and love of HAND quilting inspires me! I’ve made several baby quilts and love praying for the new baby and family as I quilt❣️🙏
Denise Anderson says: I am glad you chose to share your home with us! It is beautiful, and makes me wish that our home could look like that as well. The outdoor kitchen sink is something we have been looking for, and would love to find one so we could add it to our outside kitchen set-up.
Thank you for sharing your home with all of us!
Monique Colizzi says: Makes my heart smile knowing yours is doing the same. What an honor and true reflection of the simple love and hard work you put into your nest! Congratulations!
Beverly ONeil says: Loved your story and pictures! You have succeeded in making your house into a comfortable farmhouse home that is inviting and reflects you and your many interests. I look forward to your blogs and appreciate you keeping us abreast of what is happening in your world. Thank you for sharing your exciting news with us.
Joy Hofman says: Everything is just so inviting and cheerful! Having a sink outback is amazing! You make everything seem so easy … keep inspiring us, please!
Mary Colgin says: I am a quilter and also love vintage Pyrex. I just love your sewing room! And this awesome kitchen!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Mary! Thank you! Vintage Pyrex is the best isn’t it?
~ Dori ~
sue says: Your house is adorable but I wondered right from the start – since they contacted you (and not the other way around), how did they learn about your home in the first place?
Dori Troutman says: Hi Sue! This is a great question that I don’t exactly know the answer! 🙂 However my guess is probably either my personal blog or my IG feed! Both have a lot of my home.
~ Dori ~
Tammy Huebner Langford says: I looooove the quilt on your bed! And I looove the daybed on the porch! Also the rolling pin hook shelf !! What really cool ideas! Do you have a diy for that ??
Dori Troutman says: Hi Tammy, that rolling pin hanger is actually one of MaryJane’s inventions! It’s been featured in her magazine. And I also wrote a blog post tutorial on mine! It’s so fun to make and you can find my step by step instructions here: https://www.farmgirlbloggers.com/19050
~ Dori ~
Wanda Sue Aldridge says: Hello Dori, Thank you for sharing your experience with the magazine. What a thrill and mixed emotions it must have been. I am so glad that they portrayed your true nature and that you were happy with the outcome of the article. Your home is beautiful and exactly what I would love. I always enjoy reading your stories and love how down-to-earth you are.
Joan Piercy says: HI, Dori, I love that your house was chosen for the magazine! I agree with Wanda Sue about “always enjoy reading your stories and love how down-to-earth you are.” You share the nicest things with us. I loved learning about your mother. I also love the projects you share with us. I am slow on everything I do, so I am still working on the apron project. It is a great pattern. One more thing, I wish I was closer to you as I would be buying the beautiful bouquets that you sell. Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Heather Neeper says: What an amazing story – and home!!! I love your style but the thing that really caught my eye is those yellow valances on the windows by the table. I have always wanted a bright and cheery kitchen with yellow curtains. Seeing your photo confirms it – I still want them one day 😉
Thank you for sharing.
Ladybug loves lilacs says: Dori,
What a beautiful home you have! Love the country look. And your craft room must be awesome!
I’ve never seen an issue of this magazine with the farmhouse style. You’re home definitely looks ready for Spring!
Thanks for sharing!
Denise
Hello Farmgirl Friends!!!
I have been working on a whole different project for me. And here’s the back story. A few years ago I was driving home from town and there on the side of the road was a pop up junk stand and as I drove by I realized it was all cast iron skillets for sale. I turned around and went back for a look just in case there was treasure to be found! I dug around and saw nothing that struck my fancy… everything was newish Lodge skillets and few older skillets that didn’t look like what I always had my eye open for. But… wait! Here was the rustiest, grimiest, mess of a round griddle (I’d been wanting one!) and I flipped it over to see if there were any markings on the back… and oh my word! It was a Griswold!!!
Cheryl says: I cook with iron skillets every time I cook love every one.
I have some treasures at antique shops . I have a Griswold from Erie. Some of them were passed down from my mom!!
They make the best cornbread also!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Cheryl!
YES!!! I agree on the cornbread! My mom’s skillets are Griswold and also Wagner and I think her cornbread tastes the best because of her skillets!!
~ Dori ~
Laurel says: Great read Dori!! I have an old cast iron that was mom’s that needs this….ask mom if putting it in the oven would work….wonder if hubby would let me put it in the pellet stove! gotta try this….will let you know if it’s a Griswold…thanks again, Laurel
Dori Troutman says: Hi Laurel,
Mom said the oven won’t get hot enough for enough hours. My husband said his wood stove in his stop was incredibly hot for about 6-8 hours. And then it stayed in all night as the fire burned off.
Hope this answered your question!
~ Dori ~
Laurel says: Great read Dori…I have an old cast iron from mom and wonder if putting it in the oven would work….can’t see the backside because of the built up crud. Or maybe into the pellet stove, hmmm. Will let ya know if it’s a Griswold. Have a great day, Laurel
Dori Troutman says: Hi Laurel!
I don’t think that a regular oven will get hot enough to burn off the build up. And I really don’t know much about a pellet stove either… But how about a bonfire? You could throw it in there! 🙂
~ Dori ~
Rhonda Cavaliere says: I love your restoration story. I have tried to restore skillet or two. It is a process for sure. Love cooking in my cast iron. I’m always on the lookout for the bigger size pans. They are getting harder to find at a reasonable price. Great job on yours.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Rhonda,
Cast iron cooking is the BEST!!!
~ Dori ~
Lynette says: I love your story. I never knew you can put it the fire. I learned something new today. Thank you.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Lynette!
Thank you!!! Me too!
~ Dori ~
Mary - Windy Meadows Farm says: I love that you rescued the skillet! A great how-to for one I found in the barn – it definitely needs a little TLC. I have a beautiful cast iron skillet I inherited from my mother-in-law, the only thing is it’s way bigger than my stove burners – so into the oven it goes for cornbread!
CJ Armstrong says: We have several cast iron pieces, which include skillets in more than one size, griddle and about 3 Dutch ovens. I love cast iron and use it a lot. We found one of our Dutch ovens at the local scrap metal yard. It was a 3-legged one and one leg was broken off. My hubby skillfully fashioned a new leg for it and we were able to find a glass lid to fit it (it was minus its original lid).
And I DO have Mary Janes Cast Iron Kitchen good book. It is a wonderful book and both my hubby and I used it. Mary Jane does the best books!
Eileen says: Where are the comments for the February, 2024 blog? I don’t see a “Leave a Comment” section. Beautiful home and article!
Thank you,
Eileen
Pamela Czurak says: That was a great story and very helpful.
Hello my sewing friends!! I know you’ve been patiently waiting for me to get the Part Two of this sweet little Apron Sew-Along to you!
joanne says: I absolutely love your posts! Your project style is perfect for me. I have just moved into a new house my husband built and can’t wait to craft some of your projects. We are way Downeast on the coast of Maine. We grew up here. We love it! We were lucky enough to spend a winter in New Mexico and would love to visit again. Enjoy the New Year.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Joanne! How special to be moving into a house your husband built! My husband and I built our home too and it is such a special home because I know every single nail that went into it! (As well as the blood, sweat and tears… literally!). Congratulations!
~ Dori ~
Hello my sewing friends!! I know you’ve been patiently waiting for me to get the Part Two of this sweet little Apron Sew-Along to you!
joanne says: I absolutely love your posts! Your project style is perfect for me. I have just moved into a new house my husband built and can’t wait to craft some of your projects. We are way Downeast on the coast of Maine. We grew up here. We love it! We were lucky enough to spend a winter in New Mexico and would love to visit again. Enjoy the New Year.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Joanne! How special to be moving into a house your husband built! My husband and I built our home too and it is such a special home because I know every single nail that went into it! (As well as the blood, sweat and tears… literally!). Congratulations!
~ Dori ~
Pamela Pittman says: Oh my goodness Dori, I so enjoy your posts. I am a wanna be farm girl and enjoy DIY and country crafts. I just can’t wait to see what you will teach us next. I am definitely going to make this apron. I already have a list of friends I’d like to make one for.
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Hello Farmgirl Friends!!!
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I’m very (VERY) late on this blog post!! I’m not going to give you all the crazy excuses but I will tell you this one: I went out west to spend some time with my mom and I brought her home with me for the winter again this year. Which is wonderful and awesome and perfect. But it’s also thrown me way off my routine and I’ve hardly even been capable of meeting the deadlines on my calendar this month! Smile!
katherine Gaughran says: What a beautiful picture, you are blessed have a wonderful Christmas and a healthy New year to you and your family.
Kathy Gaughran
Dori Troutman says: Hi Katherine! Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas as well.
~ Dori ~
Colleen says: Oh, how wonderful! Reminds me of my Grandmas (both of them) and their patchwork wonders made for family and friends. My own (now 90-years old) Mom passed on the love of sewing and quilting to my sisters and I, as well. I especially LOVE making aprons, and will make one, for anybody that shows even the most remote interest in wearing and using one. In the past couple weeks, I’ve made at least four, with more already cut out. Thank you for sharing your Mom, family, and love of fabric. Have a wonderful day, and may God’s Peace be with you.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Colleen! Those patchwork wonders were the absolutely best! I hope you’ll sew along with us!
~ Dori ~
Laurel says: I love it!! Will follow along from beautiful Washington State!!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Laurel! YAY!! Super happy you’re going to sew along with us!
~ Dori ~
Terry Steinmetz says: How exciting! I love aprons and am always looking for new patterns, especially ones of older days. And the best benefit for me is that I can use up the many, many scrap pieces of materials I have lying around in boxes!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Terry! I love aprons too… this is going to be fun and I’m excited you’re going to sew along with us!
~ Dori ~
Ginger Louden says: I can’t wait to start this sewing project! It’s so great to bring back old patterns, recipes, etc.. My sisters and I just sent all our nieces and nephews projects we did in memory of our mom. When she had time, she liked to crochet, embroider dish towels, and bake. We did an embroidered dish towel, a crochet dishrag, and a copy of a recipe we found in her handwriting. They are so excited to get these packages! I’m retired now, so I’ll start finding material for the squares!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Ginger! YAY!!! So excited you’ll follow along with us!
~ Dori ~
Farmgirl Jill says: What gifts you share on all levels! Thank you for these memories and pattern!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Jill! Thank you! I hope you’ll follow along on the sew-along!
~ Dori ~
Deb Fischer says: Thank you Dori, I am going to work along with you
and try to make the apron. It is so pretty and looks like fun. I am not a seamstress at all but I do like to try.
And it is such a lovely photo of you and your girls with your Mama.
Enjoy your mamas visit and have fun.
Farmgirl Hugs,
De#2682
Dori Troutman says: Hi Deb! YAY!!! So excited to have you sew along with us! You’ll love it! And here’s the thing… it’s not hard! If you can sew, you can do it!!
~ Dori ~
Deb Fischer says: Beautiful photo Dori of you, your Mama and girls such beautiful smiles.
I love the sweet little apron and it looks like fun to make. Even though I am not a seamstress I want to try and make it.
Thank you so much for offering the sew along.
Enjoy your Mama’s visit.
Farmgirl Hugs,
Debbie
#1582
Tammy L Thomson says: Dear Dori,
What a beautiful group of ladies! Glad to hear that your momma is with you for the holidays and through the winter. Enjoy the Christmas preparations 🙂
Tammy
Dori Troutman says: Hi Tammy,
Thank you! I hope you have a lovely holiday as well!
~ Dori ~
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Hello Farmgirl Friends!!!
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I’m very (VERY) late on this blog post!! I’m not going to give you all the crazy excuses but I will tell you this one: I went out west to spend some time with my mom and I brought her home with me for the winter again this year. Which is wonderful and awesome and perfect. But it’s also thrown me way off my routine and I’ve hardly even been capable of meeting the deadlines on my calendar this month! Smile!
katherine Gaughran says: What a beautiful picture, you are blessed have a wonderful Christmas and a healthy New year to you and your family.
Kathy Gaughran
Dori Troutman says: Hi Katherine! Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas as well.
~ Dori ~
Colleen says: Oh, how wonderful! Reminds me of my Grandmas (both of them) and their patchwork wonders made for family and friends. My own (now 90-years old) Mom passed on the love of sewing and quilting to my sisters and I, as well. I especially LOVE making aprons, and will make one, for anybody that shows even the most remote interest in wearing and using one. In the past couple weeks, I’ve made at least four, with more already cut out. Thank you for sharing your Mom, family, and love of fabric. Have a wonderful day, and may God’s Peace be with you.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Colleen! Those patchwork wonders were the absolutely best! I hope you’ll sew along with us!
~ Dori ~
Laurel says: I love it!! Will follow along from beautiful Washington State!!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Laurel! YAY!! Super happy you’re going to sew along with us!
~ Dori ~
Terry Steinmetz says: How exciting! I love aprons and am always looking for new patterns, especially ones of older days. And the best benefit for me is that I can use up the many, many scrap pieces of materials I have lying around in boxes!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Terry! I love aprons too… this is going to be fun and I’m excited you’re going to sew along with us!
~ Dori ~
Ginger Louden says: I can’t wait to start this sewing project! It’s so great to bring back old patterns, recipes, etc.. My sisters and I just sent all our nieces and nephews projects we did in memory of our mom. When she had time, she liked to crochet, embroider dish towels, and bake. We did an embroidered dish towel, a crochet dishrag, and a copy of a recipe we found in her handwriting. They are so excited to get these packages! I’m retired now, so I’ll start finding material for the squares!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Ginger! YAY!!! So excited you’ll follow along with us!
~ Dori ~
Farmgirl Jill says: What gifts you share on all levels! Thank you for these memories and pattern!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Jill! Thank you! I hope you’ll follow along on the sew-along!
~ Dori ~
Deb Fischer says: Thank you Dori, I am going to work along with you
and try to make the apron. It is so pretty and looks like fun. I am not a seamstress at all but I do like to try.
And it is such a lovely photo of you and your girls with your Mama.
Enjoy your mamas visit and have fun.
Farmgirl Hugs,
De#2682
Dori Troutman says: Hi Deb! YAY!!! So excited to have you sew along with us! You’ll love it! And here’s the thing… it’s not hard! If you can sew, you can do it!!
~ Dori ~
Deb Fischer says: Beautiful photo Dori of you, your Mama and girls such beautiful smiles.
I love the sweet little apron and it looks like fun to make. Even though I am not a seamstress I want to try and make it.
Thank you so much for offering the sew along.
Enjoy your Mama’s visit.
Farmgirl Hugs,
Debbie
#1582
Tammy L Thomson says: Dear Dori,
What a beautiful group of ladies! Glad to hear that your momma is with you for the holidays and through the winter. Enjoy the Christmas preparations 🙂
Tammy
Dori Troutman says: Hi Tammy,
Thank you! I hope you have a lovely holiday as well!
~ Dori ~
The last bouquet of the summer from our flower garden
Hello Famrgirl Friends!!!
It’s October and guess what? This is my birthday month! My daughter and my grand-girls took me to lunch on my birthday and out for a little shopping on our local square. It was just the perfect thing for a birthday celebration! But here’s the thing. I had a hard time leading up to my birthday last week. A really hard time.
Brenda says: Love reading,thank you
Anita Johnson says: Happy belated birthday! What a joy to read your blogs. I’m thankful for folks like you who share the beautiful “small” joys in life… in reality they truly are the big things.
Charlene J Gravely says: Love this,Thank you
Sherry says: What a wonderful posting to read today… smile I learned something about monarch butterflies and I was inspired as well. Thank you, Dori!
Tammy L Thomson says: Hello Dori,
A belated Happy Birthday to you!! It’s okay to be melancholy on your birthday; I think. But as you say, you indeed do have much to be thankful for! Thank you for your inspiring and fun blogs.! These really are a gift to us the readers. So; you are already fulfilling your goal, in a way, to give gifts on your birthday ;). God Bless you and keep you…..Love, Tammy
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Hello to my sewing farmgirls!
Do you own a needle book for all your little hand sewing projects? If you don’t, then YAY! This blog post is for you! I love little needle books and I have many of them scattered around my house… anywhere that I might sit and do a little sewing; there’s a needle book!
Colleen says: My favorite hand-sewing project is making folk-artsy looking dolls, with long skinny legs, embroidered faces, and calico dresses on them. Each one is “dorky” in it’s own look, but they’re so much fun to make.
Maxine says: These are just so cute!!
My favorite hand sewing project is really having a quilt that I’m working on just handy so I can sit down to it any time. One of my hand quilting projects is a hexie quilt that I use for a traveling project. It’s been overseas with me twice and will be going again in a few days.
I have always sewed but lately started hand sewing again. Felt, wool table runners, crewel embroidery, counted cross stitch…I need to make an adorable book for my needles. Love your prints. Would love having one of yours
Joanna Ziolkowski says: My favorite hand sewing right now is working with small wool applique stitching, but I plan to try something new because of an earlier article you wrote. I just shopped for some sashiko supplies, and I have signed up for some classes to learn this craft. I just have to say, your needlebooks are too sweet! I will have to try these, too! Thank you for always inspiring with your handiwork!
Kathy Barnett says: I love to embroider, do EPP quilting, and needlepoint. Your needlebooks are adorable.
Ginger Louden says: I embroider on dish towels. I was taught how to do this from my grandma and mother. I always have a towel, needles, and thread handy. I use them for gifts, and I donate a lot of them to shelters or local places that need them.
I love to do embroidery. It’s my favorite handwork. I’m not very good at it but I am practicing! Thanks for the chance at such a lovely giveaway. Love reading your blog
Sandra Johnson says: My favorite hand sewing projects are creative clothing repairs to extend the life of my wardrobe.
Laurel Anne Pries says: Although I’m “getting up there” I still love to make little things and give as gifts to friends and family. This little needle book definitely is on my to do list….how cute!! Thank you Dori!
Lori says: These are so cute, Dori! Right now I am making that cute little fall swag that you gave a tutorial on last year. I had them all cut out last year but was not able to finish them. Hope to get it hung up this week! Other than that, I have some embroidery projects for winter I am doing. I figure if I work on the next season to come, I may get it finished to enjoy, lol
Carol says: Hi Dori! I love these little needle books! I’m always looking for something special to make for friends. I think this will be this year’s project. Thank you. My favorite hand-sewing project is any small item that I have quilted. The last thing I made was a cheery table runner for the summer season. I like making big hand stitches on something like this. Gives it a homey look.Happy Sewing! Carol
I have a yo-yo quilt top that has been in the works for years but I love to shop or sew on it when I have time. I’ve taken quite a few quilt classes but it’s all done on a machine & I like that the yo-yo is all by hand.
MS Barb says: I enjoy hand embroidery & embellished hand embroidery (I’ve taken classes to learn how to do different stitches for embellishments!
Sabrena Orr says: My favorite hand sewing is doing for others – whether it is sewing a hem up for my daughter, fixing a button for our grands, or helping my mom with something she needs. It always feels good to give and help other. :0)
mary pitman says: These little Needle keepers are so cute!! I made several last year for Christmas gifts. My hubby likes his really well! He uses the needle when he gets a sticker in his finger. I got the pattern from a quilt show my friend and I attended. I LOVE your posts or blogs, and just LOVE reading about your flower stands and your family helping you with it.
Jane Jordan says: Hi Dori – what a sweet blog post. Were expecting Hurricane Lee to hit us here on the coast of Maine tomorrow so after battening down the hatches this afternoon, I know what I’ll be doing to morrow to ride out the storm…making a needle book!
I’m working on a US map quilt these days. It’s appliqued and I’m hand quilting around the outside of the map. Doing small random running stitches. I’m finding it to be really relaxing. So, for now, I’ll say that it’s my favorite project. But who knows? May e after tomorrow, making needle books will be my new favorite :-).
Thanks,
Jane
Toni Hauge says: My favorite needlework is counted cross-stitch.
I have stitched many things as gifts and they are in homes all over the world.
My favorite is the Nativity ornaments I made for my Mom. They are glass beads, double sided and stitched on perforated paper. A lady admitted them and asked me to make a set for her. I did.
I have since inherited the set I made for my Mom.
I enjoy reading your blogs. Thank you
Judy Garden says: My favorite hand sewing project is visible mending on old jeans!
Hannah W says: Thanks for the inspiring post. Most of my hand sewing is hand quilting and finishing the binding. My favorite part of the process.
Susan Owen says: My favorite handwork is going to sound a little unusual. I like mending. It is such a great feeling to mend something and know that it will last a little longer or bring new life to something that would have been tossed away. Recently I bought two items at big discounts because they just needed a little mending and TLC. One was a cute set of fabric ghosts that the seams had come apart and the other was a snowman whose spool thread and buttton legs had been sewn on backwards.
Carla J says: Right now I’m working thru a series of snowman hand embroidery blocks that will end up in a quilt, hopefully next year. I enjoy hand quilting smaller items.
My bag was heavy enough after walking thru the quilt show yesterday I would have been tempted to purchase more embellishments if I had seen this first. I treated myself to a new silver thimble and a book on using some of the tatted and crochet pieces from estate sales.
Whitney Hedren says: I like Christmas cross stitches
Susan Owen says: My favorite handwork is going to sound a little unusual. I like mending. It is such a great feeling to mend something and know that it will last a little longer or bring new life to something that would have been tossed away. Recently I bought two items at big discounts because they just needed a little mending and TLC. One was a cute set of fabric ghosts that the seams had come apart and the other was a snowman whose spool thread and buttton legs had been sewn on backwards. It’s fun to be able to mend things that have sentimental value as well.
Dori Umphreys says: I love hand sewing little doll quilts and ornaments for my tiny Christmas tree.
De says: I Love to make little critters or little dolls out of felt!
Lorna Wooldridge says: I am eyeing a felted mail box pattern with handmade felted snail for the cards I make. Thank you for this super cute giveaway.
Lisa Albert says: I love anything handmade especially with embroidery on it and appliqués. Your books are delightful and practical! I’m just beginning to learn hand work now that my boys are grown and I have down time to create. I would love to win one of your books to have in my home for upcoming embroidered tea towel projects I want to do for Christmas presents❤️
Jodi LeBrun-Boyer says: I just started to hand sew, so every project is my favorite right now. I love these little books, I can’t wait to try it out.
Mary Bryan says: At the moment, my favorite needlework is counted cross-stitch. But, that could change. I also do embroidery and EPP.
Fonda L says: Those are sooooooooooo cute!!!
My favorite project might be counted cross-stitch picture.
They have so many to choose from or you can make your own.
Cristy Marxsen says: My favorite handwork is applique. I can’t wait to get started on a needlebook though. Thank you sew much for the inspiration!!!!
Cheri Sander says: I love this idea! Will definitely try to make one. I love to make little projects to give away. Right now I am making quilted tree shirts to give to my kids.
Cheri Sander says: Darn these fat fingers! I meant tree skirts
Carole Nelsen says: I’m trying to finish cross stitching a pillowcase, but do enjoy trying small sewing projects.
Terry Wingate says: I just started quilting in January of this year. I want to hand-quilt my next project, instead of machine quilting on a long-arm. In the past, I’ve done counted cross stitch and a little needlepoint. These needlebooks are just adorable! Now that I’m retired, I have more time to enjoy my hobbies!
Christine Puruleski says: I know it’s kind of plain for others, but I love to make different dishcloth patterns!!!
I have done hot pads and coasters and just thoroughly enjoy giving them as stocking stuffers or just a surprise gift!
I do think my favorite may become these needle books!!! I am always searching for what I need to mend or alter something and these are the cutest and most sensible sewing extras I have seen in a long time!
Thank you, thank you, Dori!,
Christine
Sylvia Bengisoy says: I enjoy cross stitch. I would like to try Brazilian Embroidery. I have made a dolly out of saved items/fabrics. It turned out real cute.
Debbie McDonald says: My favorite hand sewing project has been learning to darn wool socks.
shawna says: I love embroidery! I enjoy hand stitching receiving blanket edges. I always have a knit or crochet project going. I know that isn’t hand sewing, but it keeps my hands busy.
Connie Bruss says: I make replica wedding and bridesmaids dresses and other outfits of family and friends for American dolls.
Jennifer Thayer says: I love hand-stitching seasonal decor with felt and penny rugs.
Patricia Colbaugh says: I love hand sewing embellished items for military shadowboxes for family members. Love seeing handmade hearts, flags & etc made from their families past lace, leather & quilt cottons.
Myra says: Sweet little book and so useful too! Love it.
Dena Martin says: My hand projects are usually stitching binding to a newly made quilt. But, my favorite and most memorable hand project is a little pieced I hand-embroidered when I was about eleven years old. I taped the embroidery design to a window in the dining room and taped a piece of muslin over it before beginning to trace the embroidery designs on the muslin. It took me forever to trace and my arms were so tired reaching up to trace the designs. The piece has a poem in the middle, under a young boy and girl walking up the staircase. And, it’s framed by embroidered children’s toys. Good memories. I still have the piece which was completed over 50 years ago.
Carol Lou Ontto says: My favorite hand sewing project is mending. I am laid up from surgery and have been catching up on.
Gayle Baskin says: I love the sewing needle book pattern and idea.
I love using scraps for small pouches for my embroidery floss or scissors or small gift bags.
Thank you…
Sherry says: You’ve inspired me to get out my needles and scissors and start crafting again! I’m 74 y/o and I know I have another quilt in me
I love to make Christmas ornaments. I’ve made many little ginger bread men. I give them all away.
Joan Piercy says: Dori, I love your blog! My favorite needlework is embroidery which is perfect for the Crazy Quilt I am finishing. My Aunt Mary Witte was unable to finish it and gave it to me. Crazy quilts have always been my favorite quilts. I am also finishing up one the Dresden Plate table toppers you had in a recent blog. Thank you, Dori, for sharing your world with all of us! Joan
Nita says: Currently into little things, having finally finished 52Tags from 2020…! Now working on a Tiny Tannenbaum wallhanging with lots of shiny bits added. Besides embroidery, mostly my favorite handsewing project is finishing the binding on a quilt–such a soothing, nearly mindless activity, suited to TV watching if that’s your jam, and satisfying at the end of the flurry of creating a quilt!
Joy says: I love to do counted cross stitch. I get so much enjoyment from looking at all your projects. Makes me wish I could quilt.
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”.
I celebrated with you, Dory, for finding your perfect Hoosier cabinet! WHAT A FIND! It looks perfect in your area. Thank God for daughters who bring a different perspective to space and told you to “buy it we’ll find a space”
Absolutely gorgeous. I am so happy you found what you were looking for. It was well worth the wait.
That is such a great story! Thank you for sharing!
I would love to have my own Hoosier cabinet! It’s definitely a bucket/wish list item! 🙂 I’m starting small, as I found the bottom half of a cabinet at a local thrift store for a steal. It has metal bottom drawers and a beautiful oak patina. One day, I hope to find the real McCoy! Your cabinet is amazing in the corner of your room. How can you not smile when you look at it??! Thank you for sharing your story! 🙂
I am so happy for you…and your joy at finding the perfect Hoosier is evident in every word – I can almost hear the squeals of excitement! I love how it looks with all the vintage touches you had just waiting for it, and the original papers still inside, they are the best! I have an old Boone…it was listed for such a good price, I had to go see it. My daughter and I drove country roads that took us “in back of beyond” as the saying goes. When we arrived, the seller was so happy because she’d just found the Hoosier of her dreams and needed to make room for it…she even lowered the price of the Boone – how could I not bring it home? She and I were both winners! One of my favorite sayings is: Never Stop Making Wishes, and this proves that dreams can come true…love it!
Mary
I love Hoosiers too and was happy to find one myself to bring home. It’s so old, has a tin top that slides out, a lined bin drawer, and a very little, metal plate on the front that is stamped “May 15 1906”. I had been looking “forever” for one. You have set this up so perfectly, it’s adorable! Motivating for me to make mine a cuter set-up, as right now it just holds my “desk stuff” in a nice hidden way.
Hi Dori,
I truly enjoyed reading your article! As an owner of the Michigan Hoosier Company that we closed many years ago, I have worked on both restoring and building many new Hoosiers and Side Cabinets with my family. You have a rare find and an absolutely beautiful one. I too have studied the history and visited the original shops at different times and love to decorate my Hoosier. Enjoy- I am so happy for you.
Kim