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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!
Hello friends!!! Here I am again… bringing you a blog post with all the deep thoughts that ended up in a “winging it” kind of project! Smile!
Terry Steinmetz says: So glad to see your fun work I sewed 2 tablerunners today for my kitchen table. I used some fabric I’d been saving for whatever came my way. One side is blueberries on the stems( navy blue and light colored polka dots backgrounds). The other side is a multicolored outdoor scene of different birds and birdhouses. I used the 10 minute tablerunner pattern given to me by a friend. I added decorative stitching on the borders. Voila!!! LOVE IT ! Wish I could post a picture of it. Oh well. Going to work on fabric boxes tonight to give as gifts to friends. Blessings!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Terry! Wow that sounds wonderful! I bet they are beautiful!
~ Dori ~
Beautiful job on the table toppers! WAY more hand stitching than I want to do, though.
Those cups are from Starbucks, aren’t they? I have one, from Houston, where I used to live. Maybe next trip I’ll get one that says Texas.
I would love to find one or two of those old Coke boxes, and exactly for that kind of thing.
Margaret Hofknecht says: What an eye-catching beauty this table topper is! That fabric is scrumptious! The only spiffing up I’ve done is knitting cotton dishcloths to match my dish towels. I so enjoyed choosing yarns to match the colors in the towels. Be blessed!
Bonnie Iscrupe says: what a beautiful project, that will put a huge smile on your face each time you walk into the room. You have such a good eye!
Kathy Gaughran says: I love the Dresden Plate and as always, beautiful done. your always an Inspiration. Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy Fall season.
Tammy L Thomson says: Dear Dori, thank you for sharing your beautiful creation! I don’t think I have ever seen a cheerier “table runner/centerpiece”. I wonder if it’s possible to not smile when seeing it? I doubt it. :):) As for me, I am not a fabric artist but; I do collect vintage doilies and lace etc. which I have all over my home. Have a great rest of the Summer! Tammy
Cynthia Felice says: I think your projects are just adorable! I so enjoyed seeing the steps I wonder if the waterproofing product you used would help keep fabric from fading outside on my deck tables Would love to make cute table cloths for them Thank you again for sharing your talents and awesome projects!
Jaryl Romshe says: I love Dree#den Plate design. I love what you did.
Kate says: Absolutely darling!!
Marilyn says: Great job, it is lovely.
Marilyn
Joyce Atlee says: I just love that Dresden plate table topper! It is so pretty and heartbreakingly nostalgic. Great job winging it!
Patti Smith says: Absolutely beautiful!!
Connie J. Bakker says: Love your work and you hand quilted!!!!!
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Hello my Farmgirl Friends!!!
Most of you here know that my daughter and I are Flower Farmers (in a VERY small scale) and we sell our flowers by the honor system at on our darling little roadside stand. This is our ninth summer of business! Through the years we’ve really streamlined our little business. We know what grows best for us and we know what sells. We rarely experiment with anything else now that we have it figured out!
Terry Zignego says: Great idea. I especially love the rustic trailer? you use to display your bouquets.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Terry,
It’s pretty fun isn’t it? My son in law found the old truck bed and then he built the rest of it for us. It is the absolute best set-up!
~ Dori ~
Joan Piercy says: Dori, Just wanted to tell you how beautiful your flowers are! Wish I was close enough to buy some. I live on the East Coast in Mechanicsville, VA. I lost my dad in January of this year. So sorry for your loss! Joan
Dori Troutman says: Hi Joan,
I’m so sorry about your Dad. It’s a loss that is hard to describe… no long having our precious Dads. My tears are different than they were a year ago when he passed… now they are just tears of wonderful memories that I cherish.
Hugs to you, Joan.
~ Dori ~
Tammy L Thomson says: Dear Dori,
Thank you for sharing a beautiful (Really extra beautiful with all the gorgeous flower pics!!) post with an inspiring message. Your bouquets are the perfect Summer bouquet. I can’t believe you give them away for only 5! I would be buying one every few days if I lived nearby. God bless you and give you comfort and happy memories about your dear Dad.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Tammy,
We absolutely love selling our flowers for $5. Most anyone can afford that and as a result we have a lot of elderly customers that get so happy to spend $20 and take gifts to four friends! We see it time and time again. That is what makes us the most happy. Our flowers getting shared!
Thank you for the comment on my Dad. He’s with me always!
~ Dori ~
mary pitman says: I ALWAYS LOVE your posts! I LOVE flowers too and grow mine mostly along our yard fence. How about tiger lilies? they are so tall and beautiful
Dori Troutman says: Hi Mary,
I love flowers growing along a fence… it’s just so beautiful! And YES to Tiger Lilies!!!
~ Dori ~
Susana says: I love zinnias, sunflowers , cosmos smo gst a bunch of other flowers like snapdragons columbine and asters.spme last longer than others . Ive never sold anything I just give it away. I like putting a smile on a Face.
Susana says: I love zinnias, sunflowers , cosmos amongst a bunch of other flowers like snapdragons columbine and asters.some last longer than others . Ive never sold anything I just give it away. I like putting a smile on a Face.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Susana,
You hit the nail right on the head… giving flowers always puts a smile on our faces!!!
~ Dori ~
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Hello Friends!
Its almost July and I had on my mind to make a super easy new bunting to hang. Most of you know me well enough to know that I absolutely adore buntings! I decided to just use up some fabric scraps and make a “no sew” bunting that ANYONE can make! Dig through your red/white/blue fabric scraps and let make one together!
Continue reading
Bonnie Iscrupe says: Loved the idea, great for children to help with.
Happy May to all my Farmgirl Friends!
Do you remember the tradition of May Day? Where on the first day of May you celebrate spring by secretly delivering a little basket of flowers to a friend; like literally knock on the door and then run? Smile!!! Do you keep up this sweet tradition? Or are you like me and every year on May 2nd you remember that you were going to do that and forgot??? (I’m the worst for having great ideas AFTER the fact.).
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Kathy Gaughran says: Happy May Day Dori
You are always so wonderfully creative. Wishing you and your mother a wonderful Mother’s Day.
Kathy
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Kathy!
Happy Mothers Day to you as well!
Hugs,
Dori
Tammy L Thomson says: Hello Dori, Your May Day baskets are so sweet! Thank you for sharing your clever ideas.
I remember a few May Days long, Long ago when I delivered surprises which we hung on the door handles of neighbors of my Grandma. She lived in a small Wisconsin town called Poy Sippi. I must have been only about 5 but; I remember feeling just wonderful doing that and I still do when I recollect ;). Blessings, Tammy
Dori Troutman says: Hi Tammy,
Oh I love this. Isn’t it the sweetest tradition? I think we should ALL be doing it!!!
Hugs,
~ Dori ~
Melissa says: Thank you! I am so excited about this! We delivered homemade paper flowers to all of the elderly neighbor ladies when we were young , knocking and running!
I love your ideas. Thank you again for sharing.
Happy mother’s day!
Dori Troutman says: Melissa,
That is such a fun idea!!!! I love paper flowers!
Hugs,
Dori
Terry Zignego says: I laughed at your comment in regards to coming up with great ideas at the last minute!
Me too!
Love these baskets. They are going on my April 2024 calendar.
Dori Troutman says: Terry, maybe we should remind each other next April!!!! 🙂
Hugs,
Dori
ANNIE SCOTT says: What cute ideas. I wish I was your neighbor. I live in a big city and neighbors are nothing like country girls. Happy Mother’s Day.
Dori Troutman says: Annie,
I wish you were my farm neighbor too!!
Hugs,
Dori
Debbie Fischer says: Dori~
Such a clever idea and so fun. The cute little baskets can surely put a smile on friends faces!
Thank you for such wonderful ideas.
Happy Mothers Day to you
Farmgirl Hugs,
Debbie
Dori Troutman says: Debbie,
Thank you! Such a fun memory!
Happy Mothers Day to you as well,
Hugs,
Dori
Ruth Farmer says: Greetings from Colorado! What a great idea and it sounds like you had so much fun doing the deliveries. Happy Mother’s Day. Blessings, Ruth
Dori Troutman says: Ruth,
It was so much fun!!! Such a special time!
Hugs,
~ Dori ~
Marilyn says: Lovely and so creative. Wishing you and your mother and daughter a Blessed Mother’s Day. God Bless.
Joan,Marion and Marilyn
Dori Troutman says: Marilyn,
Thank you! Happy Mothers Day to you as well.
Hugs,
~ Dori ~
Lori says: You are such a lovely source of inspiration! Thank you for this and all the links! Happy Mother’s Day and God bless you!
Dori Troutman says: Lori,
Thank you! Im glad you enjoyed it!
Hugs,
~ Dori ~
Donna Presley says: Happy Mother’s Day Dori!
What a wonderful idea for a “from the heart” gift. Thanks for sharing and for the inspiration- and including your granddaughter was a terrific way to start and pass on this tradition. Have a terrific Mother’s Day!
Donna
Dori Troutman says: Hi Donna,
Thank you! And yes, including my little grand girl was honestly what made it so special! We are looking forward to next year.
Hugs,
~ Dori ~
Hello Farmgirl Friends! For those of you that have been following me for years you know that every April I run the Oak Barrel Half Marathon in Lynchburg, TN. I’ve written about it here numerous times… I have no idea why exactly except that when something goes around in my head a hundred times I have to write about it! Smile! So of course… here we go again!
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Lori Fresina says: Great job!
mary pitman says: Not my own accomplishment, but my husband’s!!! He just had both knees replaced on Feb 22, and has just yesterday been released by his Orthopedic Dr. Dr says he is doing superb, has graduated from therapy and doing just excellent. The pain has been bad for him. I have just been his encourager and help(mate)er to keep him going. Pain is still part of his recovery while his body gets used to all the metal! but he is doing great! thanks for keeping us posted on your runs and your life! I LOVE your posts!
Janice E, Briese says: I really admire the way you went thru this with the adversity in your life. In the last year I lost my husband of 54 years each day is a challenge but at the end of the day I try to remember the good things and be grateful- we never know the road a head of us but the determination to complete it is what matters. Take care and I hope to read that you do make the 10 races- Janice
Donna Kozak says: I fractured my hip last January and had 2 steel pins inserted and after a couple months of physiotherapy and lots of walking, I can now walk freely (with a little limp!)…and I’m 82, by the way ! Being active most of my life helps.
Marilyn says: Congratulations to you and Jillian.Great job.
Marilyn
Barbara J. Deming says: Dori, I am so proud of both of you–but especially you. I was a track runner in school–I dare not tell you how many years ago that was! It was a challenge, it was hard work, but I felt such satisfaction at the end of the race–win or lose. My bones couldn’t take that now, though I do still walk and hike as much as possible. Hang it there. You need to meet your medal goal!
Great blog as always.
Tammy L Thomson says: Way to go!! Congrats to you and to Jillian. To finish when it was that difficult and to “just keep running” says so much about your tenacity. You have inspired me! 🙂
As for your request about a challenge that I have had, I did recently complete a big project at work which entailed updating our crash carts at the hospital. I was very daunted by it because of the work involved, but; I completed it and kept my good humor.
I love your blogs also; keep them coming please.
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Hello Farmgirl friends!
I count myself incredibly fortunate that I have amazing girlfriends. I’ve written many times on this blog about my different girlfriends. Whether it is my two very best life long girlfriends, or my amazing girlfriends I’ve met in my fitness classes, or the great group of girls I met at a sewing retreat in Vermont. I’ve written about them all.
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Maxine Jeinek says: Dori, this is just absolutely the sweetest!! Your words on how much a gift of a quilt is are spot on too!
Laurel Anne Pries says: Lovely post Dori!! You are blessed!
mary pitman says: I LOVE your quilt gift! it is most precious! as precious as you are to so many of us who read your FarmGirl newsletter! we love you
Bonita says: What a wonderful story and gift. You are truly blessed in a wonderful, sometimes rare friendship with these women.
Cyndie says: Aw Dori: this is just as precious as can be. I am so happy you received such a special gift. Your sewing ladies are a wonderful bunch & I am so glad you have come to know them so well. Much love my friend♥️
Sanne says: LOVE this story, thank you so much for sharing!! Blessings to all Sewing Sisters!!
Donna Worthen says: You were right. Such a beautiful story that brought me to tears. Thank you for your gift of writing, and quilting
Dorothy A Whiteside says: The love and the loving effort will bring more and more love to others. Thank you for such a beautiful story. Dorothy
Beth Onyon says: Wow–I am typing single letters, as I am speechless. I guess that is what it feel like when you are “talking” with someone in a comment. That was a profound story. I am so touched, and I don’t have this connection with very many. I have a cousin I am very close to and I am going to spend a month at their house in Ohio in May. We are both crafters, and even though we will not be doing quilts, having that time to spend together nights and weekends to share and create will be very important to me (I live in CA right now). Thank you so much for sharing this. I always enjoy your blogs, as I can feel the how important the information is to you, and I hope you know how much your life has touched mine from a distance. Thank you—-Beth
Pamela Czurak says: What a precious gift. You are very Blessed.
Debbie Fischer says: Dori, such a heartwarming story of love and friendship, you have me crying. It is such a special gift as like you said only a quilter knows the work that goes into a quilt. Yes a true treasure that you will always treasure.
I am so sorry you lost your Dad, wrap yourself in your comfort quilt to know peace, love and true friendship!
Hugs to you,
Debbie
#1582
Deanna says: What a precious gift of love and friendship! The thing that struck me was how the quilt literally was saying “Dori” (in a loud voice”) 🙂 They did such a wonderful job of picking out the fabrics and it truly looked like something you would have made yourself. Isn’t it a miracle and a gift from God that you can meet someone just once and have an unbreakable bond? May your quilt bring you comfort and many smiles also.
Henriette Area says: I am a quilter. I have several girlfriend groups, but the quilt group is truly special. I love this story and am happy that you have such giving and loving friends.
Donna Rowe says: Oh my! I too am a quilter and love gifting quilts. In fact I’m in process of making 4 for a firehouse to keep the guys that have to overnight, warm! But to receive such a gift. Oh what a treasure you are to these ladies!
Jennnifer says: What an incredible gift! Friends are truly treasures from heaven!
Tammy L Thomson says: What a lovely story about Love and Friendship. Thank you for sharing this….
Beth says: This is such a beautiful story — and a beautiful quilt! What a wonderful group of women you are ❤️
Judith Smith-Coleman says: Oh my, I’m crying too. Such a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing and spreading the joy and pure kindness!! God Bless!❤
Hello Friends!
Today, I’ve got a fun surprise for you! Last month in my blog post I told you that my Momma from New Mexico is here with us for awhile. (If you missed that post, you can read it here.)
Well, today I’m turning this blog over to her! She’s written up a little recipe treat for you!
Meet my mom, Carol:
Above picture taken in 2016 of my Momma in her kitchen
We stayed at a guest ranch in New Mexico. The hostess made stacked enchiladas, egg on top with green sauce. How delicious!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Ginny,
That is so cool!!! Nothing in the world (in my opinion) like stacked enchiladas with an egg on top!
~ Dori ~
CandyC says: Love this!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Candy,
Its so super good!
~ Dori ~
MaryJane Butters says: Welcome to our cast of farmgirls Carol!!!! Carol’s Cowboy Salad is on my grandgirl menu for tomorrow night. We often conjure “peppers/onions/maters all-diced-up” on all manner of things (I like fresh red onions diced real tiny on just about anything), but now we have a new fun name for one of our favorite toppings: Cowboy Salad. Also thinking ’bout makin’ your suggested side: mess o’ beans w/skillet cornbread.
Dori Troutman says: Hi MaryJane!
Let us know how you like the Cowboy Salad! 🙂 Mom will be so excited to hear about it!
Hugs to you, sweet friend!
~ Dori ~
Sarah Warren says: This looks delicious, thank you.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Sarah,
You MUST try it!!!
~ Dori ~
Robin Marshall says: what is her recipe for beans and cornbread please!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Robin!
I tried so hard to get her to write her instructions / recipe for beans and cornbread and she wouldn’t!!!
I’m thinking I may need to do it for her! 🙂
~ Dori ~
Marie Gassert says: Thanks for sharing this recipe! I would never have thought of adding it to pinto beans and corn bread but the way prices are now it is truly appreciated.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Marie,
Its one of those things that you HAVE to try!!!! You honestly can’t believe how good it is!
~ Dori ~
Marty M says: My Mom used to make similar tomato salad with tomato, fresh garlic, fresh onion, fresh chopped basil, oregano, salt, pepper and splash of balsamic vinegar. Yum
Dori Troutman says: Hi Marty,
Yes! I’ve put balsamic vinegar and olive oil in mine as well, but Mom corrected me on it!! HaHaHa!!!
~ Dori ~
Fresh Tomato salad also has olive oil (forgot to add). Also served with fresh hot homemade Italian rolls and butter!!
Judy Thomas says: It looks like we all have similar traditions, I just had cattle beans, cornmeal muffins and apples on the side. Frugal, tasty eats for inflationary times. Thanks for the post.
donna Moore says: Dori sounds wonderful. Thank your mom sew much for sharing her treasured recipe. I bet y’all are having a blast together?
Sending lots of love,
donna
Marilyn says: Welcome to your mom. Thank you for the recipe. God Bless.
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY To All
Joan,Marion and Marilyn
Ruth Farmer says: Thank you for the recipe! I enjoy reading from your blog. Blessings!!
Eve Hurt says: This sounds delicious! My family loves pinto beans and cornbread with onions or relish or chow-chow and we also love spicy foods so this sounds perfect! Can’t wait to try it!
Kathy Marx says: How yummy! Thanks so much.
Henriette Area says: Just caught up on several recent blogs from you. Such touching stories and wonderful memories. Love reading about your mother and her time with you.
Donna Brewton says: I’m trying this! Never dreamed of this combo. Love your mom.
Hello Friends!
Today, I’ve got a fun surprise for you! Last month in my blog post I told you that my Momma from New Mexico is here with us for awhile. (If you missed that post, you can read it here.)
Well, today I’m turning this blog over to her! She’s written up a little recipe treat for you!
Meet my mom, Carol:
Above picture taken in 2016 of my Momma in her kitchen
We stayed at a guest ranch in New Mexico. The hostess made stacked enchiladas, egg on top with green sauce. How delicious!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Ginny,
That is so cool!!! Nothing in the world (in my opinion) like stacked enchiladas with an egg on top!
~ Dori ~
CandyC says: Love this!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Candy,
Its so super good!
~ Dori ~
MaryJane Butters says: Welcome to our cast of farmgirls Carol!!!! Carol’s Cowboy Salad is on my grandgirl menu for tomorrow night. We often conjure “peppers/onions/maters all-diced-up” on all manner of things (I like fresh red onions diced real tiny on just about anything), but now we have a new fun name for one of our favorite toppings: Cowboy Salad. Also thinking ’bout makin’ your suggested side: mess o’ beans w/skillet cornbread.
Dori Troutman says: Hi MaryJane!
Let us know how you like the Cowboy Salad! 🙂 Mom will be so excited to hear about it!
Hugs to you, sweet friend!
~ Dori ~
Sarah Warren says: This looks delicious, thank you.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Sarah,
You MUST try it!!!
~ Dori ~
Robin Marshall says: what is her recipe for beans and cornbread please!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Robin!
I tried so hard to get her to write her instructions / recipe for beans and cornbread and she wouldn’t!!!
I’m thinking I may need to do it for her! 🙂
~ Dori ~
Marie Gassert says: Thanks for sharing this recipe! I would never have thought of adding it to pinto beans and corn bread but the way prices are now it is truly appreciated.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Marie,
Its one of those things that you HAVE to try!!!! You honestly can’t believe how good it is!
~ Dori ~
Marty M says: My Mom used to make similar tomato salad with tomato, fresh garlic, fresh onion, fresh chopped basil, oregano, salt, pepper and splash of balsamic vinegar. Yum
Dori Troutman says: Hi Marty,
Yes! I’ve put balsamic vinegar and olive oil in mine as well, but Mom corrected me on it!! HaHaHa!!!
~ Dori ~
Fresh Tomato salad also has olive oil (forgot to add). Also served with fresh hot homemade Italian rolls and butter!!
Judy Thomas says: It looks like we all have similar traditions, I just had cattle beans, cornmeal muffins and apples on the side. Frugal, tasty eats for inflationary times. Thanks for the post.
donna Moore says: Dori sounds wonderful. Thank your mom sew much for sharing her treasured recipe. I bet y’all are having a blast together?
Sending lots of love,
donna
Marilyn says: Welcome to your mom. Thank you for the recipe. God Bless.
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY To All
Joan,Marion and Marilyn
Ruth Farmer says: Thank you for the recipe! I enjoy reading from your blog. Blessings!!
Eve Hurt says: This sounds delicious! My family loves pinto beans and cornbread with onions or relish or chow-chow and we also love spicy foods so this sounds perfect! Can’t wait to try it!
Kathy Marx says: How yummy! Thanks so much.
Henriette Area says: Just caught up on several recent blogs from you. Such touching stories and wonderful memories. Love reading about your mother and her time with you.
Donna Brewton says: I’m trying this! Never dreamed of this combo. Love your mom.
Happy New Year to my Farmgirl Friends!
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My sweet Momma… and our dog Belle.
I wonder what has been on your mind this month with the new year? What are the things that you think about as a new year begins? Goals and resolutions? Things to be thankful for? New ideas, new projects? My thoughts all month have been on the seasons of life.
Jean says: You are such a loving family…respecting ,enjoying, and being together, each generation in its season of life! What a wonderfully, life affirming post you shared. Thank you!
Patricia Baker says: Such a warm loving article. Thank you.
Sharon says: Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, your heart, your mom!
Carol says: Dori … How timely your post was! I have been thinking of your Mom and you as you faced the holidays without your Dad. It had to have been so difficult. I love the fact that your Mom is now with you, spending time with family and healing a little bit each day. God bless all of you. Carol
Tammy L Thomson says: Lovely. Your article is full of memories, wisdom, and most of all- Love.
Thank you for sharing this!
Maxine Jeinek says: What a lovely post and tribute to your mama! Treasure the moments and hugs to you both
E. Burke says: Hi Dori,
I’ve been thinking and praying for you and your Mom. Dori, I feel your pain, as my parents have both been deceased for over 40 years now and my sister just passed away two weeks ago. I’d like to say it gets easier but I’d be lying. You just learn to deal with it, have faith, remember all the good times and be thankful for the time we had with them.
I hope your Mom has a speedy recovery from her surgery. I’m praying for her! God bless you too, Dori! It’s not always easy but you are so kind and generous taking care of your Mom.
Chin up and be thankful everyday!
Love and Prayers
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”.
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.
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
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!
I love to embroider, do EPP quilting, and needlepoint. Your needlebooks are adorable.
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
My favorite hand sewing projects are creative clothing repairs to extend the life of my wardrobe.
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!
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
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.
I enjoy hand embroidery & embellished hand embroidery (I’ve taken classes to learn how to do different stitches for embellishments!
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)
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.
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
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
My favorite hand sewing project is visible mending on old jeans!
Thanks for the inspiring post. Most of my hand sewing is hand quilting and finishing the binding. My favorite part of the process.
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.
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.
I like Christmas cross stitches
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.
I love hand sewing little doll quilts and ornaments for my tiny Christmas tree.
I Love to make little critters or little dolls out of felt!
I am eyeing a felted mail box pattern with handmade felted snail for the cards I make. Thank you for this super cute giveaway.
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❤️
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.
At the moment, my favorite needlework is counted cross-stitch. But, that could change. I also do embroidery and EPP.
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.
My favorite handwork is applique. I can’t wait to get started on a needlebook though. Thank you sew much for the inspiration!!!!
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.
Darn these fat fingers! I meant tree skirts
I’m trying to finish cross stitching a pillowcase, but do enjoy trying small sewing projects.
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!
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
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.
My favorite hand sewing project has been learning to darn wool socks.
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.
I make replica wedding and bridesmaids dresses and other outfits of family and friends for American dolls.
I love hand-stitching seasonal decor with felt and penny rugs.
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.
Sweet little book and so useful too! Love it.
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.
My favorite hand sewing project is mending. I am laid up from surgery and have been catching up on.
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…
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.
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
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!
I love to do counted cross stitch. I get so much enjoyment from looking at all your projects. Makes me wish I could quilt.