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Hello Friends!
Before I get started on this post today I just want to thank all of you that left comments on my blog post last month; the one that was written by my grand-daughter Rosetta. If you all could have heard her excitement about the comments. It just made her week! Thank you so much.
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Hi! My name is Rosetta, I am Dori’s granddaughter. I am ten years old and I live with my mommy and daddy in our house on their farm. Today I asked my Gram if I could take pictures of my favorite things on the farm and tell you about them!
Happy holidays. Thanks for letting Rosetta tell us about her life on the farm. I wish I had her tree house. I lived on a farm when I was a girl and wish I’d never left.
Gail Larson says: This is the sweetest thing! She is darling. She did a great job. Loved her post and hope she does some more!
Happy New Year!
MS Barb says: What a lovely, informative post from Rosetta! Please let her share more articles in 2022! I grew up in St. Paul, MN, so know very little about farm life, so this was educational! Is Rosetta homeschooled, or does she attend public, or private school? (Rosetta is a multi-talented gal!) Have a BLESSED New Year!
Lori Fresina says: Very sweet. Enjoy your blogs!
Debbie Fischer says: I Love your granddaughters post and photos, I know what her life is life now. Fun and interesting with work thrown in.
Thank you Dori for sharing her with us.
Happy New Year.
Debbie Klann says: Rosetta, I loved your blog and all of the pictures! I can’t imagine a better place to grow up! I hope that you will write again sometime.
I’m thinking that your grandma is teaching you to sew? She creates wonderful things!
I know you said that bumblefoot was gross…but I had to google it…I’ve never heard of it. You are RIGHT!!!!!
Lara Mazz says: Thank you for sharing, Rosetta!
Donna says: What a lucky girl. Can’t beat the beauty all around us
Cindi Johnson says: What a delightful post! Rosetta makes me wish I had been raised on a farm – and had a “mostly sweet” sister. I think what she has shown us would be my favorite things, too. Blessings for the new year to you an your family, Dori.
CandyC says: Good job, Rosetta!
What a sweetie Rosetta is. I love it when the land is appreciated by those of us of all ages. I can tell she will be instrumental in keeping the farming life alive! Thanks for giving us insight into your life Rosetta!
Ione says: Rosetta growing up on a farm is wonderful . The freedom , fostering
her wonderful imagination, being outside with nature , animals and
fresh air is such a blessing . What a healthy , creative sweetheart .
Thank you for sharing ! ♥️
Diane Van Horn says: Love your granddaughters words and pictures. What a great place to grow up!
Laura says: I grew up on a dairy farm. Taking care of the calves was one of my jobs whenever my brothers were too busy.
We also had a treehouse that my Dad built. I have great memories of playing there with my younger brother.
I have 5 chickens now but I have not named ANY of them!
They are beautiful Brahma hens with white and black feathers.
Life on a farm is always busy and if you’re lucky you will have great helpers like Rosetta!
Dear Rosetta,
What a beautiful post. Family farms are special because they teach young people like yourself so many things about partnering with nature, where food comes from, about caring for animals and about weather. And what fun you must have exploring, playing in your tree house and raising your chickens and cows. I will show your post to my grandkids. They don’t live on my farm, but they get to visit. We will be growing a pizza garden this year. Happy New Year!
I absolutely enjoyed reading about this little farm girl! Her tree house is amazing!
Cyndie Gray says: She is not only the sweetest but also a good little writer!! Always love reading your blog posts my friend. The best to you & yours in the new year!
I loved the post from your adorable grand daughter. I love seeing the younger generation on a farm and enjoying it all.
Diane Hersey says: Hello Dori and Rosetta from our family farm in New Hampshire! Thank you for sharing all of your favorite things on the farm, Rosetta. And what a lovely farm! We have a 350 acre working farm. Grass-fed beef, hay, logging and of course, gardens. Our open fields and deep woods are so beautiful covered with snow! I live in the woods and enjoy watching the winter birds visiting the window feeder. Your tree house is magic. What fun! Happy New Year to you and your family. ~ Diane
Sheryl says: Lovely blog post. As a middle school English teacher I love this!!! I am always showing my students how many ways there are to share their writing and this was a perfect example. Great job, Rosetta! I hope to hear from you again on this blog.
Jackie says: Great job Rosetta! I loved reading your post and looking at the pictures. Your grandparents have a beautiful farm. My grandparents had a home in northern Wisconsin that I enjoyed going to too. Cherish those memories!
I loved Rosetta’s post. My grandparents had a farm and I loved every “farm”. My memories are still very vivid. Please tell her to journal her every day life now and cherish those treasures in her “old” age. I always enjoy your post!!
Margaret King says: Rosetta is so lucky to grow up on a farm. Always wished I could…still do even at 76!. Rosetta wrote a wonderful story and maybe the two of you can do one together sometme.
Hi, my name is Joan, and I really enjoyed reading Rosetta’s story about the farm. She did a great job with her story. My advice to her is that she continue writing, even if it isn’t on the internet.
I spent lots of time on a farm in Pensylvania, owned by my Aunt and Uncle. I was a teenager then, now I’m pushing 80. My Aunt and Uncle had a candle factory on their farm. My Uncle was from Germany, and the business was past on to him by his parents. On the farm were goats, 3 dogs, and 30 cats. The waxy candles attracted mice, so that is why they had cats. Now I am writing a book, a cozy mystery, and I using the memories of the farm and it’s scenery in my book. Names have been changed to protect the family.
Pamela says: Thank you for sharing Rosetta. She is so precious. Love your Blogs especially the teaching and sharing moments. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Betty says: Thank you so much! It reminded me of my life at 10 on our farm. We also had a cow named Midge, the sweetest girl ever!
Hoping your New Year is healthy, happy and filled with joy.
BJR
Sandra Duncan says: Happy New Year!
I really enjoyed Rosetta’s blog. It’s great she enjoys the farm life so much. I grew up on a farm and enjoyed it as a child. I hope we get to hear more from her in the future.
Blessings for the coming New Year
Sandra
Granddaughters are the best!! Great job Rosetta. The photos are great and growing up on a farm is the best. I miss my young days on our farm. Make memories!!
Donna Kozak says: What a sweet, intelligent young girl, happy to show us her wonderful farm life !
Beth says: Absolutely love this! Rosetta, you’re a true Gramma’s girl. And that’s quite the compliment. You are SO fortunate to be growing up on the farm with all your family.
Sending you love from western Oregon!
This was a great blog written by your grand daughter! Thank you Rosetta! Loved your life on the farm.
All four of our kids also grew up on the farm!
Sandi King says: Rosetta, I enjoyed your post very much. You have an interesting life on the farm.. I lived on a farm when I was a little girl, for a while until we moved out west. I had the most fun on the farm with my favorite hen, and a young calf that was mine as well as my dogs and cats. We, my brothers and cousins and I used to play in the woods around our farm and during the winter, my brothers made me a snow chair, and a tunnel through the snow that we climbed through to a center area a bit like a snow castle. My school was a one room school house and had one teacher who taught 1st through 8th grades and we walked to school and home every school day. Best memories I have of my childhood. Dori, thank you so much for allowing Rosetta to do this blog this time. I hope she will do more in the future. You have a very good life on your farm and I wish more people had that opportunity. May the New Year be gracious to us all.
Thank you so much Rosetta for such a wonderful tour of the farm and everything you love about it!! Now I must go to look up bumble foot…and will no doubt be suitably grossed out!!
Happy New Year!!
Dana Hotaling says: Just wanted to say Rosetta, you done an outstanding job writing your blog. Hope Grams let you do it often. Happy New Year.
Brenda White says: Nice job Rosetta! I loved all of your pictures. You sound like you really love the farm life and all of the animals.
Thank you Rosetta for a fun tour of the farm! It was nice of you to take the time to share this with the rest of us. You put a Big Smile on my face and made my day :):):)
Keep being the sweet farm girl that you are. Tammy
Kim Rice says: Thank you Rosetta! It’s very interesting to hear about life on the farm from your point of view. It sounds like the farm is a wonderful, magical place to grow up. We all appreciate you sharing with us.
Kudos to your Grams, Grampa and your parents for raising such an awesome young lady!!
Rosetta says: Hi, this is Rosetta, the writer of this blog.
I love reading all your comments. You made my day!
Thank you, Rosetta!! What a wonderful life you have there on the farm. I enjoyed your telling and photos. Happy New Year!
Diane
Marilyn says: Thank you Rosetta for sharing your life on the farm. You did a good job,congratulations. You are a beautiful young lady. Wishing you and your entire family a Happy and Healthy New year. God Bless.
Joan,Marion and Marilyn
Suellen Bowersock says: I love it! Having a similar childhood growing up in the country with my aunt & uncle’s, near-by farm. It was the BEST!! Animals (including a tame fox that wandered-in), rope swing from above that you could swing from and drop down to the hay mound below, playing Hide-and-Seek in the rows of corn. Thanks for sharing those special things you love…they are very dear.
Rebecca Gossett says: Rosetta, that is a wonderful story. Your gramps and gram are very nice people. You are so lucky to have them. Sounds like you are having a great time. You have so much to be thankful for. Enjoy every moment you have with them.
I love your post! A budding writer and photographer
Thanks for the view thru your eyes Rosetta!
What a great post!! Budding writer for sure. Loved the tour!
Hope she gets to do it again!
Mary Homolka says: I love all your pictures and the very well written letter, you do a great job in writing to all of us. It looks like you have a great farm to live on. Take care
Lovely post Rosetta! Love seeing your farm and all of your beautiful animals! Go Farmgirl!
Donna Olson says: Thank you sweetheart you have brought A lot of memories back I grew up on a farm we had dairy cows I had a Favorites named her Blackie and I would ride her all the time I would catch tadpoles and watch them turn into frogs and then let them go again we had choke cherry bushes and we’d always pick berries and my mother would always make jam out of them I remember helping with fences and with bailing hay I also weird remember the times we would play in the hay in the hayloft I think the best place for a child to grow up is on a farm thank you sweetheart for bringing back good memories God bless you
Beckie Weaver says: Hi Rosetta! It was so fun to read your article! I wanted to tell you that I have a hen that looks just like your Cheddar, her name is Hufflepuff and she follows me everywhere and is so sweet. Keep on writing! You are very talented!
Bette M Axiak says: I “truly” enjoyed reading about what your granddaughter enjoys on the farm. What an experience for her and hopefully she will carry on these values into the next generation. Even if she does not continue with her love of “farming”, etc. she at least has had the experience and can compare life avenues as she matures. What a joy for you and your husband. And, by the way, I enjoy your blog (especially the sewing projects) and what a lovely picture of you and your husband. Keep trucking and encouraging and being an example to your grandchildren and those around you. Love you. Bette
Bette Axiak
(209-890-6757)
betteaxiak@gamil.com
Jim says: Thank you for sharing your granddaughter AND for letting her share with us. At 86 I remember building fence, milking Bossy, then straining the milk, putting it in glass bottles with a cardboard top and delivering it before school, gathering eggs, running a trap line when a good hide would bring more than my dad made working all day. Love you all. God bless you.
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Hello Farmgirl Friends!
I’ve been working on some home sewn gifts and suddenly it occurred to me that I don’t think I’ve ever done a potholder tutorial for you on this blog. This seemed like the perfect time!
Carol says: Dori … I love this simple tutorial and I love making home gifts for my friends! Thank you for all of the great posts throughout the year. I hope your holidays are merry and bright! Carol
Kim Rice says: Thank you for the step by step tutorial Dori!!! I use my potholders you gifted me every single day!! Now if I can get your tutorial on that sweet dishcloth?? I love my cotton dishcloths!
Merry Christmas and warm hugs!!!
Kim
CandyC says: Very cute!
Mary says: That is great idea! Thanks for sharing. I will give these potholders a try.
Dianna says: This is SEW awesome Dori! Thank you for posting! I’ve been trying to teach myself and was doing good until the final phase of the binding! Now I’m so good! Can’t wait to make a few gift bundles! Merry Christmas!
Colleen says: Beautiful idea for a heartfelt gift. Something that everybody can use and appreciate. Thank you for sharing, and I wish you good health and happy holidays ahead.
Sandi King says: Thanks for this tutorial on sewing pot holders. It looks fun to do and would be great for oneself as well as gifts for others. I use a lot of pot holders to set hot dishes on, on the table. You always have such great ideas. Hope you are staying warm this winter. Have a Wonderful Christmas and an even better New Year.
Such a beautiful and fun project! Love to quilt but getting too big to handle These are like mini quilts! So fun! Thank you so much for sharing
Nancy Richardson says: Love the pot holder. You have given me some new ideas.
Marilyn says: Thank you for the potholder tutorial. Wishing you and your family a Blessed Christmas.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Joan.Marion and Marilyn
Cindi J says: Potholders are such a useful gift, and so pretty, too! I just happen to have a whole box of 2.5 inch squares that I cut from leftover scraps throughout the year so that I can make a checkerboard quilt – and now for this fun project too!
Linda Thompson says: I love projects that don’t require a lot of time but are indeed thoughtful, useful
and can be completed at one sitting!
Linda Thompson says: Thank you for these potholder projects! I love projects that don’t require a lot of time (and sitting) but are indeed thoughtful, useful for self or gifts, and can be completed in one sitting.
– Linda from Western Colorado
Linda Pavey says: Such a fun and useful gift – thanks for the idea!!
carol stockman says: I now see what I have been doing wrong! Thanks!
Gail Larson says: Awsom gift! You are a gal after my own heart. I loove giving and getting home made gifts.
I would love to have the crochrted dush cloth pattern. I assume there is a pattern out there…hoping.
Take care and Merry Christmas.
Colleen W. says: I very much enjoy reading your column. Would you consider sharing the pattern for the crocheted dish towel in a future post? My Mom would crochet these for all her daughters and she has now passed. It would be wonderful to carry on her craft. Thank you.
Sarah says: Loved reading this! Thank you so much for sharing. I haven’t sewn in quite a while but this was so inspiring I might just have to buy some new fabric and get to sewing!
Hello Farmgirl Friends!
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I want to thank all of you so much for all your emails and comments to me after my post in October about losing my dear friend Patti. I can’t even describe how much they meant to me.
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In thinking about this blog post the last few days, I decided what I really wanted to write about is just a simple little post on how the last month has gone for me and the few things I’ve learned through it all.
Continue reading
Kim Rice says: Oh Dori!
Thank you for sharing such wisdom and teaching some of us old dogs new tricks! Things are hard, but we can still smile after those much needed tears .
Hugs to you,
P.s., FPP still terrifies and mystifies my brain!
xoxo,
Kim
Ellen Andersen says: Dori, thank you so very very much for your post about your dearest friend and your wonderful folks. Your words brought tears from way down deep…. I miss my Mom and Dad so much. When Dad passed I convinced (it wasn’t easy) Mom to move from their home in Southern California to my place in Harpers Ferry, WV. Mom was with me for 8 years before she passed from heart failure and dementia. I was so blessed to be able to hold her in my arms as she passed. I’m sorry to be such a Debbie Downer but your words brought up these old feelings and you are right….Hard is not the same as bad.
Cyndie Gray says: Dear Dori: you share your heart feelings so eloquently. And I am grateful to you for having that ability. We can all do hard things with great love. And your heart is definitely full of love ❤️
Diann says: I lost two of my best friends, mom and dad, in my twenties, so even now, at seventy, I wept as I read your blogs….but! A friend told me at the time, “It’s not good now, but it will get better.” And it did. So yes, there have been smiles put on and chins lifted and sweet memories and tears and life continues. I am deeply grateful.
Treese says: Beautiful. Dori you have a way to comfort others with your words. Stay strong and keep on grabbing the joy out of life. Isn’t it wonderful when you realize you are so much more powerful and capable than you ever imagined? I know I do.
Treese/Colorado Cowgirl.
Judy says: Dori! That was beautiful!
My Mama had a similar saying
after something sad.
You are such an encouragement to us all!
Thank you!
Debbie Klann says: Dori, I love everything about this! Thank you for sharing with us ❤️ God bless you!
Diane Van Horn says: All I can say is thank you for the reminder, life is short, say yes!
Debra J Davis says: Your words always bring tears and smiles. Thank you for your openness and honesty.
Such inspirational writing. And YES! I think we all need to learn to say yes more often. My mom passed a few years ago, and i often think about how i didn’t mind taking her to the store for just that one item that took hours. HAHA! As for foundation paper piecing, i am teaching myself English paper piecing. I have started with Hexies and I love it. It is so relaxing as i can sit and do that at night and not think about everything that needs done. In fact i have decided to make a hexie tree skirt, so i had better get busy. Sending big hugs to you!!
Joan says: Your heartfelt advice just warmed my weary heart… thank you for sharing a part of yourself with so many. I personally am very grateful as my heart has a “crack” in it lately. Xoxo
Dori,
Your post and sharing your experience is giving me another perspective on my own journey. Thank you for your beautiful spirit! Hard doesn’t have to be bad. Cry and then put on a smile. I was just telling my 33 year old daughter that I noticed I don’t smile like I use to… what a gentle reminder that maybe I need a good cry and then I need to straighten up and put a smile on my face. Many blessing to you. Thank you for the boost I need it!.
Bette M Axiak says: I have really enjoyed your blog, if that is what it is called, I am older and do not always understand the computer, but thanks for you heart felted thoughts. Death is hard, but is a part of life. We are still witnessing a lot of death from COVID here in California. Recently, a church member that I was just getting to know, died from COVID. Remember God is in control, and brings the bad and good to us. Love you
I’m so sorry for your loss. I too lost a dear friend to a horrendous car wreck a few years ago. It was tough. We used to meet at her little country store after I got off work several times a week and have pizza at least once. She sold this brand of Cherries and Cream Soda that I loved and always had some hidden in the refrigerator in the back just for me. (I wasn’t the only one who liked it. She was frequently sold out of it.) But there was always some nice and cold for me. We talked, laughed, and sometimes cried. No subject was off limits
Dori, you are such a strong and inspiration to all that follow your blog!!!l think we all need people, especially other women, in our lives and especially in this world of today!! Praying we can all be more like you and crying is good for the soul.
Love you girl, Rita
Terry Steinmetz says: Thanks for sharing. Praying for comfort as you travel this journey of life.
Wanda Milton says: Dori, My condolences on the loss of your dear friend. You were fortunate to have such a close friend. Yes, people need to appreciate their parents while they’re still her and enjoy their company. Everyone’s so disconnected these days. Grief doesn’t go away but becomes manageable. There will be days when it rises up and hits you head on. Other days, memories will bring smiles!
Take care and continue enjoying life to the fullest, which includes relaxing!
I’m so sorry for your loss. I too lost a dear friend to a horrendous car wreck a few years ago. It was tough. We used to meet at her little country store after I got off work several times a week and have pizza at least once. She sold this brand of Cherries and Cream Soda that I loved and always had some hidden in the refrigerator in the back just for me. (I wasn’t the only one who liked it. She was frequently sold out of it.) But there was always some nice and cold for me. We talked, laughed, and sometimes cried. No subject was off limits. I’ll never forget that phone call. I couldn’t believe she was gone. And for a while I was lost. Her husband sold the store and the house and moved to Florida with their daughter. I don’t even drive by the store anymore. I have to pass her house but I don’t look anymore. The pain of losing her is still breath taking after 11 years. But it’s better. It does get easier with the passing of each year. We’ll always love our dear friends but the pain and emptiness gets better. My problem is that I know a lot of people but have only 3 good friends. And she was a good friend. We are so blessed if we can have even one friend like that in our lives and I’ve had 3. I remind myself of that when I’m thinking about her and I smile.
Kendra Ayton says: Beautiful reminder that our lives are short…a vapor in the wind and that we need to take the time to smile and remember the good things, the precious family and dear friends and that God is good always.
Ah, Dori, I thought you outdid yourself with your last post–then you write this one and I have been in tears and smiling and laughing as I go through it. You have inspired me once again, dear lady. Thank you for the thoughtful lessons.
Barb
Joann says: Thank you for your heartfelt words reminding us all to be mindful of the moments that bring clarity and meaning
Martha Cook says: Wonderful sharing of your heartfelt experiences – we can all relate! Thank you. (Martha in North Idaho)
Beth says: Bless you, Dori — such a heartfelt post to share with us all. Thanks so much from a small town on the Pacific NW!
Gail says: Thank you!
This has truly been a God send. I had 3 funerals last week. Today a very dear friend who has had three surgeries in two months is critical & her son is being allowed to see her.
God is still Good & I’m so thankful He holds us!!
Blessings
Gail
Matthew 6:33
Marilyn says: Thank You for this post. Losing a friend is an awful thing. We have lost a few friends over the years. It never gets an easier. We miss our parents every day. Glad that you had support from your husband. So happy that your parents are doing fine. Your granddaughters are quite the young ladies. Where did the time go? Blessings to you and your family. God Bless.
Joan,Marion and Marilyn
Sarah says: I’ve not experienced the pain of death yet. Tears for you & what an inspiration you are helping people thru your honesty & transparency. Thank you.
Elizabeth says: Thank you for such a inspiring story, although very sad. Im sorry for losing your best friend. I love MaryJane’s farm house magazine.
Patricia Murphy says: Thank you for sharing the joys and sorrows of what your life has led you through lately. All of us who have lost precious friends can relate and commiserate. And for those of us without, be envious and happy for you that you have parents and a sibling to be with when the need is greatest. I’ll toss in a hubby, too :>) Some of us, really old like I am, have been left without any of those wonderful people. Life is like that. Kind and harsh in turns. Can’t be any other way.
Again, just a thank you. You lift my day.
Patricia Murphy
D Wayve Dennison says: Dear Dori, I have no idea what foundation paper is, but certainly understood and felt the rest of the story. I am so sorry for your loss of Patti, and thank you for reminding us to always say yes. How wonderful to appreciate what we have, while we still have them; you and your sweet family are blessed to have each other! Keep smiling, dear friend.
Lisa Wilson says: This!!❤❤❤
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Hello farmgirl friends!
This is a hard post for me to write, but somehow I think it will be a post that we can all relate to… and encourage each other in.
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Ten days ago, I lost a very dear friend of mine to a tragic car accident. Death is something that we are never prepared for; but when it comes so suddenly in a sobbing phone call from her daughter, Sarah, then it is almost impossible to grasp. Today I’d like to tell you about my friend Patti.
Dear Dori I’m so very sorry for the loss of your friend! What a beautiful person she sounds like! It inspires greater things in us, doesn’t it! It’s so hard.. I know quite well! Such precious memories.
Big hugs your way!❤️
I
I am so sorry for the loss of Patti. What a lovely soul she was. The saying is true that tomorrow is not promised; it sounds like Patti lived each day to the fullest. I’m so sorry.
Ramona Puckett says: Oh my goodness!! I’m so sorry for your loss, thank you for sharing your friend with us, Patti is an inspiration for all of us to be a better person, friend and momma. Surrounding all of y’all with love and peace.
Diann says: Ya know what is truly remarkable? The legacy of love she instilled in all of you. The example of her life lives on in all that she touched. That, I believe, is what living a life to the fullest is all about. How blessed you have been and will be because of her. “It will be fine.”
Jeanne Ballestero says: So sorry for your loss. Cherish all these beautiful memories
Kathleen Skilling says: Dear Dori,
Thank you for sharing the gift of your friend Patti❤️ What a beautiful person she was, who continues to touch lives by your sharing of hers.
Wishing you comfort and eventually peace in your memories of Patti.
Kim Rice says: I’m so very sorry for your families loss of Patti. And all her family and friends far and wide. Sudden tragedy is the hardest I believe. No time to prepare, no last words. Patti’s spirit and friendship will be treasured for many many years to come. Her life is one to be celebrated!! Hugs to all,
Kim
Rhonda Cavaliere says: So sorry for your loss. Patti sounds like an incredible person. She sounds like a great friend.
Rhonda
Mary Frances Rauch says: Thank you Dori for sharing your very personal story of this blessed friendship. This is one of those “forever gifts” that all of us are not fortunate enough to experience.
I plan to keep this post so I can go back and read it later (and maybe forever). I plan to think of Patti as “A great friend I never met.”
So generous of you to send this.
Lori Fresina says: Thank you for telling us about Patti!!
Marlene says: You’re blessed to have had her in your life for as long as you did. May she be at peace.
Judy says: Oh Dori,
I’m saddened to hear this kind of news.
Hang on tight to all those wonderful
memories, the laughter and the fun.
She would like that as a Tribute to her,
I think. I read a quote awhile back
that’s fitting for this moment.
‘God gave us memories that we might
have roses in December!’
True isn’t it?
You’re in my heart and my Prayers
girl.
LoveHugs&Squeezles
Cyndie Gray says: Keeping you close in heart as you navigate a loss such as this one ♥️
Tammy L Thomson says: The bigger the blessing someone is, the harder it is to loose them. What a wonderful , gracious and giving soul was your dear friend Patti. I am so sorry…..
Sharon says: Will pray for you as you grieve this loss; it is evident that her absence leaves a huge hole in your life.
Carol says: Dori … I am so sorry for your loss of such a cherished friend. Just remember how lucky you are to have a friend like Patti. She’s gonna leave a hole in your heart but what a great example she was to all who knew her. God Bless you as you learn to move forward with Patti in your life. I’m sure there will be many, many times in the future that you will giggle over something wonderful the two of you shared. Hugs, Carol
I’m sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Patti with us. It’s a beautiful tribute to your dear friend.
Marie
Thank you for sharing the beauty of your dear friend and for your vulnerability. C.S. Lewis said, “We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” I hope his words offer you comfort, as they have always comforted me. I wish you the very best in your journey.
Gael Orr
Once Again Nut Butter
Dianna says: Deepest love and prayers of comfort for you and her family and friends! Grief isn’t for the faint of heart for sure. Its deep, cutting and can even be debilitating. She sounds like an angel on earth. Her memories will live in the lives shes touched forever There! There IS consultation knowing you will see her again. Promises from the Father. Hugs and love from Al.
Mary L Stayner says: Dear Dori,
I am so sad for you! I, too, have lost a dear friend that has left a huge hole in my heart. My mother ~ although she has been gone now for over 16 years, I still want to call her every night as I did for years. No one has her old land line number, so sometimes I call and talk to her phone. I know it sounds sort of silly…but find a way…I also talk to her through my prayers and occasionally, I talk out loud to her as I am walking, etc. We want to hold on to our loved ones. But, we also know that one day we will see them again.
May our Lord hold you in the palm of His hands and wrap you in His loving arms of comfort. Take care and God bless you!
Love and hugs,
Mary
Dori, you’ve given me hope with some of my friends. And Patti is a true inspiration to me and should be to many. To have a friend like that has to have been remarkable. I have a friend, who for what ever reason cut me off a couple years ago and hurt me terribly. There’s hardly a day that goes by that I sit and wonder why. Cherish all those fabulous memories. A friend like that is one in a million. We need to all take a page of learn From her beautiful life. I pray for strength for you, her family and the most fondest of memories to get through it all. ❤️
Charles Delcambre says: Dori, I’m with you. Beautiful post. I want to be Patti to the world. Lord help me, and ease Dori’s grief with your comfort!
Rebecca Henry says: Patti sounds like an amazing person, and this is a beautiful tribute to her. I’m so sorry you lost your friend. ❤️
Grief is love with no where to go. You gave your grief a place to land…in memories and photos and in the lives of people you will never know….like me. Everybody needs a Patty. May her soul fill your heart until you meet again.
So sorry for your loss. Your friend seemed a genuine, loving person.. Where is her husband?
Dori Troutman says: Thank you! Patti’s husband is here… alone in their sweet barn house on the lake. But their daughter and her husband live close and they are spending all the necessary time with him! He is well-loved!!!
Deanna Taylor says: Dori, what a loss a good friend can be. She was a beautiful person and was such a huge part of your life so losing her is very painful. Just remember, she will always be a part of your life..that will never change. I lost my best friend of 52 years almost 12 years ago and I still long for her. Then I think “What would my life had been like without her” and I am thankful. God Bless as you go through this dark valley.
Darlene Ricotta says: My prayers go with you and Patti’s family! She was a real treasure!
Blessings
Darlene
Patti sounds like my grandson, Todd, who was killed in an automobile accident 1 1/2 yrars ago. He was 27. My sister, Lisa, died the same way at the age of 27 in 1982. Patti also sounds as if she, like Todd and Lisa, like them, had the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). They were dearly loved by all who knew them and they loved in return. For me, the grief is so hard to bear and it’s never ending. My heart hurt so much I didn’t want it to beat again and overwhelming saddness is always just a breath away. But comfort lies in knowing who they were and how happy I’ll be when I see them again. And I know ”
the Rose Still Grows Beyond the Wall”.
Michelle Reid says: ~Sending much love and prayers~What a Beautiful tribute you have written~thank you for sharing Patti with us~
Susanne says: Beautiful Tribute to your friend! So Sorry.
LINDA B. LOVE says: I’m very sorry for your loss of a dear friend. I experienced this loss August 10th when my friend Margaret passed away suddenly. She was always ready to have fun together and do things for me unselfishly like bringing me various items from Trader Joe’s because there was none close to me. We traveled together to quilt shops looking for that special piece of fabric, to quilt shows, and to the beach in Galveston to spend a week making quilts for veterans to eventually present them. She was always ready to help and be a dear friend. I’ll always miss her. I know I’ll see her again because she loved our lord Jesus and was faithful to him.
Valerie Sijan says: Dear Dori,
I too have known this pain recently and empathize what you are going through!
I lost my best friend, ex partner, and touchstone a few months ago after he endured throat cancer for many months. Death seemed to be merciful in that case, but the pain of his loss was no less.
I imagine losing someone so quickly the way you did is even more traumatic.
One thing we can be sure of though, is that love never dies! We will all be together again somewhere in Time.
Energy cannot be destroyed, only transformed.
Our loved ones live on in a frequency beyond our sensory range in the human body.
You have wonderful memories of a splendid friendship!
Blessings to you, and may the shock and pain you are feeling now pass quickly.
Sending you Love and Light,✨✨✨✨✨✨
Valerie
Tina says: I lost my dear friend, Cindi, 6 years ago, to cancer. I’ve never laughed with anyone else like we did, all the time. This morning I poured my coffee into my fancy mug I bought to remember her- she loved classy and pretty coffee cups. I sat down to read your email and your story about Patti made me immediately think about Cindi.
I understand your loss is deep and you’ll always miss her, but what a treasure to have had her in all your lives!!
Xxoo
Treese says: Dori know that Patti may have left this earthly plane but she will never leave you. I lost my best friend 3 years ago on my birthday. I was running a race across Mackinac Island. I placed better that day than I ever have in a race. After the race my friend called to tell me Chip had passed away (she wouldn’t tell me before the race). I realized Chip’s spirit was running the race with me. Pushing me along and encouraging me. I know he is with me everyday and I will see him again on the other side.
I pray that your heart will heal and you will be left with happy and joyous thoughts of Patti.
Treese
Marla Hanna says: Sending you light and love during this difficult time. I do relate and appreciate your post. It reminds me that we are not alone in the sad times too. Peace and comfort.
I’m so sorry!! I know I fill your pain, lost my best friend of 40 yrs!! It took me a yr. To recover!! Many hugs!!
jonibee says: She has left her mark on a lot of hearts..Please accept my sincere sympathy. Reach out and touch somebody…
Jeanie says: I am so sorry that your precious friend is gone. This is a beautiful and thought provoking tribute to her life. You have been truly blessed to have had her in your life, and I’m sure your life is much better because of her influence. ❤️
Magdalena Tabor says: First I want to express my very deepest condolences to you and to Patti’s family and friends. She sounds like she was an exceptional person with a pure spirit. I thank you for sharing in your grief.
I lost my best friend several years ago. We were friends since age 12. I think of her almost every day. Even though we lived miles apart later in life, she was as close to me as ever. I know I will see her one day again. Much love to you. ❤️
Beth Gowdy says: What a gem of a person! I feel for her husband and family and friends to have lost such a joy in your lives. How lucky you were to have had her in your life. I just lost a friend, Terry, and it was shocking and sad. He was the one who got us all together and made us laugh and sing and there was not another like him. Now he and your friend are in the arms of God who cares for them.
Diane Parkhouse says: I am so very sorry . the sudden, unexpected loss of someone we love is the deepest pain a heart can feel … so final and there is nothing – nothing we can do to bring them back – almost more than the heart can bear. What a blessing to have shared your life with Dori.
Victoria Barlow says: Dear Dori,
My love and prayers goes out to you. I lost my best friend in a car accident 2 years ago. Although I have had to pick myself up and teach myself to carry on, her sweet memory still blesses me today. It maybe a long road for a little while, but remember there are those who care and share your feelings. The beautiful thing about sweet people like our friends is they bless in life or in death.
Heaven bless you!
Bonnie Ellis says: Dori, Such an incredible person most of us won’t see in a lifetime, yet you knew her. Loss is unmeasurable but the gift of knowing her will sustain you. God bless you.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Grief at any stage is hard, but when it is so suddenly i think that is the worst. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and thank you for sharing the story of this remarkable lady. She sounds like someone we all would have been lucky to call friend. Hugs to you!
Dear Dori,
Many, many blessing shower you and Patti! God knows and hears her laughter and sees your tears.
Thank you so much for opening your heart to all of us in your time of sadness.
There are many rainbows that you and Patti are still able to share…..softly, lovingly, now and till you meet again! All my love Karen
May the Unfathomable Divine Mercy of Jesus be upon Pattis soul, and those of her family and friends in their grief ! She is still praying for all of you ! Sympathy and peace…
Oh my heart breaks for you and for me again as the memories come flooding back of losing my dear friend in a car wreck a few years ago. It will get better. You will eventually think of her with more joy at having known her and less pain at having lost her. But when they are angels in this life, it takes a while. Keep your chin up and God Bless. You’ll meet again on the other side.
Colleen says: Dear Dori,
I am saddened by your hurting heart. What a beautiful tribute you have written. Clearly, Patti was blessed to have you as her friend. I hope, over time, you will share more about how friends love each other well. I’m sure I could learn ways to be a better friend myself, from your recollections. Already, I’m inspired. Thank you.
“The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm34:18
Jimi Paderick says: A beautiful testimonial for a beautiful soul! Thank you for sharing.
.
Hello farmgirl friends!
This is a hard post for me to write, but somehow I think it will be a post that we can all relate to… and encourage each other in.
.
Ten days ago, I lost a very dear friend of mine to a tragic car accident. Death is something that we are never prepared for; but when it comes so suddenly in a sobbing phone call from her daughter, Sarah, then it is almost impossible to grasp. Today I’d like to tell you about my friend Patti.
Dear Dori I’m so very sorry for the loss of your friend! What a beautiful person she sounds like! It inspires greater things in us, doesn’t it! It’s so hard.. I know quite well! Such precious memories.
Big hugs your way!❤️
I
I am so sorry for the loss of Patti. What a lovely soul she was. The saying is true that tomorrow is not promised; it sounds like Patti lived each day to the fullest. I’m so sorry.
Ramona Puckett says: Oh my goodness!! I’m so sorry for your loss, thank you for sharing your friend with us, Patti is an inspiration for all of us to be a better person, friend and momma. Surrounding all of y’all with love and peace.
Diann says: Ya know what is truly remarkable? The legacy of love she instilled in all of you. The example of her life lives on in all that she touched. That, I believe, is what living a life to the fullest is all about. How blessed you have been and will be because of her. “It will be fine.”
Jeanne Ballestero says: So sorry for your loss. Cherish all these beautiful memories
Kathleen Skilling says: Dear Dori,
Thank you for sharing the gift of your friend Patti❤️ What a beautiful person she was, who continues to touch lives by your sharing of hers.
Wishing you comfort and eventually peace in your memories of Patti.
Kim Rice says: I’m so very sorry for your families loss of Patti. And all her family and friends far and wide. Sudden tragedy is the hardest I believe. No time to prepare, no last words. Patti’s spirit and friendship will be treasured for many many years to come. Her life is one to be celebrated!! Hugs to all,
Kim
Rhonda Cavaliere says: So sorry for your loss. Patti sounds like an incredible person. She sounds like a great friend.
Rhonda
Mary Frances Rauch says: Thank you Dori for sharing your very personal story of this blessed friendship. This is one of those “forever gifts” that all of us are not fortunate enough to experience.
I plan to keep this post so I can go back and read it later (and maybe forever). I plan to think of Patti as “A great friend I never met.”
So generous of you to send this.
Lori Fresina says: Thank you for telling us about Patti!!
Marlene says: You’re blessed to have had her in your life for as long as you did. May she be at peace.
Judy says: Oh Dori,
I’m saddened to hear this kind of news.
Hang on tight to all those wonderful
memories, the laughter and the fun.
She would like that as a Tribute to her,
I think. I read a quote awhile back
that’s fitting for this moment.
‘God gave us memories that we might
have roses in December!’
True isn’t it?
You’re in my heart and my Prayers
girl.
LoveHugs&Squeezles
Cyndie Gray says: Keeping you close in heart as you navigate a loss such as this one ♥️
Tammy L Thomson says: The bigger the blessing someone is, the harder it is to loose them. What a wonderful , gracious and giving soul was your dear friend Patti. I am so sorry…..
Sharon says: Will pray for you as you grieve this loss; it is evident that her absence leaves a huge hole in your life.
Carol says: Dori … I am so sorry for your loss of such a cherished friend. Just remember how lucky you are to have a friend like Patti. She’s gonna leave a hole in your heart but what a great example she was to all who knew her. God Bless you as you learn to move forward with Patti in your life. I’m sure there will be many, many times in the future that you will giggle over something wonderful the two of you shared. Hugs, Carol
I’m sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Patti with us. It’s a beautiful tribute to your dear friend.
Marie
Thank you for sharing the beauty of your dear friend and for your vulnerability. C.S. Lewis said, “We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” I hope his words offer you comfort, as they have always comforted me. I wish you the very best in your journey.
Gael Orr
Once Again Nut Butter
Dianna says: Deepest love and prayers of comfort for you and her family and friends! Grief isn’t for the faint of heart for sure. Its deep, cutting and can even be debilitating. She sounds like an angel on earth. Her memories will live in the lives shes touched forever There! There IS consultation knowing you will see her again. Promises from the Father. Hugs and love from Al.
Mary L Stayner says: Dear Dori,
I am so sad for you! I, too, have lost a dear friend that has left a huge hole in my heart. My mother ~ although she has been gone now for over 16 years, I still want to call her every night as I did for years. No one has her old land line number, so sometimes I call and talk to her phone. I know it sounds sort of silly…but find a way…I also talk to her through my prayers and occasionally, I talk out loud to her as I am walking, etc. We want to hold on to our loved ones. But, we also know that one day we will see them again.
May our Lord hold you in the palm of His hands and wrap you in His loving arms of comfort. Take care and God bless you!
Love and hugs,
Mary
Dori, you’ve given me hope with some of my friends. And Patti is a true inspiration to me and should be to many. To have a friend like that has to have been remarkable. I have a friend, who for what ever reason cut me off a couple years ago and hurt me terribly. There’s hardly a day that goes by that I sit and wonder why. Cherish all those fabulous memories. A friend like that is one in a million. We need to all take a page of learn From her beautiful life. I pray for strength for you, her family and the most fondest of memories to get through it all. ❤️
Charles Delcambre says: Dori, I’m with you. Beautiful post. I want to be Patti to the world. Lord help me, and ease Dori’s grief with your comfort!
Rebecca Henry says: Patti sounds like an amazing person, and this is a beautiful tribute to her. I’m so sorry you lost your friend. ❤️
Grief is love with no where to go. You gave your grief a place to land…in memories and photos and in the lives of people you will never know….like me. Everybody needs a Patty. May her soul fill your heart until you meet again.
So sorry for your loss. Your friend seemed a genuine, loving person.. Where is her husband?
Dori Troutman says: Thank you! Patti’s husband is here… alone in their sweet barn house on the lake. But their daughter and her husband live close and they are spending all the necessary time with him! He is well-loved!!!
Deanna Taylor says: Dori, what a loss a good friend can be. She was a beautiful person and was such a huge part of your life so losing her is very painful. Just remember, she will always be a part of your life..that will never change. I lost my best friend of 52 years almost 12 years ago and I still long for her. Then I think “What would my life had been like without her” and I am thankful. God Bless as you go through this dark valley.
Darlene Ricotta says: My prayers go with you and Patti’s family! She was a real treasure!
Blessings
Darlene
Patti sounds like my grandson, Todd, who was killed in an automobile accident 1 1/2 yrars ago. He was 27. My sister, Lisa, died the same way at the age of 27 in 1982. Patti also sounds as if she, like Todd and Lisa, like them, had the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). They were dearly loved by all who knew them and they loved in return. For me, the grief is so hard to bear and it’s never ending. My heart hurt so much I didn’t want it to beat again and overwhelming saddness is always just a breath away. But comfort lies in knowing who they were and how happy I’ll be when I see them again. And I know ”
the Rose Still Grows Beyond the Wall”.
Michelle Reid says: ~Sending much love and prayers~What a Beautiful tribute you have written~thank you for sharing Patti with us~
Susanne says: Beautiful Tribute to your friend! So Sorry.
LINDA B. LOVE says: I’m very sorry for your loss of a dear friend. I experienced this loss August 10th when my friend Margaret passed away suddenly. She was always ready to have fun together and do things for me unselfishly like bringing me various items from Trader Joe’s because there was none close to me. We traveled together to quilt shops looking for that special piece of fabric, to quilt shows, and to the beach in Galveston to spend a week making quilts for veterans to eventually present them. She was always ready to help and be a dear friend. I’ll always miss her. I know I’ll see her again because she loved our lord Jesus and was faithful to him.
Valerie Sijan says: Dear Dori,
I too have known this pain recently and empathize what you are going through!
I lost my best friend, ex partner, and touchstone a few months ago after he endured throat cancer for many months. Death seemed to be merciful in that case, but the pain of his loss was no less.
I imagine losing someone so quickly the way you did is even more traumatic.
One thing we can be sure of though, is that love never dies! We will all be together again somewhere in Time.
Energy cannot be destroyed, only transformed.
Our loved ones live on in a frequency beyond our sensory range in the human body.
You have wonderful memories of a splendid friendship!
Blessings to you, and may the shock and pain you are feeling now pass quickly.
Sending you Love and Light,✨✨✨✨✨✨
Valerie
Tina says: I lost my dear friend, Cindi, 6 years ago, to cancer. I’ve never laughed with anyone else like we did, all the time. This morning I poured my coffee into my fancy mug I bought to remember her- she loved classy and pretty coffee cups. I sat down to read your email and your story about Patti made me immediately think about Cindi.
I understand your loss is deep and you’ll always miss her, but what a treasure to have had her in all your lives!!
Xxoo
Treese says: Dori know that Patti may have left this earthly plane but she will never leave you. I lost my best friend 3 years ago on my birthday. I was running a race across Mackinac Island. I placed better that day than I ever have in a race. After the race my friend called to tell me Chip had passed away (she wouldn’t tell me before the race). I realized Chip’s spirit was running the race with me. Pushing me along and encouraging me. I know he is with me everyday and I will see him again on the other side.
I pray that your heart will heal and you will be left with happy and joyous thoughts of Patti.
Treese
Marla Hanna says: Sending you light and love during this difficult time. I do relate and appreciate your post. It reminds me that we are not alone in the sad times too. Peace and comfort.
I’m so sorry!! I know I fill your pain, lost my best friend of 40 yrs!! It took me a yr. To recover!! Many hugs!!
jonibee says: She has left her mark on a lot of hearts..Please accept my sincere sympathy. Reach out and touch somebody…
Jeanie says: I am so sorry that your precious friend is gone. This is a beautiful and thought provoking tribute to her life. You have been truly blessed to have had her in your life, and I’m sure your life is much better because of her influence. ❤️
Magdalena Tabor says: First I want to express my very deepest condolences to you and to Patti’s family and friends. She sounds like she was an exceptional person with a pure spirit. I thank you for sharing in your grief.
I lost my best friend several years ago. We were friends since age 12. I think of her almost every day. Even though we lived miles apart later in life, she was as close to me as ever. I know I will see her one day again. Much love to you. ❤️
Beth Gowdy says: What a gem of a person! I feel for her husband and family and friends to have lost such a joy in your lives. How lucky you were to have had her in your life. I just lost a friend, Terry, and it was shocking and sad. He was the one who got us all together and made us laugh and sing and there was not another like him. Now he and your friend are in the arms of God who cares for them.
Diane Parkhouse says: I am so very sorry . the sudden, unexpected loss of someone we love is the deepest pain a heart can feel … so final and there is nothing – nothing we can do to bring them back – almost more than the heart can bear. What a blessing to have shared your life with Dori.
Victoria Barlow says: Dear Dori,
My love and prayers goes out to you. I lost my best friend in a car accident 2 years ago. Although I have had to pick myself up and teach myself to carry on, her sweet memory still blesses me today. It maybe a long road for a little while, but remember there are those who care and share your feelings. The beautiful thing about sweet people like our friends is they bless in life or in death.
Heaven bless you!
Bonnie Ellis says: Dori, Such an incredible person most of us won’t see in a lifetime, yet you knew her. Loss is unmeasurable but the gift of knowing her will sustain you. God bless you.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Grief at any stage is hard, but when it is so suddenly i think that is the worst. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and thank you for sharing the story of this remarkable lady. She sounds like someone we all would have been lucky to call friend. Hugs to you!
Dear Dori,
Many, many blessing shower you and Patti! God knows and hears her laughter and sees your tears.
Thank you so much for opening your heart to all of us in your time of sadness.
There are many rainbows that you and Patti are still able to share…..softly, lovingly, now and till you meet again! All my love Karen
May the Unfathomable Divine Mercy of Jesus be upon Pattis soul, and those of her family and friends in their grief ! She is still praying for all of you ! Sympathy and peace…
Oh my heart breaks for you and for me again as the memories come flooding back of losing my dear friend in a car wreck a few years ago. It will get better. You will eventually think of her with more joy at having known her and less pain at having lost her. But when they are angels in this life, it takes a while. Keep your chin up and God Bless. You’ll meet again on the other side.
Colleen says: Dear Dori,
I am saddened by your hurting heart. What a beautiful tribute you have written. Clearly, Patti was blessed to have you as her friend. I hope, over time, you will share more about how friends love each other well. I’m sure I could learn ways to be a better friend myself, from your recollections. Already, I’m inspired. Thank you.
“The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm34:18
Jimi Paderick says: A beautiful testimonial for a beautiful soul! Thank you for sharing.
.
Hello friends!
We are heading into the end of our Summer season and usually I go into Fall kicking and screaming! But for some reason this year, I’m ready to slow down and enjoy some Fall days. Last week we took our yearly trip to Florida with our adult kids and our grand-girls and I enjoyed sewing up a super fun surprise for us girls!
Debbie Fischer says: Love the sweet robes you made, they are so darn cute!
Enjoy Fall
I would love a Serger for faster sewing projects. But I make sue with my old manual machine. I love this pattern and love the monograms even more! Fusable webbing is truly a gift from God! Lol My daughter is healing from pneumonia and strep . She has a long way to go for full health but your blog post and pictures give me hope for happier days ahead. Watching her sleep in the ICU in Mercy Hospital now as I type. Girls are also a true gift from God ❤️
Judith says: I’m amazed you made 5 robes with 12 yards of fabric.
Marilyn says: Those robes are lovely.
Marilyn
Sandi King says: Hi Dori; Gosh, those robes are wonderful looking and so easy to make. Hey congratulations to you all on a new grandbaby coming in the Spring. I know you will make a lot of really nice things for him/her. Please take care about all that is happening in our world today. We pray for all of you to be safe and healthy. Until we hear from you once more, God Bless.
Cindi J says: Those robes are adorable! What a brilliant idea, and a fantastic gift – from fabric to robes. You are such an inspiration to me that I find myself wishing for a weekly blog post from you, lol!
Dori, you amaze me constantly! I saw a bouquet in the bank last Friday and asked Ms Angie if she had grown the flowers. I suspected they were yours; when she said a lady out 64 grew them, and I knew immediately that, indeed, they were yours.
I couldn’t make a robe in 30 weeks, much less 30 minutes. They are wonderful! I have looked for this fabric and not found it. Our hotel in Milano had towels made of this, which I tried to buy, but couldn’t. That has been 21 years and I am still looking. I would love a source. I might be able to sew a towel. Teehee.
,
,
Hello Farmgirl Friends! Last month I wrote about the quilted covers I made for binders and mentioned a tutorial! A lot of you jumped right on that and asked for one! Today is your lucky day!
I had written a tutorial several months ago and revamped it a few times for a blog post for Clover Sewing Notions… this month I made a few tiny revisions to that post and here is a tutorial for you!
Don’t be intimidated by the many steps in this tutorial. I really broke it down in order to simplify it, so just take your time and enjoy the process. Lets get started!
Margaret h Mitchell says: Your amazing, this is so nice. I plan to make a few of these for family and friends, great gift idea. They can keep them as a memory for a lifetime. Thank you so much fir sharing!
Sandi King says: Wow, Dori, those binder covers are so pretty. Are they also washable – I mean, can you take them off, wash and dry them and put them back on? You should have a giveaway post with one of these as the prize. They are a treasure. I have many binders as I have my family tree’s in them, each line. I think home made binder covers with a genealogy theme would be awesome and the surname of each line across the front and on the spine would be amazing. I will have to try to make at least one. I am not a good sewer as I have found out by trying to make other things. But I know it also takes practice to get good at anything worthwhile. Love this post, all your posts. I’ve heard of master gardeners, and I think you are a master seamstress.
Jacqueline Ferri says: Beautifully done! Years ago when covering everything with fabric was the rage , I had covered boxes and a photo album. I still have one of the albums. Now that one was completely adhered with glue. There’s padding too. And to cover the inside flap , we covered a heavy duty cardboard with fabric, then stuck it to the inside. I even added decorative trim for the edges.
But, your method is wonderful. One , it slips on like the books we had too cover with paper (bags). Two,
It can be washed if necessary. Third, it is very pretty.
Of course one needs a few sewing skills.
Can’t wait to make one!
Irene says: Hi Dori
I love your idea for binder covers. A few years ago when I was having chemo for my myeloma I started a journal with the help of my Pastor at the center. I am about finished with my third journal which I covered with fabric. I can’t wait to finish it and do one like yours. Thanks for the idea.
Irene
Debbie Klann says: Thank you, Dori, for doing this! This took a lot of time for you to put together. You have the cutest projects!
I’m thinking that I need to make a couple of these for presents….now I have real directions!
Judy Hammack says: Just found this and love it. Although I have sewn since I was 10 and am now 68, I just got into quilting about a year ago and am so very addicted!! I love crumb piecing and can see great potential for these binder covers. I actually have some recipe binders that could sure use some of these types of covers; and will be a project in the near future once I recover from a back surgery scheduled for 2 weeks from today. Thank you so very much for your talent and willingness to share with us!!! I will be reading more of your blogs for sure. May God continue to richly bless you in your everyday life of creativity. You are greatly appreciated!! 🩷
Judy Hammack says: Just found one of your postings on Pinterest and searched for this tutorial. I love this idea. I have some recipe binders that I plan on covering in the near future. I love to crumb piece. I have been sewing since I was 10 and am now 68, but just started quilting a year ago and am thoroughly and completely addicted and have become a true fabraholic!!!! LOL This will definitely be on my list of projects as soon as I recover from a back surgery scheduled in 2 weeks on March 26 (my 5th and hopefully my final ever back surgery). You have just gained a new fan; I will be reading your blogs with great enthusiasm, both past, present, and future. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. May God continue to richly bless you in your creative life. 🩷
.
Hello Friends!
I realized I haven’t shared a sewing project here in a while and I have one that I’m super excited to share today!
The new fabric line I am sharing today is called… wait for it…
Farmgirls Unite
And oh my word, it is such darling fabric. It has everything Farmgirl that you could ever want: bandanna print, florals, gingham check, farm animals, rain boots, garden gloves, and strawberries! And all the perfect colors.
Cyndie Gray says: Those are the cutest binders!! I would love a tutorial to make one. That fabric is really cute, even if I am not a “farm girl” 🙂
Jeanne Ballestero says: Hello Dori. I started following you when a professing friend in Florida (Karen Byrd) bought me the subscription to Farm Girl magazine. We had been chatting about quilting and she said “you have to follow Dori”. So, I’m not a quilter but I love growing flowers, have two daughters, love the simple life and although I’m not a quilter, I do love to try simple projects. I would love a tutorial of the binder cover. That is something I can see in my house and something I think I could handle. Have a wonderful summer. I hope those zinnias and sunflowers are coming along wonderfully and maybe one day I’ll stop by and buy some.
Elisabeth Perkins says: So cute!!! Love the fabric and your patterns!!
Lori says: I love the cover and the case! I would definitely be interested in a tutorial. Also, where did you find the fabric in the states? They are delightful!
Joan Piercy says: Dori, I would love the pattern for your binder! They are so eye catching in that fabric! Thanks for sharing these ideas. I have to have some of that fabric…lol.
Kris Thompson says: Absolutely love your projects and the fabrics!
And, the wedding pictures from the last blog were wonderful!
Jacqueline says: Oh, they are just so lovely!!!!
Great job and thanks much for sharing.
CandyC says: Cute, cute, cute!! ❤
Bonnie says: The binder covers and pencil holders are awesome. I sure wish I had your talent. Yes, my summer has been wonderful. So glad your flower business is growing.
What pretty fabric and such clever projects…thanks for sharing! And what perfect timing…I just wrote a post about how I found a wonderful, FREE 1956 sewing machine (by the side of the road no less!) When I get her ready to go, I’ll definitely be whipping up something fun with this fabric, thanks again!
Donna Kozak says: Love all the fabrics and the wonderful things you have made with them! Your lucky friends will love them also.
Margaret King says: Dori, I love your blogs. This one really made me happy. Even though I’m not a quilter, your Farmgirl projects made me smile over and over. The fabrics are beautiful and you do such a wonderful job creating with them. Happy sewing and I look forward to viewing your next post.
Wanda Aldridge says: I am new to quilting and would love a tutorial or the pattern for covering the binders. That fabric is fabulous!! Thank you! Wanda Sue FS#3677
Cindy says: Your FARMGIRLS UNITE is so fun!! Beautiful and inspiring.
Sanne Harder says: Those are lovely and if you have the time to update the pattern and instructions for the binder cover, I am all in. Thank you for the link for the fabric – I love the idea of cute sayings on the selvedge!
Maureen says: What a fun and cheerful project, and yes, I would love the pattern, such a clever idea!
Melissa says: I would love to see an updated tutorial. I have thought of making my own binder cover pattern but have not invested the time in the trial & error phase. Oh.. And this fabric is just perfect
Theresa Fisher says: Yes please Dori rewrite your binder cover pattern so we can either purchase or use it. Thank you – you always have such fun stuff to share!!!
Gail says: Dori
You come up with the Most darling projects!!!
YES do what you do & get that pattern out there. It is a unique & personal gift idea!! Something that a graduate would love or a new bride or mom.
God Bless You! You encourage many!
Thank You
Gail
Matthew 6:33
Karen Kudla says: I love this! Yes, please share your pattern so we can purchase it! I will be making these for gifts as well. They are adorable, and the fabric…perfect! Thank you for sharing your talents with us.
Linda Pavey says: Cleaver, cleaver, cute!!! You are so cleaver to use such cute fabrics! Thanks for sharing how you used the colorful Farm Girls Unite fabrics.
And Yes! Please share your binder covers pattern. I actually have never thought about making those but now “want to”!
Gail Larson says: Sooo cute, clever, unique and special! Love the fabric and how you used it. Your friends are truely blessed to have a friend like you.
Jean Pici says: Your binder covers are fabulous. Definitely make and post a pattern PLEASE. I have “sew” many ideas for making them. Thank you. Thank you.
Farmgirl in Idaho, jean
Lotus says: Hello Dori.
I love, love, love these binder covers!!!
I would love the pattern and was hoping
that they would be in this article.
The fabric is also sweet!!
Thanks for sharing.
Lotus
Terry Steinmetz says: Love your sewing projects! I can’t wait until fall when I can get back to sewing projects….I keep a running list of projects I want to make to share with others…always fun! Now you gave me some more ideas…thanks for sharing!!! Until next time.
Ann says: Yes, please post a tutorial! I just saw this fabric line on my Fort Worth fabric email and immediately ordered the farmgirls unite panel. Your notebook covers and pencil cases are charming.
Rhonda Cavaliere says: So cute. Love this fabric line. So well suited for Farmgirls. Thanks for sharing!
Marilyn says: The fabric is lovely. Enjoy.
Marilyn
Grace Brown says: Whoot Whoot, I just learned that one of our local quilt shops,, “The Quilting Bee” in Spokane Valley, WA.. just started caring this sweet fabric… (by Poppy)
Anita Johnson says: I do enjoy each of your articles. They inspire me to try my hand at your projects. Thanks
Swan says: Yes! I would be so interested in an updated binder cover tutorial. I sewed one with handles long ago for my eldest daughter. It worked but needed some improvements. My ideal cover would incorporate a zipper, so if it were dropped, things wouldn’t fly everywhere. 🙂
Kathy Altieri Bucher says: Hi Dori. Im in the market for a new seeing machine Im checking out the one pictured in the Stitching with Dori -making an ironing board cover. What brand is this one pictured. And do you like it. Please email me. Thank you so very much . Sincerely Kathy
Marie E Listopad says: I would like to see a pattern. I know I could figure it out myself but I tend to be lazy. I will probably make one for the Recycled Denim Swap. I will cut the front and back pieces from ripped denim and patch the holes with sashiko or standard embroidered patches.
Deborah Davis says: Hi Dori, I loved what you made.Its so nice to see that people do love crafts.It looks easy to do..I am going to try this. I will let you know..
Kris Crawford says: Hi Dori- I feel like I know you already! I am reaching out to you for help. I have a perfect venue in a little tourist ghost town called Oatman Arizona. I have started an annual quilt show that has had trouble taking off due to Covid and it’s rural location.
I need help getting the word out and having quilters be involved (it does not take much work) to hang their quilts for a day & stay & tell stories of their inspiration & spread good will while they sell their wares if they want to. Basically I need people & quilts for a weekend In March!! I have a 6 spot campground & it’s on Route 66!!!!!
Please contact me!
Kris Crawford says: Hi Dori- I feel like I know you already! I am reaching out to you for help. I have a perfect venue in a little tourist ghost town called Oatman Arizona. I have started an annual quilt show that has had trouble taking off due to Covid and it’s rural location.
I need help getting the word out and having quilters be involved (it does not take much work) to hang their quilts for a day & stay & tell stories of their inspiration & spread good will while they sell their wares if they want to. Basically I need people & quilts for a weekend In March!! I have a 6 spot campground & it’s on Route 66!!!!!
.
Hello friends!
I think I mentioned last month that our son was getting married on our hilltop in May. And it was absolutely spectacular! It was a very small intimate wedding with only 18 of us and it was so incredibly special.
Today’s blog post is simply pictures with a few descriptions! I hope it makes you feel like you were here! We are still waiting on the professional photographer to get the final wedding pictures to us, so you will be getting another post on the wedding in a couple months!
Marlene Capelle says: just beautiful. ya done yourself proud
Everything is gorgeous, and so simple! Especially love the cake–no overly frilly piping and just perfect. Great job, Mom!! 🙂
Disns says: Absolutely beautiful!! May God richly bless their marriage.
Maxine Jelinek says: Ohh, it just looks so absolutely lovely! The picture of your parents is an absolute treasure! I just love the simplicity of it all but totally stunning! Love, love! And your new DIL looks like she totally belongs with you all!
Patty Maiolo says: Beautiful family. Beautiful pictures.
Patty Maiolo says: Beautiful family and pictures. Congratulations!!!
Carolann Harris says: Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos; congratulations to the happy couple; best wishes to your entire family!
Ann says: Aww – makes my heart sing. Congratulations to the lovely couple. Well done!
Treese says: BEAUTIFUL! Everyone looked radiant and filled with you.
Treese/Colorado Cowgirl.
Beautiful…. So nice to start my day with happiness and obvious joy. Thanks, Donna B.
Cyndie Gray says: Absolutely stunning hilltop wedding‼️ Everything was simply gorgeous~The people, the setting, the flowers and most especially that sunset❣️❣️❣️
Pam says: Oh my gosh…how simply beautiful!! The flowers, the tables, the food, the bride & groom, the family…….and that sunset!! Wow how spectacular and sweet
Everything looked just perfect!! What a gorgeous table at the rehearsal; can’t wait to see more of the wedding reception, too. And wow, what a spectacular sunset! Wonderful times with so many memories for all of you…
I love Kayla’s sunflower dress and this was an absolutely beautiful wedding! I am so thrilled that you had the wedding on the hilltop as it is amazing. I also love the get away car.
My daughter and son just got married exactly one week apart. Weddings everywhere
Marilyn says: What a beautiful couple and wedding. Congratulations to Kayla and Logan. Your granddaughters look so lovely and grown up. Wishing Kayla and Logan a life of happiness, love and blessings. God Bless.
Joan,Marion and Marilyn
Linda says: Just so sweet. Told my husband it brought tears to my eyes. Just simple, homey, and doggone perfect.
Darlene Riboldi says: Absolutely stunning! Beautiful from beginning to end. Your family is gorgeous. Your farm is just breathtaking with the views. God Bless all of you.
Thank you for sharing pictures of this awesome wedding. Beautiful! Best wishes to the couple for a long and happy marriage.
Judy says: There is nothing better than a country wedding. I very much enjoyed your pictures.
You have a beautiful family.
Marlene Burns says: beautiful outdoor wedding and the sunset so pretty. great photos. great job mom.
I love outdoor weddings my second marriage was outdoors in a park. it was a little windy but a lovely June day. Thank you for sharing photos.
Danna Rodriguez says: Wonderful family wedding and a beautiful place to live. Just Beautiful!
Maureen says: You all made some beautiful memories to treasure.
Jim says: What a blessing to have accidentally had this show up this morning. Keep doing what you enjoy. Your environment is enough to make one thankful. Hope you don’t mind this 86 yr.old happily married, Texas man barging in to your life.
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”.
That is very nice. Good combo of colors and textures. I gave done fabric art but nothing I’d put on line. Still working on it.
I love this Dori! I can not wait to try my hand at it.
Thank you so much.
Debbie
I love your fabric art…you are soo creative!! I very much enjoy your blog and always look forward to it. I am 76 yrs old and have done many different crafts in my years, but not this fabric art, I just may have to give it a whirl! Thanks for the inspiration, Dori! Keep up the good work and see ya next month! Laurel
Beautiful and so creative. It is truly a work of art.
I love this Dori! It’s really pretty, and looks so fun!
I love the colors you used and your work is fabulous!
Smiles, Cyndi
I love this idea, thanks for the suggestion. I am wanting to make some crazy quilt pillows and think I will need to do this also.
What a great project! I Thinkinc I could actually pull that off! Thank you
Beautiful
I love this fabric work you did! Such a great idea that is better than a card for any occasion. You have inspired me to try one. I can’t get enough of anything connected to MaryJane Farm magazine. Thank you for all your wonderful ideas and information.
I so love the sharing of your grand daughter’s art talent. Your sharing of your finished ( heart felt) embroidery , and creative uses of old lace make your project a treasure! Thank you for sharing!!! Luck friend!!
I have used this embroidery process to cover stains and small holes, on my favourite denim skirts. Sew much fun! Great project!!
I love the project and inspiration. It has been years since I have done any creative handwork. I love things vintage and could see many options with this technique!
My focus has been on my writing. It also reflects a creative side of many of my characters in A SIMPLE STITCH, a yarn shop on Main Street in hometown USA!
I recently retired and have time to pick up new projects and get my creative side back on track!
Thanks for sharing! My wheels are turning!
Kindly,
DebO
Hoyleton Illinois
I live on a farm!
I love this! It’s whimsical and so very happy! Thank you. I can’t wait to get started.
Diane
What a creative idea! I am working on a grandmother’s garden quilt and some side crochet projects right now. I’m still working full-time so I have to catch time here and there. I enjoy your blog. Keep up the good work!
Love this! Can’t wait to try my hand at this!
Great way to use up scrap fabric and vintage pieces; a creative, fun project. It turned out great. Thanks for sharing, you have inspired me to look into some of my stash and create!
Oh I love this!!! I’ve been looking for a project to do on these cold days!!! Thank you!!
Beautiful! What a great idea to get others to help. Gave me an idea to get my granddaughters to each draw a design and I do the fabric art ( to the best of my ability – lol!) Thank you
That’s so beautiful!!
Beautiful. I believe sometimes we get, or should I say I, caught up in perfect seams, borders that we forget the joy of just creating. Even if we don’t display or give away, someday, someone will go through our treasures and smile and think of us.
This is a lovely Spring fabric . I want to get back to embroidering. I have done it since childhood. I also want to get back to my knitting. I received some pretty wool last Christmas. I just have to make the time.
Marilyn
Love this project. I can see putting this on a baby quilt or an apron. I must try this soon.
Oh how fun! I do something similar only on cardstock and make little getting cards. Love making flowery crafts on these cold winter days.
It’s so pretty.. I bet fabric scraps from family outgrown clothes would be special in creating a piece.. Each fabric would evoke a memory…
I’ve never tried that but it is very pretty! Great job!
Very cute designs – and clear instructions! I think I might use some fabric art like this on my quilts. Thanks for sharing.
Love this project and another great way to use ones scrap pile!
Beautiful! I have wanted to try this and your post has renewed my interest. Thank you for sharing
Ohhhh, I’ve been wanting to get serious about doing this for a while! I’ve dabbled in tiny stuff for atc’s but I’d love to do an art quilt someday!
Dori, this is so beautiful and vibrant and happy! How inspirational!! Thanks for showing all the skills of your talented family! I’d say you ARE an ‘artist for sure!! Happy Spring!!