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Hello Farmgirl Friends!
It’s hard to fathom that we have all just spent the last 8 – 10 weeks in “stay at home” mode isn’t it? I think about the people I know that live in large cities in a condo or an apartment and literally have had no time outside. I’ve never been so thankful for living in the country on our own farm where we could get all the outdoor time we needed and never leave our property.
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Hello Farmgirl friends!
When we were first issued the “stay at home” order back in March, I thought to myself that this would be a really good time to focus on staying in touch with friends and family in the old fashioned way.
Terry Steinmetz says: Love your card idea. I’m thinking of making a bunch for gifts for friends. I haven’t done that in awhile, a n.v d they always love them. Thanks for sharing.
Be safe.
Phyllis Parrish says: Thank you for the great ideas. Makes me want to run, not walk to my sewing room. I so enjoy your posts.
Blessings,
Phyllis Parrish
Kim Rice says: What a wonderful idea! I send one card a week to an Aunt who recently went into assisted living in Arkansas and they of course went on lockdown. So I send her a card since she likes to write letters, she would really appreciate receiving one if these!!
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Xoxo,
Kim
Cyndie Gray says: These are the most delightful little note cards!
How cheerful & sweet! It’s a really fabulous idea & I think maybe even I could do this
Thanks for sharing dear Dori!!
Jennifer Klaren says: Love this idea!!!
Making some today!!
Donna Kozak says: Those cards are so bright an cheerful – what a wonderful idea…and the materials would make lovely masks !
Nanette Boots says: Oh, Dori…I wish I had your energy and gumption! Yes, I do write ~ long or short newsy notes in birthday, Cmas, Easter and Thanksgiving cards as well as thank you cards and get well cards. Sometimes in sympathy cards too.
I taught my children who are 30 and 33 that if they received a gift and the gift giver wasn’t there to see them open it they had to send a thank you note. My daughter writes the most beautiful and special thank you notes. She’s become a real gem. My son, not so much, however I did learn from other family members he will call and thank them.
Yes, letter writing has gone by the wayside, but especially for the elderly I try to send occasional notes because they probably miss “snail mail” the most. I sure don’t mind a newsy email from friends now and then!
Thank you for reminding us all how much a simple letter or note card can change the day of someone special.
Nanette
PS you are special too!
Pam says: I really like your idea. I’ve been writing letters as well. I’ve been making collages with pictures from magazines. My granddaughters love them.
Karen says: These are absolutely adorable! Thanks for sharing such a sweet and simple idea! KB
Lisa A says: So cute!
nancy says: Thank you Dori. I really like your idea for the cards, and if I received one of these, it would make my day, and many others to come.
I also loved the story of the quilt. Thank you for the idea.
The story was definitely a tear jerker!
Very heart warming.
Mary Ross says: I thought this was “SEW” cute.
I wish we could do more crafts that show vintage, old-fashioned fun. In the olden days, my mother had an old pedal sewing machine that we made doll clothes on. Perhaps you could create some doll clothes or paper-doll clothes with your fabrics and stitching.
Also, my aunt used to take old ties and put them in quilts and did Brazilian embroidery roses on them. The quilt was divine. Perhaps you could do some embroidery on some of your cards onto the fabric.
THE CARDS ARE ADORABLE!!! Thanks. – Mary Ross
Pat Hicks says: I was just thinking yesterday that I could make a Mother’s Day card for my Mom this year instead of going out. Love this idea. I have blank cards on hand and plenty of small scraps from making face masks.
jacqueline Hull says: What a great idea! Since I love to write, I’ll give it a try. Have a wonderful weekend. Blessings, Jac
bonnie ellis says: Great idea Dori. You have the best ideas and this one certainly is appropriate for right now.
Marilyn says: What a great idea. Thank You for the tutorial. Stay safe and well.
Mariyn
Marilyn says: I t should be Marilyn
Henriette Area says: These are absolutely lovely, thrifty, caring, and I plan to make some very soon. thanks!!
Bonnie Baker says: Hi Dori!
I always enjoy your blog, but the “What I learned from my Dog” was so special. I loved it. You do indeed have a wonderful friend.
This one is so fun! What a cute idea sewing fabric to cardstock. I might be giving it a try soon. I, like you, enjoy being home and can always find something to do
Take care and stay well.
Sharon McBride says: Thank you for this great reminder! I haven’t done this for a while and have a lovely bit of scraps left from mask making that will work for this project!
Ann says: What a sweet, clever idea and great way to use fabric scraps. I’m sure your recipients were delighted to receive such a charming note in their mailbox. Thank you.
Donna says: Great idea!!!good memories in all the scraps.
Pamela Frey says: What a great idea and good way to use up fabric scraps! I have been inspired by the creativity, kindness and love so many people in our country have shown. My computer crashed but finally got straightened out. Need to reconnect with your friend Kathleen whom you graciously helped make quilts for her children. I have been alone during this
stay at home time so it has been a challenge. Thank God we have farmgirl hearts.
Pamela
Vondean Erickson says: What a very clever way to use up scraps of fabric.
I recently moved to California from Iowa to be near my son. Never dreaming I would be staying at home. I love crafts and was thinking of my two sisters whose birthdays are coming up. They will be surprised to get their clever birthday cards. I am cutting blocks to make a throw for my bed and have so many scraps so will be able to make many cards.
I grew up on farm life and loved it. Such a healthy way of living.
Thanks for sharing this.
Ginny Scott says: Love these!
Your projects always wake up my desire to sew again. This PAUSE has shown me where my priorities should be. Gifting and giving.
Bless you!
Charlene Littlewood says: Thanks Dori,
Loved your Idea here in Australia Mother’s Day is this coming Sunday
So I made one of your cards for my Mum I hope she loves it as much as I did making it
Until next time
Charlene
Mary Rauch says: Thanks for letting me steal some of your ideas. I am not crafty in this respect, but maybe I can make some cute cards that will please some possibly “bored out of their heads” friends in the nursing homes around here? I’ll give it a go.
I adore most of your ideas and enjoy seeing YOU ENJOY watching your family grow and create their own little worlds.
Thanks for allowing me in. Be safe and healthy and joyful.
The other day on TV a gentleman of 101 years of age was asked to give an example of a “Life Lesson” that had helped him through these years. … Without thinking about it, he said: “Be Kind Until It Hurts”…. Isn’t that beautiful? I must try to think this way more often than I do.
Sending Farmgirl love from Ohio.
MICHELE says: What a great idea! They are so charming.
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Hello Friends!
Amongst all the unsettled feelings and emotions going on in the world today, we are faithfully practicing some “self isolation” here on our farm. Which is not a hardship for me, as staying home is my favorite thing to do! But I’ve been watching our sweet dog, Belle, and thinking what a great thing it must be to just trust in your master enough that you have no worries or fears of the day! Obviously, we humans can’t quite be like that (don’t you wish we could?) but it did get me thinking that there are things I could learn from my dog!
Sharon Wegmeyer says: Wow! You said it in the first paragraph! We can “trust in our MASTER enough that we have no worries or fears of the day”! Christians can learn from our doggies
I have also learned from our Cocker Spaniel, Piper, that one secret to contentment/happiness is Do Not Compare. He has some skin problems that cause itching & soreness & at age 15 is deaf, but he goes thru life contented because he is not comparing his situation with other dogs & saying , why me? – life is not fair”!
Enjoy your posts! Sharon ( a new Farmgirl Sister)
Margaret Hofknecht says: Your Belle is so sweet. We have an Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mixed dog and she is a sweetie, too. I think what I’ve learned from Maggie is how trust is to be honored. She trusts me to have good dog food for her and nutritious snacks. She trusts me to keep her brushed and looking her best even though she’s averse to brushing. Everyday she comes to me for loving, petting, for food, for going out and so on. She’s a happy dog and I try to take good care of her and honor her trust in me. She makes me responsible and mindful of her needs.
Marlene C says: Your dog is beautiful. I’ve learned from our shi tzu that sticking your face in mud is not a bad thing.
We have a border collie mix – she LOOKS like a Labrador, but ACTS like her border collie daddy… and darn if she doesn’t KNOW she’s going for a walk when she sees me come down the stairs wearing a certain jacket. I don’t know how she knows, but she does.
Jutta says: You have a gorgeous dog Dori. Glad to see that you are still running and keeping well through these difficult times.
Deb Bosworth says: Great post, Dori! I’ve learned from Max, that I can never live without a dog ever again. Having him in our home shows us everyday what love is in it’s purest form. We all need it and we need to be reminded that’s how we should treat our humans too.
Sending big hugs and well wishes from the shorelines!
Deb
Pamela Frey says: Dori, Your posts are always so uplifting, colorful and visually beautiful! They are a monthly lift to our spirit and during these Crazy COVID days, we all need that. Animals
and babies always give me hope. Thank you for such a fun post about your dog.
I have owned many different breeds over the years (beagle, german shepherd mix, labs both brown & black). They are such great companions and friends. My son’s dog Emma moved out with him a couple of years ago. I love the cat but she is so independent so I have been thinking of getting a dog. This quarantine and your post have convinced me. I am really excited about this; so nice to have a fun/positive goal during these difficult times. Pamela
Pam says: How nice!
Theresa Demott says: God and dogs will always be there when the others have left..
Vina Byrne says: I have two German Shepherds….3 and l0 years old. The younger one was in the 2018 California wildfires, let free by his owner, taken to a kill shelter for awhile and seen by someone who sent funding for him to fly to NY. He was a little over 1 year at the time. He had been through alot. When we took him home, he fell into a deep sleep, which was surprising because we were two strangers. The ride took 2 hours and he slept the entire time. He trusted us from the beginning. At home, he met our other dog…they bonded immediately. After all he had been through, he loved and trusted my husband and I, fell into step with our other dog and has not one hangup from being alone in the street til he was picked up and taken to the kill shelter. He is an amazing dog….he loves us beyond words and we always are amazed at the way he just took to us in a matter of minutes and has brought us so much joy.
A little creative quilt holding going on here!.
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Happy February to my Farmgirl Friends!
I’ve been thinking a lot about creativity. What fuels it, what keeps it burning, what helps me to keep creating. I decided to share a few things with you that I find really helpful! I realize that we are all different and are inspired and motivated by different things but I’m excited to share what helps me!
Terry Steinmetz says: I keep a spiral notebook handy to jot down notes or ideas of projects. I also keep a running list in another notebook of materials and items I wish/want to purchase. Then when I find the item and only “on sale” will I purchase it. And then there’s notes about what people like or what I want to make for a specific person in another notebook. Makes “playing” and “projecting” so much easier and fun, and ultimately gets done! I’ve been doing this since 1980 and am now on my 3rd notebook of projects I’ve given away as gifts. Helps the brain right along. Another easy thing I did 2 years ago was to put project materials and patterns/whatever I need in a 2 gallon ziplock bag. They are then put into a small basket–easy to get at when I’m in need of a project to start working on.
Sandra Johnson says: I find inspiration in glossy magazine photos–too old school for social media, I find creativity in print!
Kim Rice says: It sure is fun to hear how others create and keep that flow going! I also have to have “order” in my space otherwise I just get dizzy and run away’ LOL.
I truly enjoy your inspirations and plan on “weeding” out my IG page!! It become very overwhelming
Xo, Kim
Joan Dias says: My determination.
kim stehle says: I keep pictures on my phone of things I have seen which I would like to either expand on, tweak or recreate in different media or colors. I use these pictures as a starting place. Round Top flea market in Texas is my absolute favorite place to gather wonderful ideas that I can “steal”.
Marlene C says: When I wake up in the morning I lay in bed quietly for a half hour and think creative. When I have a concrete plan in my head I get up and get started. Sometimes I get too many ideas at once and get them all tangled so i do laundry or clean house. I also organize a lot.
winnie Jackson says: Being a caregiver for my husband this post’s has inspired me so much to continue to create with my fabric stash. I have been in a sewing/creating slump. But now after seeing all your projects and sewing room I now want to change things to be more productive in the sewing world. I thank you. You are just what was ordered for me. Many blessings, Winnie Jackson
Hi Dori,
Thank you for this inspiring post your room and quilts are so lovely. I for one am guilty of spiraling down that rabbit hole more times than I care to admit. What helps me is to just start to play with a few of my supplies, mostly paper crafts and an art journal. Then before I know it I’m what if I try this or that and I’m totally enjoying the process of creating.
MS Barb says: I belong to a quilt guild & a stitcher’s guild; seeing other peoples’ creativity challenges me to try something new!
Jackie Galluze says: Reading through craft magazines.
Rhonda Cavaliere says: I am lucky enough to have a great group of friends who inspire me with their creativity. We get together to sew frequently. It helps to keep me inspired.
Cheryl says: I have all my supplies in a guest bedroom and my sewing area is in family room. I only bring out what I need for the project of the day. If I start something new the previous project goes back to the guest bedroom closet.
Your blog keeps me inspired!!
Debbie Allen says: I love looking at new fabric collections, then I get ideas for all my family. The beach, horses and puppies are a few I’ve used lately. Thanks for all your ideas !
Janetlee Murphy says: Some of my most creative thoughts come to me at 3:00am when I can’t sleep! To capture these ideas, I keep paper/pencil on my bedside, briefly jotting them down actually helps me get back to sleep!
Joan gill says: I am a farmer-rancher artist newly moved back to Blaine Road in Moscow. Nice job on your inspiration!-Joan
Lori Limberger says: I “schedule” time for my creative passions. If I wait until time in my schedule opens, I would rarely be able to quilt, knit, crochet or do wool applique. My crafting restores my energy!
Shawna Matos says: I like to wander through yarn shops, fabric shops & even through Hobby Lobby or Joanns for ideas of something I can make myself. My yarn stash & idea books is on my list for organizing!
Mary says: When the children were still home, we would often spend time organizing their toy shelves. As soon as we were finished they would begin to play with all their stuff:)
That’s the way I am with my sewing; I need to have things neat and organized and then I can play and play!
Sandy Henson says: I agree with you about getting “lost” on Pinterest. Also feel a big waste of time in other social media avenues. I spend a lot of time looking through special magazines, cutting out ideas and placing them in a special “Ideas” folder I keep in a easily accessible place.
I also do lot of “communing” with Nature spirits and others, take my request to bed, and wake up with “thoughts” graced to me by the Universe. Always be open and receiving to positive thoughts. Be Aware.
Susan Bozarth says: I’m inspired by playing with my fabrics, looking through magazines, and being with people that I want to make a gift for. I love your space, so inspiring. I’m working on getting my creative space to a point where I want it. And I’m a “messy” creative person-that’s how my brain works but once I’ve come up with my ideas I like a neat work space.
Patti Piorkowski says: When I can read posts from other women that inspires me and keeps me creative.
Julie Altman says: When I find myself wide awake in the middle of the night I go through the process of picking colors and making a wool Applique project in my mind. I’ve solved many mental blocks on how to proceed with a project in the middle of the night.
Cindi Johnson says: I’ve never thought of myself as being creative until one day, years ago, I was bemoaning my haphazard way of planting flowers in the front yard and wishing aloud that I had my mother’s creative genes. My neighbor looked at me rather stunned – which surprised me in itself – and said, “Are you kidding? Your gardens are so beautiful!”. I think that’s when I started looking at things differently and getting my inspiration from other people’s enthusiasm for whatever makes them happy. It’s like they are little reminders to stop trying so hard – relax and enjoy – the creativity will flow like the unseen breeze and you will only see it when it moves something (or someone).
ROMA HORTON says: When I get everything organized before I’m even finished the ideas start to pop!!
Gail Alderman says: I am inspired by my love for sewing.
Cyndie Gray says: One thing that inspires me is YOU, dear friend!!
And one thing I learned from you is to keep something handy in the living room where DAN & I relax! I dug our my crochet hooks that hadn’t been used for literally decades & took off!
I started with crocheting and doing on fleece fabric for cuddle blankets for our littlest grands, then went to hats & ear bands for our daughters & the older grands & now I have found a slipper pattern I love that is easy, as one granddaughter requested slippers rather than a hat!! So thank you for helping me along my creative journey dear Dori! (Oh I also bought a pattern kit for quilting a mug rug & a teapot cozy but haven’t gotten brave enough to buy fabric & try it out yet )
Irene says: Much of my inspiration comes from Instagram, magazines and I just got one from you for the pin cushion. Also they just pop into my head when I want to change things around.
Laura says: Organization. Tidiness. Notepad. Graph paper. Sharp pencils with good erasers.
But, most of all, a large window with clear northern light allowing me to look out at the world.
Linda says: I love having my cell phone to take pictures of possible projects when I see them or when I think of an idea I use the Notes app to write down my inspirations.
Would you share your Pinterest account name so I could follow along? I love your creativity and would like to follow you. Thank you for the giveaway.
Sheena Dorak says: I find spending time outside or even going for a drive out of town helps me stay creative. Removing myself from my everyday surroundings sparks my creativity.
Jeanne Dimick-Rego says: Walking with our pups on our property and forgetting about life’s pressures opens the door for my mind to wander and ideas to come in – even on the bad weather or stressful days. The girls are always my best mojo. When I get home, I journal my ideas with basic details for another day. Like you, avoid pinterist and most social media because of the rabbit hole you described. When I read your posts it is uncanny how much we are alike. Always look forward to your posts. They are real and thoughtful. Thank you, Jeanne
CJ says: I used to have creative ideas rumbling in my head all the time and did many creative projects through the years. Over the past 5-6 years I’ve experienced some significant, life-changing health issues and have impacted everything in my life and have given my creative mojo a severe beating. I have had to let go of so many things which include some of my projects. However, I still try to do some sewing and papercrafting, but not to the extent I used to. Sheer determination is what it takes to start something, and it is in starting that I feel the creativity start to flow and the joy return. It’s an up and down process as I am not able to function this way every day.
I do have a room that I call my “project room” but my sewing machine and supplies, except for fabric are in another room. It helps to just sit in there and think. The struggle is very real and I cherish each moment of inspiration.
Karli Foreman says: Hi Dori, Thanks for your inspiring writings! I am not a quilter but my mom is. I create with paint, or pen or marker or … ! Growing up my mom always had her music playing while she was sewing. We lived in the Southwest -it was usually a country song with a good two-steppin’ beat! So I continue that creative inspiration by always having some of my favorite music playing while I paint and create!!
Treese says: I’ve been embroidering a set of pillow cases with horses and flowers on them for about 2 years! I too try and keep them in my sitting room and have them handy. However, living on a cattle ranch as you see with a unfinished 2 year project gives me very little sitting time!
Denise Woods says: Like you, I like to keep some type of project (usually knitting!) next to my chair so I can work on it at night. It keeps my hands busy and calms me down after a long day.
Lisa Harness says: Pictures I have displayed & laughter!
BEVERLY says: Dori I really enjoyed reading your column. Your craft room is an inspiration and made me realize I need to become more organized. I like to leaf through quilting magazines in the evening for tips, ideas and color combinations.
Sanne says: Thank you for this kick in the you-know-where! I had started out well with my office/creative space and it has become the catch-all instead. A day of cleaning out and cleaning up is in order to get back into my creative groove. I love you shelf wall with the fabrics and will have to figure out a way to incorporate something similar, thanks! And then I will need a wood-working space next… 🙂
Anne Fisher says: I’m just catching up on blogs –after reading about the quilts made out of the shirts -here’s another with the tears falling and then I can’t breathe, cause my head is all stuffy! I lost my husband 35 years ago when I was 47 with all 4 kids still at home. We had a year after the colon surgery. Wishing now that I had had this inspiration! If only–we could see into the coming days, to just “know”. I have a problem with being able to “create” -just taking the time to DO! Same thing here–I have to have the things out, visible and handy that I really want to do. Though all too often,that doesn’t help! Some of that (in my opinion!!) is age!! I have a room to sew-but oh my gosh it is such a mess, it keeps me from going in there. So bad of me to envy your beautiful, organized space!!! Happy Creative Days ahead for you!! Enjoy reading about all of those special things.
Nancy Wallace says: I,too, work in a tiny “pretend guest room”. The space is so limited that I have to be very organized. I use baskets on bookshelves to organize my FQs by color and put precut squares in ziplock bags so I can see them. Love to be able to see all those colors!
Kate Lehman says: I belong to groups that meet regularly to inspire one another. And I try to do one large or small creative project every day, even if it’s just posting a photo on Instagram!
Pamela says: Inspiration comes from reading your Farmgirl blog with your pictures. Since I am a visual learner, I cut ideas from magazines to stow away. I also keep picture ideas and recipes on my phone. Lastly, I skim the monthly calendar events pages of our local Kansas Country Life magazine for workshops or seminars. Just recently I attended a weekend textiles seminar run by Sisters at an organic environmentally friendly alpaca farm. The price was very reasonable, brought a friend on a tight budget, learned to knit and had a wonderful getaway. Pamela
Reba says: Looking at flowers or trees in the woods make me creative! In the time just before Spring I look at the flowers in the grocery stores, to add color to a home, and it makes me anticipate Spring coming soon! But then when the flowers begin popping up I use that energy to re-decorate my home, look at fabrics to add color for items I want to make such as cushions (I used to have little dresses to sew but not in a while), and clean out the no longer used items for someone else to love! It even affects relationships as I share the energy and excitement of what I am creating!
Pam says: Thank you, Dori, for once again inspiring me to get back to my sewing room. Amazing how the business of life can keep me from projects and crafts that I need to get back to for my own sanity and fulfilling creativity. All your ideas are so lovely!
Beth says: I SO agree with your comments re Pinterest! A little bit of that goes a very long way for me, and I find I work and create much better without a lot of extra distractions (especially when they’re visual — ack! “rabbit hole” describes this syndrome so well)
I’m still working on organizing my small space and your photos and ideas will definitely inspire me. Thanks!
Coralynn H Thompson says: I really enjoy my magazines like
Mary Jane’s Farm, Country Living, and Farmhouse for inspiration. I have another wonderful source on line, JagCagDesigns, my daughters site. We bounce ideas off each other regularly!
Renee Hames says: All things vintage!
Nanette says: Good for you, Dori. I wish I was as motivated as you are. I have a few household projects “hanging over my head” and just can’t seem to get started. Maybe as the days lengthen (yay) I’ll get in the mood. Spring is my favorite season, and soon it will be here! Thanks for the uplifting post. An online friend, Nanette
Paula Sullivan says: Reading magazines , number one MJF ,helps me get ideas for things I’d like to do. Instagram and YouTube help as well as I follow creative people there. Journaling is another creative thing I do.
Sherri Winters says: Thanks for sharing your thoughts on keeping the creative juices flowing. One of my favorite things that challenges my creativity and “teach this old dog new tricks” is to hang around with my teenage / early twenties grandchildren. They are very artistic and are always showing me new creative endeavors on their computers or projects using different mediums that they learned in art class. I love their individuality and that they love to share their skills and knowledge with Gramma :-).
Keeping up with them sure is fun!
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Hello Farmgirl friends!
Grab some kleenex and get in a comfy seat. Yes… this post is one of those.
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Last March my dear friend Kathleen lost her husband Jerry suddenly and tragically to a brain tumor that had only just been diagnosed. Hardly time to even grasp the diagnosis and he was gone. You just can’t put into words the magnitude of grief that we all felt. He was young, active, incredibly fit, and full of life. And then he was gone.
Maxine says: What an absolute beautiful project, post and friend you are. I just love this so much!
Ramona Puckett says: Oh my goodness! This is the sweetest gift! And you were right about grabbing the Kleenex! Thank y’all so much for sharing.❤️
Kim Rice says: I had already seen some of these shots as you know, and now I’m sitting waiting for my manicure appointment and the tears are falling AGAIN . Happy tears, for the two friends who came together at a very hard time to console and share something so special for the kids. Something they will share with generations after. Jerry is smiling I am sure!
Thanks for sharing so much Dori
Xo,
Kim
Cyndie Gray says: Oh my stars, this is the most touching quilting tale I have ever read, seen or heard ♥️ How absolutely precious for those adult kids to have that tangible hug available from their dear dad anytime right at their fingertips. Thank you so very much for sharing it with all of us dear Dori.
Kathleen Frederick says: Oh Dori ~ no words except thank you, my dear sweet friend. Great big heart-felt everything, Kathleen
Lori Fresina says: Wonderful!!!
Diane Loehr says: OMG – sitting at work reading this post crying! I am so sorry for her loss. My husband died almost 4 years ago from a heart condition, along with a brain tumor that they found. In 3 weeks after being diagnosed he went to heaven. Her children are going to love and use these quilts forever. What a beautiful gift to give them. thanks for this lovely post. Diane
Irene says: Dori
You are the most thoughtful and creative person. It was a beautiful post. And definitely needed a Kleenex.
Dee Carter says: I loved, loved these pictures of your quilts. I do wish I would have done this with my Daddy’s shirts. But a young mother with a 2 year old and a baby, there wasn’t even time to think of it. I do wish……
You did a wonderful job. I love the square with the tag to hang the shirt with that you included. Maybe yellow. Well you have seen it many times I’m sure. There was 2 lucky kids there!
Thank you for sharing .
Dee Carter
Judith Stout says: Dori – Thank you for sharing this story. Indeed many tears were shed. My precious husband left for heaven 4 years ago and I have yet to gather the courage to make quilts for my boys and grandchildren. I haven’t emptied the closets so like Kathleen, I have saved every pajama, camouflage shirts and t shirts the boys had given to him.
You give me inspiration to begin these projects as I see what the quilts mean to the families. Thank you again for sharing. God Bless You.
Renee says: Tears welling, heart overflowing!
Ingrid says: Thank you for sharing his story. It has touched my heart deeply. Creativity certainly plays an important part in the healing process. May God continue to show His love to you. Very nicely done.
Edith says: What a beautiful story, thank you for sharing with us all…. the quilts are gorgeous and so are you two ladies! I will be going to Road to California’s 25th show next week; I guarantee there will be no lovelier quilts at this show than those you two have created!
Sincerely,
Edith
k says: I feel badly that Kathleen didn’t get a quilt for herself.
Cindi Johnson says: Oh my, you weren’t kidding about the Kleenex. These are the most beautiful quilts in the world. I have never seen one where the seams, pockets and tags were kept as part of the blocks; that you kept the paint, too, well, I like this method very, very much. Apparently Jerry loves it, too, and he was kind enough to stop by to let you know. This… this beautiful coming together as friends for a purpose, is why we quilt.
Donna Kozak says: What a beautiful, touching story – I’m still sniffling !
Marlene Capelle says: Well I wasn’t going to cry but dang girl. That was beautiful. Thanks.
How wonderful! I wish I had thought of doing something like that with my Dad’s shirts. Such a great gift! thank you for sharing and now I’ve got to go blow my nose! 🙂
Bonnie Baker says: Oh my Dori! What timing with this wonderful post. Just before reading it I ordered backing for a shirt quilt for my daughter of my husband’s shirts. It took us almost 1 1/2 years to start the cutting process but it’s done and so is the top. Now to get the backing and get it quilted. It is a journey that you are on as you sew, remembering. There were days when I just could not bring myself to sew; the memories brought tears.
I wish I had made larger bllocks (they are 6″ finished squares and 9 patches) as it would have gone faster, I think.
You’re a wonderful friend to have helped with this project!
Candace Segar says: Dori,
That was absolutely one of the most beautiful things I have read and looked at. Thank you for sharing and thank you for such a beautiful and creative tribute!
Candy
Nanette says: Now I have tears in my eyes after reading this. What a wonderful gift you gave to your friend in waiting for her to be ready for this project. I may steal your idea and pics for inspiration. Someday will come, and those pics will be my inspiration! Thank you and condolences on the passing of such a close friend. Your farm girl at heart friend, Nanette
Pam says: Beautiful story. The quilts are stunning.
The love miraculously told. Thank you so much for telling the story.
Deb Bosworth says: You, my friend are a gift to so many. A shining star in the storm, and a huge ray of sunshine on sunny days too. I can’t even formulate an articulate response right now. Just know my heart was deeply touched.
Sending love and hugs from the beach!
Deb
Marilyn says: What a beautiful post. The quilts are beautiful. Kathleen’s children will have something they will treasure forever. I can see these beautiful quilts being passed down to future generations. Thank You for sharing this heart warming post. Wishing you and yours a Happy,Healthy and Blessed 2020.
Marilyn
Ann says: What an absolutely beautiful tribute to Jerry and such a blessing to have these unique heartfelt quilts to remember their dad and husband. Hugs and tears back atcha.
Gail Larson says: Beautiful. Thank you for sharing this heart felt treasure. It reflects the power of love, family and friendship. Thank you.❤
Maureen says: Ok, you got me. The tears are rolling down my cheeks. How blessed we are with the talent to make such treasures.
I recently received a quilt top made with feed sacks and something that looks like gauze, possibly curtain lining? Some of the colors of the cornerstones have bled into adjoining fabrics and the workmanship is the best she could do with the materials on hand. I feel it deserves to be completed and plan to name it “my many blessings quilt.” The maker wanted to make something beautiful and warm for her family. I have all the supplies to get it done and am honored to finally finish it.
Quilting truly makes us all family.
Big Warm Hugs!
Elizabeth Stenhouse says: I have never quilted and had decided to do this same idea for my children after my husband their Dad died.My first attempt was about Dave being a Marine. That didnt materialize after destroying lots of materials then I decided to use parts of his shirts and add photos but truth be told I dont know how to move forward. I need to do 6 quilt hanging instead of quilts as I dont think I have enough for a quilt now .At a total loss how to proceed . It still a beautiful gift and so appreciated for its thoughtfulness.
Pamela says: TEARS & INSPIRATION in one post!
My tears do not even begin to do justice to your beautiful story. Thank you for sharing
such a wonderful friendship and caring project. You also inspired me to take on this
shirt quilt for a 2020 project. My husband’s unexpected death from a heart issue was
a total shock 7 years ago, and each person’s grief journey is different. Sending love to
all the ladies who shared this. I will start this new journey making quilts for my three sons. It will be the best gift ever. Have wanted to quilt since the last one I made
was a baby quilt 40 years ago. Newly retired, I now have the time and you gave me the
inspiration! Blessings to you and Kathleen. Pamela
MS Barb says: Beautiful testimony, and beautiful quilts!
Pamela says: Dori,
Would you please pass this note to your friend Kathleen.
Kathleen, So sorry for the loss of your husband. After reading Dori’s blog, I wanted to
reach out and thank you. Not only did you show your love for your husband
and children by making those beautiful quilts, you also inspired another
widow (ME) to finally start this wonderful project. Thank you.
Your grief journey is filled with sadness but also LOVE and INSPIRATION.
Pamela (Massachusetts native & now Kansas farmgirl)
Lisa says: What an absolutely beautiful thing to do!
Oh Dori. The first time I tried to read this post, I had finished teaching a class and had errands to run, so I stopped at a local cafe for a bite as it was way past lunch time. I decided to browse a bit while sitting there by myself, and catch up on my reading. I went to read your post. I had to close up my phone because I was about to bawl my eyes out! What a wonderful, touching tribute and gift to those who have lost their loved one. The quilt is a gift, but also the fact that you made it with and for your friend and her children- that alone is another gift. I also believe that our departed loved ones can reach us through dreams, and I bet Jerry is so very grateful to you for doing what you did, and that is why you had the dream. What a touching post, and a testament to great friendship. Hugs to you. ~Nicole, Suburban Farmgirl
Cynthia says: This is beautiful what an honor and what a special friend she has in you. This is something she will treasure it always. You can also make a teddy bear with those shirts and clothes for a teddy bear out of his shirts, or a ragdoll if there’s grandchildren or children. My husband had made I’ll call the quilt out of his BTUs which is his army every day fatigues that he doesn’t wear anymore for my son and then he put a sheet behind it so it’s not a true quilt like what you made but still just as precious and it’s warm for my son to sleep with. I was wondering how did you figure out the pattern to do this for because I would be a very basic no knowledge quilter I would love to do that even with my sons clothes he’s 28 years old but I still have some of his baby clothes And school clothes. It would be just the precious keepsake. Please respond I’m a farm girl too but I live in Washington DC now
Thank you for this post. I too have saved the shirts of my late husband whom I lost to a brain tumor over five years ago. My intent is to make two quilts, one for our daughter & one for my son. I’ve agonized over which pattern to use, which design, would there be enough fabric once I started, etc. I’m so glad to see you kept it simple which hopefully will inspire me to do the same and just get started. When my husband was living, I often teased him if he wore a nice plaid shirt, that it would make a nice quilt block. He would say, don’t you start cutting up my shirts for your quilts. But I think he would agree it would be justifiable now.
Rosemary Benson says: It teared me up! As a quilt maker I could really relate. Thank you for sharing it all.
Oh Yes, definitely needed hankies! Very heartwarming, thanks for sharing such a very personal story with all of us.
When Daddy passed I wasn’t allowed a single thing of his . If I could have had all his favorite wool plaid shirts you can bet I would have made them into a quilt.
Carol says: Oh, Dori … This couldn’t have come at a better time. Nine days ago my beloved Leon died. He had been on hospice for 4 months and when he passed we were alone together. It was 4 am. I have the blanket he was under when he passed but I want to make a quilt from his shirts … something to wrap myself in with his wonderful and strong hugs. Yes, the tears came when I read this post … but I felt the love and comfort put into these quilts as well. God Bless you. Thanks, Carol
Theresa Demott says: So beautiful! It made me cry.. I lost my dad this last January.. This made me think of him…
Christine Alred says: What a beautiful thing to do~ We lost our beautiful 35 year old daughter-in-love in October of 2019 due to a terrible car accident and this is something we thought of doing, but as yet, we are not ready.
I am so sorry for your friends loss. This is such a heartwarming tribute. Thank you to all of them for sharing this. God bless~
Utterly lovely! I’m glad I was able to gift Dave’s shirts to a young man in dire need but I’m afraid if I’d thought of a quilt with his shirts, I might have wavered. As it was, his request was to use the first quilt I ever made in lieu of flowers on his casket. That’s what I did for his wake and for his graveside service, he had a flag and full military honors.
Grief takes as long as it takes; God bless you.
Carolyn Hogue says: This beautiful story has me in tears. We were on vacation with friends, and the fellow had a medical event that has turned out to be inoperable brain cancer (glioblastoma). Now, we are watching the gutwrenching process of radiation and chemo, knowing the likely outcome. His name is Jerry and his wife’s name is Kathleen . . . gives be goosebumps.
Dori Troutman says: Hello Carolyn,
Oh my goodness… what an amazing coincidence. And it gave me goosebumps too. Wow.
And that a gut wrenching process must be so horribly hard to watch. My heart breaks for you and for your friends.
Thank you for writing.
~ Dori ~
.
I hardly remember a time in my life that I didn’t enjoy having a needle and thread in my hand. And in the slower winter months I always find it so soothing to sit and hand sew.
Cyndie Gray says: This is all new to me but I may have to do a little looking into it!! I love your rice bag!! And absolutely it would make a delightful gift for any occasion ( my birthday is next month j.k. ) if I search “rice bag” will I find a pattern? Also off this subject have you ever made a quilted tea cozy? I have never quilted & am quite intimidated by it but I think I would like to try a very small project. When my sis was visiting we had lunch at a tea room & they brought my tea in a small teapot covered with a cute cozy to keep it warm. I thought hm, I bet I could do that.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Cyndie!
YES! There is a pattern. I’ve gone back and edited my blog post to include the link to the pattern. It’s toward the end of the blog post.
Years ago I made a tea cozy. But I haven’t made one for years. They are really darling. And yes, I bet you could make one!!!
~ Dori ~
Cyndie Gray says: Dori: where would you recommend looking for a pattern for a tea cozy? Pinterest? Etsy? Or elsewhere? Thanks for the link to the rice bag pattern also!!
Happy Sewing!!
Love seeing this idea again. It’s a wonderful way to patch things besides starting a new project! Thank you
Dori
Making a tea cozy would be a great first quilt project for you. 1 made 2 several years ago. If you need help go to a local fabric store and talk to the clerks and owner. They can usually hook you up with a class or group to get started. Have fun, you’ll never regret this pursuit as it brings much pleasure and great friends into your life!
Emily says: I think I would use it to carry some of my other quilting projects in when I am not at home.
Thank you for showing us how to it is used. I really like how you used tabs to thread your cord through for the handle!
Take care.
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Emily!
~ Dori ~
That is adorable! I have never heard of this type of sewing, but I will check it out soon. I might need a rice bag to carry some of my business supplies in.
Dori Troutman says: Carol,
I went back and edited my blog post to include the pattern that I purchased for making the bag. In case you’re interested!
~ Dori ~
Jutta says: Your lovely bag is the perfect project bag for knitting etc. I would love to receive a gift like this!
Merry Christmas to you and yours Dori, thank you for sharing!
Dori Troutman says: Jutta,
I am using mine for my ball of yarn for a crochet project I’m working on and its great!!!
~ Dori ~
Jill McFaul says: Dori, this bag could be used for all sorts of things, ie., groceries, yarn/fabric storage, a quick overnight bag, the possibilities are endless. I am thinking I would like to try my hand at Sashiko. it really jazzes up mending projects and other things one might sew such as regular quilting items. Think I will search for more info thank you so much.
Dori Troutman says: Jill, yes! I am using mine for my ball of crochet right now and its great! I think the next one I make I will put a little pocket for scissors and crochet hook on the inside.
~ Dori `
Jill McFaul says: Well I am in the grove to do some exploring here. Have a Christmas tree ornament I am going to experiment on with Sashiko. My head is trying to think of all sorts of applications… oooo what fun!
Marlene Capelle says: What a fabulous idea. Happy holidays to you and yours.
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Marlene! Happy Holidays to you too.
~ Dori ~
Irene says: I love your work Dori, you are so creative. Merry Christmas.
Hi Dori! Really enjoyed your post on sashiko embroidery. Isn’t Katrina great? Slow fashion movement, mending, natural dyes. Thanks for sharing these ideas. I have 4 little grand daughters (the oldest is 8) who hang out with me a lot. They want to sew — I was thinking of aprons & you inspired me to use sashiko as part of it. Even though I sew (and MY grandma taught me to mend) I’m much happier playing with clay. :). I like that the stitches can be so casual.
Bonnie Ellis says: What fun! Thanks for showing us this technique. I learned from a Japanese woman how to do this and included the how-to in the quilting classes I taught. Happy Holiday to you and your family. I’ll bet you don’t have 22 inches of snow. lol
Debbie Fischer says: Beautiful Bag Dori!
I love to do hand sewing and this would be great for traveling!
Love all your ideas.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Sue says: Hey Dori,
Good morning to you from a snowy Alabama. I love sashiko, I use it a lot on my denim quilts. Wanted to share this with you since you have granddaughters. Several years back my God daughters came in dressed in The latest fashion. Jeans with rips in some rather inappropriate spots. I told them no, just no. I gave them an alternative though. We would raid my fancy scrap box and put cool scraps behind the rips. Silk, satin, lace, velvet and much more went into those jeans. When they got to school their friends loved them and wanted to know where to get some. My eldest goddaughter told them she got the jeans at an exclusive designer. You patching your jeans brought back the memories. Good times.
Ramona Puckett says: How fun! Thank you for sharing this!
Laurie says: Simply lovely Dori. I am going to try this. It looks so easy and relaxing. Making the coasters would make a wonderful gift. And the bag could be used for almost anything. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Cindi J says: I love this bag! How funny it is that just a couple of months ago I came across a book on mending that I couldn’t resist. It introduced me to this type of stitching and sent me on a journey to find out more. I now use it for hand quilting! Boy, does that take the pressure off! I have severe arthritis in my hands and tiny, well-spaced stitches are impossible. This is a fun and beautiful style – and now I’m going to snag that rice bag pattern of yours.
Drucilla Weiland says: Thank you for introducing me to a new thing. I can see all kinds of uses for this type of sewing. I’m excited to get started on a project. I have a jacket that the dog ate a hole in it. I just purchased a decorative patch but it has not really been an improvement. Now I know what will be.
Marilyn says: The rice bag is lovely. It could be used to hold knitting,crocheting or some small little objects. A pack of tissues,a pen,pencil or even a small note book or address book. Thank you for this interesting post. God bless. Wishing you and yours a blessed and merry Christmas. Have a healthy and Happy 2020.
Marilyn
Sandi King says: Dori, I think your rice bag is so cute and I know I would probably use it for many different things including a beach bag or even a craft bag for scraps of material or threads or yarns or to carry things from one home to another during holidays when you give gifts for stockings or under the tree. i know it is not very big but the other day I picked up about 3 little dolls and 3 packs of toy cars to donate for the children who don’t have any presents at Christmas and this bag would have been ideal for carrying them to the donation site. They were not to be wrapped so were visible to see what they were on bringing them in. I think the ‘no wrap’ thing was due to all the bad things going on today and unwrapped gifts are ‘safer’. But the rice bag is like a gift in itself also. Thanks for sharing this with all of us. Have a wonderful and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for all of us.
Anita Johnson n says: Inspiring! Cannot wait to try this. Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas!
Nancy f Wilson says: love reading about your project even if was last year
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Hello Friends! My daughter and I had a friend and her little son visit us last week. My daughter said she would cook the lunch if I would bring a craft! I’d been thinking about a way to use some of the many acorns to be found on our farm and since I love garlands of all kinds I decided we would make a Woodland Garland! This was such a fun project and I want to share it with you! So lets get started and you can make one too!
Kim Rice says: Simply lovely Dori!!!
We don’t have acorns in this neck of the woods, but we could even do this with the pinecones and greenery!
Beautiful idea for the up coming family gatherings!!
Xo,
Kim
Jutta says: Simply marvelous Dori, thank you for the great tutorial.
Cyndie Gray says: What an adorable craft idea! I just love it! Thanks much for sharing
Charlene Gravely says: Thank you for sharing .I love this idea!
Natalie Chapman says: The natural, woodland theme is so magical! I love this idea! Thank you for the tutorial.
Carol says: Love this look! Raining outside right now in E. TN, or I’d be out there gathering! Having Thanksgiving with the sister of a friend and think I’ll make a garland to take to her as a hostess gift! This is organic enough to be on display for autumn, winter, or the holidays!! Thank you for such an enjoyable craft!!
Pamela sheidy says: I always pick up acorns and pinecones and always will what a sweet idea
Judy From Maine says: So sweet.
Peggy says: I love this idea. I will have to get my grandchildren and head to the woods for some hemlock cones and small acorns, they will love it.
Maureen says: Oh! The possibilities! Thanks Dori!
Connie Hester says: Love it! Will have to make some of these. 🙂
Susan Wich says: Adorable and so pretty!
Joei Gifford says: What a fun idea. We have larger pine cones, so I may try this on a larger scale for our front porch. Thank you for sharing!
Sincerely,
Joei Gifford
Melva Vick says: I love it. !!! Will try to make one for a fall decoration. THANKS for sharing
Elaine says: So simple and fun and easy to make. I love the spareness of the garland. Making asap! Thank you.
Stephanie says: So lovely, thanks for sharing.
Wayve Dennison says: Thanks, Dori, this is just what I needed. I am the hunter/gatherer who needs ideas of what to do with what I have collected. I love all things natural, in their natural state. Maybe after the season, these could make mini feeders for the animals and birds. We had a good crop of gourds, which are drying in the greenhouse, so put your thinking (acorn) cap on.
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Sometimes these blog posts just roll off my fingers. Other times I have something I’d like to share and I have it written in my mind… but I hesitate to blog about it because I hate talking about myself. And that’s what blogging can sometimes feel like. But the deadline is fast approaching and I STILL want to write the post that’s been in my head for two weeks. So here it is friends!
Cyndie Gray says: I love this post❣️❣️ And I love the power of Sisterhood ❤️ Right now most of my Sisterhood is long distance, but it’s still there & I am still here for them. Also I am making efforts to add to my Sisterhood in our new location. There are some wonderful gals around here, most 1.5+hours away from me but sisters of the heart for sure
Sabrena Orr says: My Sunflower girls mean the world to me. The six of us have been friends since elementary and high school ~ we’re talking 45+ years of friendship! Last year on our girls trip, we each had a “sunflower” tattooed on our forearm. (My first and I never thought I would get a tattoo — I LOVE IT!).
Sunflowers symbolize adoration, loyalty and longevity – this represents my sisterhood perfectly. Together we laugh (A LOT!), we cry, and we giggle like little girls and we treasure every minute we can carve out of our busy lives! We may live in different cities & states, lead different lives, have different careers and interests, but we are there for each other. We have each others’ backs. These ladies bring out the best version of me and I am ever so thankful, grateful and humble that I am able to share our special “sunflower” tattoo that is our permanent reminder of our adoration, loyalty and longevity.
Marlene Capelle says: I admire you. I’m almost 71 and just started my fitness routine a year ago when I broke my leg and said to myself “this is not going to happen’. I’m doing my first 5k this Saturday. I don’t let anything keep me from my workouts (well almost). It’s amazing how once you get started and have the right attitude fitness becomes the only way to start the day. I don’t know if I’ve lost any weight, that’s not the point. I mean I want to but that will come when it comes. It’s the strength and good health i want.
Dori Troutman says: Oh my goodness. This made my day so much. You are amazing!!! Good luck on that 5K… just enjoy it. I love “races” because they are so much fun. People cheering for you and the feeling of success at the finish. Keep it up and keep me posted!!!
Tightest of hugs,
Dori
alice gamble says: So inspired by Marlene Capelle’s post and the new October narrative by Dori. You can start at any time. I used to be a nurse and one time a patient who had been pretty much immobile, surprised everyone by opening her eyes and lifting a finger. Yes, just coming out of the fog, and someone in the room said….”it’s a small start, by God, it is a start.” You could feel the tension in the room just melt away. Always there is hope, it’s all relative to where you are in your life. So, I am encouraged to read this blog and be thankful for the sharing that takes place. It takes courage and effort to put heartfelt thoughts out there, I’m so glad this blog was started by someone extraordinarily compassionate towards others.
Pamela says: Dori, Have never followed a blog yet got interested in the one about the Vermont Quilting retreat. Originally from Massachusetts and now a rural Kansan, by choice,
it is so encouraging to follow your blog and others on Mary Jane’s Farmgirls! Wow-
You nailed it with your description of your sisterhood. Thanks for putting it into words.
Also, such encouragement on regular fitness. I am too sporadic, but you and the other
comments are pushing me to put that as a priority. It has taken me all year to lose 12
lbs that just came on when I had knee surgery-so discouraging. I am 69 and was very involved in Scouting/outdoor sports with my sons. So now my goal is to reactivate those
Joys but look for sisters to keep me going.
As for sisters I have a set here and next week going to Mass. for my annual visit with
girls that I started First Grade with and reunited at our 40th Reunion…..so cool!
We found out as you so wonderfully stated: We are SISTERS forever!
Barbara Richards says: Love to you Mary Jane for all the things you do through your fabulous publication. I just finished reading the Sisterhood Blog. What a fun bunch. Since I’m an old farm gal from Idaho it’s easy to relate to the whole thing and I grab it and read as soon as it comes in.I’m getting along in years (88 this year) but just have to get into the kitchen and do something. Lately my very best friend (husband) for short went to the store and bought up some of the last of the watermelons so I could make watermelon rind pickles. Are they ever good. At least we think so. Keep up the good and God bless you. -Barb-
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Sometimes these blog posts just roll off my fingers. Other times I have something I’d like to share and I have it written in my mind… but I hesitate to blog about it because I hate talking about myself. And that’s what blogging can sometimes feel like. But the deadline is fast approaching and I STILL want to write the post that’s been in my head for two weeks. So here it is friends!
Cyndie Gray says: I love this post❣️❣️ And I love the power of Sisterhood ❤️ Right now most of my Sisterhood is long distance, but it’s still there & I am still here for them. Also I am making efforts to add to my Sisterhood in our new location. There are some wonderful gals around here, most 1.5+hours away from me but sisters of the heart for sure
Sabrena Orr says: My Sunflower girls mean the world to me. The six of us have been friends since elementary and high school ~ we’re talking 45+ years of friendship! Last year on our girls trip, we each had a “sunflower” tattooed on our forearm. (My first and I never thought I would get a tattoo — I LOVE IT!).
Sunflowers symbolize adoration, loyalty and longevity – this represents my sisterhood perfectly. Together we laugh (A LOT!), we cry, and we giggle like little girls and we treasure every minute we can carve out of our busy lives! We may live in different cities & states, lead different lives, have different careers and interests, but we are there for each other. We have each others’ backs. These ladies bring out the best version of me and I am ever so thankful, grateful and humble that I am able to share our special “sunflower” tattoo that is our permanent reminder of our adoration, loyalty and longevity.
Marlene Capelle says: I admire you. I’m almost 71 and just started my fitness routine a year ago when I broke my leg and said to myself “this is not going to happen’. I’m doing my first 5k this Saturday. I don’t let anything keep me from my workouts (well almost). It’s amazing how once you get started and have the right attitude fitness becomes the only way to start the day. I don’t know if I’ve lost any weight, that’s not the point. I mean I want to but that will come when it comes. It’s the strength and good health i want.
Dori Troutman says: Oh my goodness. This made my day so much. You are amazing!!! Good luck on that 5K… just enjoy it. I love “races” because they are so much fun. People cheering for you and the feeling of success at the finish. Keep it up and keep me posted!!!
Tightest of hugs,
Dori
alice gamble says: So inspired by Marlene Capelle’s post and the new October narrative by Dori. You can start at any time. I used to be a nurse and one time a patient who had been pretty much immobile, surprised everyone by opening her eyes and lifting a finger. Yes, just coming out of the fog, and someone in the room said….”it’s a small start, by God, it is a start.” You could feel the tension in the room just melt away. Always there is hope, it’s all relative to where you are in your life. So, I am encouraged to read this blog and be thankful for the sharing that takes place. It takes courage and effort to put heartfelt thoughts out there, I’m so glad this blog was started by someone extraordinarily compassionate towards others.
Pamela says: Dori, Have never followed a blog yet got interested in the one about the Vermont Quilting retreat. Originally from Massachusetts and now a rural Kansan, by choice,
it is so encouraging to follow your blog and others on Mary Jane’s Farmgirls! Wow-
You nailed it with your description of your sisterhood. Thanks for putting it into words.
Also, such encouragement on regular fitness. I am too sporadic, but you and the other
comments are pushing me to put that as a priority. It has taken me all year to lose 12
lbs that just came on when I had knee surgery-so discouraging. I am 69 and was very involved in Scouting/outdoor sports with my sons. So now my goal is to reactivate those
Joys but look for sisters to keep me going.
As for sisters I have a set here and next week going to Mass. for my annual visit with
girls that I started First Grade with and reunited at our 40th Reunion…..so cool!
We found out as you so wonderfully stated: We are SISTERS forever!
Barbara Richards says: Love to you Mary Jane for all the things you do through your fabulous publication. I just finished reading the Sisterhood Blog. What a fun bunch. Since I’m an old farm gal from Idaho it’s easy to relate to the whole thing and I grab it and read as soon as it comes in.I’m getting along in years (88 this year) but just have to get into the kitchen and do something. Lately my very best friend (husband) for short went to the store and bought up some of the last of the watermelons so I could make watermelon rind pickles. Are they ever good. At least we think so. Keep up the good and God bless you. -Barb-
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Hello friends! I’ve been pondering this thing that I seem to see every single August here in Tennessee: summer is over when school is back in session. I’m telling you what, that seems so strange to me. It’s 100 degrees outside, our flower garden is still producing like nobody’s business and everybody is talking Fall and Pumpkins. WHAT??? Of course for those of you that have been reading my blog here for any amount of time, you know that I never let go of summer until the frost really IS on the pumpkin!
Dirtduchess says: I’m going to make some of these! Beautiful. Thanks.
Laurel Pries says: Hi Dori, I always love to read your up-lifting inspiring blog, and your pumpkin idea is so sweet!! We live in the foothills of beautiful Mt Rainier in Washington State, and it has already begun the “leaf-turning process” that shows us fall is on it’s way. We are in the midst of gathering our first round of wild chanterelle mushrooms and getting them canned, which is a sure sign fall is nearing. Wishing you and your family the best and looking forward to reading your next post. Laurel
Cyndie Gray says: Your pumpkins are simply adorable!!
Love reading your blog posts…always!
Enjoy every little bit of Summer!
Fall will have its time in the limelight soon enough!
PAT H Mitchell says: Dori so cute!!!! Love them.
cute pumpkins and thanks for the instructions! I will definitely try to make some. I’m wearing my white pants for the last time today and getting ready for fall-ish weather or at least in my mind fall-ish weather!
Connie Hester says: Love this pumpkin craft! Like you, I go into Fall kicking and screaming. I love Fall, but love Summer more! Fall never lasts long enough for us here in South-Central IL. Always means frost and snow not too far away.
I will be making some of these in different sizes to tuck here and there among the bookshelves for this fall. 🙂
Sandi King says: Unlike you, Dori, I love Fall. I love the cooler temperatures, sitting outside in the evening with less bugs bugging me, (mosquitoes love me), and I love the idea of decorating for Fall, Thanksgiving and Winter, Christmas. I used to decorate for Halloween but gave all my decorations away one year. The Fall colors are something to see and take pictures of, pretty as a gift card. And then of course, Winter is next. I have heard we may have a pretty cold and snowy one this year and I love snow also. So I hope you will enjoy the beautiful Fall colors this year and the cooler temperatures too. Thanks for the pumpkin idea.
Marilyn says: Fall is my favorite season. I do not like Summer,too hot and too many bugs. The pumpkins you designed are lovely.
Marilyn
Sarah Griewahn says: I love hearing from the Farmgirls.
Carol Walker says: I am hanging on to summer too. I like fall, but I hate to let summer go…I may have to give these pumpkins a try. Looks like fun. Thank you for sharing.
Diane Loehr says: Hi Dori –
I loved your posting and the easy instructions for making Pumpkins. I would love to get started on this right away and fill my house with these. Thanks for the idea!
Happy Pumpkin Making! Diane
Karen says: Love this post. I love Fall…being a native of New England. However, I’ve been in FL far longer than I was in New England and, like you, I’m not seeing Fall in the near future!
Thanks for the tutorial!
Cindi J says: I’m with you, Dori! Our summer here in Mary Jane territory has been very cool this year, with few actual hot days. So when that temperature goes up and everybody cranks up their air conditioning, my windows are wide open while I cling to summer with all of my might. Cute fall decorations like this sneak up from behind and make me begin the transition, sigh. I have to admit though, except for the fact that it’s followed by October, September really is my favorite month ~ and a great time to start a cute project like this!
Peggy says: Love your blog post. I made some of these pumpkins last year, they are easy and fun to make. I also live in middle Tennessee and it is unseasonably hot right now.
is a certified farmgirl at heart. She’s happily married to her beach bum Yankee husband of 20 years. She went from career gal to being a creative homeschooling mom for two of her biggest blessings and hasn’t looked back since. Debbie left her lifelong home in the high desert of Northern Nevada 10 years ago and washed up on the shore of America’s hometown, Plymouth, MA, where she and her family are now firmly planted. They spend part of each summer in a tiny, off–grid beach cottage named “The Sea Horse.”
“I found a piece of my farmgirl heart when I discovered MaryJanesFarm. Suddenly, everything I loved just made more sense! I enjoy unwinding at the beach, writing, gardening, and turning yard-sale furniture into ‘Painted Ladies’ I’m passionate about living a creative life and encouraging others to ‘make each day their masterpiece.’”
is a “MaryJane Farmgirl” who lives in a large metropolitan area. She is a lawyer who has worked in both criminal defense and prosecution. She has been a judge, a business woman and a stay-at-home mom. In addition to her law degree, she has a Masters of Theological Studies.
“Mustering up the courage to do the things you dream about,” she says, “is the essence of being a MaryJane Farmgirl.” Learning to live more organically and closer to nature is Rebekah’s current pursuit. She finds strength and encouragement through MaryJane’s writings, life, and products. And MaryJane’s Farmgirl Connection provides her a wealth of knowledge from true-blue farmgirls.
an old-fashioned farmgirl with a pioneer spirit, lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. As a “lifelong learner” in the “Live-Free-or-Die” state, she fiercely values self-reliance, independence, freedom, and fresh mountain air. Married to her childhood sweetheart of 40+ years (a few of them “uphill climbs”), she’s had plenty of time to reinvent herself. From museum curator, restaurant owner, homeschool mom/conference speaker, to post-and-beam house builder and entrepreneur, she’s also a multi-media artist, with an obsession for off-grid living and alternative housing. Cathi owns and operates a 32-room mountain lodge. Her specialty has evolved to include “hermit hospitality” at her rustic cabin in the mountains, where she offers weekend workshops of special interest to women.
“Mountains speak to my soul, and farming is an important part of my heritage. I want to pass on my love of these things to others through my writing. Living in the mountains has its own particular challenges, but I delight in turning them into opportunities from which we can all learn and grow.”
Dori Troutman is the daughter of second generation cattle ranchers in New Mexico. She grew up working and playing on the ranch that her grandparents homesteaded in 1928. That ranch, with the old adobe home, is still in the family today. Dori and her husband always yearned for a ranch of their own. That dream came true when they retired to the beautiful green rolling hills of Tennessee. Truly a cattleman’s paradise!
Dori loves all things farmgirl and actually has known no other life but that. She loves to cook, craft, garden, and help with any and all things on their cattle farm.
describes herself as a goat charmer, chicken whisperer, bee maven, and farmers’ market baker renovating an 1864 farmhouse on an Ohio farm. With a degree in Design, Mary says small-town auctions and country road barn sales "always make my heart skip a beat thinking about what I could create or design out of what I’ve seen.”
Rooted in the countryside, she likes simple things and old ways … gardening, preserving the harvest, cooking, baking, and all things home. While you might find her selling baked goods from the farm’s milkhouse, teaching herself to play the fiddle, or sprucing up a vintage camper named Maizy, you will always find her in an apron!
Mary says, “I’m happiest with the simple country pleasures … an old farmhouse, too many animals, a crackling fire, books to read, and the sound of laughter … these make life just perfect.”
is a budding rural farmgirl living in Palmer, the agricultural seat of Alaska. Alex is a graduate student at Alaska Pacific University pursuing an M.S. in Outdoor and Environmental Education. She lives and works on the university’s 700 acre environmental education center, Spring Creek Farm. When Alex has time outside of school, she loves to rock climb, repurpose found objects, cross-country ski on the hay fields, travel, practice yoga, and cook with new-fangled ingredients.
Alex grew up near the Twin Cities and went to college in Madison, Wisconsin—both places where perfectly painted barns and rolling green farmland are just a short drive away. After college, she taught at a rural middle school in South Korea where she biked past verdant rice paddies and old women selling home-grown produce from sidewalk stoops. She was introduced to MaryJanesFarm after returning, and found in it what she’d been searching for—a group of incredible women living their lives in ways that benefit their families, their communities, and the greater environment. What an amazing group of farmgirls to be a part of!
Suburban Farmgirl Nicole Christensen calls herself a “vintage enthusiast”. Born and raised in Texas, she has lived most of her life in the picturesque New England suburbs of Connecticut, just a stone’s throw from New York State. An Advanced Master Gardener, she has gardened since childhood, in several states and across numerous planting zones. In addition, she teaches knitting classes, loves to preserve, and raises backyard chickens.
Married over thirty years to her Danish-born sweetheart, Nicole has worked in various fields, been a world-traveler, an entrepreneur and a homemaker, but considers being mom to her now-adult daughter her greatest accomplishment. Loving all things creative, Nicole considers her life’s motto to be “Bloom where you are planted”.
I love what you said about running faster by getting some who runs faster than you!….I’ll have to keep that in mind!..
Is it OK to ask another question?…Here goes: Are there any mosquitoes up as high as it looks you are? I despise mosquitoes. Sorry about that Mr. & Mrs. Bzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Thank you for all your inspiration to those of us who need extra motivation. Aging takes a
lot of energy these days, but there is still so much to do and accomplish. Your joy and sharing that joy makes me want to “get ‘er done”! Thanks for helping me to refocus and keep going. Stay safe and productive!
Dori, thank you for that inspiring message. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I still have the quilted hot pods I won in one of your drawings.
Their bright red and beautiful! I love them! Thanks again!
Good for you finding lots of things to do during your down time.
I haven’t minded the ‘stay at home’ time either. We have been allowed
to go to the parks and walk, so it hasn’t been too overwhelming anyhow.
I live in an allotment in a small town, so there’s safe walking there and
waving at all the neighbors who aren’t usually home. It’s been nice that way.
Thank you again for the great blog! May God richly Bless you!
Hugs&Squeezles
Thank you for sharing! Love the projects you completed and way to go on the running. I have given myself a fitness goal and hearing others achieve theirs really is motivation for me. Looking forward to your next post. 🙂
I love this. Love everything about it. We’re not on a farm, and I’ve worked from home for more than 3 years now in rural Louisiana. I’m sending this to BF!!
Hi Dori,
I love the tissue box cover–those are beautiful. I would love to buy a couple of those. Do you have them on the website? Also kudos on the beautiful guest room quilt. I have mostly reds and navys in the quilts I have, yet I love the bright girly floral fabrics you used–I am inspired. Thanks so much for sharing that.
Best–newbie, Beth
While I don’t live in the country (don’t I wish…), I do live in a small town. Very thankful for that! And, while I do love company, I can be quite content staying home and near home. What I’m wondering is whether you might have a link for those wonderful fabric covers for the small square tissue boxes. I found some really cool Betsy Johnson Kleenex boxes a couple of years ago, but since then the ones I have are pining away for some style of their own! Thanks and enjoy that gorgeous farm!
I really enjoyed your blog. A crafter and do all my own cooking I did a lot over the past three months. You gave me more inspiration. We live on more than an acre but I would love to live in the mountain area instead of flat Florida. But we have been blessed and not have to live in a big city. We grow a small garden and have our two little Yorkers. So life is good. We have a 2,000 sq ft barb that I do painting on things and l do a lot of art work. When in the house I do crocheting or knitting. I also make jewelry and with all the things I make I give it all away. I love making people smile. I have missed being out among friends but I read and like you I can’t sit still for long. I have my youngest granddaughter coming to visit me and grandpa tomorrow for a couple of weeks. You gave me some ideas to entertain her while she is here with what you did with your grand kids. Grandchildren are wonderful and you so lucky to have yours so close. I have three, two girls and a boy. My oldest granddaughter is in the Army in Texas, my middle one is a boy and he is 15, my youngest granddaughter is 10. They are spread out in ages but they are wonderful to have. Glad you and your family have done well thru this trying time. Keep up the good work and God bless you and your family. You are making people like me smile.
I enjoyed reading your news.
Stay in touch; we love it.
Happy to hear that you and yours are doing well. The Kleenex boxes are lovely. Congratulations on your run. you now have two future runners in your granddaughters. i,too am a homebody and only go out when there is a need to. I have been ordering my groceries online. Here in New York it is difficult to get a delivery time soon. I do not have a car so it is easier to order online. I have been reading a lot. I also have been with my sisters throwing out a lot of things that should have been tossed a long time ago. We also planted some flowers and mow the front lawn regularly. We have been doing a jigsaw puzzle,too. Stay healthy and looking forward to your next post as usual.
Marilyn
Dori, I really enjoyed reading about your activities during this time of the shutdown, and you’ve inspired me to do more creative projects with my time. Thank you for the beautiful photographs and for sharing!
I moved from my long lived in farm home last fall to Sunset Courts, a place for folks that are up and about, but for reasons of advancing age and winter on a farm in Northern Minnesota or other reasons ………It now being June and summer is here my heart is back on the farm and enjoyed your e mail this morning so much……….I have loved your writings and magazine for some time……….I will be 99 years old on August 11th this year. My heart is full of love for farm life and nature………..so I look forward to each of your publications…………My love to you and your happy home……….Marie
Made my day!
Thank you Ida!
Love it!!! Where, oh where do you get all your energy?????
Ha Ha! It is actually kind of a fault of mine… sitting still is rather hard for me. As a matter of fact, a friend recently recommended a book to me called “The Art of Doing Nothing”! I’ve yet to sit down and read it, but it’s on my list! 🙂
Your house is beautiful. Are you ever lucky to have your family with you. Love your projects you post. You are indeed an inspiration.
Dori I loved the back porch kitchen sink. I was wanting one exactly like that for my indoor kitchen, but I had to settle for a single drain board and one large basin, which I really like anyway. I love everything you did. I too like to stay home so I had no problem with that. My son and I know most of our neighbors here in our small community and we all kept our distance but also knew we were not contagious either. Lots of sunshine and fresh air is good for the body and soul. I felt sorry for big city dwellers who weren’t able to get out into the country, but was horrified when I saw the destruction of so many business’ and the attacks by so many citizens on officers and others. Will be glad when common sense returns to people. But for the rest of the population praying all is well and back to normal soon.
I also am spending much time in my ‘Lower Level’ Quilt Studio (ie basement).So thank you for the patterns. I am looking forward to making them.
I too am sad to see summer go. However, welcoming fall in the mountains is quite beautiful. The air is crisp, leaves are falling and pumpkins are plentiful. My prayer for all you farmgirls is enjoy the fruits of yor labors.
AMEN Sister Hens