Welcome To My Home {And A Giveaway}

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Hello Farmgirl Friends! I’m so excited that here in Tennessee we are seeing some signs of spring! Today I’m sharing a different kind of spring story on the blog! But I thought it was worth sharing for fun; plus I’ve got a giveaway at the end! So here we go…

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Most of you know that my husband and I built our house (mostly all by ourselves) when we retired to our farm in 2011. It took us a couple years from start to finish but what a great experience and what a reward it’s been. If you’re interested you can read all about it on my personal blog here. I documented every stage so that someday we would have it to look back on. And through the years we’ve looked back on it many times.

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Anyway… last year in March I received an email from the Editor of Country Sampler Farmhouse Style magazine asking if I would be interested in having our home featured in the Spring 2024 issue of the magazine (a year away). I’m familiar with Farmhouse Style magazine and actually really love it so for a minute I was really excited. Then the more I thought about it, the more I wasn’t interested! (Intimidation mainly.) I talked to my daughter about it… because having a daughter you’re best friends with and talk to every day is the first person you go to on something like this right? And her response “MOM!!! Of course you say yes”!

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So….. long story short, I finally emailed the Editor back with a ton of questions, concerns and things like “are you sure you want MY house in your magazine… it’s not exactly like the other houses you feature” etc… (That intimidation thing kicking in big-time.) She explained all the details to me. So… I thought you readers might enjoy reading about the process, because honestly it’s kind of crazy!

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Here’s how it went. After I agreed and a tentative time frame was agreed on (May 2023), the freelance photographer called me to discuss it and set an actual date. She explained that she and a stylist would be coming from Pennsylvania to shoot my house and it would basically take an entire day. I explained that my house is pretty small, told her all the things that intimidated me about my house, and maybe I should send her some preliminary pictures in case they weren’t interested! She reassured me that if the magazine editor wanted to feature my house, then they weren’t worried about it. But THEN the whole “stylist” thing set in and I decided that didn’t sound good to me at all. So, after some serious thought I emailed the Editor and told her this: “My house is ME. I don’t feel comfortable with a stylist changing anything. I promise you it will be spotless and photo ready, but it has to be exactly my style or I’m not interested”. She reassured me that would be the case. And if the stylist or photographer changed anything I wasn’t happy with then I was to tell them. I would be present the whole time. SO… I agreed. Again!

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The date in May came and suffice it to say that I was an absolute nervous wreck. The photographer and stylist team (husband and wife!) arrived, and did a quick walk through of my house and did not gush over anything (major intimidation – haha!) but they did say “well it looks clean and ready”! Smile!

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I agreed not to take any photos of them (personally) at work! And I was so bummed because it was so much fun watching them set up and do their job. However, I did take one photo of their set up in my living room shooting into the dining room. I had texted it to my daughter. I’m sharing it here because it shows just a little glimpse of the process!

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It really was such fun watching them in motion ALL.DAY.LONG. I was utterly exhausted and I kept wondering how in the world they kept at it! In between rooms, we took little breaks and they told me some super fun stories of photo shoots they’ve done through the years for magazines like Country Living, Cottage Gardens, Architectural Digest, and so many more. I really enjoyed my day with them. And they only changed up one tiny, very funny thing, which I really laugh about now: in the picture above, see the grapes in the wooden box on the ottoman in the middle of the living room? I would never do that!! It makes me laugh! What I actually had there was a small stack of my vintage children’s story books.

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A few months after the photo shoot I received an email from the Editor again with a contact sheet showing me (thumbnail size) prints of the photos they would be using in the article. (Even though I could barely see them, they looked amazing!). The Editor also told me the name of the freelance writer and that she would be contacting me to set up an email interview.

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And that day came within a week or two. This is an experience that was really special to me. She had a list of questions for me to answer and she said this, “Do not write as if you are writing your story. Do not worry about spelling, punctuation or sentence structure. Answer the questions as if you and I are having a conversation and I will turn it into your story”. So that is exactly what I did. I wrote like I was talking to her… just rambling and carrying on! Smile! She emailed me back after a few days and it was really sweet and she set me right at ease. But here’s the thing…. I NEVER knew a word she wrote in the article! So for months and months… in the back of my head I worried that it wouldn’t sound like me. And when I got the first glimpse of the digital copy of the magazine feature; I was absolutely thrilled with the story she wrote.

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And here we are 10 months later and the magazine is on newsstands and I have three words: I LOVE IT!!! The photos, the article, the whole feature of my house makes me so happy! I love that it is completely and totally ME.

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You can buy the magazine pretty much anywhere magazines are sold. Target, Barnes and Noble, grocery stores, Tractor Supply, etc.. Above is the cover to help you find it! It is the Spring issue and will be on newsstands through April. There are so many great spring articles in it!

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Following are a few of my favorite photos of the ten page feature of my house:

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So now, how about the GIVEAWAY?!!!

I am gifting one reader this issue of Country Sampler Farmhouse Style magazine! All you have to do is leave a comment here… about any random thing that goes through your mind after reading this (LONG) blog post! Next month I’ll choose a winner and you will get a magazine in the mail!

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Happy early spring, dear friends!

Until our gravel roads cross again… so long!

~ Dori ~

  1. Debbie Allen says:

    The happiness comes through the photos, I see many things my mom and mamaw had in their kitchens, which I really love! Thank you for sharing!

  2. Lara Johnson says:

    What an amazing opportunity! I love farm magazines (Mary Jane’s Farm is obviously top!) and country magazines. Can’t wait to see the article.

  3. Kathi Rose Wilson says:

    I love your home. I just read the article about cleaning a cast iron piece. I have a wonderful, old cast iron skillet that I use for everything. Your Mom, as Mom’s always are, was right about burning all the nasty off!

  4. Barbara Falencki says:

    Your craft room and love of HAND quilting inspires me! I’ve made several baby quilts and love praying for the new baby and family as I quilt❣️🙏

  5. Denise Anderson says:

    I am glad you chose to share your home with us! It is beautiful, and makes me wish that our home could look like that as well. The outdoor kitchen sink is something we have been looking for, and would love to find one so we could add it to our outside kitchen set-up.
    Thank you for sharing your home with all of us!

  6. Monique Colizzi says:

    Makes my heart smile knowing yours is doing the same. What an honor and true reflection of the simple love and hard work you put into your nest! Congratulations!

  7. Beverly ONeil says:

    Loved your story and pictures! You have succeeded in making your house into a comfortable farmhouse home that is inviting and reflects you and your many interests. I look forward to your blogs and appreciate you keeping us abreast of what is happening in your world. Thank you for sharing your exciting news with us.

  8. Joy Hofman says:

    Everything is just so inviting and cheerful! Having a sink outback is amazing! You make everything seem so easy … keep inspiring us, please!

  9. Mary Colgin says:

    I am a quilter and also love vintage Pyrex. I just love your sewing room! And this awesome kitchen!

  10. sue says:

    Your house is adorable but I wondered right from the start – since they contacted you (and not the other way around), how did they learn about your home in the first place?

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Sue! This is a great question that I don’t exactly know the answer! 🙂 However my guess is probably either my personal blog or my IG feed! Both have a lot of my home.

      ~ Dori ~

  11. Tammy Huebner Langford says:

    I looooove the quilt on your bed! And I looove the daybed on the porch! Also the rolling pin hook shelf !! What really cool ideas! Do you have a diy for that ??

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Cast Iron Griddle Restoration How-To {or is it?!}

 

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Hello Farmgirl Friends!!!

 

I have been working on a whole different project for me.  And here’s the back story.  A few years ago I was driving home from town and there on the side of the road was a pop up junk stand and as I drove by I realized it was all cast iron skillets for sale.  I turned around and went back for a look just in case there was treasure to be found!  I dug around and saw nothing that struck my fancy… everything was newish Lodge skillets and few older skillets that didn’t look like what I always had my eye open for.  But… wait!  Here was the rustiest, grimiest, mess of a round griddle (I’d been wanting one!) and I flipped it over to see if there were any markings on the back… and oh my word!  It was a Griswold!!!

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  1. Cheryl says:

    I cook with iron skillets every time I cook love every one.
    I have some treasures at antique shops . I have a Griswold from Erie. Some of them were passed down from my mom!!
    They make the best cornbread also!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Cheryl!

      YES!!! I agree on the cornbread! My mom’s skillets are Griswold and also Wagner and I think her cornbread tastes the best because of her skillets!!

      ~ Dori ~

  2. Laurel says:

    Great read Dori!! I have an old cast iron that was mom’s that needs this….ask mom if putting it in the oven would work….wonder if hubby would let me put it in the pellet stove! gotta try this….will let you know if it’s a Griswold…thanks again, Laurel

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Laurel,

      Mom said the oven won’t get hot enough for enough hours. My husband said his wood stove in his stop was incredibly hot for about 6-8 hours. And then it stayed in all night as the fire burned off.

      Hope this answered your question!

      ~ Dori ~

  3. Laurel says:

    Great read Dori…I have an old cast iron from mom and wonder if putting it in the oven would work….can’t see the backside because of the built up crud. Or maybe into the pellet stove, hmmm. Will let ya know if it’s a Griswold. Have a great day, Laurel

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Laurel!

      I don’t think that a regular oven will get hot enough to burn off the build up. And I really don’t know much about a pellet stove either… But how about a bonfire? You could throw it in there! 🙂

      ~ Dori ~

  4. Rhonda Cavaliere says:

    I love your restoration story. I have tried to restore skillet or two. It is a process for sure. Love cooking in my cast iron. I’m always on the lookout for the bigger size pans. They are getting harder to find at a reasonable price. Great job on yours.

  5. Lynette says:

    I love your story. I never knew you can put it the fire. I learned something new today. Thank you.

  6. Mary - Windy Meadows Farm says:

    I love that you rescued the skillet! A great how-to for one I found in the barn – it definitely needs a little TLC. I have a beautiful cast iron skillet I inherited from my mother-in-law, the only thing is it’s way bigger than my stove burners – so into the oven it goes for cornbread!

  7. CJ Armstrong says:

    We have several cast iron pieces, which include skillets in more than one size, griddle and about 3 Dutch ovens. I love cast iron and use it a lot. We found one of our Dutch ovens at the local scrap metal yard. It was a 3-legged one and one leg was broken off. My hubby skillfully fashioned a new leg for it and we were able to find a glass lid to fit it (it was minus its original lid).

    And I DO have Mary Janes Cast Iron Kitchen good book. It is a wonderful book and both my hubby and I used it. Mary Jane does the best books!

  8. Eileen says:

    Where are the comments for the February, 2024 blog? I don’t see a “Leave a Comment” section. Beautiful home and article!

    Thank you,
    Eileen

  9. Pamela Czurak says:

    That was a great story and very helpful.

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Grandma White’s Apron Part Two {A Sew-Along}

 

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Hello my sewing friends!!  I know you’ve been patiently waiting for me to get the Part Two of this sweet little Apron Sew-Along to you!

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  1. joanne says:

    I absolutely love your posts! Your project style is perfect for me. I have just moved into a new house my husband built and can’t wait to craft some of your projects. We are way Downeast on the coast of Maine. We grew up here. We love it! We were lucky enough to spend a winter in New Mexico and would love to visit again. Enjoy the New Year.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Joanne! How special to be moving into a house your husband built! My husband and I built our home too and it is such a special home because I know every single nail that went into it! (As well as the blood, sweat and tears… literally!). Congratulations!

      ~ Dori ~

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Grandma White's Apron Part Two {A Sew-Along}

 

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Hello my sewing friends!!  I know you’ve been patiently waiting for me to get the Part Two of this sweet little Apron Sew-Along to you!

Continue reading

  1. joanne says:

    I absolutely love your posts! Your project style is perfect for me. I have just moved into a new house my husband built and can’t wait to craft some of your projects. We are way Downeast on the coast of Maine. We grew up here. We love it! We were lucky enough to spend a winter in New Mexico and would love to visit again. Enjoy the New Year.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Joanne! How special to be moving into a house your husband built! My husband and I built our home too and it is such a special home because I know every single nail that went into it! (As well as the blood, sweat and tears… literally!). Congratulations!

      ~ Dori ~

  2. Pamela Pittman says:

    Oh my goodness Dori, I so enjoy your posts. I am a wanna be farm girl and enjoy DIY and country crafts. I just can’t wait to see what you will teach us next. I am definitely going to make this apron. I already have a list of friends I’d like to make one for.

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Grandma White’s Apron {A Sew-Along}

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Hello Farmgirl Friends!!!

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I’m very (VERY) late on this blog post!!  I’m not going to give you all the crazy excuses but I will tell you this one:  I went out west to spend some time with my mom and I brought her home with me for the winter again this year.  Which is wonderful and awesome and perfect.  But it’s also thrown me way off my routine and I’ve hardly even been capable of meeting the deadlines on my calendar this month!  Smile!

Continue reading

  1. katherine Gaughran says:

    What a beautiful picture, you are blessed have a wonderful Christmas and a healthy New year to you and your family.
    Kathy Gaughran

  2. Colleen says:

    Oh, how wonderful! Reminds me of my Grandmas (both of them) and their patchwork wonders made for family and friends. My own (now 90-years old) Mom passed on the love of sewing and quilting to my sisters and I, as well. I especially LOVE making aprons, and will make one, for anybody that shows even the most remote interest in wearing and using one. In the past couple weeks, I’ve made at least four, with more already cut out. Thank you for sharing your Mom, family, and love of fabric. Have a wonderful day, and may God’s Peace be with you.

  3. Laurel says:

    I love it!! Will follow along from beautiful Washington State!!

  4. Terry Steinmetz says:

    How exciting! I love aprons and am always looking for new patterns, especially ones of older days. And the best benefit for me is that I can use up the many, many scrap pieces of materials I have lying around in boxes!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Terry! I love aprons too… this is going to be fun and I’m excited you’re going to sew along with us!

      ~ Dori ~

  5. Ginger Louden says:

    I can’t wait to start this sewing project! It’s so great to bring back old patterns, recipes, etc.. My sisters and I just sent all our nieces and nephews projects we did in memory of our mom. When she had time, she liked to crochet, embroider dish towels, and bake. We did an embroidered dish towel, a crochet dishrag, and a copy of a recipe we found in her handwriting. They are so excited to get these packages! I’m retired now, so I’ll start finding material for the squares!

  6. Farmgirl Jill says:

    What gifts you share on all levels! Thank you for these memories and pattern!

  7. Deb Fischer says:

    Thank you Dori, I am going to work along with you
    and try to make the apron. It is so pretty and looks like fun. I am not a seamstress at all but I do like to try.
    And it is such a lovely photo of you and your girls with your Mama.
    Enjoy your mamas visit and have fun.
    Farmgirl Hugs,
    De#2682

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Deb! YAY!!! So excited to have you sew along with us! You’ll love it! And here’s the thing… it’s not hard! If you can sew, you can do it!!

      ~ Dori ~

  8. Deb Fischer says:

    Beautiful photo Dori of you, your Mama and girls such beautiful smiles.
    I love the sweet little apron and it looks like fun to make. Even though I am not a seamstress I want to try and make it.
    Thank you so much for offering the sew along.
    Enjoy your Mama’s visit.
    Farmgirl Hugs,
    Debbie
    #1582

  9. Tammy L Thomson says:

    Dear Dori,

    What a beautiful group of ladies! Glad to hear that your momma is with you for the holidays and through the winter. Enjoy the Christmas preparations 🙂

    Tammy

  10. Denise says:

    So happy your Mom can spend the winter with you again! Merry Christmas!

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Grandma White's Apron {A Sew-Along}

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Hello Farmgirl Friends!!!

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I’m very (VERY) late on this blog post!!  I’m not going to give you all the crazy excuses but I will tell you this one:  I went out west to spend some time with my mom and I brought her home with me for the winter again this year.  Which is wonderful and awesome and perfect.  But it’s also thrown me way off my routine and I’ve hardly even been capable of meeting the deadlines on my calendar this month!  Smile!

Continue reading

  1. katherine Gaughran says:

    What a beautiful picture, you are blessed have a wonderful Christmas and a healthy New year to you and your family.
    Kathy Gaughran

  2. Colleen says:

    Oh, how wonderful! Reminds me of my Grandmas (both of them) and their patchwork wonders made for family and friends. My own (now 90-years old) Mom passed on the love of sewing and quilting to my sisters and I, as well. I especially LOVE making aprons, and will make one, for anybody that shows even the most remote interest in wearing and using one. In the past couple weeks, I’ve made at least four, with more already cut out. Thank you for sharing your Mom, family, and love of fabric. Have a wonderful day, and may God’s Peace be with you.

  3. Laurel says:

    I love it!! Will follow along from beautiful Washington State!!

  4. Terry Steinmetz says:

    How exciting! I love aprons and am always looking for new patterns, especially ones of older days. And the best benefit for me is that I can use up the many, many scrap pieces of materials I have lying around in boxes!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Terry! I love aprons too… this is going to be fun and I’m excited you’re going to sew along with us!

      ~ Dori ~

  5. Ginger Louden says:

    I can’t wait to start this sewing project! It’s so great to bring back old patterns, recipes, etc.. My sisters and I just sent all our nieces and nephews projects we did in memory of our mom. When she had time, she liked to crochet, embroider dish towels, and bake. We did an embroidered dish towel, a crochet dishrag, and a copy of a recipe we found in her handwriting. They are so excited to get these packages! I’m retired now, so I’ll start finding material for the squares!

  6. Farmgirl Jill says:

    What gifts you share on all levels! Thank you for these memories and pattern!

  7. Deb Fischer says:

    Thank you Dori, I am going to work along with you
    and try to make the apron. It is so pretty and looks like fun. I am not a seamstress at all but I do like to try.
    And it is such a lovely photo of you and your girls with your Mama.
    Enjoy your mamas visit and have fun.
    Farmgirl Hugs,
    De#2682

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Deb! YAY!!! So excited to have you sew along with us! You’ll love it! And here’s the thing… it’s not hard! If you can sew, you can do it!!

      ~ Dori ~

  8. Deb Fischer says:

    Beautiful photo Dori of you, your Mama and girls such beautiful smiles.
    I love the sweet little apron and it looks like fun to make. Even though I am not a seamstress I want to try and make it.
    Thank you so much for offering the sew along.
    Enjoy your Mama’s visit.
    Farmgirl Hugs,
    Debbie
    #1582

  9. Tammy L Thomson says:

    Dear Dori,

    What a beautiful group of ladies! Glad to hear that your momma is with you for the holidays and through the winter. Enjoy the Christmas preparations 🙂

    Tammy

  10. Denise says:

    So happy your Mom can spend the winter with you again! Merry Christmas!

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Birthday Month {And a Winner}

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The last bouquet of the summer from our flower garden

Hello Famrgirl Friends!!!

It’s October and guess what? This is my birthday month!  My daughter and my grand-girls took me to lunch on my birthday and out for a little shopping on our local square.  It was just the perfect thing for a birthday celebration!  But here’s the thing.  I had a hard time leading up to my birthday last week.  A really hard time.

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  1. Brenda says:

    Love reading,thank you

  2. Anita Johnson says:

    Happy belated birthday! What a joy to read your blogs. I’m thankful for folks like you who share the beautiful “small” joys in life… in reality they truly are the big things.

  3. Charlene J Gravely says:

    Love this,Thank you

  4. Sherry says:

    What a wonderful posting to read today… smile I learned something about monarch butterflies and I was inspired as well. Thank you, Dori!

  5. Tammy L Thomson says:

    Hello Dori,
    A belated Happy Birthday to you!! It’s okay to be melancholy on your birthday; I think. But as you say, you indeed do have much to be thankful for! Thank you for your inspiring and fun blogs.! These really are a gift to us the readers. So; you are already fulfilling your goal, in a way, to give gifts on your birthday ;). God Bless you and keep you…..Love, Tammy

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Sweetest Needlebooks Ever {And a Giveaway!!}

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Hello to my sewing farmgirls!

Do you own a needle book for all your little hand sewing projects?  If you don’t, then YAY!  This blog post is for you!  I love little needle books and I have many of them scattered around my house… anywhere that I might sit and do a little sewing; there’s a needle book!

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  1. Colleen says:

    My favorite hand-sewing project is making folk-artsy looking dolls, with long skinny legs, embroidered faces, and calico dresses on them. Each one is “dorky” in it’s own look, but they’re so much fun to make.

  2. Maxine says:

    These are just so cute!!
    My favorite hand sewing project is really having a quilt that I’m working on just handy so I can sit down to it any time. One of my hand quilting projects is a hexie quilt that I use for a traveling project. It’s been overseas with me twice and will be going again in a few days.

  3. I have always sewed but lately started hand sewing again. Felt, wool table runners, crewel embroidery, counted cross stitch…I need to make an adorable book for my needles. Love your prints. Would love having one of yours

  4. Joanna Ziolkowski says:

    My favorite hand sewing right now is working with small wool applique stitching, but I plan to try something new because of an earlier article you wrote. I just shopped for some sashiko supplies, and I have signed up for some classes to learn this craft. I just have to say, your needlebooks are too sweet! I will have to try these, too! Thank you for always inspiring with your handiwork!

  5. Kathy Barnett says:

    I love to embroider, do EPP quilting, and needlepoint. Your needlebooks are adorable.

  6. Ginger Louden says:

    I embroider on dish towels. I was taught how to do this from my grandma and mother. I always have a towel, needles, and thread handy. I use them for gifts, and I donate a lot of them to shelters or local places that need them.

  7. Denise says:

    I love to do embroidery. It’s my favorite handwork. I’m not very good at it but I am practicing! Thanks for the chance at such a lovely giveaway. Love reading your blog

  8. Sandra Johnson says:

    My favorite hand sewing projects are creative clothing repairs to extend the life of my wardrobe.

  9. Laurel Anne Pries says:

    Although I’m “getting up there” I still love to make little things and give as gifts to friends and family. This little needle book definitely is on my to do list….how cute!! Thank you Dori!

  10. Lori says:

    These are so cute, Dori! Right now I am making that cute little fall swag that you gave a tutorial on last year. I had them all cut out last year but was not able to finish them. Hope to get it hung up this week! Other than that, I have some embroidery projects for winter I am doing. I figure if I work on the next season to come, I may get it finished to enjoy, lol

  11. Carol says:

    Hi Dori! I love these little needle books! I’m always looking for something special to make for friends. I think this will be this year’s project. Thank you. My favorite hand-sewing project is any small item that I have quilted. The last thing I made was a cheery table runner for the summer season. I like making big hand stitches on something like this. Gives it a homey look.Happy Sewing! Carol

  12. Denise says:

    I have a yo-yo quilt top that has been in the works for years but I love to shop or sew on it when I have time. I’ve taken quite a few quilt classes but it’s all done on a machine & I like that the yo-yo is all by hand.

  13. MS Barb says:

    I enjoy hand embroidery & embellished hand embroidery (I’ve taken classes to learn how to do different stitches for embellishments!

  14. Sabrena Orr says:

    My favorite hand sewing is doing for others – whether it is sewing a hem up for my daughter, fixing a button for our grands, or helping my mom with something she needs. It always feels good to give and help other. :0)

  15. mary pitman says:

    These little Needle keepers are so cute!! I made several last year for Christmas gifts. My hubby likes his really well! He uses the needle when he gets a sticker in his finger. I got the pattern from a quilt show my friend and I attended. I LOVE your posts or blogs, and just LOVE reading about your flower stands and your family helping you with it.

  16. Jane Jordan says:

    Hi Dori – what a sweet blog post. Were expecting Hurricane Lee to hit us here on the coast of Maine tomorrow so after battening down the hatches this afternoon, I know what I’ll be doing to morrow to ride out the storm…making a needle book!
    I’m working on a US map quilt these days. It’s appliqued and I’m hand quilting around the outside of the map. Doing small random running stitches. I’m finding it to be really relaxing. So, for now, I’ll say that it’s my favorite project. But who knows? May e after tomorrow, making needle books will be my new favorite :-).
    Thanks,
    Jane

  17. Toni Hauge says:

    My favorite needlework is counted cross-stitch.
    I have stitched many things as gifts and they are in homes all over the world.
    My favorite is the Nativity ornaments I made for my Mom. They are glass beads, double sided and stitched on perforated paper. A lady admitted them and asked me to make a set for her. I did.
    I have since inherited the set I made for my Mom.
    I enjoy reading your blogs. Thank you

  18. Judy Garden says:

    My favorite hand sewing project is visible mending on old jeans!

  19. Hannah W says:

    Thanks for the inspiring post. Most of my hand sewing is hand quilting and finishing the binding. My favorite part of the process.

  20. Susan Owen says:

    My favorite handwork is going to sound a little unusual. I like mending. It is such a great feeling to mend something and know that it will last a little longer or bring new life to something that would have been tossed away. Recently I bought two items at big discounts because they just needed a little mending and TLC. One was a cute set of fabric ghosts that the seams had come apart and the other was a snowman whose spool thread and buttton legs had been sewn on backwards.

  21. Carla J says:

    Right now I’m working thru a series of snowman hand embroidery blocks that will end up in a quilt, hopefully next year. I enjoy hand quilting smaller items.
    My bag was heavy enough after walking thru the quilt show yesterday I would have been tempted to purchase more embellishments if I had seen this first. I treated myself to a new silver thimble and a book on using some of the tatted and crochet pieces from estate sales.

  22. Whitney Hedren says:

    I like Christmas cross stitches

  23. Susan Owen says:

    My favorite handwork is going to sound a little unusual. I like mending. It is such a great feeling to mend something and know that it will last a little longer or bring new life to something that would have been tossed away. Recently I bought two items at big discounts because they just needed a little mending and TLC. One was a cute set of fabric ghosts that the seams had come apart and the other was a snowman whose spool thread and buttton legs had been sewn on backwards. It’s fun to be able to mend things that have sentimental value as well.

  24. Dori Umphreys says:

    I love hand sewing little doll quilts and ornaments for my tiny Christmas tree.

  25. De says:

    I Love to make little critters or little dolls out of felt!

  26. Lorna Wooldridge says:

    I am eyeing a felted mail box pattern with handmade felted snail for the cards I make. Thank you for this super cute giveaway.

  27. Lisa Albert says:

    I love anything handmade especially with embroidery on it and appliqués. Your books are delightful and practical! I’m just beginning to learn hand work now that my boys are grown and I have down time to create. I would love to win one of your books to have in my home for upcoming embroidered tea towel projects I want to do for Christmas presents❤️

  28. Jodi LeBrun-Boyer says:

    I just started to hand sew, so every project is my favorite right now. I love these little books, I can’t wait to try it out.

  29. Mary Bryan says:

    At the moment, my favorite needlework is counted cross-stitch. But, that could change. I also do embroidery and EPP.

  30. Fonda L says:

    Those are sooooooooooo cute!!!
    My favorite project might be counted cross-stitch picture.
    They have so many to choose from or you can make your own.

  31. Cristy Marxsen says:

    My favorite handwork is applique. I can’t wait to get started on a needlebook though. Thank you sew much for the inspiration!!!!

  32. Cheri Sander says:

    I love this idea! Will definitely try to make one. I love to make little projects to give away. Right now I am making quilted tree shirts to give to my kids.

  33. Carole Nelsen says:

    I’m trying to finish cross stitching a pillowcase, but do enjoy trying small sewing projects.

  34. Terry Wingate says:

    I just started quilting in January of this year. I want to hand-quilt my next project, instead of machine quilting on a long-arm. In the past, I’ve done counted cross stitch and a little needlepoint. These needlebooks are just adorable! Now that I’m retired, I have more time to enjoy my hobbies!

  35. Christine Puruleski says:

    I know it’s kind of plain for others, but I love to make different dishcloth patterns!!!
    I have done hot pads and coasters and just thoroughly enjoy giving them as stocking stuffers or just a surprise gift!
    I do think my favorite may become these needle books!!! I am always searching for what I need to mend or alter something and these are the cutest and most sensible sewing extras I have seen in a long time!
    Thank you, thank you, Dori!,

    Christine

  36. Sylvia Bengisoy says:

    I enjoy cross stitch. I would like to try Brazilian Embroidery. I have made a dolly out of saved items/fabrics. It turned out real cute.

  37. Debbie McDonald says:

    My favorite hand sewing project has been learning to darn wool socks.

  38. shawna says:

    I love embroidery! I enjoy hand stitching receiving blanket edges. I always have a knit or crochet project going. I know that isn’t hand sewing, but it keeps my hands busy.

  39. Connie Bruss says:

    I make replica wedding and bridesmaids dresses and other outfits of family and friends for American dolls.

  40. Jennifer Thayer says:

    I love hand-stitching seasonal decor with felt and penny rugs.

  41. Patricia Colbaugh says:

    I love hand sewing embellished items for military shadowboxes for family members. Love seeing handmade hearts, flags & etc made from their families past lace, leather & quilt cottons.

  42. Myra says:

    Sweet little book and so useful too! Love it.

  43. Dena Martin says:

    My hand projects are usually stitching binding to a newly made quilt. But, my favorite and most memorable hand project is a little pieced I hand-embroidered when I was about eleven years old. I taped the embroidery design to a window in the dining room and taped a piece of muslin over it before beginning to trace the embroidery designs on the muslin. It took me forever to trace and my arms were so tired reaching up to trace the designs. The piece has a poem in the middle, under a young boy and girl walking up the staircase. And, it’s framed by embroidered children’s toys. Good memories. I still have the piece which was completed over 50 years ago.

  44. Carol Lou Ontto says:

    My favorite hand sewing project is mending. I am laid up from surgery and have been catching up on.

  45. Gayle Baskin says:

    I love the sewing needle book pattern and idea.
    I love using scraps for small pouches for my embroidery floss or scissors or small gift bags.
    Thank you…

  46. Sherry says:

    You’ve inspired me to get out my needles and scissors and start crafting again! I’m 74 y/o and I know I have another quilt in me

  47. Rhonda Bowdy says:

    I love to make Christmas ornaments. I’ve made many little ginger bread men. I give them all away.

  48. Joan Piercy says:

    Dori, I love your blog! My favorite needlework is embroidery which is perfect for the Crazy Quilt I am finishing. My Aunt Mary Witte was unable to finish it and gave it to me. Crazy quilts have always been my favorite quilts. I am also finishing up one the Dresden Plate table toppers you had in a recent blog. Thank you, Dori, for sharing your world with all of us! Joan

  49. Nita says:

    Currently into little things, having finally finished 52Tags from 2020…! Now working on a Tiny Tannenbaum wallhanging with lots of shiny bits added. Besides embroidery, mostly my favorite handsewing project is finishing the binding on a quilt–such a soothing, nearly mindless activity, suited to TV watching if that’s your jam, and satisfying at the end of the flurry of creating a quilt!

  50. Joy says:

    I love to do counted cross stitch. I get so much enjoyment from looking at all your projects. Makes me wish I could quilt.

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Dresden Plate To The Rescue!

 

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Hello friends!!!  Here I am again… bringing you a blog post with all the deep thoughts that ended up in a “winging it” kind of project!  Smile!

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  1. Terry Steinmetz says:

    So glad to see your fun work I sewed 2 tablerunners today for my kitchen table. I used some fabric I’d been saving for whatever came my way. One side is blueberries on the stems( navy blue and light colored polka dots backgrounds). The other side is a multicolored outdoor scene of different birds and birdhouses. I used the 10 minute tablerunner pattern given to me by a friend. I added decorative stitching on the borders. Voila!!! LOVE IT ! Wish I could post a picture of it. Oh well. Going to work on fabric boxes tonight to give as gifts to friends. Blessings!

  2. Amy says:

    Beautiful job on the table toppers! WAY more hand stitching than I want to do, though.

    Those cups are from Starbucks, aren’t they? I have one, from Houston, where I used to live. Maybe next trip I’ll get one that says Texas.

    I would love to find one or two of those old Coke boxes, and exactly for that kind of thing.

  3. Margaret Hofknecht says:

    What an eye-catching beauty this table topper is! That fabric is scrumptious! The only spiffing up I’ve done is knitting cotton dishcloths to match my dish towels. I so enjoyed choosing yarns to match the colors in the towels. Be blessed!

  4. Bonnie Iscrupe says:

    what a beautiful project, that will put a huge smile on your face each time you walk into the room. You have such a good eye!

  5. Kathy Gaughran says:

    I love the Dresden Plate and as always, beautiful done. your always an Inspiration. Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy Fall season.

  6. Tammy L Thomson says:

    Dear Dori, thank you for sharing your beautiful creation! I don’t think I have ever seen a cheerier “table runner/centerpiece”. I wonder if it’s possible to not smile when seeing it? I doubt it. :):) As for me, I am not a fabric artist but; I do collect vintage doilies and lace etc. which I have all over my home. Have a great rest of the Summer! Tammy

  7. Cynthia Felice says:

    I think your projects are just adorable! I so enjoyed seeing the steps I wonder if the waterproofing product you used would help keep fabric from fading outside on my deck tables Would love to make cute table cloths for them Thank you again for sharing your talents and awesome projects!

  8. Jaryl Romshe says:

    I love Dree#den Plate design. I love what you did.

  9. Kate says:

    Absolutely darling!!

  10. Marilyn says:

    Great job, it is lovely.
    Marilyn

  11. Joyce Atlee says:

    I just love that Dresden plate table topper! It is so pretty and heartbreakingly nostalgic. Great job winging it!

  12. Patti Smith says:

    Absolutely beautiful!!

  13. Connie J. Bakker says:

    Love your work and you hand quilted!!!!!

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Lets Build A Bouquet!

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Hello my Farmgirl Friends!!!

Most of you here know that my daughter and I are Flower Farmers (in a VERY small scale) and we sell our flowers by the honor system at on our darling little roadside stand.  This is our ninth summer of business! Through the years we’ve really streamlined our little business.  We know what grows best for us and we know what sells.  We rarely experiment with anything else now that we have it figured out!

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  1. Terry Zignego says:

    Great idea. I especially love the rustic trailer? you use to display your bouquets.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Terry,

      It’s pretty fun isn’t it? My son in law found the old truck bed and then he built the rest of it for us. It is the absolute best set-up!

      ~ Dori ~

  2. Joan Piercy says:

    Dori, Just wanted to tell you how beautiful your flowers are! Wish I was close enough to buy some. I live on the East Coast in Mechanicsville, VA. I lost my dad in January of this year. So sorry for your loss! Joan

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Joan,

      I’m so sorry about your Dad. It’s a loss that is hard to describe… no long having our precious Dads. My tears are different than they were a year ago when he passed… now they are just tears of wonderful memories that I cherish.

      Hugs to you, Joan.

      ~ Dori ~

  3. Tammy L Thomson says:

    Dear Dori,
    Thank you for sharing a beautiful (Really extra beautiful with all the gorgeous flower pics!!) post with an inspiring message. Your bouquets are the perfect Summer bouquet. I can’t believe you give them away for only 5! I would be buying one every few days if I lived nearby. God bless you and give you comfort and happy memories about your dear Dad.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Tammy,

      We absolutely love selling our flowers for $5. Most anyone can afford that and as a result we have a lot of elderly customers that get so happy to spend $20 and take gifts to four friends! We see it time and time again. That is what makes us the most happy. Our flowers getting shared!

      Thank you for the comment on my Dad. He’s with me always!

      ~ Dori ~

  4. mary pitman says:

    I ALWAYS LOVE your posts! I LOVE flowers too and grow mine mostly along our yard fence. How about tiger lilies? they are so tall and beautiful

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Mary,

      I love flowers growing along a fence… it’s just so beautiful! And YES to Tiger Lilies!!!

      ~ Dori ~

  5. Susana says:

    I love zinnias, sunflowers , cosmos smo gst a bunch of other flowers like snapdragons columbine and asters.spme last longer than others . Ive never sold anything I just give it away. I like putting a smile on a Face.

  6. Susana says:

    I love zinnias, sunflowers , cosmos amongst a bunch of other flowers like snapdragons columbine and asters.some last longer than others . Ive never sold anything I just give it away. I like putting a smile on a Face.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Susana,

      You hit the nail right on the head… giving flowers always puts a smile on our faces!!!

      ~ Dori ~

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