A Farmgirl Party {And A Give-Away}

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There are a few things that I really, really love to do.

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  1. Emily says:

    Yes, I love to send home-made cards. And guess who gave me the ideas I use—You!

    Thanks for all the great tips you give us.

    Take care.

    Emily

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hello Emily,

      I don’t always have the greatest ideas, believe me! But when I do… they get used over and over! 🙂 Thanks for always encouraging me!

      – Dori –

  2. Laura Staley says:

    I love using my collection of cards, adding my own sentiments for birthdays,anniversaries, “thinking of you”, and congratulations for meeting goals. Dropping them off at the post office first thing in the morning…enchanting!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Laura,

      It does make it easy to send cards if we’ve got a collection and can just add the sentiment doesn’t it? I’ve made cards in the past where I put the sentiment on them and then realized later it worked better to add that as I needed. I do love dropping them in the mail too!

      – Dori –

  3. Angela says:

    And it was so much fun! And delicious! Used a handmade card this week to send my sil a Thank you note. It’s so fun to have a stack on hand.

  4. Cyndie Gray says:

    I still make hand made Valentines for all my daughters & my grandkids!! I had to forego my Valentine Making Tea Party this year due to working 2 jobs but I love to make hand made cards & little gift booklets, “A B C’s of a 16 year old grand-daughter”~~you get the idea :^)
    Love your photos & your creativity!!!
    Cyndie

  5. Kathleen says:

    I WANT to but seem like I need a shot of creativeness in the card area:)

  6. Renee Pontious says:

    I LOVE making cards and one of my favorite things is making card packs to give as gifts. This also encourages others to send hand written notes.

  7. Anita Hansen says:

    Sadly, I don’t make them (that’s gonna change now!), but I do love sending them. It’s a lost art. I love finding pretty vintage postcards with sweet sentiments written on them from way back when, especially holiday ones.

  8. Carol says:

    Card sending is a huge part of my family history. My family loved sending cards and they saved the ones they received through the years. It is so much fun to see those little cards I sent to my own grandmother when I could barely write!
    My son (17 yo) just made a card to thank his grandmother, my mom, for a gift she gave him for his birthday.

  9. Bonnie B says:

    I have making cards for about 20 years now. A friend and I used to go to large stamping conventions and glean wonderful ideas and of course BUY. Consequently I have 3 large vintage picnic baskets full of stamps and a rolling set of craft drawers with all the papers, stamp pads and accessories. And shame on me – lately I have been buying cards! Perhaps with the inspiration you have provided I will get back to making!!

  10. I certainly do still send out handwritten cards. I think e-cards are cute but not as personal as when you write your own thoughts and feelings down. My grandchildren love getting cards from Grandma, and my sister and friends appreciate the time and the thought it took to find just the right card and write something personal. I loved the idea of making homemade cards and now that I am retired, I might just give it a try. Thanks for sharing!

  11. Karen says:

    I do send notes of encouragement cards but never have made my own. This is something I do believe that I would enjoy doing and may have a night of crafting with my mentor ladies! Thank you for sharing!❤️

  12. Dorothy S says:

    I love to send homemade cards. I have made them or bought them. My older relatives who are not computer owners love, love getting them. Well, everyone loves getting them and yours are beautiful.

  13. Marie Webber says:

    Yes, I make cards. I love making them. I made 16 Valentine’s cards and sent them to friends. My grandson had to make Valentine cards for his classmates, it was a fun day together creating cards.
    Marie

  14. Jo says:

    Oh, my goodness! I love your sewing/craft room!! Simply adorable from wall to wall! It looks like a wonderful card making atmosphere! Sending cards is a very favorite “hobby” of mine!! I instilled in my girls the importance of writing thank-you’s at a very young age and am pleased to say they still practice that gesture and it makes this momma’s heart happy!! Your “made with love” cards turned out adorable and I am anxious to use some of your shared ideas. We, too, like to make and send our own cards. Thank-you so much!! I do so enjoy your blog and look forward to each new one. With goodness, Jo

  15. Marjorie Wieweck says:

    I use to make cards with my 2nd graders but haven’t done the creative ones you do. Need to come see you!

  16. Carleen Sisler says:

    Yes..i do make cards and i always send cards..i always think its nice to see a pretty envelope between the bills

  17. Brisja says:

    We do make cards, especially for Valentine’s. I think handmade Valentines are much more special than ones you find at the store. I will be teaching a class to our homeschool group this spring on how to make your own cards. I think it will be a lot of fun!

  18. Rebecca McCoy says:

    This looks like such fun! I love cards…getting them and sending them. Yours are beautiful.

  19. Rosanne Mulhern says:

    Hi Dori, this post really hit home for me. I spend most of my free time making and sending homemade cards. I believe you even received one from me. This is such a rewarding as well as super fun hobby. You always need cards, so why not enjoy making them yourself. I also agree that collecting card making supplies is part of the fun and so easy to get carried away with…but you can never have enough and there is always going to be that really cute stack of paper that you MUST have! Thanks for sharing your party….it looks like it was so much fun!

  20. Sandy says:

    It’s been quite awhile since I’ve sent a handmade card. After reading this I was thinking how much fun it would be to receive one. I would love to brighten someone’s day by making them a nice card. Thanks for the inspiration! Thank you for the opportunity to win these.

  21. Kim says:

    my sister and I enjoy getting together to make cards – the laughter and time together is as important as the cards we end up making!

  22. Mandy Post Maddocks says:

    Oh, what a great idea for a party! I love giving and receiving homemade cards. It let’s the person know that you took the time for them and that you really care.

  23. Judy says:

    Love your party ideas! Homemade cards are the best & I try to make them as often as possible.

  24. denise says:

    I love to make home made cards too! it is such fun and I belong to a monthly stamp making club so I learn a lot each month.

  25. Sunnie says:

    Yes, I love sending cards in the mail!! Mostly birthdays, and thank you cards! Cute giveaway!

  26. Deborah says:

    Hi Dori,
    Your card party is a wonderful idea for gloomy winter days. Here in the NW we’ve had many a rainy day this winter, but SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER. Making bright & beautiful cards are a great way to pass the time with family and friends. One idea I will use in the future. I create my cards by using photos I’ve taken of barns, cows & cornfields and the beautiful water and mountains that surround my island home. Then, I add embellishments to make them country perfect. Island life, its an amazing Sisterhood place to live and create.
    Thank you for sharing your creativity and love of all things country.
    Deborah

  27. Lin says:

    Such a fun post!! Thank you for sharing….what a neat idea for a gathering!! I have raised all my girls that a simple Thank You note or Birthday note is very important and I have pointed out that the recipient appreciates the time and effort put into to it. I love the handmade cards and you have given us such great fun ideas. We have a Hobby Lobby close and I need to remember to get in for the 50% sale! Thanks for the info and thank you for sharing your excitement!!

  28. Mary Rauch says:

    Yes, I do send out homemade cards. Three this past week. However, I found out the hard way that ALL my acquaintances don’t appreciate “homemade”, including 2 of our relatives. They don’t seem to understand the love, time, concentration and special feelings that are put into these greetings?
    Please consider me in your giveaway. I’d really appreciate it.

  29. Rho says:

    I love to send cards, although they aren’t always homemade, I try to write a note in each card I send.

  30. Vivian V says:

    I do, but only for my best friend. I think it might be time to expand my card making 🙂

  31. cheri says:

    I adore the personal touch of handmade cards (and any item handmade honestly) I firmly believe in writing letters & cards. I think everyone should open their mailbox and find a smile on a regular basis (not just bills & junk mail) I have collected quotes for years that I use to add a personal touch when sending a card, gift or letter

  32. Although I don’t make cards like you do, I do send cards through the mail. My kids enjoy making simple cards just by drawing decorations on them.

  33. Robin Reichardt says:

    I must do like you have and get all my supplies collected into one container! Loved this post–a great ladies get-together idea!

  34. Marilyn Collins says:

    I enjoy making homemade cards. Homemade cards are so much more personal. Thank you for this lovely giveaway.
    Marilyn

  35. Joan says:

    Homemade cards are so much nicer than store bought cards. Thanks for the giveaway.
    Joan

  36. Marion says:

    I would rather make a homemade card. My sisters and I buy blank note cards and personalize them to send for numerous occasions. Thank you for the giveaway.
    Marion

  37. shawna says:

    I have been scrapbooking for years & just started making my own cards. So much fun! I love sending them to my kids who are away in college. I am actually going to a card making party this weekend.

  38. Maxine says:

    Wow, this is just lovely! I love your room set up & everything just looks so inviting!

  39. Cathy R says:

    Oh what fun! Would love to be your neighbor and friend! I enjoy making and sending homemade cards. It’s my winter project to brighten up the dreary weather and long nights in the hills of Idaho. Thanks for the giveaway! Blessings!

  40. Raimie Harrison says:

    Adorable party! How fun! I do still make and send cards and Felicity is enjoying it a lot now too. A fun way to be creative and thoughtful at the same time! Xoxo

  41. CJ Armstrong says:

    Looks like a ton of creative fun! Love the idea and I just might copy it someday!
    I have been a papercrafter for years, making cards, tags, journals and whatever else I could come up with. I have sold many of the papercraft things I make, have gifted them and use them myself.
    I take great pride in sending my own cards! But I love to use other handmade cards too!
    I’d like to enter your giveaway and thank you for the opportunity!
    CJ

  42. Marilee Smith says:

    Oh Dori, I love this. I wish Coleen & I could have been there.

  43. Genevieve V. says:

    Oh my, Dori! You are truly inspiring! You have the BEST ideas. Love everything that you put together. Wish that I was there! 🙂 You know that I loved your original posts and that I started to make our own and sent them to family and friends during my cancer battle last year. Thanks so much for sharing your heart, sweet friend.

  44. Krista says:

    I love making cards. The best thing is the card swaps with fellow farmgirls. I have really been enjoying it and always look forward to making my next set. Your party sounds like so much fun and your snacks look absolutely delicious. Maybe one day I will throw a card making party! Thanks for all the great ideas!

  45. Jodie says:

    I love sending cards! I used to buy store bought until two years ago when I realized I had paid $4.99 for ONE card! Mama on a budget started making her own! It’s been fun. And now my babe is 3, so he “helps” with the art and decorating. Too fun. Love the look of your cards and LOVE the idea of a card making party! Too fun. I’ll have to gather my girlfriends for a day of fun like this! Thanks for the inspiration!

  46. Pam says:

    Thank you for bringing me back to the “homemade card girl” I used to be 50 plus years ago! I can’t wait to go to Hobby Lobby at their next big sale. You are very inspirational in all you post here online. Thank you so very much

  47. Brenda says:

    I think we should re-introduce card sending. It is so special to receive one in the mail from someone you know in the midst of all that impersonal junk mail. And when it is hand crafted it is over the moon. I don’t make many cards. Wish I did. They are lovely. I do send some handmade thank-you cards after our clown troupe has performed for a group. I hand-craft a simple envelope in a bright colored paper and put a clown sticker on the back. I think that sets our brand as special. Please keep up all your good work and inspiration.

  48. I love making cards!!! And have actually been to a party similar to yours!!!

  49. Vivian Monroe says:

    I love it. Looks like so much fun. I love geting cards in the mail and sending. They just mean so much more than an email or electronic card. 🙂 Great job! Neta

  50. Wendy Bohl says:

    This looks like fun, You gave a lot of great ideas. So personal. Thank you for the fantastic ideas.

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A Farmgirl Quilting Challenge

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These are quilts I’ve made through the years, as well as a couple vintage ones passed down to me from family and friends.  I keep them scattered throughout my house.

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As so often happens between us Farmgirl Bloggers, our minds are on the same things!  I was writing the post for this week (in my head, as that is how my writing starts) and then I read the Suburban Farmgirls’ post on her friend and her quilts.  And I had to just start laughing as my post for this week is also on quilting.  Instead of changing course mid-stream, which I almost did, I decided there must be a reason we are on the same track.  So the writing continued… and hopefully you other Farmgirls will take inspiration from both Nicole’s and my posts and jump into this quilting frame of mind with us!

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  1. Karen Hopkins says:

    I’m up for the challenge and have many yards of fabric just waiting to be used!

  2. Cheryl says:

    I love, love your fabrics! I have several quilt projects going and my house proves it. I made a baby quilt for a shower and it was the ‘hit’ of the party! I forgot to take a pic. I will try to take some pictures of quilts I have being making this winter.

    • Cheryl says:

      I have never posted pictures on a blog and cannot figure out how. I have tried denting you my quilt projects but …. How? Cheryl

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Cheryl,

      I’ve discovered that homemade gifts at showers (especially quilts) are always so special. And yes… please do email me some pictures of quilts in progress!

      And on that note… you won’t be able to post to the blog. Only I can do that. However, if you email them to me then in 6 weeks when I do an update on our quilting progress then I will include your pictures. Email any pictures to me at: redfeedsack@gmail.com. I’m starting a file saving all the pictures emailed to me. Thank you!!

      – Dori –

  3. Bonnie ellis says:

    Your blog is just right up my alley. I love making quilts. I am going to start on Lori Holt’s vintage farmgirl designs. I am also designing and will be making the 125th Anniversary quilt for the Minnesota State Parks and Trails. I’ll keep you posted.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Bonnie,

      Oh I LOVE Lori Holt’s vintage farmgirl blocks. I have been meaning to purchase the book. I must do that.

      And designing the 125th Anniversary quilt? OH MY WORD. Please, please send me pictures!!!

      YES! Keep me posted!

      – Dori –

  4. Bonnie B says:

    Hi Dori! From a fellow quilter – this is a great post. Your quilts shown are beautiful and it’s wonderful that you are fostering that desire in your little grand girls. I encourage both my granddaughters to quilt and they did for awhile. Sadly they are now 20 and 16 and involved with life (as they say). But I have hopes that one day they may want to take it up again! Your suggestions for quilting are “right-on”. You have covered everything I can think of as well – except one last thing, and that is to always sign, date and give the city & state. You may also want to list who it is for and what occasion. It will be beneficial for whomever finds that quilt many, many years later to have a history of it. That was the first thing we were taught in the quilting guild I was in for 20 years.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Bonnie,

      Thank you SO MUCH for commenting and for your words. I so hesitated to write this post because like I said, I do not consider myself a “quilter”… but it is something that I so desperately want to see done and continued. It is an art that is going to be lost if we don’t foster it!

      And YES… signing and dating is so important. On my quilting journey follow-up post in 6 weeks, I will be sure to talk about that. I have many old quilts passed down to me and I don’t know the history of them at all and this would be so lovely. Thank you for that reminder.

      Your grand-children will remember what you taught them and they will come full circle. I know, because I did! 🙂

      Thank you again Bonnie!

      – Dori –

  5. JoniBug says:

    I like this challenge! Thank you.

  6. Krista says:

    This is a fun challenge. I made my first and only quilt 11 years ago. The fabric I choose was super thick and hard to work with. But in the end it turned out wonderful. I have wanted to make a smaller baby quilt but keep talking myself out of it. It turns into a battle in my mind. I will walk past the perfect fabric to make the baby quilt with; I’ll pick it up, then talk myself out of it and put it back down. This time I should just buy the dang fabric and make one already! I will certainly attempt this challenge with you but I am not making any promises!

  7. Marilyn Collins says:

    Good luck with your quit. I would love to learn to make a quilt. Jillian is a talented young lady. Her quilt is lovely. Thanks for this post. I will be looking forward to your future posts and your progress.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Marilyn,

      Thank you! I am so thankful for a little grand-girl that would sew all day with me if she could. I hope she keeps it up!

      – Dori –

  8. Deb Bosworth says:

    Dori,
    What a fun and inspiring post! I have a confession to make. I have never, ever made a quilt or even attempted to make one. I have always sewn though. I’ve made aprons, table runners, placements and napkins, curtain panels, valances, pillows out of old shirts and fabric scraps, and even some clothing for our kids. When they were babies I had an obsession with fleece and made everyone in the house scarves and hats. But, a quilt? Nope! I do love them though and after reading your post all the way through, I think I might know why I haven’t attempted to make one. It takes patience. I guess I’m a sucker for instant gratification, but I’ve decided to take you up on your challenge… I’ll make a mini something…I’ve got some very fun fabric I purchased for aprons I could dip into so I won’t even have to go fabric shopping! Oh good Lord, what have I gotten myself into? Now, your quilts are lovely and the ones you are working on are going to be darling! Thank you for the inspiration my friend!
    Hugs,
    Deb

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Deb,

      YES!!! I’m super excited!!! Be prepared though… you know what will happen right? You’ll be hooked!!!

      Can’t wait!

      xoxo

      – Dori –

  9. Cindi says:

    I’ve made a couple of simple baby quilts but not having a clue what I was doing, I didn’t consider myself a “quilter”. Then I finished my first full sized, start to finish quilt at Christmas – made for a dear friend as a thank you gift. It took much longer than anticipated, I am easily distracted, but I put the sewing machine pedal to the floor and did it. Thankfully, in one of the many quilting tutorials I watched, the host said something that became my mantra: “It’s better finished than perfect”. Yep. I’m gonna pull that out again and take this challenge. Ha! There are going to be a few imperfect (but finished) quilts out there before long… I hope.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Cindi,

      That is awesome and I love, love, love that mantra! You can be sure that will be in my post in six weeks! 🙂

      Can’t wait to see what your next quilt is!

      – Dori –

      • Cindi says:

        Yes, I think I will embroider it on a pillow or something!! I must give credit where credit is due – while it is not an exact quote, that encouragement came from Jennie Doan of Missouri Star Quilt Company, whose writings (wonderful!!) and tutorials have helped me push on in spite of a serious lack of confidence in my sewing abilities. Ah, we daughters of perfectionists…

  10. Carol says:

    I have recently wanted to take up quilting. I know absolutely nothing about it and I do not own a sewing machine so I am sure that it won’t be an easy task, but I would like to do it. Any ideas for beginners would be helpful.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Carol,

      I sure love that you are so willing to give it a try! The YouTube channel I recommended in my post would be the best place to start. However, you can even just do a google search on beginning quilting and see what great things you might pull up. Remember my recommendation to START SMALL!!! Even without a sewing machine you can do a little hand sewing on a small 10 x 10 block that you can actually hang on a wall when you are finished. I’ve got a few and they are precious.

      Keep me posted!

      – Dori –

  11. Bonie says:

    Many years ago when my daughter was about three years old, (honorary) grandma Chris made a quilt for her and her baby doll. My daughter is now 16. Those quilts are still very treasured. So, now, at her inspired suggestion, I am going to make a baby doll quilt and a little quilt for my granddaughter :). Her brother and his wife have a two year old with a favorite baby doll. The baby doll one is pieced and sewn together….the excitement is rising as I piece the bigger one together!
    This was a great post and very inspiring….thank you!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Bonie,

      Oh I just love thinking of your daughter still treasuring the quilts made for her and her baby doll.

      I cannot wait to see the quilts you make for your grand-daughter and her baby doll. Don’t forget to send pictures!!!

      – Dori –

  12. Debbie says:

    Dori,

    I love to quilt too and have been making the cutest baby quilts.

    I love your blog.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Debbie,

      I hope you’ll join in our little challenge and send me some pictures! I would love to see your baby quilts! I love making baby quilts – I think they are probably my favorite.

      Thanks for writing!

      – Dori –

  13. Vivian Monroe says:

    I am up for the challenge as well. I have made 3 quilts in my time, and had lots of trouble with them all, but I am getting better each time. The last one I made just a few weeks ago which was a simple one called a rag quilt. I think Deb Bosworth (Beach farmgirl you could do one of these. 🙂 I do have another friend having a baby so maybe I will make another baby rag quilt. (taking the easy way out haha) thanks for the challenge Neta.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Neta,

      YAY! I love the rag quilts. I’ve made a few of those and they are so fun!!! Can’t wait to see what you settle on and don’t forget to send me pictures!

      – Dori –

  14. Over the years I have learned that I am a hunter-gatherer, not a finished product person. I love the raw materials of a quilt or a wreath or a gourd basket, but I will appreciate the work of others and be glad to help them gather what they need to make their prize. I like this line, “Remember that a “quilt” doesn’t have to be for a bed.” So, my quilt will be a field, planted with vegetables, herbs, and maybe some flowers. I’m sure that working on this edible quilt will keep all of us on the farm very warm! You’ve done it again, Dori; another beautiful and inspiring blog!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Dear Wayve,

      I always, always love your way with words. And YES…. you have the best kind of quilts! The very, very yummy strawberry field kind!!! 🙂 And I CANNOT wait until April and strawberry season arrives!

      Big hugs to you dear friend,

      – Dori –

  15. Jackie says:

    I’ve been a quilter for twenty years so any excuse to start another quilt is good. I’m up for your challenge! I will definitely email some photos to you..you are off to a wonderful start on your quilts. I love the fabrics!!

  16. Beverley Doolittle says:

    I’m up to the task. Not sure that I will be as fast as you though.

  17. Beverley Doolittle says:

    Sounds like fun. Count me in. May not be as fast as you though.

  18. Karen Sizelove-Murphy says:

    I want to express my Attitude of Gratitude to each and everyone at Mary Janes Farm. My Mother always enjoyed all her Mary Jane Magazine ‘s and would always share them with me. Since she passed away in 2012?i continue to get the subscription year after year. I have also purchased many friends a subscription too. Everyone throughly enjoys all the articles and continue to tell me that they to read Mary James Farms cover to cover.
    Much gratitude, I appreciate all you farm girl told ant I am looking forward to learning mores out our farm.

    I just started my business: Attitude of Gratitude Hats. Your Atttitude of Gratitude determines your Altitude in life.
    Attitude of Gratitude,
    Karen

  19. Karen Sizelove-Murphy says:

    Typo error in my email. I corrected. Thank you.

    I want to become a Ranch Farm girl at Mary Hanes Farmz.

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