Farmgirl DIH {And A Giveaway!!}

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Have you heard the acronym DIH instead of DIY?  I just recently found out that it means “do it herself”!  And I love that!  I’m very much a DIH kind of Farmgirl and that is probably because I was raised by a mother, who was also raised by a mother,  that wasn’t afraid to tackle anything.

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  1. Joan H says:

    Happy Greetings, Dori!
    I like to sew also, so this post is especially enjoyable! I love, love, love the tour of your room and the project you did too. For me there is nothing so special than to have my own special space. Bravo! I now have an extra machine for my granddaughter too. Fun!

    That extra edition magazine is one I’m looking forward to.

    Thank you!
    Joan
    FG 6465

  2. Cindy says:

    Love your idea and your sewing room. So neat and tidy. I know a cleared up room helps to make you more creative. I need to figure out how to be more organized with my sewing things. Would love a copy of this magazine. Thanks.

  3. Jena says:

    Cute post. Definitely can agree with finding new purpose for the things we own. I just love getting outta the box for purpose!
    Jena

  4. Maxine says:

    Dori, this post just amused me so much, as it’s exactly something I would do! I really do love your craft room! BTW, I’m sure that magazine copy has my name all over it! LOL!

  5. Krista says:

    I love DIY projects. Or better yet DIH projects! I know that Home Depot offered classes for children, but I didn’t know about the adult classes. They sound like so much fun. I will have to sign up for one sometime and drag my mom along. Your new shelf turned out way nice. Repurposing what you have is always the best. It’s one of my favorite things to do. Thank you for the magazine giveaway. I can’t wait to check it out.

  6. Jeretta says:

    I love to sew and do crafts. My craft room has my desk to computer, sewing machine, and wall to wall craft supplies, and projects. That was a very good idea of yours.I wish my craft room could look so neat.

  7. Denise Ross says:

    Dori, I love what you’ve done with your (old/new) shelf unit. It looks fabulous.
    I love dih ing. I’ve got a beautiful detailed did cabinet that a client was throwing out. We rescued it, painted it a beautiful white, and changed out the top on it from an ugly marble one to a beautiful high gloss hardwood timber one and it just looks amazing. I’ve done a desk/dresser that I found at a thrift store for $25, with brass handles which I polished right up and it looks so beautiful. I use it every day. I love repurposing things, making old things workable and beautiful again. The process is just as wonderful as enjoying the end result and knowing I’ve done it, is the best feeling. I’m always looking for inspiration too from others projects too. Well done. Love the wooden barrel too. I can just imagine that at your place.
    Blessings to you
    Denise
    Australia

  8. Good work, sister farmgirl!!! That looks amazing and encourages me to get to organizing and quilting!!

  9. Megan says:

    Your shelf turned out beautiful! I would love to win a copy of the magazine. 🙂

  10. Jennifer says:

    Dori
    I’m an avid reader of your posts and I share them with my favorite friend. One of my vocations is Family Physician so you can imagine how pressed for time I am, but your posts inspire my thinking and provide a dreamy escape to the farm. If you’d like to come do a DIH project on our 32 acres in Idaho, you’d be ever so welcome.
    We even have a gravel road…
    Jennifer

  11. Debbie cook says:

    I love your website and your projects, especially the quilted ones…

  12. Valerie says:

    What a wonderful and sweet story! And the project you complete such a grand idea for me too with my art stuff. i do oil painting and now it needs a good cabinet that would hold all my needs. Been such a long time I have been painting but I need to get back to it. LOVE the concept “do it herself”. Just love it. To enjoy it more with the new magazine would be so “Love it”.

  13. Lorena Caler says:

    Would love to have a copy. But the shipping to my address is almost twice what you’re selling the magazine. I’ll take my chances on winning and if I don’t, I’ll buy the newstand copy.

  14. Sandy says:

    I would love to win the Mary Jane DIY issue. Thanks for the chance.

  15. Elizabeth says:

    I would love to win a copy! You storage makeover is beautiful!

  16. beth midkiff says:

    I would love to receive one of the DIH books! It’s my style!!

  17. Linda Stiglich says:

    I love to see old things”repurposed”, as they are usually better built and have character that is so lacking these days. Good work, now you have something you can be proud of for many reasons! Thanks for the heads up on the Home Depot projects, too.

  18. I’m so glad you re-cycled your father-in-law’s work! What a great feeling! And I love D.I.Herself.

    If I don’t win the new publication, I will definitely order it or track it down! Looks awesome!

  19. Jane Parsons says:

    I too love to DIY or the newest version for us gals, DIH. That fits me so much better. I’m always figuring out how to take an object and make it better or just reuse and recycle. Very creative and love the transformation of your rolling shelve.

  20. drMolly says:

    Love that shelf. My idea of recycling to max.
    Gives me some ideas to explore myself.
    Thanks

  21. MarciD says:

    Dori,
    I just love your blogs and I love that you include so many pics. Thanks for always brightening my day.

  22. Judy says:

    Hi Dori – Your sewing room looks great. I know what you mean about repurposing – my precious husband was put to the test time and again to help me in my sewing room renovations. I would love to have a copy of the magazine. thanks for sharing your ideas.

  23. Linda says:

    Dori,
    I just have been reading your facebook post about the rolling book case. I too love old pieces of furniture that I have been given from time to time. I also especially love your little mini quilts. They are perfect above your table. I look forward to doing some mini quilts also. I would love one of the new books. I have her other ones and each time a new one comes out I just sit and read…… Can’t help myself I am addicted to all Mary Janes books and magazines.

  24. Denise says:

    I love that you took something old and worn and breathed beauty and new life into it! Your sewing room is awesome. I’m sure you must enjoy it immensely now. How wonderful that you spend time sewing with your daughter and granddaughter, making wonderful memories for their storehouse of good times spent with you. I am redoing a place of my own and you have inspired me to DIH. Never heard that term before your blog.
    Would love to win a copy of this special edition. Thanks for the opportunity!

  25. Gaye N. Durst says:

    I love the idea of rescuing something that is a family hand me down! I think of the awesome pieces my dad or my gramps or father in law had made, and the ways they could have been altered if need be.

  26. Carol says:

    Dori … I love how your shelf turned out! Isn’t it funny how you live with something for forever and then suddenly something happens and you find a better, prettier use for it? I love it! Carol

  27. Rosemary says:

    You reminded me of something I did a lo-ong time ago. We were given a Magnavox TV but the TV didn’t work and I hated to throw away a perfectly good but too deep mahogany cabinet. So I cut it almost in half (parallel to the front) so I had a back and a front. I set the back part (no doors) on top of the front half that has the doors. I put a couple of shelves in the top part and used brown shoe polish on the edges of the shelves and the cut parts for a perfect match of the colors. I also put one shelf in the bottom part. With a piece of plywood over the whole back it is sturdy and solid. My husband thought I was crazy when I suggested it but it has been a nice looking, useful, step-back cupboard for about 40 years!

  28. I always enjoy reading your postings and have to say I much prefer DIH to DIY, so thanks for that idea! I think remaking old things to work in your life today is not only smart for the environment but often, as in this case, results in creating something much nicer than what’s available commercially now. Good for you and congratulations.
    Yes, I would love to receive a copy, and hope it goes to the commenter who needs it most.

  29. Nancy says:

    Thank you for the sweet story and inspiration! I’ll be checking out craft days at Home Depot, too. 🙂

  30. DJ says:

    Awesome! Your sewing room looks so nice and organized! I really love it!

  31. Lana Wolford says:

    So encouraging to see your project finished and I love the smaller quilts on the wall…all inspiring! And…winning the special edition would be as well! Thanks!

  32. Lana Wolford says:

    I commented but it doesn’t want to post…

  33. Marcy says:

    I just loved reading this and seeing your gorgeous sewing room! Truly inspirational!!

  34. Cindy says:

    I always shop stores to get ideas and then go home and see what I have to make it with. That way you get new ideas but use what you have.

  35. Rebecca Riccio says:

    I just bought an old farmhouse and it came with quite a few pieces of old furniture. Your project has given me ideas with some of the furniture I have, especially for my new craft room. Love the idea of using something old and creating something new from it. The only requirement is imagination and a desire to do the job.
    Thanks for the ideas.

  36. Nanette Boots says:

    Dori, I love your new shelf. I too am a DIH and have been all my life. I can’t imagine not tackling a project I want done before I’m too old to enjoy it. It helps to have a handy husband too. Thanks for showing us your special “ME” place.

  37. Susan says:

    Grandpa Earl would be pleased!

  38. Joyce Baker says:

    I love what you did with your cabinet!!! It looks great!!! I’m glad you refurbished it after all your father in law put alot of hard work and love into making it!! You just made it better with your hard work and love!!!!! I’m always excited to get my Mary Jane magazines!!!! Love them!!!!!

  39. Lisa Zimmerman says:

    That turned out so cute. I love up upcycling pieces that are meaningful to family. I’m very excited about the new DIY magazine it’ll be welcomed by the DIH here!

  40. Cathi Greatorex says:

    This is a fun idea! Thanks for sharing…We recently moved to our dream ranch in the Mission Valley of Montana….The kitchen is HUGE…We have an old dresser, long and narrow…that I see as an island in that kitchen! May take some time to get to..but now that irrigating season is over…there is more time! CG

  41. Tami Cole says:

    Dori. I love your idea for keeping the wooden shelf. New paint will change the look of everything from days gone by. You just gave me an idea to make fabric wall hangings. Your wall looks so awesome. I love reading your posts . Keep up the great farm gal work . Your an inspiration to me
    Tami

  42. Deb Larsen says:

    I loved reading your story. A dream come true! Most all of our DIH&H( his and her or her and his) projects are on our dining room table. Sometimes more than one sharing the space (Condo Living!) .

  43. Robin Reichardt says:

    Your sewing room is inspiring me to look atound and see what furniture piece I can repurpose to help make my sewing area as organized as yours. Then maybe I’ll get with it and make it beautiful like you have with your quilted wall hangings!

  44. Robin Crittenden says:

    I love what you did. It’s awesome. My sewing room could use that.

  45. Bonnie B says:

    Dori, Your post really made me smile. I can just imagine you standing there with your hand on the cut off piece and telling your husband what you were looking for! I have also done similiar things. I have also gotten rid of something too soon and wished for it back ~ so glad you saw the possibilities before that happened. And you saved a family piece. It looks just perfect now with your little quilts above it. I wish I was as organized!
    I would love a copy of the special edition of MJ’s Farm either by winning or I will have to purchase it myself ~ looks so interesting. Thanks for the opportunity and enjoy your room.

  46. Janeen Breyman says:

    My mother was a seamstress. She had drawers full of fabric and notions. I have fond memories of playing with her button jar. I would love to win a copy of Mary Jane’s new DIY.

  47. Genevieve Caswell says:

    I sew & quilt a lot, but you just made my day. I really enjoy a good make over project, and anything else that gets me organized. Here’s hoping I win & good luck to everyone!

  48. Julie Pruett says:

    Your sewing room is an inspiration. You have some really good ideas and you are very “resourceful”… My sewing area is starting to look like “hoarders” ugh! So I would love to win the DIH MaryJanesFarm issue and get more great ideas. Thank You for your blogs…

  49. Karen says:

    I have so many dih projects and ideas. This magazine gives me the inspiration I need to complete some.

  50. Marion says:

    Love what you did with that piece of furniture. Thanks for the giveaway.
    Marion

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Farmgirl Fencing {And A Million Other Farm Things}

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This summer, three years after we finished building and moved into our home, my husband and I finally started the long and hot project of building the fence around our house.  This isn’t just a simple little fence, friends!  We’ve dreamed of one of those beautiful post and rail fences that you see all over Tennessee and Kentucky on the horse properties.  You know what I’m talking about right?

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  1. Denise Ross says:

    Your fence, looks really fantastic, Dori. Really suits your house. Phew, that is one heavy, hard and hot job. But I’m thinking there’s nothing quite like the feeling of looking out at it now,and going, yay, we did that, doesn’t it look great! I love keeping busy too and a farm would be lovely but not just yet. Love keeping up with what you’re doing. Take care and many blessings to you and yours from Australia.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Denise!

      I do think the fence sort of completes our house. Finally.

      What is it about keeping busy that is so nourishing? I mean, sometimes I wish I could just SIT AND BE LAZY and I just cannot do it. I really do try! The one place I manage to do that is the beach in Florida and we are heading there soon, so looking forward to that.

      Thanks for writing!

      – Dori –

  2. Nicki says:

    Hi, Dori! I have to admit, I have a little bit of “fence envy…” We’ve been needing to replace our split rail fence (“only” about 600 feet in our rural subdivision), and I really wanted a black, 3-rail fence. But to save labor & materials cost, (and especially since we might be “fixin’ to sell”), we’re opting for another split-rail.
    In other news, my daughter and I had the opportunity to spend a whole month in Oaxaca, Mexico this summer…a dream come true! (For some strange reason I’d thought the fence would magically appear while we were gone, but no such luck! LOL)

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Nicki, I think I would take the Oaxaca trip over the 3-rail fence any day! 🙂 Ha Ha!! Sounds like such an amazing trip. I want to hear more!

      And I bet your split rail fence is awesome!

      – Dori –

  3. Barbara Livdahl says:

    I love how y’all came up with a perfect solution for holding those boards in place – brilliant! Everything is looking great.

  4. Joan H says:

    Wow, great post Dori! I mean rail. No, I mean post, the other kind! Really though, what a huge undertaking. And the fence looks beautiful. Congrats to you both.
    Joan

  5. Ginger dawn harman says:

    Wow, what a farm chore! Looks great. Giving you a Farmgirl Sisterhood Ye Haw…

  6. Stephanie Graham says:

    I never thought a “fence” story would make me want to cry but I just had a picture of your house and property years from now! Lots of memories to be made there! It’s so neat seeing the progress from the beginning! All the hard work and love you put into everything you do really shows!

  7. Angela says:

    It looks beautiful! Can’t wait to see it! I know it was a lot of hard, hot work. And do NOT ask my kids about painting fences black. They will not give you any encouragement . Just wear old clothes! But it will all be worth it in the end!

  8. Adrienne Kristine says:

    Love your farm house and all the work you did on the fence. Now don’t throw things but have you thought about painting the fence barn red like the gate? I’m suggesting that option by looking at the overall property, your white house and healthy green grass. Just my two cents. Paint on!

  9. Joan says:

    Oh Dori, thank you so much for your wonderful post!!! Brings back great memories when I was on the farm. ‘Busy’ is nourishing and then to throw in some relaxing fun, well it just doesn’t get any better than that. Your fence looks superb and painted black will make it stand out and enhance your entire property. It will be so much work to do but so rewarding. The two of you make great work-mates. God bless. P.S. give that beautiful TN. ground a hug for me, so miss it.

  10. Val says:

    If you put wheels on each side of the center of the gate they will be easy to open, and use a roller when you paint the fence. You should be able to do most of it that way.

  11. Krista says:

    Wow your fence looks fantastic! You guys did such an amazing job! I bet it was a lot of hard work and you are so proud to see it accomplished! My husband has built many fences in his life and he says its some hard work. Glad I haven’t had to build one yet! Good luck with the painting in the future!

  12. Wanda Mouzon says:

    What a beautiful farm! And I love your narrative about life on it! It makes me miss the farm life when I read your blog. We now live in one of the densest communities south of NYC! They sometimes call South Beach, “little Manhattan”. But like the saying goes, you can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl!

  13. Robin Reichardt says:

    You and your husband know how to work smarter not harder!! Looks great!

  14. Vivian Monroe says:

    It looks great! I know you are glad to have a yard now. 🙂 Be Blessed and Happy fencing on down the road some time.
    ps let those grands do the painting, make it a party. 🙂

  15. Wow…what a project! It looks wonderful! Wish I had that around our farm…congrats on a job well done and thanks for sharing!

  16. Who needs a gym when you live in a farm? Hard work and the fence is beautiful!!

  17. Carol says:

    The fence is wonderful! I have plenty of projects, but my husband never seems to get to any of them. I have asked for weeks for the guns to be taken from the dining room, but they are still there.

  18. Marilyn says:

    Congratulations on your fence. Nice job.
    Marilyn

  19. Jannice Kolsbun says:

    I really enjoy the pictures of your beautiful home and the people who live there. I always think…what a neat person you are. Busy hands, kind and loving. Your grandchildren must adore you. Jann

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I Choose Happy!

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I’m not one to dwell on negative things in the news or world events.    It’s not that I want to bury my head in the sand either, but I guess I just choose to dwell on positive things.  Things that warm my heart and make my days happier.

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  1. Denise Ross says:

    Lovely post, Dori. There is a lot of awful things happening, but we do need to concentrate on our blessings. Love your photos too. You have a beautiful home and I love nothing more than working up a sweat on a project and looking at it when it’s finished with satisfaction And delight. It it one of life’s joys for sure. Happy summer days to you and winter to me here in Australia. Take care and blessings to you and yours.
    Denise

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Denise,

      We can sure get bogged down in worrying over things and forget to look beyond it.

      I agree… nothing like working up a sweat to make a person happy and thankful!

      Happy Winter in Australia!

      – Dori –

  2. marilyn Khadduri says:

    Hi Dori,

    Thank you for that great advice! Philippians 4:8 gives us the same advice, and a
    list of all the things we should keep our minds on. Like you, I choose to keep my
    mind on all the blessings I’ve been given.

    Blessings,
    Marilyn

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Marilyn,

      I too love Philippians 4:8. All the things we need to think on that keep us happy and content.

      Thank you for writing!

      – Dori –

  3. Carol says:

    I love the photos you have here. Your home looks like it has a spectacular view and please continue to focus on the good things.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hello Carol,

      Our home is a work in progress… I never knew it would take so long to get it all finished and the landscape done! Maybe it’s a good thing I didn’t know!!

      Thank you for writing,

      – Dori –

  4. Barbara Purvine says:

    Thank you, Dori! This post just might be a turning point for me, my attitude, and my life!

  5. Krista says:

    I couldn’t agree with you more! I am not a fan of dwelling on the negative. I like to think that I am a fairly positive person. Life is to short to be negative and not enjoy the beauty that is all around. I actually found loads of happiness last night as I was out picking veggies from my garden for dinner. It’s the first time I have grown a garden so the excitement is amplified! At the same time it makes me grateful for all the blessings I have and all the positive in my life. Thank you for the reminder of the importance of happiness and the small things that create it!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Krista!

      Even though I’ve had vegetable gardens my entire adult life, they still bring me loads of happiness! So don’t think it is just because this is your first garden… you’ll actually probably love it more every year! I always say there are so many life lessons learned in the garden!

      Thanks for writing!

      – Dori –

  6. MarciD says:

    Awesome post…your blogs always warm my heart. Farmgirl-ing at it’s finest. Please do a blog out the sewing project with your granddaughter. I would love to do one with my daughter. She has been asking to learn to sew.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Marci,

      Your words warmed MY heart!

      That project with my grand-daughter was so much fun. She and I have been doing several fun sewing projects but I think that one rated right up there as one of the funnest! It really does need a blog post about it!

      – Dori –

  7. Maxine says:

    Your post just makes me smile. I would love more on the sewing too…it looks like such a fun project, and you know I have the perfect Littles to do it with!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Max,

      I’m thinking to do a blog post on that project soon. I’ll let you know!!! 🙂

      Hugs,

      – Dori –

  8. Karen says:

    Dori,
    Thank you for you great advice! I enjoy reading your post and would love for you to start a blog some day. You have a lot of wisdom to share with all of us! I just ordered a subscription to Mary Jane Farms Magazine! Have a blessed day today!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hello Karen,

      I do write a personal blog where I share a lot about my life on our farm and my projects. You can follow it here: http://www.theredfeedsack.com

      SO happy you got a subscription to MaryJanesFarm magazine! It is my very, very favorite magazine to read!

      – Dori –

  9. Deanne says:

    Beautiful blog!

  10. Debbie says:

    Beautiful words, beautiful life, beautiful photos, … Creative and wise living at it’s best!
    Love it all… Thank you for sharing your slice of happiness and your friendship!
    xoxoxo Deb ( Beach Farmgirl) …

    Your flowers are looking amazing, as always and those little grand-girls of yours are precious!!!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Thank you Deb. You are such a special friend… so thankful we have each other.

      Tight hugs,

      – Dori –

  11. Mary Pitman says:

    I just feel like we’ve had a nice visit. I just LOVE your posts. I love working in the garden in summer and my flowers. I don’t love the heat of summer here in the south, but do love the fresh, home-grown veggies and flowers blooming

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Mary,

      I love that you felt like we had a nice visit and I’m so glad that you wrote and told me. It made me so happy.

      The heat in the summer here in the South is pretty stifling isn’t it? And then I remind myself of the heat we had out West and I’d take the South any day because at least it is green!!! 🙂 And we have amazing gardens don’t we?!

      Til next time friend… 🙂

      – Dori –

  12. Lisa B says:

    Hi Dori,
    Thank You for the reminder to choose happiness! With all of the bad things happening in this world it would be easy to get depressed and feel hopeless. Focusing on my family, home and garden heals my soul. We just picked our first watermelon of the season. It’s the best watermelon I have ever tasted! I love both you and your daughters blogs and enjoy looking at the pictures on your instagram accounts. They bring happiness to my day!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Lisa,

      So exciting on your first watermelon of the season!!! I have tried to grow watermelon and they never get anywhere near the ripe stage before the raccoons destroy them. It is so sad.

      Thank you writing to me and following along elsewhere too. Big hugs…

      – Dori –

  13. Marie says:

    Love your post. I agree with you. I’m caring for my mom, loving every minute of it. I’m tired but it’s a good tired and I wouldn’t want to be doing any thing else.
    We have so many blessings around us so continue to take the time to smell the roses.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Marie,

      It warmed my heart and made me so happy to read what you said about caring for your mother. What a beautiful, beautiful attitude to have. It really is a beautiful example of making the best and happiest of some of the hardest experiences.

      Thank you for writing!

      – Dori –

  14. bobbie Calgaro says:

    Dori,
    What a lovely post. Enjoying the precious gifts of life is important no matter what is going on in the world. We can’t necessarily fix what’s wrong with the world but we can choose to celebrate what’s good and right about it, pass it on to our succeeding generations, treat each other with love, respect, and kindness, and hope that it makes a difference to all.

  15. Sandi King says:

    Inspiring to say the least, Dori. Thanks for this blog. I always read every comment, every blog, and it feels good to belong to this. I think we all could use uplifting stories that keep us happy, inspired, and looking for the good things in life and being thankful for all our blessings in the small and big things we encounter every day. Inspired by your building your own home – we are trying to fix ours up – smoke damaged throughout – lots of work here. Got a rash from tearing out carpet. Itchy and painful all in one. But so glad to get rid of it. Hope to move in by October this year. Need prayers if anyone is willing. Thanks for your blog.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Sandi,

      It is so wonderful to have readers that read our blog posts, comments, and encourage us! You’re always there.

      Building a house all by ourselves was such an undertaking, but gutting and remodeling is a whole other undertaking that is almost harder in a lot of ways. Such a huge job. But how awesome that you are one your way and have a goal of October!!! I’ll be thinking of you. Keep me posted!

      – Dori –

  16. Denise says:

    enjoyed your post and totally agree with you!!

  17. Lyn moon says:

    Thank you for reminding me of that. It’s wonderful advice. Have a great week.

  18. Cindy says:

    Love and peace! We need so desperately !! GO TRUMP !!

  19. Joan says:

    Thank you Dori, love n peace and all that God will bring.

  20. Diane Loehr says:

    I just loved your article this month about being happy. I have been going through a horrible time with my husband being in ICU for more than 2 weeks now. The doctors have also decided that there is nothing that can be done and have given him 1-3 months to live. Talk about stress. Your final paragraph made me very happy and I have cut it out and put in on my refrig to read every day or when I am getting depressed with everything that is going on. I too want to be happy again! I too want to laugh and take joy in the simple things life as to offer. Even if it is to pick up a craft project again and try to relax. Have a great day – Diane

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Good morning Diane,

      My heart goes out to you and I wish I could just give you a very tight hug.

      It is such a miracle how we can find peace and joy in the simplest of things and I know that happiness is in your future again.

      With love,

      – Dori –

      P.S. Please keep us posted on your husband.

    • Meredith Williams says:

      Prayers for peace, comfort and love going up for you Diane! ❤️

  21. Maureen says:

    Thanks so much for the great post! I also choose to be positive and believe we all have many blessings. When life gets hurried, step back and take stock. Kindness is always in season. BIg Hugs!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Maureen,

      Stepping back and taking stock is such a great thing to do. So often I forget to do that.

      And yes, kindness is never out of season! My mother used to say, “In every situation kindness is appropriate”! 🙂

      Hugs back,

      – Dori –

  22. Dori, you are the best! Every Sunday as I drive our red bus into town for supplies, I look up at your hilltop and wonder what is going on up there. And I am thankful that your farmstead is so beautifully fit into the land, without shouting, “Hey, look, I have commandeered the view of the hilltop!” You are always considerate. I need you to come teach me how to can and grow veggies in general. I do believe I recognize those strawberry baskets. That is something we can do right! Now the strawberry field is a pumpkin field. I love your posts.

    • And thank you so much for always being a positive influence.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Dear Wayve,

      YOU are the best. Your words mean the world to me.

      And yes those are you strawberry baskets. I use the buckets too! 🙂 I actually said to me daughter the other day, “I wonder how many people use their strawberry baskets all summer for their produce?”!

      And your strawberries? Absolutely THE BEST ever. You definitely know how to do that! And oh how I love your strawberries. My very favorite thing about early summer.

      Big hugs, Wayve. We’ve got to get through this busy season and then WE ARE GETTING TOGETHER.

      – Dori –

  23. Alex says:

    What a lovely post, Dori! It’s so great to see the amazing abundance of food and beauty you are getting from your farm. Your tomatoes are weeks ahead of ours up here ;)–but we, too, have had a bumper crop of cukes!

    Your hand pies looks scrumptious! Thanks for a bit of Farmgirl eye candy amongst the maelstrom of current events, we all need it.

    Best to you and yours,
    Alex

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Alex!

      I’ve been hearing about your gorgeous summer! I bet it is positively beautiful. Oh I need to visit Alaska again!

      Hugs to you,

      – Dori –

  24. Nicki says:

    I loved your encouraging and uplifting post! And yes, please do tell us about Illustrated Sewing!

  25. Debbie says:

    What a beautiful blog post. I’ve followed you for quite a while…loved watching your house become a home. My youngest daughters name is Jillian! She loves to cross stitch…just like me 🙂
    I see a “I choose to be happy” quilt sampler in your future!
    My mouth is watering thinking of your pickles!
    Take care,
    Debbie

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Oh thank you Debbie! And how fun you have a little one named Jillian? What is her nickname? We call our Jillian things like Jilly, Jilly Billy, Jills, and on and on! 🙂

      Oh a I Choose Happy sampler is a great idea!!! I used to cross stitch; but something happened and a number of years ago I quit. Something to do with the counting really got to me. But I loved it. Maybe it is time to give it a try again.

      Thanks for writing!

      – Dori –

  26. Nicole Christensen says:

    Beautiful post, Dori. I had to smile at the shaker…I have similar shakers, by Tipp City. Mine are milk glass with red cherries, but so similar.

    I thought of you and your grandgirls recently. My little nieces from Denmark visited recently. They are six and four. We went in the garden together, they helped me feed the chickens and make dinner, we baked cookies and I read bedtime stories…things I did with my girl when she was their age. It was so fun – and I thought, “this must be what it is like to have grandgirls someday like Dori!”

    Love the flowers and the post. Much love!
    Farmgirl Hugs,
    Nicole (Suburban Farmgirl)

  27. Pam says:

    Dori, I have so enjoyed reading all your posts. Each time I am reminded how fortunate to be living in this country and enjoying the abundance of so many things. You and your family and all the love and togetherness is what it is all about!!

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It’s Porching Weather On The Farm

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It’s “porching” weather friends!  

..

This is the farmhouse that my husband and I built about 3 years ago.  One of the things that we were looking for in a house plan was a house with a lot of porches.  We live on a hilltop with a view all the way around and we felt like (almost) wrap-around porches were really important.

Maybe you would like to come along on a porch tour!

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Continue reading

  1. Valerie jensen says:

    Aren’t porches the best part of country homes? Your porches are awesome! Our western Montana home has huge porches facing east and west with a window wall on west with mountain view and French doors on east but I still have to spend a few moments (at least!) of every day hanging out on one or both of our porches! We also have minimal furniture, and like you a porch swing was an absolute! Enjoy

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Valerie,

      Oh they are. I do think every country home needs a porch. And I bet your home in Montana has some amazing views with the wide open spaces and gorgeous sunsets. We’ve been to Montana and it is so gorgeous.

      I sure dreamed (when we were building our home) of having all kinds of little “sitting areas” with lots of fun furniture, pillows everywhere, etc… and I actually started that way. Until I realized it just wasn’t working. 🙂 Minimal is best when it is a country porch!

      Thanks for reading and commenting!

      – Dori –

  2. Cindy says:

    Soo cute! Looks great !

  3. Krista says:

    Thank you for the tour of your beautiful porches! At the moment our house has a very small front porch and an alright sized back porch. There is only room to lounge on the back porch but we avoid it most days due to the super hot sun and absolutely no shade. We talk about building a house in the future and I know a large porch is in my dream house. I want one where I can relax and watch the sun set in a rocking chair. I also want to make sure it has plenty of shade. We will see what happens! Thanks for the tip about heavy furniture. I would much rather not chase around furniture when a storm comes through! Enjoy your porching weather!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Krista!

      A porch is a must isn’t it? But the good thing is that you don’t need a huge one to enjoy it! Just a little porch with shelter and shade! And room for a few rocking chairs. And a bed. And a swing! Ha Ha!

      Thanks for reading and commenting.

      – Dori –

  4. Love the idea of a bed on the porch, what a relaxing place to take a nap. Very neat spaces you’ve created.

  5. Oh ! So enjoyed the tour of your farmhouse porches. One thing I wondered about was not seeing any cats. I also live on a farm and find it so hard to keep it clean and tidy. Between the muddy boots and fly stains, I find it hard to keep up. Of course we use fly spray…but kitties are always on my chairs and table. Love some of your other ideas..like oil cloth on the picnic table top. But life on the farm is forever changing…mainly because of the weather. So thanks for the tour and great ideas…u have a beautiful place to call home.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Kate,

      We do not have any cats! We have an Australian Shepherd dog that for whatever reason tolerates absolutely every animal (chickens included) but she does not love cats. And after one awful experience (the cat lived, thankfully) I’ve not wanted to try with another cat.

      You are so right… life on a farm is forever changing. What worked today doesn’t necessarily work tomorrow.

      – Dori –

  6. Sheryl Anne says:

    I am finally getting a “porch”, actually a deck, on my farm house this year! We have a concrete stoop at the front door that faces the road, but like you, our back door is the one you drive up to, so it really functions as the entrance for everyone. My husband is building the deck off the back entrance and he will put up a porch swing per my request also. This is just one of many projects we have been completing over the past 6 years, since buying this over 100 yr old house, as there is always something to do.
    In my dreams, I also see a covered front porch in the future, but it might be quite some time, as there are other things that need done worse. There used to be a big porch on the back, but it was covered and became part of the interior of the house at some point in the past.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Sheryl,

      My daughter and her husband have an old home also and you are right… there is a never-ending list of projects. But oh my word – don’t you just love having an old house? They are so special. Your porch will be lovely and you’ll love that swing!

      – Dori –

  7. Andrea says:

    Love your porches… To the best Grammy ever!

  8. Ann says:

    What a lovely option to have 360 degree porches from which to choose how to spend your days or evenings taking in the beautiful views from your hilltop home.

  9. Mary Rauch says:

    Got a question for you Dori. According to my theory (and a few things I’ve studied), I wonder if you have mosquitoes up there? Probably not, right?…I’m so curious.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Mary,

      We DO NOT have mosquitos on the hilltop!!!!! 🙂 It is a miracle! They clearly do not like the breeze that consistently blows. Yay!!!

      – Dori –

  10. Marilyn says:

    Congratulations on your beautiful home. Thanks for sharing the photos.
    Marilyn

  11. Marvene says:

    Dori, you are blessed to be able to enjoy your home and “porches” at a younger age. They are truly beautiful. You are both are very talented!!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Aunt Marvene!

      I don’t know about talented… just high energy and crazy! 🙂

      Love you,

      – Dori –

  12. Debbie says:

    Howdy Dori!
    What clean and inviting porch spaces you’ve created! Thanks so much for the tour. I think my favorite spot is your sleeping porch…A rare treat for any farmgirl for sure! I sure enjoy ours at the cottage too! Happy ” porching” !
    Hugs!
    Deb

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It's Porching Weather On The Farm

.

IMG_9391-002

.

It’s “porching” weather friends!  

..

This is the farmhouse that my husband and I built about 3 years ago.  One of the things that we were looking for in a house plan was a house with a lot of porches.  We live on a hilltop with a view all the way around and we felt like (almost) wrap-around porches were really important.

Maybe you would like to come along on a porch tour!

.
Continue reading

  1. Valerie jensen says:

    Aren’t porches the best part of country homes? Your porches are awesome! Our western Montana home has huge porches facing east and west with a window wall on west with mountain view and French doors on east but I still have to spend a few moments (at least!) of every day hanging out on one or both of our porches! We also have minimal furniture, and like you a porch swing was an absolute! Enjoy

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Valerie,

      Oh they are. I do think every country home needs a porch. And I bet your home in Montana has some amazing views with the wide open spaces and gorgeous sunsets. We’ve been to Montana and it is so gorgeous.

      I sure dreamed (when we were building our home) of having all kinds of little “sitting areas” with lots of fun furniture, pillows everywhere, etc… and I actually started that way. Until I realized it just wasn’t working. 🙂 Minimal is best when it is a country porch!

      Thanks for reading and commenting!

      – Dori –

  2. Cindy says:

    Soo cute! Looks great !

  3. Krista says:

    Thank you for the tour of your beautiful porches! At the moment our house has a very small front porch and an alright sized back porch. There is only room to lounge on the back porch but we avoid it most days due to the super hot sun and absolutely no shade. We talk about building a house in the future and I know a large porch is in my dream house. I want one where I can relax and watch the sun set in a rocking chair. I also want to make sure it has plenty of shade. We will see what happens! Thanks for the tip about heavy furniture. I would much rather not chase around furniture when a storm comes through! Enjoy your porching weather!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Krista!

      A porch is a must isn’t it? But the good thing is that you don’t need a huge one to enjoy it! Just a little porch with shelter and shade! And room for a few rocking chairs. And a bed. And a swing! Ha Ha!

      Thanks for reading and commenting.

      – Dori –

  4. Love the idea of a bed on the porch, what a relaxing place to take a nap. Very neat spaces you’ve created.

  5. Oh ! So enjoyed the tour of your farmhouse porches. One thing I wondered about was not seeing any cats. I also live on a farm and find it so hard to keep it clean and tidy. Between the muddy boots and fly stains, I find it hard to keep up. Of course we use fly spray…but kitties are always on my chairs and table. Love some of your other ideas..like oil cloth on the picnic table top. But life on the farm is forever changing…mainly because of the weather. So thanks for the tour and great ideas…u have a beautiful place to call home.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Kate,

      We do not have any cats! We have an Australian Shepherd dog that for whatever reason tolerates absolutely every animal (chickens included) but she does not love cats. And after one awful experience (the cat lived, thankfully) I’ve not wanted to try with another cat.

      You are so right… life on a farm is forever changing. What worked today doesn’t necessarily work tomorrow.

      – Dori –

  6. Sheryl Anne says:

    I am finally getting a “porch”, actually a deck, on my farm house this year! We have a concrete stoop at the front door that faces the road, but like you, our back door is the one you drive up to, so it really functions as the entrance for everyone. My husband is building the deck off the back entrance and he will put up a porch swing per my request also. This is just one of many projects we have been completing over the past 6 years, since buying this over 100 yr old house, as there is always something to do.
    In my dreams, I also see a covered front porch in the future, but it might be quite some time, as there are other things that need done worse. There used to be a big porch on the back, but it was covered and became part of the interior of the house at some point in the past.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Sheryl,

      My daughter and her husband have an old home also and you are right… there is a never-ending list of projects. But oh my word – don’t you just love having an old house? They are so special. Your porch will be lovely and you’ll love that swing!

      – Dori –

  7. Andrea says:

    Love your porches… To the best Grammy ever!

  8. Ann says:

    What a lovely option to have 360 degree porches from which to choose how to spend your days or evenings taking in the beautiful views from your hilltop home.

  9. Mary Rauch says:

    Got a question for you Dori. According to my theory (and a few things I’ve studied), I wonder if you have mosquitoes up there? Probably not, right?…I’m so curious.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Mary,

      We DO NOT have mosquitos on the hilltop!!!!! 🙂 It is a miracle! They clearly do not like the breeze that consistently blows. Yay!!!

      – Dori –

  10. Marilyn says:

    Congratulations on your beautiful home. Thanks for sharing the photos.
    Marilyn

  11. Marvene says:

    Dori, you are blessed to be able to enjoy your home and “porches” at a younger age. They are truly beautiful. You are both are very talented!!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Aunt Marvene!

      I don’t know about talented… just high energy and crazy! 🙂

      Love you,

      – Dori –

  12. Debbie says:

    Howdy Dori!
    What clean and inviting porch spaces you’ve created! Thanks so much for the tour. I think my favorite spot is your sleeping porch…A rare treat for any farmgirl for sure! I sure enjoy ours at the cottage too! Happy ” porching” !
    Hugs!
    Deb

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My Daily Life In Pictures {and a winner!}

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As a writer, there are times when the words just aren’t there.  And sometimes when life has painful experiences and struggles, it is especially hard to find the words.  Because I am a “talker”, usually I’m never at a loss for words (and often regret the ones I do say) but today, with this blog post due, I feel like I have nothing to share.  No stories to tell. No funny experiences.  No project tutorials.  No recipes.  No words.

. Continue reading

  1. Cyndie Gray says:

    Aw, Dori, love seeing these snapshots of your life on your farm…they tell a perfect story without words 🙂

  2. Debbie says:

    How lovely! I was swooning at the bed on your front porch. My dream is to have a swinging bed on our back porch to nap on and cuddle up and read stories to my grandboys. Maybe when my hubby rebuild the back screened in porch he can build in the supports needed to make that dream come true. 🙂

    Be blessed!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Debbie,

      The porch bed is awesome. It is not a swinging bed (I’ve dreamed of that too) but it is an old iron bed that has character of it’s own. We live on the tip top of a hill where we always have a little breeze on the porches we decided a swinging bed would always be knocking into the house probably. So this is certainly second to that… but awesome just the same! Yes…. get your swinging bed!

      – Dori –

  3. Krista says:

    Your pictures are fascinating and definitely tell a story without words! I would love to relax on the bed on the porch. It sounds so peaceful and calming. It’s calling my name! I would have to say my favorite picture is the one of the bird nest with eggs inside your husband’s boot. That is a crazy place for a nest but I would enjoy being able to look in and see how they are doing. Hopefully your husband was okay with sharing and had another pair to wear! Also, the picture of your puppy just melts my heart and your granddaughters are just simply adorable.

    Congratulations to Judy on winning the potholder!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Krista,

      Well guess what? One of the babies has hatched and the others are in the process and to be able to watch it happen is so much fun! The Momma Bluebird is very calm with us – she seems to be so used to us coming and going for the last two weeks that she’s been setting on her eggs that she is quite calm with us peeking over the boot into her house! 🙂 I hope all five babies make it!

      Yes… that porch bed is pretty amazing. It is kind of my favorite spot.

      Thank you for reading and writing!

      – Dori –

  4. Judy says:

    Hi Dori, I sent you my home address. I’m so excited that (I) won the potholders!
    Yipeeee! As you can see by my excitement, I rarely win things! *giggle*
    Thank you Krista for acknowledging me! What a joy to win something homemade
    From ‘Farmgirl Dori!’ I’m just over the moon! *giggle*

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Judy,

      I got your email. Your potholders (and an added surprise!) are packaged up and will be in the mail tomorrow!

      I’m so thrilled that YOU are thrilled!

      – Dori –

  5. Beverly says:

    Oh Dori….Sometimes words are not needed to share the joy and happiness of a life well lived. To be thankful for the abundance in our lives are cherished with a grateful heart and passed along to those who need encouragement during times of struggle when there seems to be no hope. You are a blessing, to not only me, but many others who find the simply things in life the most rewarding. Your beautiful photos have said it all 🙂

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Beverly,

      Thank you so very much for your kind words and encouragement. They mean a lot to me today.

      – Dori –

  6. Wendy says:

    Perfect post❤️

  7. Patricia Maas says:

    Thank you for sharing so much of your life. The reminder about giving Thanks really struck home this morning! )

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Thank you Patricia,

      Sometimes (for myself) I wonder why I need the reminder to be thankful. But lately I’ve been so very, very thankful for that reminder – Give Thanks.

      – Dori –

  8. Anne Wampler says:

    Love the pics!!! They certainly speak a thousand words!!

  9. Joan says:

    Oh yeah!!! a wonderful posting!!! I so miss seeing these times on the farm so you sharing is a real joy. I must remember to do the Give Thanks banner for my front porch and you have given me another idea to use some of my MANY antique buttons – Grandma’s button box, I will try to make up a bunch for my cousins – a memory and a fun item too. Thanks again for you. God bless.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Joan,

      Thank you! I do love my Give Thanks banner… I always have it up in my house around the Thanksgiving season, but sometimes I hang it other places too! In the woods where I drive by and see it has been my favorite.

      My daughter’s mother-in-law gave me some antique buttons and I have loved using them for projects. They give such a sweet finish.

      Thank you again for the sweet gift you sent me last week. If you only knew how much it means.

      – Dori –

  10. Margaret says:

    Dori, I love your pictures. Especially the wall with the cows. However, I have a question, why are your horseshoes hung so the luck is falling out? I was always taught to hang them in a U direction so your luck stayed with you. Perhaps some one knows the tale to that.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Margaret,

      Oh my word. You are RIGHT!!!! I remember hearing that same thing. You can be sure I’m changing those horseshoes as soon as I can figure out how to hang them! 🙂 Obviously, I hung them upside down because it was the easiest!!! I do wonder what the tale is to that. Maybe I need to do some research for a future blog post?!

      – Dori –

      • Sandi King says:

        There are many a superstition about horseshoes, the nails used in them- how many etc; whether up or down is the best way and what it may mean to you. I think just having a horseshoe to hang, whether up or down, is a wonderful thing to have. I wonder what the horses think?

        • Dori Troutman says:

          Hi Sandi,

          So I did some looking and thinking and I’m pretty sure my horse-shoes are going to have to stay the way they are – with the good luck falling out. Maybe that means the good luck is being spread around?! 🙂

          Yes… I’ve often wondered what the horses think too? We save their shoes and hang them on our walls and on fenceposts around the farm???!!! Ha Ha!

          – Dori –

  11. Ann says:

    Pictures are worth a thousand words! What a beautiful life you portray in your photos and captions. Thank you for sharing.

  12. April G. says:

    That porch bed and that view is too beautiful! And your flowers! I love it all!!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      April,

      The porch bed is pretty nice! We kind of love it!

      The flowers are the product of a small of land that my daughter and I “farm” for flowers which we sell from a honor system road-side stand. Kind of our favorite thing to do in the summertime!

      – Dori –

  13. Janet says:

    The photos are wonderful. My favorite is Belle, she reminds me of the best dog I ever had. Her name was Patches and she was always at my side. I am so glad you and your family have this opportunity to enjoy the country life. I now live in a city (Memphis) and miss the country so much. Have a wonderful summer.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Thank you Janet. Yes, Belle is pretty special! Her only “habit” that drives us crazy is that if she doesn’t see the grand-girls about every day, she gets a hair-brained idea to sneak to their house a couple miles away, which requires crossing a highway. It is so worrisome and so frustrating. She never seems to run off anywhere but there, so that is good at least!

      – Dori –

  14. Vivian Monroe says:

    What great pics of life. A Blessed life indeed. I have to get me one of those swinging porch beds. 🙂

  15. Sally says:

    Pictures say a thousand words, and yours are beautiful! Your farm and family give you joy and that is expressed in your pictures. Thanks for sharing.

  16. Marcy says:

    Thank you for posting the lovely pics! There will always be a piece of my heart that yearns for your type of lifestyle! My life has taken a different path, so I will just live vicariously through you!! 🙂

  17. Denise Ross says:

    A truly beautiful post, Dori. I loved it. Sometimes words are not necessary. As they say a picture is worth a thousand words. I love your home and your family. Very special. Thank so much for sharing.

  18. bonita says:

    Dori, I absolutely loved your post, the pictures lead me into a beautiful ranch dream, always wanted to live on one. Thanks! bonita

  19. Peggy T says:

    What part of Tennessee ?

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Our Quilting Stories {And A Quilted Giveaway}

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One of my goals for this past winter was to make a few quilts.  It was a big goal for me and I wrote about it here and issued a challenge to all you readers!  I asked you to share  pictures and even a little quilting story and I’m so happy to be able to follow up today with all that was shared with me.

. Continue reading

  1. Carol says:

    Jillian’s story is my favorite. I will never forget my own grandmother sharing her talents with me. Today, as I pick up a needle or rug hook, I think of her and am grateful for the gift of creativity which she shared so freely with me.

  2. Joan H says:

    Oh my, I thoroughly enjoyed this! We just moved from NE Arkansas to the eastern part of Virginia’s Northern Neck (that’s a mouth full). My sewing stuff is still in major disarray, but seeing your post makes me want to get in there and straighten it up (actually I need shelving!). Jillian’s quilt inspires me because I have a 9 year old granddaughter nearby now, and Wanda’s quilt inspires me because I too was part of a threesome of girlfriends, one of whom died of cancer 2 1/2 years ago. We miss her every day! Thank you all for sharing your stories. ❤

  3. Kathleen Frederick says:

    Oh my this post just thrilled me! So many bonified quilters, real quilters! I loved Jaime’s comments, LOVED Jillian’s comments and her quilt, and fell in love with you and your Momma’s picture!

  4. Cyndie Gray says:

    Oh my such wondrous stories AND such beautiful quilts. The story that most touched me is Jillian’s. I haven’t quilted but she makes me think that maybe, someday, I could start out small & try to make a quilt!!!

  5. Wendy Besong says:

    I just love all the pictures and descriptions of why people love to quilt. The fabric is what draws me in. My favorite quilt was done by my best friend who died of cancer several years ago. I draw inspiration from her talent and vision.

  6. Emily says:

    Hi Dori; I loved this post! Reading everyone’s comments and their stories brings back some wonderful memories. I think of my grandmother and those women who came to her house to put a quilt in the frame and quilt. I loved sitting under it listening to their life stories as they quilted. I can still remember some of their names. Seeing the picture of you and your mother sitting together quilting your Grandmother Flower Garden quilts is priceless. I am a quilter and my hand pieced project is a one inch GFG quilt. I laughed when I saw Lisa sitting at her sewing machine in her camper. I have been there!

  7. Krista says:

    Dori, this is a fabulous post. I love seeing everyone’s pictures and reading their stories. Every single one of these quilts are absolutely beautiful, but if I have to pick one I would say Jamie’s purple quilt. I love the colors and design on the fabric. It reminds me of a purple quilt my grandma made me. This really encourages me to make my own quilt some day.

  8. Marsha says:

    I loved reading Maxine’s story. I, too, grew up with quilts on the bed. My favorite quilt of all time is one that my paternal grandmother cut the pieces for, my maternal grandmother pieced the top, and my great grandmother sewed the French knot “sunflower seeds” in the centers of the sunflower blocks. enjoyed everyone’s quilting stories! Another family quilt is made from wool suit fabrics and was a graduation gift to my maternal grandmother. Finally, I have a crazy quilt that was made by my maternal grandmother, and I need to learn some skills so I can mend it – one fabric has disintegrated so I’d like to replace it. If anyone has suggestions of how to do that I would be grateful.

  9. Joyce says:

    I don’t know which story I like the best either. I love the picture of Lisa tho!! I have inherited some old parts of quilts from my grandmother also. They are very imperfect but I have learned just to love them in all their imperfection because they are from her. I am making one of them into a wall hanging now.

  10. Wanda Irvine says:

    I like Maxine’s comment “quilts tell a story”. I have my moms old quilt that a group of ladies put together for her when my dad left for WWII. I can just see them around the quilting frame giving support and cheering her up. When I taught nursery school I always had a pioneer week. I would bring my quilt and read a story about a granny’s quilt that saved the day! We would churn butter and try my spinning wheel! Loved all your stories!

  11. Genevieve V. says:

    I absolutely LOVED all of your winter quilts. Such an inspiration! But Jillian’s quilt and memory was my favorite! Makes me want to make time this summer to sew some up with our girls. 🙂

  12. Marjorie Wieweck says:

    I too loved Jillian’s sorry as I can relate with 3 granddaughters & 1 grandson that I have taught to sew & quilt. They have one of their own they’ve made & many that I have made for them. The double wedding ring I’ve started but haven’t finished yet is for the oldest one for her high school graduation this June. I’m about half done so need to get with it.

  13. Gloria Smith says:

    Dori, I enjoyed this blog post. I have been quilting for over 25 years. It is just a part of who I am. I loved Jaime’s comments. All of the ladies made beautiful quilts. After reading Maxine’s post it makes me want to pull out the partial finished quilt that I have that belonged to my husband’s mother. It is a Grandmother’s Flower Garden pattern. I’ve only hand quilted one large quilt. Maybe this is be my next winter’s project – finish the top and hand quilt. Thanks for your blog.

  14. Mary says:

    What I loved the most wasn’t a story, but the picture of you and your Mother quilting together. It brought back many happy memories of my Mother and Grandmother sitting around a quilting frame in the evenings, stitching and talking. I would fall asleep on a couch listening to the needles pop in and out of the quilt. At some point, Mom would pick me up off the couch and tuck me into bed. Thanks for the walk down memory lane!!

  15. Sandy says:

    Loved all the quilts, I enjoy seeing what others do with fabric. There are no quilters in my family other than me, so for me the creative process is most important. I connect with Lisa the most. Thanks for posting the pictures.

  16. lizvc says:

    They were all wonderful! My mother was an award-winning quilter. She loved piecing and quilting by hand and had the tiniest stitches and perfect corners. So, while I learned a number of crafts from her, I hesitated to take up quilting. I used my job as an excuse. Still, I went to quilt shows with her and bought fabric for her, so I did develop a love of quilting. She passed ten years ago. My best friend is now teaching me how to quilt. It has added another dimension to and deepened our friendship so Kathleen’s story resonated in me the most.

  17. Nancy Mosley says:

    All of these stories were near. I have & use my grandmothers quilts and look at the fabrics and wonder if it was a dress she wore or a shirt my grandfather wore. I’ve never made a quilt but I remember watching my mom & grandmother make one. I want to make one someday. I liked Kathleen’s story of how a friend helped her after a surgery. What a nice gift to get someone started as they recover and also maybe help take their mind off of recovery. I also liked the colors of her quilt. Very pretty!

  18. Sandi King says:

    Dori, I loved so many of these quilts and stories, especially about those that said they inherited quilts from in-laws or grandmothers. My gramma also left me a quilt she made. It is a small one but adored because she used scraps of material from clothes and linens that I remember from staying with her when I was a young girl. I bought a sewing machine that I will be using to make my own quilts. I will do some hand work also, and I hope to incorporate some embroidery squares of my own design for special people in my life into the quilts I make for others. We will be getting our home (doublewide mobile home) this weekend and then start working on it. In a couple weeks my cabin will be delivered and as soon as it gets finished with insulation, drywall and paint, and electric I will be moving my crafts into that space to work on them. Wanda, Jaime, Laurel and Bonnie’s quilts and stories impressed me a great deal and I hope I can become as good a quilter as they are. Thank you so much for posting this blog. I love MaryJane’s Farm magazine and all the bloggers on here. Every one I read is enjoyable and makes me smile. So happy to be able to have this interlude with all of you.

  19. Ellen Gerard says:

    You so inspire me! Thank you! Love all quilts! It is like covering family and friends with love So many beautiful unique ones to choose from- just can’t decide. Have a happy blessed day1

  20. My first quilt was for my 1st grandchild a grand daughter. All the post and pictures from everyone brought me back to a simpler time and how much joy making that very 1st quilt. It was Cinderella and the last block I placed a block with a embroidered golden slipper. It made my heart so happy to see she has now put it in a special place and many years have passes it held together yeah!!! I had no previous knowledge or family that passed any knowledge along. Your blogging blessed me to read how people share a little love from themselves to others and how it so lovingly impacts the receivers.

  21. Debra Brown says:

    I Love quilts and make a lot of quilts too, so I love quilt stories too.

  22. Kim Van Rheenen says:

    I love Maxine’s story. My son now uses a quilt made of the trimmed off bottoms of men’s woolen trousers. My maternal grandmother took in sewing to help make ends meet when she and my grandfather had 10 children (!) and used the excess length trimmed off of men’s woolen trousers to make a quilt. Heavy and warm, it has lasted many years!

  23. Marilyn Walsh says:

    Wanda’s story touched my heart! I have 2 very dear friends whom I have known for nearly 32 years. I have been working 2-3 jobs for the last few years and have been able to do any kind of craft. I have dabbled in quilting in the past, but never finished a quilt. My grandmother was an avid quilter and made some beautiful quilts from only scraps. She would gasp at actually buying material to make one! I think I am going to try to make a quilt for my friends similar to Wanda’s.
    Thanks for the inspiration.

  24. Maureen says:

    Lisa’s story resonates with me. My husband and I both have busy lives and he respects my need of “Sewing Sundays”. He cooks, I sew and we both are ready for the new work week. He honors my plea of “I need to go sew” and tells everyone it’s my passion. I am blessed.

  25. Mary Rauch says:

    Totally enjoyed this posting and all these wonderful pictures! I bet it was a treat for you when it all came together?…Thanks so much for all your work!
    Keep me in mind for your quilted drawing please.

  26. MarciD says:

    I liked Marci’s comment (and not just because I have the same name) about stitching a quilt and faith. I have never quilted but it is one of my goals. Loved all pictures! Very inspiring.

  27. Dori says:

    I connected with Luanne’s post the most. I often think about the women in the 17 and 1800s who stitched, cut, pressed, quilted etc. without electricity, a sewing machine (sometimes) fabric stores, cutting mats and rotary cutters, myriads of thread choices and I am in awe of them. What a labor of necessity yes but also love. So I am very much attracted to the old classic patterns and reproduction fabric. Quilting is timeless.

  28. I actually like the “funny” photo. We lived in an RV for a while, too, and I think quilting would have been VERY helpful for my sanity! LOL!

  29. Vivian Monroe says:

    I feel so bad I didnt get to make one as I had accepted the challenge then we decided we were going to move so my entire house is packed up, but now we are not moving yet, so I will have to get out my sewing machine and dig around my tubs and boxes for material and make me a quilt. I loved every story especially the one the lady made of her three friends, and my favorite was the pic of you and your mom at the end, it brought a big smile to my face when I saw yall’s smiles. Hope I win some potholders, maybe then I will be inspired to at least try my hand at those. Be BLessed and thanks for sharing all of the beautiful quits and stories. Neta

  30. Patti Hurlburt says:

    Thanks for sharing all the quilting stories. I loved the one from Maxine (which is my mothers name by the way). I too found quilt tops from my grandmother that she hadn’t gotten finished. I inherited her button box and a lot of the material scraps that she had saved. Someday I hope to get them all pieced into a crazy quilt. My last memory of my grandmother quilting was of me sitting beneath the quilt and helping her get the needle back through to to top. It took a lot of time because her fingers weren’t so nimble but we finally finished the quilt. The stitches were lovingly sewn and I’ll cherish it always.

  31. Vicki Meeds says:

    The last photo of you and your mother brought tears to my eyes. My mother made many of those same blocks. I have one quilt top she made with them. Several years ago my mother and I spent time just like that embroidering quilt blocks. A memory I cherish now. Thanks for sharing.

  32. Carmen Anderson says:

    Oh my heavens how do we pick our favorite story/photo!!!? I enjoyed all of them and isn’t that what quilts do..take us to a moment in time filled with love, laughter, tears, memories of those we love, those we may never have known yet are connected through the threads of time. Quilts truly do bind us together, whether with perfectly matched theme or the mismatched characters of life….quilts provide us warmth, protection, a place to daydream, to welcome life and to hold dear as a life passes away. My quilts may never win a blue ribbon or be displayed in a museum, they surround those I love with my love forever and always, what more could I ask for….

  33. Judy says:

    I loved all the quilting stories. My Great Grandmother quilted all winter long beside the little ‘olé pot-belly stove. I’d sit there reading some book or other watching her knarled fingers pushing that needle in and out, in and out. I hated it when she disappeared into the bedroom to spread it out on her spare bed to do the batting and backing. I wanted to see what she was doing. I didn’t want to miss anything.* giggle* That sweet lady made so many quilts to warm my sister and I, relatives, neighbors and friends. All were done my hand in the “scrappy” style. They were so colorful and thick. I still have a couple of her quilts. Everybody who got one of Grams quilts really got a treasure to keep, a memory of a hard-working lady who gave so much of herself to others for their comfort and happiness. I have a bit of an itch to try to quilt too. I just need to start and to not be afraid. I think I’ll start something small. It’s in my blood right? *giggle* BTW, I love that picture of your and your sweet momma! That IS a keeper.

  34. Debbie Shue says:

    I love quilts. Even took a claas once to learn but alas i did not finish the class or the quilt i hoped to make. Still have the fabric somewhere. Its been at least 10 years…i am blessed to have some of my grandmothers quilts. I always feel her presence when i cuddle in one of them i envy you quilters and get inspired from this post and the pictures to try again. Would love to make quilts for my grandchildren to cuddle in and have good thoughts of me when i am gone.

  35. lyn moon says:

    I think Jillian story is my favorite. Doing this with her grandma is a memory I’m sure she will never forget. For either of you. And she has something to show for it. Building such precious memories.

  36. Donna Rothe says:

    My favorite was from Wanda and the ‘three girls’ having tea. It reminds me of my sister and I. Although we are far apart, AL & CA when we get together we have tea in our perspective flower gardens.

    My own favorite quilt top was a surprise from my Grandma Emily. When my sister and I were little, our favorite dolls had clothes my Grandma made. Unbeknown to me she had saved all the leftover material from the clothes and incorporated it into a quilt she gave me years later. When my grandma gave the quilt top to me, the material looked familiar but I couldn’t place it. Then she told me about the doll clothes material. I was totally surprised and it brought tears to me eyes. My Grandma Emily is now gone and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of her and how happy I am she kept that material for a special quilt.

  37. Carol Slater says:

    I loved all of the stories, but I think that Maxine’s story really touched me the most. Finding the quilt tops from her grandmother and finally finishing them is something that I will never experience. My grandmother did quilt a little, but she mainly done crochet and knit work along with many other crafts. She was very talented and I never really took up any of the crafts from her. Now that I am older, I wish I would have.

  38. Marion says:

    Wanda’s quilt touched me the most. true friendships are everlasting and forever, depite someone passing on. Thanks for the giveaway.
    Marion

  39. Joan says:

    Bonnie’s quilt was my favorite. I love anything to do with history. Thank you for all the photos and stories of the various quilts.
    Joan

  40. Marilyn says:

    Jaime’s quilt touched me the most. Including her late sister in her brother’s wedding was beautiful an so thoughtful. Thank you for sharing your quilting ,too.
    Marilyn

  41. Pam masse says:

    The quilts you do are very beautiful and inspiring. Keep up the good work.

  42. Bonnie B says:

    What a great post! So glad so many quilters took the challenge. I enjoyed reading all the stories that they shared. Stories seem to give such meaning to a quilt and those who know the story behind their quilt are indeed fortunate.
    I was planning to include a quilt in the challenge that I was working on, but it is only pieced so far. I will be quilting it soon. It is redwork and patchwork bunnies and chicks with an Easter/Spring theme, so I had to hang it for Easter without it being quilted. lol And since I have been working on my granddaughter’s prom “outfit”. It’s not a formal but a short, black circular skirt with a crinoline and a black & white fitted crop top. Verycute.
    I loved the pictures of your darling potholders and would be so pleased to win some.

  43. Becky Treahy says:

    I can relate to Maxine’s more because I have quilt top that was pieced by my grandma… I think…lol. It could have been by my mother. Neither one of them were quilters that I know of, but this top showed up at my grandma’s house somehow. I had to find fabrics that blended and colors that matched to make it large enough, and that took me forever. I will start hand quilting it soon for my grand daughter. My own daughter will be helping me quilt it… That is truly a multi-generation project. I love the picture of you and yr mother too. That is a wonderful memory!

  44. Joan says:

    I’m not good at making choices so I am going to say – QUILT on GIRLS!!! such loving, lovely stories. I was taught by my Great Aunt Edna – first I sorted fabrics, then I got to draw around the patterns – then to cutting — piecing — to finishing. When she passed, she left boxes full of pieces, some somewhat together – many not – I have spent 20 years making quilts from these boxes of pieces – still have at least 8 more to go – hope I live long enough. Because I have all these pieces, I don’t visit the quilt shops but I saw your thimble and am very interested in it, might you tell me where you got it? Sure does look like a good thing. Thanks for bringing back my memories. God bless.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Joan,

      That thimble is awesome. It has the metal end just like the old ones, but a silicone body so it conforms to your finger. Super comfortable to wear. I bought it at Joan’s Fabrics.

      Thanks for writing!

      Dori

  45. Susan Carter says:

    I loved all the quilts and quilters’ comments as I found we had many threads in common. Lisa (blue and yellow plaid), however, really resonated with me. Is it the same Lisa that is quilting in the travel trailer? I need to create a little each day. It may be a stitch or two on a project in my “handwork go-bag” or time in my studio, both refresh me. I have 4 children ages 15-34. When the kids were little, people would ask how I found the time to sew. I’ve always answered, “A few stitches every day really add up. Besides, it’s the only thing I do each day doesn’t get undone.” Quilting and other handwork represents progress; forward motion; making the most of today; and looking forward to what comes next.

    • Lisa says:

      The blue and yellow quilt is one I made from my husband’s dress shirts, thank you! I don’t remember what I was working on in the trailer.

  46. Debbie says:

    Kathleen’s story touched a chord in my heart. I have two dear friends who both weave their love of quilting and helping together. We have spent many hours doing things for one another and then spending time creating beauty together.

  47. Judy says:

    Loved all the stories. I have been a quilter for 30 years plus and can relate to each story, collectively they have inspired me to find and finish a pile of blocks my mom started about 20 years ago. I know I still have tucked away in my stash, and I know I can finish it and then give it to her in time for her 84th birthday. Thanks to you all for the inspiration.

  48. Sara Bell says:

    I loved seeing all the pictures of the quilts. I am working on a king size one for my sister and brother in law. My sister married a soldier like me, I have made the the quilt top with patriot prints, boarder out of ACU print (army uniform print), and added patches from my brother in laws uniform that he wore during multiple depoyments to the middle east. This is only my second quilt. As I work on the quilt I remember learning to quilt and use a sewing machine while living in Germany with my soldier. I also think about how grateful I am that both my brother and law and my own soldier have made it home multiple times from deployments. I am happy to say my husband is retiring in a year more then 20 years in the army, so deploymentshe are finished.

  49. Brenda says:

    Quilts are one of my favorite things I don’t have time to work on one right now but I still buy the material for one of these days it is funny how looking at a quilt with a certain color can take me right to my grandma’s house. I love stories about quilts and memories

  50. Sunnie says:

    Thanks for the giveaway, I like to make quilts too, I am very much a beginner.

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Welcome To My Kitchen {And A Winner!}

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Sometimes as I ponder what I am going to share with you, my Farmgirl friends, I struggle with the words.  This is one of those times.  In my frustration, I walked over to the railing of my upstairs Barn Room to look out the big windows in the kitchen and living room below and I thought, “If only I could just invite all of you to visit me in my kitchen for a cup of coffee and a piece of pie I would know what to say”.  So here it is, Farmgirl friends.  Get your coffee and join me.  I’m going to share my kitchen; my favorite room in our Farmhouse.

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Continue reading

  1. Maxine Jelinek says:

    I really really LOVE your kitchen! I could “live in it” easily! Thanks for the tour!

  2. Rowena Philbeck says:

    I love the story of your kitchen and house. Its just beautiful and love everything about it. I would love to have a small country house someday. I love primitive items as well and even spin on a spinning wheel which I love. Thanks again!!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Rowena,

      Thank you for writing! A small country house is the best. Ours is only a two-bedroom and is just so perfect for us. We are so thankful that we didn’t attempt to build big!

      How awesome that you spin on a spinning wheel – that is getting to be a lost art.

      – Dori –

  3. Debbie says:

    Dori!!! Oh what a breath of fresh air your post is today. I felt like I was right there with you. It’s raining in New England and dreary out. You and Eldon did a fantastic job designing your kitchen. ( look out Chip and Jo )! I love your colorful accents, and farmgirl details. Every little thing is thought out to perfection. I dream of an open, inviting floor-plan in our next home where our adult children and grandchildren can gather together without feeling cramped. I love how you say, the love flows into the other rooms. What a warm thought. I bet it does and then some!
    You are blessed and it’s well deserved. Farmgirl hugs!
    I’ll miss your twice monthly postings… 🙁
    They are always a mood lifter!
    Hugs,
    Deb

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Thank you Deb,

      Sure wish you come visit me and we could sit in my Farmhouse and talk and talk and talk. Someday.

      I’m going to miss your twice-monthly posts too. 🙁

      Hugs back,

      – Dori –

  4. Ann says:

    Oh, what a beautiful kitchen! So lovely and functional as well as being the heart of the house. Thanks for sharing. Ann

  5. Carol says:

    I love your kitchen! I hate my kitchen and I am constantly just thinking how nice it would be if I could remodel it. The other day my husband actually said he might do it this summer. That would make me a happy farm wife. Thanks for sharing yours with me and my glass of sweet iced tea!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Carol,

      We women spend so much time in our kitchens it really is hard when we are unhappy with it. I didn’t dislike the kitchen in my old home, but I definitely knew what I wanted and didn’t want in a new one!

      I hope you get your kitchen remodel soon! You’ll have to keep me posted!

      – Dori –

  6. Sharon Elaine says:

    What a warm, beautiful kitchen and post. I have high ceilings and stenciled a Farm Fresh Eggs sign for my kitchen wall. I used very old barn siding and cut my own chicken and rooster stencils. We farmgirls are frugal, productive and purposeful. I poured myself a cup of coffee and enjoyed the visit.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Sharon,

      Thank you so much for writing.

      Ohhhh your sign sounds so perfect!!! I would love to see it!

      Thank you for visiting!

      – Dori –

  7. Oh Dori, Love your kitchen. Again, you and I are so similar in our tastes. I also, have an antique enamelware basin in my sink, lol! Your kitchen is beautiful and so bright and happy. Love, love, love everything about it! Wish I could have a cup of coffee and pie with you! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole (Suburban Farmgirl)

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Nicole!

      That’s funny you have an enamelware basin in your sink too!!! 🙂 We ARE so similar in our tastes!

      Yes, I wish you could come by for a cup of coffee too. Someday.

      – Dori –

  8. Cindy says:

    My husband and I also built our house. We saved money where we could and invested a bit more in the areas that were important to us. For me it was the kitchen. I have always wanted Wedgewood Blue cabinets, Corian counter tops, and oil rubbed bronze faucets and knobs. It is also an open concept and the kitchen (or the sewing room) is where I spend most of my time.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Cindy,

      It’s a huge job isn’t it? I’m so thankful that we did build ours, as I feel that I love it more since I know every single nook and cranny! 🙂 But there was a time when I was so exhausted from the work that I almost didn’t like it!

      I bet your cabinets and counter tops are gorgeous. I love the oil rubbed bronze faucets and hardware in my kitchen too.

      I’m with you on the sewing room – I spend a ton of time in mine too! Thanks for writing!

      – Dori –

  9. Binky Thorsson says:

    It’s pouring rain here in Petaluma, Ca and we need it so much with our 4 years of drought, so I took you up on your offer and made a hot cup of chai tea.

    Loved your share of this is the house that Dori and _____________ built.

    If you ever make it out our way or to the S.F. Bay Area (we are an hour north of S.F.) come visit. You and your family have a place to stay, and we could share our build with you!

    Binky, Petaluma

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hello Binky,

      Oh how I would love to visit you in the Bay Area and see your home! You just never know what the future holds… we may surprise you!

      Thanks for writing!

      – Dori –

  10. Krista says:

    Your kitchen is stunning! Thank you for the virtual tour and the beautiful story behind how it came to be! I am typically not a big fan of light colored cabinets, but yours are gorgeous! I even love the design on the cabinets and the knobs.

    I would have to say my favorite room is my kitchen as well! I love how much light my kitchen has as well as my ¾ wall. The ¾ wall allows light from the living room into the kitchen and vice versa. The entry way to the kitchen is arched and inviting! My kitchen is very inviting and encourages me to cook!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Krista,

      Thank you!

      Your kitchen sounds perfect. I wish I had more natural light in mine… although I do get natural light from the dining room and living room.

      An inviting kitchen most definitely encourages us to cook!!!

      – Dori –

  11. Judy says:

    Oh Doris….I want a kitchen like that!!! It is -soooo- perfect! Thank you for the tour, story and the coffee! I thoroughly enjoyed my Farm-girl visit!

  12. Judy says:

    Sorry Dori, my spellcheck changed your name! Don’t you just love modern technology?

  13. MarciD says:

    Thanks so much for sharing your kitchen. It is lovely. I remember well the stress that went into planning my kitchen when we built our log home several years ago. My kitchen turned out exactly as I had hoped and it functions just the way I wanted it to. I am thankful for it everday.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Marci,

      Thank you for writing. Building is a stress that is hard to even understand until you experience it first hand isn’t it? I’m happy that you love your kitchen too.

      – Dori –

  14. Marilyn says:

    Thanks for inviting me into your lovely and friendly kitchen. I,too love Fiesta dishes. Your granddaughter looks so involved in her project, she is adorable.
    Marilyn

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Marilyn,

      Thank you for writing! Do you collect FiestaWare dishes? My first few sets were from the 80’s. Then I got more in the 90’s. And now my bright colored ones. I’ve saved the other “vintage” sets because I’m kind of thinking they’ll probably be back in style again someday! 🙂

      – Dori –

  15. Sandi King says:

    Dori, Your kitchen is amazing. I will be remodeling a (double-wide) and living in it sometime this summer. Right now we have had so much rain we can’t get it moved to our lot. I want the white cabinets and butcher block counter-tops also. We found a store that carries them and I can’t wait to get started. We also went to a Habitat for Humanity store and I bought my kitchen sink already. We have also bought our appliances and have them in storage. I also loved your flooring in the kitchen. I don’t know if I want an island but I love the shape of yours. It is unique. We have thought of having open shelving also and yes I agree it would be for items we use often. I love Fiesta Ware colors, but wish I could find it in Corelle as the stoneware is too heavy for my hands to hold. Anyone know where I can find Corelle in this mixture of colors? I have searched online and have not come across these beautiful bold colors in Corelle anywhere. I loved the story and the tour of your kitchen. We will miss reading the blogs twice a month, but happy to have them once a month. I think your home is awesome. Until next time.
    Sandi

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Sandi,

      Thank you! You’ll have to be sure and let me know how your kitchen remodel goes. How awesome to get your sink at Habitat for Humanity. Sounds like you are off to a great start. I hope it goes well!

      I’ve seen a lot of Corelle and I don’t remember any bright colors either. Kind of strange that they wouldn’t produce them isn’t it?

      Thank you for writing.

      – Dori –

  16. Vivian Monroe says:

    Dori your kitchen is awesome. I love the way you can be working in the kitchen and at the same time still be with the rest of the family. I love the enamel ware bowl in the sink. I have just an old plastic tub in mine, but now, I will have to dig out my bowl which is almost identical to yours and use in my sink. Thanks for the tea time in your kitchen. Be Blessed. Neta

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Thank you Neta!

      Yes, you most certainly will have to use your enamelware bowl in your sink. It’s kind of amazing how it brightens it up! 🙂

      Thanks for visiting!

      – Dori –

  17. Vicki Hempel says:

    You have a beautiful kitchen! Thanks for sharing the story behind such a meaningful and lovely room, the heart of your home. I enjoyed the sneak peak of your gorgeous blue quilt. If I only had more time…

  18. vicki Frederick says:

    Dori I love your kitchen so much, mine is old and tired!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
    This is my first post and have just become a member!! Very excited!!

  19. Dori, I love your kitchen and your style! Thanks for sharing your kitchen with us 🙂

  20. denise says:

    love your kitchen! thanks for the tour!

  21. Deb says:

    You are right Dori the open floor plan was perfect! I love your kitchen it is beautiful! Thank you for sharing not only your kitchen but the love I see and hear in your words you wrote.
    Have a Blessed day!

  22. Ellen Gerard says:

    I absolutely love your kitchen! You all did a wonderful job!

  23. Kathleen Fought Brown says:

    What memories you are making with your grandchildren. Grandparents are so important I have come to realize. I look back at the time with my Grandmother and realize how much that relationship meant to be as a woman and homemaker.

  24. Cheryl says:

    Dori,
    I love your kitchen. Is it possible to see a floorplan. I’m considering adding on to an old farmhouse and this is similar to what I am thinking. Hope you don’t mind sharing. The pictures are lovely but I can’t get a feel for the space itself.
    Thanks
    Cheryl

  25. Pat Mitchell says:

    Love your kitchen

  26. Carolyn Ross says:

    I love your kitchen, it has a very welcome feeling, down to earth. Me and my husband downsized 3 Years ago and bought a small house on the make of a AFrame. It was a repo, do we had alot of work to do, but i love it now, i got rid of alot of stuff, still weeding out unnecessary things.
    I have two bedrooms too.
    My kitchen needed alot of help, me and my husband did all of the work, looks alot better now.

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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!

. Continue reading

  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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