Thank you for the step by step tutorial Dori!!! I use my potholders you gifted me every single day!! Now if I can get your tutorial on that sweet dishcloth?? I love my cotton dishcloths!
Merry Christmas and warm hugs!!!
Kim

That is great idea! Thanks for sharing. I will give these potholders a try.

Love this! Thanks for sharing

Thanks for this tutorial on sewing pot holders. It looks fun to do and would be great for oneself as well as gifts for others. I use a lot of pot holders to set hot dishes on, on the table. You always have such great ideas. Hope you are staying warm this winter. Have a Wonderful Christmas and an even better New Year.

Love the pot holder. You have given me some new ideas.

Potholders are such a useful gift, and so pretty, too! I just happen to have a whole box of 2.5 inch squares that I cut from leftover scraps throughout the year so that I can make a checkerboard quilt – and now for this fun project too!

Thank you for these potholder projects! I love projects that don’t require a lot of time (and sitting) but are indeed thoughtful, useful for self or gifts, and can be completed in one sitting.
– Linda from Western Colorado

I now see what I have been doing wrong! Thanks!

I very much enjoy reading your column. Would you consider sharing the pattern for the crocheted dish towel in a future post? My Mom would crochet these for all her daughters and she has now passed. It would be wonderful to carry on her craft. Thank you.

Dori, thank you so very very much for your post about your dearest friend and your wonderful folks. Your words brought tears from way down deep…. I miss my Mom and Dad so much. When Dad passed I convinced (it wasn’t easy) Mom to move from their home in Southern California to my place in Harpers Ferry, WV. Mom was with me for 8 years before she passed from heart failure and dementia. I was so blessed to be able to hold her in my arms as she passed. I’m sorry to be such a Debbie Downer but your words brought up these old feelings and you are right….Hard is not the same as bad.

I lost two of my best friends, mom and dad, in my twenties, so even now, at seventy, I wept as I read your blogs….but! A friend told me at the time, “It’s not good now, but it will get better.” And it did. So yes, there have been smiles put on and chins lifted and sweet memories and tears and life continues. I am deeply grateful.

Dori! That was beautiful!
My Mama had a similar saying
after something sad.
You are such an encouragement to us all!
Thank you!

All I can say is thank you for the reminder, life is short, say yes!

Such inspirational writing. And YES! I think we all need to learn to say yes more often. My mom passed a few years ago, and i often think about how i didn’t mind taking her to the store for just that one item that took hours. HAHA! As for foundation paper piecing, i am teaching myself English paper piecing. I have started with Hexies and I love it. It is so relaxing as i can sit and do that at night and not think about everything that needs done. In fact i have decided to make a hexie tree skirt, so i had better get busy. Sending big hugs to you!!

Thank you for opening your heart & sharing with your readers … keep smiling

I have really enjoyed your blog, if that is what it is called, I am older and do not always understand the computer, but thanks for you heart felted thoughts. Death is hard, but is a part of life. We are still witnessing a lot of death from COVID here in California. Recently, a church member that I was just getting to know, died from COVID. Remember God is in control, and brings the bad and good to us. Love you

Dori, you are such a strong and inspiration to all that follow your blog!!!l think we all need people, especially other women, in our lives and especially in this world of today!! Praying we can all be more like you and crying is good for the soul.
Love you girl, Rita

Dori, My condolences on the loss of your dear friend. You were fortunate to have such a close friend. Yes, people need to appreciate their parents while they’re still her and enjoy their company. Everyone’s so disconnected these days. Grief doesn’t go away but becomes manageable. There will be days when it rises up and hits you head on. Other days, memories will bring smiles!
Take care and continue enjoying life to the fullest, which includes relaxing!

Beautiful reminder that our lives are short…a vapor in the wind and that we need to take the time to smile and remember the good things, the precious family and dear friends and that God is good always.

Thank you for your heartfelt words reminding us all to be mindful of the moments that bring clarity and meaning

Wonderful sharing of your heartfelt experiences – we can all relate! Thank you. (Martha in North Idaho)

Thank you!
This has truly been a God send. I had 3 funerals last week. Today a very dear friend who has had three surgeries in two months is critical & her son is being allowed to see her.
God is still Good & I’m so thankful He holds us!!
Blessings
Gail
Matthew 6:33

Thank You for this post. Losing a friend is an awful thing. We have lost a few friends over the years. It never gets an easier. We miss our parents every day. Glad that you had support from your husband. So happy that your parents are doing fine. Your granddaughters are quite the young ladies. Where did the time go? Blessings to you and your family. God Bless.
Joan,Marion and Marilyn

Thank you for such a inspiring story, although very sad. Im sorry for losing your best friend. I love MaryJane’s farm house magazine.

Thank you for sharing the joys and sorrows of what your life has led you through lately. All of us who have lost precious friends can relate and commiserate. And for those of us without, be envious and happy for you that you have parents and a sibling to be with when the need is greatest. I’ll toss in a hubby, too :>) Some of us, really old like I am, have been left without any of those wonderful people. Life is like that. Kind and harsh in turns. Can’t be any other way.

Again, just a thank you. You lift my day.
Patricia Murphy

This!!❤❤❤

I am so sorry for the loss of Patti. What a lovely soul she was. The saying is true that tomorrow is not promised; it sounds like Patti lived each day to the fullest. I’m so sorry.

Ya know what is truly remarkable? The legacy of love she instilled in all of you. The example of her life lives on in all that she touched. That, I believe, is what living a life to the fullest is all about. How blessed you have been and will be because of her. “It will be fine.”

Dear Dori,
Thank you for sharing the gift of your friend Patti❤️ What a beautiful person she was, who continues to touch lives by your sharing of hers.
Wishing you comfort and eventually peace in your memories of Patti.

So sorry for your loss. Patti sounds like an incredible person. She sounds like a great friend.
Rhonda

Thank you for telling us about Patti!!

Oh Dori,
I’m saddened to hear this kind of news.
Hang on tight to all those wonderful
memories, the laughter and the fun.
She would like that as a Tribute to her,
I think. I read a quote awhile back
that’s fitting for this moment.
‘God gave us memories that we might
have roses in December!’
True isn’t it?
You’re in my heart and my Prayers
girl.
LoveHugs&Squeezles

The bigger the blessing someone is, the harder it is to loose them. What a wonderful , gracious and giving soul was your dear friend Patti. I am so sorry…..

Dori … I am so sorry for your loss of such a cherished friend. Just remember how lucky you are to have a friend like Patti. She’s gonna leave a hole in your heart but what a great example she was to all who knew her. God Bless you as you learn to move forward with Patti in your life. I’m sure there will be many, many times in the future that you will giggle over something wonderful the two of you shared. Hugs, Carol

Thank you for sharing the beauty of your dear friend and for your vulnerability. C.S. Lewis said, “We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” I hope his words offer you comfort, as they have always comforted me. I wish you the very best in your journey.

Gael Orr
Once Again Nut Butter

Dear Dori,
I am so sad for you! I, too, have lost a dear friend that has left a huge hole in my heart. My mother ~ although she has been gone now for over 16 years, I still want to call her every night as I did for years. No one has her old land line number, so sometimes I call and talk to her phone. I know it sounds sort of silly…but find a way…I also talk to her through my prayers and occasionally, I talk out loud to her as I am walking, etc. We want to hold on to our loved ones. But, we also know that one day we will see them again.
May our Lord hold you in the palm of His hands and wrap you in His loving arms of comfort. Take care and God bless you!
Love and hugs,
Mary

Dori, I’m with you. Beautiful post. I want to be Patti to the world. Lord help me, and ease Dori’s grief with your comfort!

Grief is love with no where to go. You gave your grief a place to land…in memories and photos and in the lives of people you will never know….like me. Everybody needs a Patty. May her soul fill your heart until you meet again.

I am so sorry for the loss of Patti. What a lovely soul she was. The saying is true that tomorrow is not promised; it sounds like Patti lived each day to the fullest. I’m so sorry.

Ya know what is truly remarkable? The legacy of love she instilled in all of you. The example of her life lives on in all that she touched. That, I believe, is what living a life to the fullest is all about. How blessed you have been and will be because of her. “It will be fine.”

Dear Dori,
Thank you for sharing the gift of your friend Patti❤️ What a beautiful person she was, who continues to touch lives by your sharing of hers.
Wishing you comfort and eventually peace in your memories of Patti.

So sorry for your loss. Patti sounds like an incredible person. She sounds like a great friend.
Rhonda

Thank you for telling us about Patti!!

Oh Dori,
I’m saddened to hear this kind of news.
Hang on tight to all those wonderful
memories, the laughter and the fun.
She would like that as a Tribute to her,
I think. I read a quote awhile back
that’s fitting for this moment.
‘God gave us memories that we might
have roses in December!’
True isn’t it?
You’re in my heart and my Prayers
girl.
LoveHugs&Squeezles

The bigger the blessing someone is, the harder it is to loose them. What a wonderful , gracious and giving soul was your dear friend Patti. I am so sorry…..

Dori … I am so sorry for your loss of such a cherished friend. Just remember how lucky you are to have a friend like Patti. She’s gonna leave a hole in your heart but what a great example she was to all who knew her. God Bless you as you learn to move forward with Patti in your life. I’m sure there will be many, many times in the future that you will giggle over something wonderful the two of you shared. Hugs, Carol

Thank you for sharing the beauty of your dear friend and for your vulnerability. C.S. Lewis said, “We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” I hope his words offer you comfort, as they have always comforted me. I wish you the very best in your journey.

Gael Orr
Once Again Nut Butter

Dear Dori,
I am so sad for you! I, too, have lost a dear friend that has left a huge hole in my heart. My mother ~ although she has been gone now for over 16 years, I still want to call her every night as I did for years. No one has her old land line number, so sometimes I call and talk to her phone. I know it sounds sort of silly…but find a way…I also talk to her through my prayers and occasionally, I talk out loud to her as I am walking, etc. We want to hold on to our loved ones. But, we also know that one day we will see them again.
May our Lord hold you in the palm of His hands and wrap you in His loving arms of comfort. Take care and God bless you!
Love and hugs,
Mary

Dori, I’m with you. Beautiful post. I want to be Patti to the world. Lord help me, and ease Dori’s grief with your comfort!

Grief is love with no where to go. You gave your grief a place to land…in memories and photos and in the lives of people you will never know….like me. Everybody needs a Patty. May her soul fill your heart until you meet again.

I would love a Serger for faster sewing projects. But I make sue with my old manual machine. I love this pattern and love the monograms even more! Fusable webbing is truly a gift from God! Lol My daughter is healing from pneumonia and strep . She has a long way to go for full health but your blog post and pictures give me hope for happier days ahead. Watching her sleep in the ICU in Mercy Hospital now as I type. Girls are also a true gift from God ❤️

Those robes are lovely.
Marilyn

Those robes are adorable! What a brilliant idea, and a fantastic gift – from fabric to robes. You are such an inspiration to me that I find myself wishing for a weekly blog post from you, lol!

Your amazing, this is so nice. I plan to make a few of these for family and friends, great gift idea. They can keep them as a memory for a lifetime. Thank you so much fir sharing!

Beautifully done! Years ago when covering everything with fabric was the rage , I had covered boxes and a photo album. I still have one of the albums. Now that one was completely adhered with glue. There’s padding too. And to cover the inside flap , we covered a heavy duty cardboard with fabric, then stuck it to the inside. I even added decorative trim for the edges.
But, your method is wonderful. One , it slips on like the books we had too cover with paper (bags). Two,
It can be washed if necessary. Third, it is very pretty.
Of course one needs a few sewing skills.
Can’t wait to make one!

Thank you, Dori, for doing this! This took a lot of time for you to put together. You have the cutest projects!
I’m thinking that I need to make a couple of these for presents….now I have real directions!

Just found this and love it. Although I have sewn since I was 10 and am now 68, I just got into quilting about a year ago and am so very addicted!! I love crumb piecing and can see great potential for these binder covers. I actually have some recipe binders that could sure use some of these types of covers; and will be a project in the near future once I recover from a back surgery scheduled for 2 weeks from today. Thank you so very much for your talent and willingness to share with us!!! I will be reading more of your blogs for sure. May God continue to richly bless you in your everyday life of creativity. You are greatly appreciated!! 🩷

Hello Dori. I started following you when a professing friend in Florida (Karen Byrd) bought me the subscription to Farm Girl magazine. We had been chatting about quilting and she said “you have to follow Dori”. So, I’m not a quilter but I love growing flowers, have two daughters, love the simple life and although I’m not a quilter, I do love to try simple projects. I would love a tutorial of the binder cover. That is something I can see in my house and something I think I could handle. Have a wonderful summer. I hope those zinnias and sunflowers are coming along wonderfully and maybe one day I’ll stop by and buy some.

I love the cover and the case! I would definitely be interested in a tutorial. Also, where did you find the fabric in the states? They are delightful!

Absolutely love your projects and the fabrics!
And, the wedding pictures from the last blog were wonderful!

Cute, cute, cute!! ❤

What pretty fabric and such clever projects…thanks for sharing! And what perfect timing…I just wrote a post about how I found a wonderful, FREE 1956 sewing machine (by the side of the road no less!) When I get her ready to go, I’ll definitely be whipping up something fun with this fabric, thanks again!

Dori, I love your blogs. This one really made me happy. Even though I’m not a quilter, your Farmgirl projects made me smile over and over. The fabrics are beautiful and you do such a wonderful job creating with them. Happy sewing and I look forward to viewing your next post.

Where can I get the fabric? It is awesome!

Those are lovely and if you have the time to update the pattern and instructions for the binder cover, I am all in. Thank you for the link for the fabric – I love the idea of cute sayings on the selvedge!

I would love to see an updated tutorial. I have thought of making my own binder cover pattern but have not invested the time in the trial & error phase. Oh.. And this fabric is just perfect

Dori
You come up with the Most darling projects!!!
YES do what you do & get that pattern out there. It is a unique & personal gift idea!! Something that a graduate would love or a new bride or mom.
God Bless You! You encourage many!
Thank You
Gail
Matthew 6:33

Cleaver, cleaver, cute!!! You are so cleaver to use such cute fabrics! Thanks for sharing how you used the colorful Farm Girls Unite fabrics.

And Yes! Please share your binder covers pattern. I actually have never thought about making those but now “want to”!

Your binder covers are fabulous. Definitely make and post a pattern PLEASE. I have “sew” many ideas for making them. Thank you. Thank you.
Farmgirl in Idaho, jean

Love your sewing projects! I can’t wait until fall when I can get back to sewing projects….I keep a running list of projects I want to make to share with others…always fun! Now you gave me some more ideas…thanks for sharing!!! Until next time.

So cute. Love this fabric line. So well suited for Farmgirls. Thanks for sharing!

Whoot Whoot, I just learned that one of our local quilt shops,, “The Quilting Bee” in Spokane Valley, WA.. just started caring this sweet fabric… (by Poppy)

Yes! I would be so interested in an updated binder cover tutorial. I sewed one with handles long ago for my eldest daughter. It worked but needed some improvements. My ideal cover would incorporate a zipper, so if it were dropped, things wouldn’t fly everywhere. 🙂

Hi Dori. Im in the market for a new seeing machine Im checking out the one pictured in the Stitching with Dori -making an ironing board cover. What brand is this one pictured. And do you like it. Please email me. Thank you so very much . Sincerely Kathy

Hi Dori, I loved what you made.Its so nice to see that people do love crafts.It looks easy to do..I am going to try this. I will let you know..

Hi Dori- I feel like I know you already! I am reaching out to you for help. I have a perfect venue in a little tourist ghost town called Oatman Arizona. I have started an annual quilt show that has had trouble taking off due to Covid and it’s rural location.
I need help getting the word out and having quilters be involved (it does not take much work) to hang their quilts for a day & stay & tell stories of their inspiration & spread good will while they sell their wares if they want to. Basically I need people & quilts for a weekend In March!! I have a 6 spot campground & it’s on Route 66!!!!!

Everything is gorgeous, and so simple! Especially love the cake–no overly frilly piping and just perfect. Great job, Mom!! 🙂

Ohh, it just looks so absolutely lovely! The picture of your parents is an absolute treasure! I just love the simplicity of it all but totally stunning! Love, love! And your new DIL looks like she totally belongs with you all!

Beautiful family and pictures. Congratulations!!!

Aww – makes my heart sing. Congratulations to the lovely couple. Well done!

Oops, I meant “Filled with joy”. LOL
Treese

Absolutely stunning hilltop wedding‼️ Everything was simply gorgeous~The people, the setting, the flowers and most especially that sunset❣️❣️❣️

Everything looked just perfect!! What a gorgeous table at the rehearsal; can’t wait to see more of the wedding reception, too. And wow, what a spectacular sunset! Wonderful times with so many memories for all of you…

What a beautiful couple and wedding. Congratulations to Kayla and Logan. Your granddaughters look so lovely and grown up. Wishing Kayla and Logan a life of happiness, love and blessings. God Bless.
Joan,Marion and Marilyn

Absolutely stunning! Beautiful from beginning to end. Your family is gorgeous. Your farm is just breathtaking with the views. God Bless all of you.

There is nothing better than a country wedding. I very much enjoyed your pictures.
You have a beautiful family.

Congratulations!

You all made some beautiful memories to treasure.

What a blessing to have accidentally had this show up this morning. Keep doing what you enjoy. Your environment is enough to make one thankful. Hope you don’t mind this 86 yr.old happily married, Texas man barging in to your life.

Such a clever and functional way to display those aprons!! and good to know about those metal rods, i never thought about them going all the way through!!
and a wedding too?! What a wonderful way to welcome new family members! Weddings are such a beautiful celebration of live and life. Can’t wait to see the beauty you create for those kids!!!

This is perfect! I haven’t had time to enjoy my latest issue of Mary Janes Farm magazine, yet, but this morning as they pour our new driveway, ( Yes, we’re getting a cement driveway,even though we live on a gravel road Michigan.) I’m reading your blog and can’t wait to get started on my hunt for rolling pins. I make and sell aprons at vintage markets and this just may be a great way to display some of them in my booth! I’ll let you know. Congratulations on your son’s wedding.

Congratulations on your son’s wedding. Perfect spot – charming venue. Love your vintage rolling pin apron hangers.

Hey Dori, I saw that article in the magazine. Wonderful idea. I go to the thrift market and the rolling pins there are on the high side, but there is usually a lot of them. I may try making something similar for aprons, but it would have to be on the smaller side as I don’t have a wall with enough empty space for one this size. May even try a vertical one. Love your vintage aprons. Congratulations on having a wedding on the hill. Bet it will be really nice. Have fun.

Love your post. Nice looking son and his fiancée. Sigh…. young love!!!

That turned out really great. I’m not much of a fan of Sashiko but that is a fabulous concept.

This is just simply beautiful! I have scraps of this type of fabric from making baby clothes, and now I’m excited to see how I can use them up!

Beautiful I’ve always wanted to hand stitch a quilt.

Beautiful! You do such wonderful work. The last picture is perfect with those little fingers holding up the quilt. I have so many projects started and hope to finish some of them this summer. I planted lilies yesterday and woke to a dusting snow this morning.

How lovely! Thanks for sharing!

Absolutely love it. Beautiful.

Absolutely beautiful and cuddly. From your description, I can just FEEL the softness. Thank you for sharing. I’m not quite ready to “put the sewing away” yet. Rainy days are coming here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Now, YOU get out and enjoy the garden.

Love the p.s. Aren’t grandkids the best!!!
I will send you a photo of our Grandsons with their Tree / Boat House, my Husband Barry built a year ago at the beginning of the Pandemic.

Thanks Dori, Binky

I love your quilt! I started quilting at 4 yrs old. Grandma sat me under the quilting frame that Grandpa had hung from the trees overhanging the stone patio. She passed the needle down to me and I passed it back up to her. If she took out my stitches she never let me know.
I just finished a miniature potted plant tableau for my daughter. It’s 1/12 scale and now I’m making flowers for vases in my dollhouse. Soon I will be making the dolls…covid got me into crafting/sewing/creative projects every evening.
Great article. Thanks for sharing, Joei

That is a beautiful quilt! What a wonderful way to relax and use those creative juices. Handstitching and making your own stitching pattern makes it one of a kind!
Have a great day!

What a great quilt AND…..inspiration! Sashiko was supposed to be my new project for 2020 but then a lot of “stuff” got in the way. It’s gonna have to roll over to 2021 now- also interested in “who” sells the double gauze fabric as well. (Will keep an eye out for it.) Your fabric on the backside goes really nice with the front fabrics. Seeing those little hands hold it up reminds me of the Amish saying “many hands make the work light”. Thanks for such an enjoyable read.

I would like to contact Dori from this article. I loved her quilt in a recent issue, however we look so much alike, we could be twins! I am also from TN.

love to try . where do you get double gauze and tutorial on that Japanese type quilting
help?