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Across the Fence:  My Farmgirl wish....  |
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YiberryYadeeKarin
True Blue Farmgirl
343 Posts
Karin
Spokane Valley
WA
USA
343 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 09:37:51 AM
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I think it would be wonderful if there was a way that all of you talented farmgirls could share your knowledge and skills with others.
For example, while my grandmother was able to do about everything (like most women could years ago -- they HAD to!) from cooking and baking and canning to sewing and gardening, etc., etc., etc. My mother, on the other hand (no offense to her,) was more of a book person. She went to college and became a professional librarian and had a wonderful career and has had a wonderful life. She has instilled many important skills and qualities in me. BUT she's never been into cooking, baking, sewing, crafts, and all of the other farmgirl-like skills I wish I had.
When I was eleven, I started to bake. I also started to cook at a fairly young age and did some sewing in middle school. I have inherited some of her gardening skills but I am more passionate about veggies then she is. The only canning I've done is acidic stuff, like tomatoes and peaches.
My daughter is eleven and an eager learner. I've taught her a few things but know there is so much more she could learn. My Farmgirl wish is for those of you who can do so many things could somehow reach out (I know, time's hard to find) and teach folks, young like my daughter and older, like me, some of your skills. I've been trying to get my daughter into a sewing class but usually they are cancelled because of a lack of interest. I'm interested in taking a bread making class next month. If I could learn some of these skills from someone and she could learn them from me, or she could learn them from someone, what a wonderful thing that would be!
Does any of this make any sense? Any thoughts or suggestions -- or willing participants!?!?
Karin |
Edited by - YiberryYadeeKarin on Mar 06 2007 09:39:38 AM |
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EmmJay
True Blue Farmgirl
352 Posts
Mary Jane
Amherst
Nova Scotia
Canada
352 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 09:50:57 AM
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Well, to me it makes perfect sense. I wish that there was something I could teach, even over the computer, but I am afraid that I am learning most things on my own...books, and internet.
For example, I called my mother, and asked for her soap making supplies, as she no longer uses them. She did send a book called "The Complete Soapmaker" It is by Norma Coney and is understandable. I love it, as a matter of fact, I just made my first batch of Tallow. Nothing much by some standards, but I am really excited.
Again, I think you have a wonderful idea, and I do hope there are others who will pass on some knowledge to others....
MJ
"Thank GOD I'm a country girl"
http://s119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/EmmJay07/ |
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BarefootGoatGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1495 Posts
Corrine
North Carolina
USA
1495 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 10:08:25 AM
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Karin,
Ask around at chruch or community type group, you will probabably find talented women willing to work one-on-one with your daughter (and/or you) in trade for babysitting etc... I am about to start giving sewing lessons to a young girl in our church who wants to design fashionable modest clothing. I love teaching young girls how to use the talents God gave them, and if I knew of a way I'd help your daughter too. If you are feeling a bit brave, the Urban Homemaker www.urbanhomemaker.com has home ecomomic ciriculums that teach all kinds of skills (they are Chrisitian based).
Best of luck. I hope you get to take that breadmaking class...it sounds fun.
Trina
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Of all the things I have created, my children are the best. |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 10:28:27 AM
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I think Emma hit something there....learning it on your own (with a gentle hand, some books, instructions) and leaving it to their imagination. My mom used to give me scrap pieces of material and let me "sew" them together, whether by hand or machine. She gave me simple recipes to follow and explained things like measuring cups and temperatures and left me to it (with a watchful eye). Anytime I had a question, she used to take me to the library or in her own book collection and look it up, especially if something peaked my interest (which was A LOT of things!!!) whether rabbits, the Atlantic ocean, growing sunflowers, how a rainstorm is "made", etc. With the internet, there is so much out there.
Check local community colleges and town classes. Sometimes they have things for kids, especially during the summer. Summer camp is where I learned a lot. They choose one that taught life skills- cooking, camping, sewing, swim instruction and safety, gardening, etc.
Ask any at any of the classes you go to if you can bring your daughter. My mom did this when we were really young and we learned right along side of her.
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DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 10:31:10 AM
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This would be a fantastic project for an intermediate care senior's home or other senior's group. It would be a win win situation all around. Last year I judged the preserves section of a fall fair. There were little jars of blackberry jam from three ladies at a seniors home. So cute and we gave each one a first place ribbon.
I remember when my grandmother died. She had grown up and raised her kids during a time of "make do" and could literally repair the transmission in the tractor or sew beautiful quilts or make exquisite wedding cakes. She had a lot to offer to anyone willing to learn. I will forever be grateful for the skills I learned from her.
Anyway to get to my point, most seniors adore young folks and many are very lonely. I wonder if you could contact some senior's group?
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CFlohe
True Blue Farmgirl
169 Posts
Cheryl
Port Angeles
WA
USA
169 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 10:36:57 AM
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Today I'm at my son's "Tuesday school" which is through Crescent School District on the Olympic Peninsula. It's basically for homeschooled kids. For this one day a week there are cooking classes, computer classes, sewing... about anything you could think of. The 2nd trimester ends today and my son's classes were making a chess set from polymer clay, art II, history and 2 computer classes. This next trimester he's taking a cooking class and 5 computer classes. Last trimester he took an organic gardening class along with many other interesting classes. This program is called Home Connections and actually is in other areas, probably only Western Washington but this isn't the first year of it, just the 1st year I found out about it. You should ask through your local school district if they have something like this and if not maybe they could start it. My son actually started also going to public school a couple months ago (7th grade) but they're working with us and have ok'd us to be in this program on Tuesdays and then regular school the other 4 days. It is a wonderful program!! I wish there was something like this when I was a kid. My Mom was amazing at cooking, sewing, etc but she was no teacher and when I got married I couldn't cook or sew and have had to teach myself.
Cheryl
cheryls-life-at-the-farm.blogspot.com |
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Beemoosie
True Blue Farmgirl
2077 Posts
Bonnie
New York
USA
2077 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 11:21:48 AM
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Karin, it TOTALLY makes sense. My mom had to work, and so alot of the homemaking skills never got passed to me. She taught me quite a bit, but I have desired more.
I have started a 4H group in order to pass on what I learn and show girls(and boys) that no matter what they want to "be" when they grow up it is gratifying to be a skilled homemaker and craftsperson.
My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Luke 1:46,47
www.beequilting.blogspot.com
http://beemoosie-picture-diary.blogspot.com/ |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 11:55:12 AM
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what about getting her involved in 4-H? or checking at local shops that might have the skills you want to learn..also how about placing an ad in a local classified for a tutor on what ever it is you want to learn.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~ |
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Sunny
True Blue Farmgirl
120 Posts
120 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 1:06:19 PM
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Might any of you be interested in starting a Farmgirl Chapter Group in your area to learn some of these types of things together with other like-minded farmgirls? There are no rules or costs involved, you just decide your own projects and meet whenever you like. (I think it's always more fun to learn with others.) I know lots of the groups have a lot of fun and meet new friends by starting chapters. Just a thought. :) |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 2:05:17 PM
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Hey - I'd just love to help any of you with the Farmgirl Chapter idea, if you'd like. I'm still toying around with a plan for Farmgirl "merit badges" from a thread a while ago, and that might be a fun way to carry on the learning, too!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
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JudyBlueEyes
True Blue Farmgirl
657 Posts
Judith
Spokane
Washington
USA
657 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 8:25:52 PM
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Karin...I can help with some of those things...call me...Judy :-)
The Rooster crows, but the Hen lays the egg. ~ Texas Proverb |
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Aunt George
True Blue Farmgirl
1476 Posts
Georgann
Midlothian
VA
1476 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 8:43:16 PM
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Wonderful ideas....I've often thought how I'd love to learn to can and would be more than willing to teach whatever I know to someone needing that.
If I won the lottery tonight, I'll open a learning center for farmgirls and fly girls in from all over to learn...oh, wait......Mary Jane already has one! Ok then we'll fly to MJ's!!
G
http://auntgeorgeshouse.blogspot.com/index.html
Thanks for checking out my apron and sewing musings! |
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westernhorse51
True Blue Farmgirl
1681 Posts
michele
farmingdale
n.j.
USA
1681 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2007 : 05:15:15 AM
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Karin, do you know other women in the area that feels the same? Start a MJ farmgirl group, learn together w/ books & videos.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
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westernhorse51
True Blue Farmgirl
1681 Posts
michele
farmingdale
n.j.
USA
1681 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2007 : 05:17:01 AM
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one more thing, even if its just you & your daughter, its a start. something you do together. Get the books or video & set aside one night a wk. at first & see where it takes you. just a thought.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2007 : 08:54:17 AM
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Karin-I was fortunate to have a Mom and Gran that did both...went to college, were educated but knew the value of being able to do those things at home as well. Though alot I learned from them, my experiences in 4-H were invaluable for teaching citizenship, public
speaking and being able to explore just about any subject area out there through project work. Maybe finding a 4-H group would be a good place for you both to start. You can volunteer to help and that way you learn right along with your daughter (or son). I am an equal opportunity house and everyone learns to do everything. My 13 year old can sew a button back on his shirt or pants and he is starting to be a good cook! If I had a daughter, she'd know how to use tools!
You can't go wrong joining 4-H, it was probably one of the biggest positive influences when I was younger.
with a happy heart |
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Across the Fence: My Farmgirl wish.... |
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My Farmgirl wish....
