Maryjanes Farm...

I just have to share a special magazine that I've fallen in love with.  It's Maryjanes Farm.  (It drives me nuts that there is no apostrophe in the name, but it's her magazine, after all.)  I bought my first issue of Maryjanes Farm a few years ago from our little hometown grocery store and I have looked for it ever since.  My daughter-in-love, bless her heart, gave me a subscription last summer for my birthday and I've enjoyed every single issue.  It is one magazine that I read from cover to cover.  Even the ads are interesting to peruse.

What kind of magazine is this?  Well, I'd say it's a magazine for any woman who loves country life, wishes she could live in the country, or who has the spirit of the country living within.  Between the pages you'll find articles on organic foods, gardening,  recipes, quilting, stitching or crafting, DIY projects, and lots of stories about women who either live in the country or who are bringing a little country to their urban spaces. The entire magazine has a clear organic theme, in fact it states on the front cover, "The Everyday Organic Lifestyle."  I'm fine with that, even though I don't consider myself an "organic" type, but more of the practical type.  Don't get me wrong, there is a heap of practical stuff in here amidst the organics.  I'd say that the two often go hand-in-hand.  You'll sit up and notice that the photography all through this periodical is gorgeous, inviting,  and homey.  You'll feel as if you just pulled up a rocker on the front porch for a long sit or walked through the door to be greeted with a slice of apple pie and a cup of coffee.   I love the fact that Maryjanes Farm is printed on non-glare paper which makes reading and picture gazing much more fun.

Here are a few of the articles that particularly caught my eye in the February/March issue:

Fast Foods That Aren't Junk

Hatching a Hobby (chickens)

Naturescaping:  Lawn-Free Yards

I Think my Treadle's Sexy (treadle sewing machines)

Grab that Carpenter's Apron -- Yes You (build a flower box)

Stencil Revival

After reading, I Think My Treadle's Sexy, I made up my mind that I'm going to go out to the old bunk house and drag my old Singer treadle machine out and see if there is any way to fix her up.  There were lots of tips in the article and even a diagram of all the parts in a treadle sewing machine.  MJ even listed a repair man, who repairs and trades treadle machines.  Here is a website that includes instructions on basic treadle maintenance for the do-it-yourselfer.  See what inspiration comes from a good magazine?


Even if you never do one thing from MJ's, you'll simply enjoy reading it and paging through the pictures.  It's like taking a mini-vacation without leaving home.  By the way, I do share this lovely magazine with my girls.  It's too wonderful not to share.