| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Libbie |
Posted - Feb 12 2007 : 11:14:38 PM
I was just browsing through the MJF site, and when I went into the products area, THE NEW SHEET SETS and TOWELS are there! Go and take a look! Here's the link: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/pfoshop/AllProducts.asp?dept_id=1
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| katiedid |
Posted - Feb 22 2007 : 3:24:08 PM
Patti, I take no offense at all! Like you and I both said, we are entitled to our own opinions.
One of my favorite things is a friendly debate. I find it kindof exhilarating and definately thought provoking to chat with someone who sees our world through different eyes. This is what makes us great.
I certainly don't feel that people with opposing views shouldn't "gnaw on it a bit" This can be great fun! It can also be eye opening, and a great learning experience...in fact I have learned a great deal about many different topics (reading) that have been brought about to me during differences of opinion. My "tempering with tact" line was meant to be a gentle reminder for us all, that sometimes, things we say can be hurtful, even when our intentions are noble.
I really don't mind when people "disagree" I think we all can be enlightened, if we listen closely to all, even those who have different views...or especially from those who have different views.
I am sure that MaryJane is the type of gal who can take critism in stride..(just think of all the critism she must have faced in the 1980s and 90s when she was first starting her Organics business!) I mostly felt a little defensive (for a lady I've never met HA!) when the newbies on the forum where so cruel in their critism.
So, let's keep sharing our opposing views, we can all learn...but let's just be nice when we do it...
Patti, you are too smart, and great with words!
Love and light to all
Kate
my new blog http/www.theknifemakerswife.wordpress.com |
| happymama58 |
Posted - Feb 21 2007 : 12:15:40 PM
Katiedid, I wanted to respond to your post; I hope you understand that I have the utmost respect for you and am not being snarkey! I have to disagree with the idea that we shouldn't bring up a dissenting view or, as it sounds like from your thread, gnaw on it a bit. A couple of reasons.
1. Many times, by respectfully discussing something that is controversial, understanding & growth & mutual ground can be achieved.
2. If something or someone is out there to be praised (as we so often do praise MJ and rightfully so), then it's only fair that that object or person is open to respectful and thoughtful criticism as well. It's unfair to tell a reader or a consumer, "Hey, it's okay for you to speak out if you are on my side, but I don't want to hear you if you disagree."
I certainly don't intend to keep discussing this issue, unless someone were to respond to the points I originally made and there's room for discussion. But to say nothing more should be said . . . well, this is a discussion board! And sometimes, having nothing but "yes women" is really unhealthy. Just think. Perhaps someone with a dissenting view (not me -- I'm not that smart) might come up with a valid point that MJ finds insightful and helpful in the way she might market these products or something like that. I guess I just elaborated on #1 above and am simply repeating myself so I'll stop.
Thanks for understanding.
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Please visit me at www.marykay.com/pmiinch |
| Leezard |
Posted - Feb 21 2007 : 10:40:31 AM
Thanks to those who have been able to discuss differing opinions without becoming rude about it.
Patti, I appreciate your post, it's good to have differing ideas presented and I feel you did it very respectfully.
Carol, thank you for pointing out the Project F.A.R.M. items more directly and letting us know that more will be available in the future, I look forward to seeing what's to come. I wonder if there's a way to have a section specifically for Project F.A.R.M. items on the shopping page or if they could be marked a little more clearly on the main shopping page. Just a thought to make the items a little more easier to find from the start :)
http://ruby--slippers.blogspot.com/
www.leezard.etsy.com |
| Mumof3 |
Posted - Feb 21 2007 : 10:22:14 AM
I appreciate MaryJane's efforts to bring the best to her customers. I also understand that there are places other than the United States where quality in product and workmanship is more economical. Why should we not reach out to them? It can only help build our relationships with our friends around the world.
PS- I am asking for a set for my anniversary gift this year! I just can't choose which one! :)
Karin |
| katiedid |
Posted - Feb 21 2007 : 06:53:17 AM
I am moving to a new (to me) farmhouse soon, and I am sure thinking that the red toned bedroom ensemble will be great on my new log bed!!
What a fun addition to MJF.
Carol, thanks for your well said words. I appreciate the deeper look into Mary Jane's business, and just like you said, we are all tied to the global economy. How great it would be if we all could work as hard as you guys have to make sure our global dollars are well spent. It is a huge undertaking to research where my 12 year's new shoes have come from!
I can't imagine the enormity of your job!
Girls who disagree: Let's all remember that we are all cerainly entitled to our own opinions and feelings, but shall we leave it at this?
~If you love the new linens and feel good about how they are produced, buy them!
~If you feel like your money is better spent somewhere else, don't buy them!
This is a great forum, where so many of us have come to be surrounded by FarmGirls.
I feel we are all entitled to have our own thoughts and feelings, for sure. But, like a young child learning that the "truth" can sometimes be hurtful, we don't teach our children to lie..(like when a 3 year old points out that his neighbor is fat!) but we hope they learn to temper the truth with tact.
I guess what I am saying is this, we don't have to change our opinions, thoughts, and feelings to suit each other, but we can "temper them with tact."
Let's be loving, or if we can't be loving, at least be respectful. And please, let's not forget who has made this wonderful forum available to us.
Carol, MaryJane, and everyone else at the Farm,
Love and light to you~
Kate
my new blog http/www.theknifemakerswife.wordpress.com |
| Aunt Karen |
Posted - Feb 20 2007 : 1:01:52 PM
Correction -
The Undercover Economist by Tim Harford |
| Aunt Karen |
Posted - Feb 20 2007 : 07:57:40 AM
Carol, great post! Thanks to Mary Jane and all of you for what you have done over the years. It is refreshing to find the message of home, family, simple living and so much more.
Those that don't fully understand the global economy (like I didn't) might want to pick up a book called The Underground Economist. He shows in very concrete examples that working with other countries isn't always a bad thing.
Mary Jane has shown her love for America and Americans over and over and over. Sharing some of that love overseas is ok by me.
By the way, the linens are BEAUTIFUL!!!
Karen |
| Nancy Gartenman |
Posted - Feb 20 2007 : 04:31:37 AM
LIFE IS SHORT, STAY HAPPY. THE REASON WE HAVE THIS GREAT PLACE TO COME TO IS BECAUSE OF MARY JANE AND HER CREW, AND THATS WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO ME.
NANCY JO
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
| Horseyrider |
Posted - Feb 20 2007 : 03:39:06 AM
I hope this is the right place to ask about duvet covers! I adore quilts; I love the look on a bed so much! But when it comes time to go to bed, I'm all about down. I hope there will be comforter covers in time! I have my eye on the wildflower prints at the bottom, and two big window seats in my bedroom that I'd love to fill with those pillows! Mmmm, fun reading nook right by the window!
You're shaping my redecorating in my bedroom, you know! |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Feb 19 2007 : 7:16:32 PM
I think what you said speaks volumes Carol. Like Susan, I don't think I could do your job. You are amazing. Thanks for all you and MaryJane do. I, for one, sure appreciate you gals!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| happymama58 |
Posted - Feb 19 2007 : 6:32:00 PM
Carol, I definitely don't agree with how farmerjane expressed herself, but I have to admit that the decision to have these linens made overseas concerns me as well. However, my reasoning is a bit different.
Yes, I know that, as you said, many of the things we buy are foreign-made in part or whole. I realize that linens sold elsewhere are most likely made overseas. But that really isn't what sticks out to me in this situation. Please bear with me and read what I have to say with an open mind.
From what I've read (and in all fairness, maybe I'm projecting something that simply wasn't ever there to begin with and, if so, I apologize to MJ) I've always had the impression that MJ is all about natural, organic, etc., etc., and supporting local producers and manufacturers. She talks about the local mill, etc. Now, IF she had no choice but to open this new line, that would be one thing. But she branched out into an area that I'm sure she researched and she knew would have to be produced overseas. And she made a deliberate decision to do so. Yes, I know. At least now she knows that these products are being created humanely. But how can she 100% guarantee that? I won't go on & on, but I know someone who owned a shoe company who sent part of his product overseas and was assured of all sorts of things. When he or one of his kids were there, it was a wonderful humane working environment. He found out after a few years that there were other factories operating under his company that he knew nothing about, that didn't show up on the books, etc., etc. Maybe that was a fluke. Who knows? But my original point about choosing to branch out into a foreign market bothers me. We keep reading about how busy MJ is, and I can certainly understand that. But that also makes this entire move less reasonable to me. If she already is stretched to the max, isn't this counterproductive, particularly since the demographics/distance will make it more difficult to operate?
I am not being snide or rude. I am merely explaining what I've been grappling with since I first saw the new line. I've read each post, the descriptions & explanations given, and I am perplexed by this decision. I have enjoyed MJ's books and products, etc., and I'm certainly not bashing MJ.
In fact, I'd love to purchase her products, but we are absolutely broke and are not even sure we can hang on to the land we bought and the house we're building. But to tell you the truth, I can buy aprons made locally (and very good quality) for less than $15, so the prices here are higher than in my area. The only products I can justify buying here (when I actually have some money) are the food products that I can't find here at any price.
Truth be told, I think that after all MJ has said about buying local, supporting local businesses & artisans, this is troublesome. If you feel you have to revoke my membership because I've been candid here, I certainly understand.
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Please visit me at www.marykay.com/pmiinch |
| TheSoapMaven |
Posted - Feb 19 2007 : 6:30:14 PM
thank you Carol...you are very diplomatic!!! the very reason I couldnt do what you do. I am NOT diplomatic and tend to be emotional about such things. I as wanting so badly to respond but couldnt think of a nice way to say any of it. I have been on the MaryJane bandwagon now for a LONG time. I feel I do know what she is about - and she is GENUINE. Plain and simple. What do some people expect, that she isnt suppose to make money? Hate to say we all have to. My husband works for a BIG OLD BAD oil company. I am not ashamed of it. I am very proud that he has worked our whole married life and made a living that allowed me to stay home and "tend the hearth". I cant tell you how much h-e double hockey sticks I have caught because he works for "the enemy" yet we live close to the land, drive energy efficent vehicles, recycle, organic garden. what??? we arent supposed to make a living? He is NOT contributing to any of the ills of oil consumption any more than the rest of us.
Please believe, this farmgirl will continue to support MJ and all the rest of you. She has been a blessing to my life. And I wish her all the success she can hold...even the money part! Its all lovely and I will be ordering. Hugs to all of you.
Susan
http://www.thesoapmaven.com
http://notquitejunecleaver.com
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| Horseyrider |
Posted - Feb 19 2007 : 6:19:42 PM
Thank you for saying that, Carol. I can't imagine this decision as being one that was arrived at lightly. I too bristled when farmerjane said that "It's all about the money." That sort of statement is always inflammatory. And while I'm a smart girl, I couldn't figure how anyone outside of Moscow Idaho could really KNOW what sort of person Mary Jane is. We see a projection here of many of her values, but we can't assume to KNOW. Shoot, I've made a few more than two posts, and I don't assume to KNOW.
I'm still struggling with what could possibly be wrong with bringing beautiful things to the world, and making it possible for sisters in other countries to have a fair wage and decent working conditions. Sounds like a win/win to me. But hey, what do I know? 
You GO, Carol!  |
| Kim |
Posted - Feb 19 2007 : 6:00:01 PM
Kudos to Carol! Well said!!!
Blessed Be!
farmgirl@heart
Be at peace with yourself and the rest will follow
http://chevy49girl.livejournal.com/
http://chevy49girl.deviantart.com/ |
| Carol |
Posted - Feb 19 2007 : 5:54:45 PM
Okay. This thread has caused me to put on my farmgirl posse hat and give "farmerjane" a stern talkin' to!
Of course, you are all entitled to your opinions and we welcome constructive criticism, but you can't imagine how disappointing and hurtful this kind of thoughtless and mean-spirited feedback is to us. Here we've got a member that joined our forum less than a week ago and has made 2 posts - both bashing MaryJane and our efforts here. You won't see her here on the forum any longer - she doesn't get to join our forum and then immediately belittle our efforts by saying things like "it's all about the money" without knowing anything about us. During the few "farmgirl spats" we've had on the forum, we always say that this is a place for exchanging ideas and supporting each other. Please remember that we need your support too. This member didn't even bother to read the very careful and detailed explanations I wrote to give you a background about our products and why we made the decisions we made. The kind of strident self-importance that "farmerjane" revealed here is part of what's wrong with our world. She can apparently take such high ground about things made overseas, but isn't she typing on a computer to do so? Does she drive a car? Read a book? Buy clothes? The self-aware person knows this issue is just not black or white. And I'm very perplexed by her comment that she can just "go to Dillards" to buy sheets made overseas. If you know that someone is trying to manufacture something in a responsible manner and you're concerned with buying things made in a responsible manner, then wouldn't you choose that product over one that you didn't know anything about?
We have tried and tried to bring our customers products made by those of us right here at home, but time after time, they don't sell because the customer compares the price of these products with those they are used to buying that are made overseas! Just this past year, we paid out nearly $30,000 to local seamstresses to make products under our Project F.A.R.M. umbrella. And this doesn't count any of the products we've bought from Miss Wilma and her seven friends, Kaspar Wire Works, or any of our other Project F.A.R.M. partners. We're very proud of the fact that we've been able to get some of the Project F.A.R.M. items into the department stores that are carrying our bedding lines. Do you know anyone else who has been successful in doing this? As I write, we've got local women stitchin' up a storm sewing aprons that you'll soon see in national stores!
The other thing you have to remember is that you're dealing with a real live person behind our forum, our magazines, our books, and our products. Not a figurehead, but an honest, hard-working, high-principled woman who works so hard 24-7 to try to make her business succeed and support the 15-20 families that work here on our farm, at such great expense to herself. I don't know of another person that lives as simply and frugally as MaryJane. And, yes, she would like to someday make enough money to have the living room, kitchen, house and even her own private indoor toilet that she's lived without for the last 10 years since her house burned down! (Can you imagine not even having a couch or having your only indoor bathroom in the middle of a public space that you have to share with your employees?) She's instead put all of her efforts in those last 10 years into trying to bring women like you something to brighten their days and improve their health, while scratching out a very frugal living. If you want to continue to see our forum, our magazine, our books, our food, our Farm Fair, our Bed & Breakfast, and our other ventures, it's important to be supportive, both in a real sense in buying those products, AND, just as importantly, in friendship and moral support. She cares deeply about doing the right thing, and comments like the ones that precipitated this letter nearly break her. Please take the time to find out who we are, what we're trying to do, and BE KIND so that we will have the support to keep on keepin' on ... and hopefully do our part to make the world a better place along the way!
Ever hopeful,
Carol
|
| Kim |
Posted - Feb 19 2007 : 3:20:02 PM
I still support her, I understand what you mean and I can appreciate your stance. It's been difficult for me and maybe even some other members who have been on this board for several years.
I understand the concept of fair trade and now beyond compliance. I just have a hard time, especially when we have so many unemployed amongst our own. :(
Blessed Be!
farmgirl@heart
Be at peace with yourself and the rest will follow
http://chevy49girl.livejournal.com/
http://chevy49girl.deviantart.com/ |
| farmerjane |
Posted - Feb 19 2007 : 3:06:01 PM
Kim-thanks for expressing your honest opinion. As I am new to MaryJane's Farm- as in 2 months ago I discovered her- I have already done the Martha thing. As much as I want to believe Mary Jane went to Hong Kong to help promote a better world and fair trade-let's face it- it's all about the money. She is not who I thought she was , and I will not support her any longer. |
| Kim |
Posted - Feb 19 2007 : 12:29:48 PM
Thanks Carol! I also got an e-mail from Theresa about it. I now understand!! lol!!
Blessed Be!
farmgirl@heart
Be at peace with yourself and the rest will follow
http://chevy49girl.livejournal.com/
http://chevy49girl.deviantart.com/ |
| Carol |
Posted - Feb 19 2007 : 11:42:27 AM
Hi Kim.
The pricing of the quilts is discussed in the paragraphs about Project F.A.R.M. right before the description of the quilt itself.
Thanks!
Carol
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| Kim |
Posted - Feb 19 2007 : 10:49:19 AM
Wow, huge price difference between the brownwork and redwork quilt. Just curious as to the price difference?
Blessed Be!
farmgirl@heart
Be at peace with yourself and the rest will follow
http://chevy49girl.livejournal.com/
http://chevy49girl.deviantart.com/ |
| Carol |
Posted - Feb 19 2007 : 10:44:35 AM
Hi girls.
You'll find the Project F.A.R.M. quilt toward the bottom of the page at:
http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/pfoshop/product.asp?dept_id=134&ProductID=55043037
And remember, we'll have Project F.A.R.M.-made aprons, totes, and more in the next month, but if you're really interested in supporting Project F.A.R.M., you can always choose from our old stand-bys - Project F.A.R.M.-made pillows, bags, Christmas stockings, dolls, etc. Find them under "bedroom," "closet," and "housewide."
P.S. Although sometimes the fabric in our Project F.A.R.M. products is reused, it isn't made in the U.S.A. - you'd be hard-pressed to find fabric loomed in rural America, or even in this country. In our farm store, we do sell some beautiful dishtowels that are hand-loomed by a local woman, but unfortunately, most shoppers have found them too expensive to purchase.
P.P.S. And yes, we know that you can buy products made overseas anywhere - but you don't always get an assurance that those products are made responsibly - we're trying hard to offer products that come with those assurances.
Carol |
| Kim |
Posted - Feb 19 2007 : 09:53:26 AM
I was surprised to see the new lines. I almost felt as if this was turning into a "Martha Stewart" thing. I have mixed feelings about it, I guess.
I have been posting on this board since at least 2005. I will buy F.A.R.M. items over overseas items, because I feel so strongly about our farmers and others being pushed aside by overseas competitors as well as our own government.
Off my soapbox now!!!
Oh, BTW, I didn't see the quilt?
Blessed Be!
farmgirl@heart
Be at peace with yourself and the rest will follow
http://chevy49girl.livejournal.com/
http://chevy49girl.deviantart.com/ |
| Horseyrider |
Posted - Feb 19 2007 : 09:35:29 AM
Jane, I understand your views and support your right to hold them. But something we might all consider is that perhaps the move toward a global economy is really in all our best interests; the more interrelated our commerce, the more we need each other. And the more we need each other, the less likely we'll bear arms against one another.
How likely is China to nuke their biggest market?
I applaud the concept of "beyond compliance." Fair wages and safe work environments for our sisters around the world is what we all want, do we not? SOMEbody has to begin to lead the way. As the standard of living increases, families are better fed, and children can become children again. Everyone wins.
I look forward to the day when our borders are depicted by the limits of the stratosphere, not some arbitrary ones drawn in the earth below.
The designs are beautiful! I look forward to hearing the specs such as drapery length, thread count, and other options. I have a bedroom that needs a good overhaul, and I love the idea of being able to put together a room that looks consistent with it's architecture.
Thanks, Mary Jane, Carol, and the rest of your marketing team! |
| farmerjane |
Posted - Feb 19 2007 : 08:35:46 AM
I am new to Mary Jane's Farm and have even started a Farmgirl Chapter in my town. I am very troubled to hear that Mary Jane has contracted her linens to be produced in Hong Kong. And even though Carol did a great job in defending that decision, it still goes against, in my view, all that Mary Jane stands for. I am anxious to hear how the other farmgirls will react, because I will not be purchasing any of her foreign made linens. I can get those at Dillards. |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Feb 15 2007 : 7:47:14 PM
I have to say that the line is beautiful and I think it is very reasonably priced! Job well done! I am personally saving for the chenille bedspread as well as sheets and towels -- love them!
The Rustic Cottage Etsy Shop http://therusticcottage.etsy.com |
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