| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Sunny |
Posted - Sep 11 2007 : 2:17:37 PM
The New & Official “Farmgirl" Logo
What is a farmgirl? To quote the back of our Farmgirl Chapter information cards, “A farmgirl believes in the strong arms of friendship, community, and the just plain fun of being together. A farmgirl takes joy in the quiet satisfaction of making things with her own hands. She exudes kindness, grace, humility, gentleness, patience, and generosity, and loves the simple pleasures in life. Farmgirls love to get together to share their ideas.”
The Farmgirl Chapter movement is growing so fast that MaryJane realized we needed to have an easy-to-identify logo that would stand for all farmgirls. Logos, once publicized, convey ideas and feelings instantly. I suggested a hen in an apron as the official farmgirl logo, and these were the supporting themes that grew from that idea.
Do you remember the classic children’s story, “The Little Red Hen”? That hen was a “can do” kind of gal (just like us farmgirls)! She wanted bread and asked which of the farm animals might want to help. The other animals weren’t at all motivated to help, so she planted and harvested the wheat, ground it into flour, and baked the bread, all by herself. The other animals were quite happy to help her eat it, but she flatly declined THAT offer!
The old business model at the end of the last millennium seems to have been: “What’s in it for me?” (aka WIFM). The farm animals in the story really didn’t see any benefit to helping the little red hen with the work. (Maybe they had never tasted fresh home-baked bread!!!)
This new millennium needs a new, more sustainable model, which I’ve dubbed WIFU: “What’s in it for us?” When we start thinking beyond our own needs to the needs of the whole community, everyone’s life gets easier and everyone gets happier.
Using that new model, the little red hen would let the other animals taste how delicious the fresh bread was, to inspire them to want to learn how to work together next time. It certainly gets the job done faster and more pleasantly in the company of others.
Recent polls show that many people want to become more self-sufficient, to eat locally grown food, and to create more sustainable communities to save the resources of the earth, but they don’t know where to begin. The problems seem so overwhelming. What can one person do? (This is where a farmgirl’s “can do” attitude comes in!)
Farmgirls love to share their knowledge to teach and inspire others, who can then teach and inspire others, and so on. Small acts of kindness and interdependence, like pebbles tossed into a still pond, ripple out into the world to make big differences. The way I see it, to create more sustainable communities, we need to help and teach one another. In other words, the hen is mightier than the sword!
The hen is a model of sustainability. She provides eggs and nitrogen-rich fertilizer without depleting the source (a rule for sustainability). She is a model of fearlessness and strength, as she demonstrates by gathering her chicks under her wing when danger threatens. Or when she “speaks” danger to others of her flock using an elaborate language more complicated than that of primates. Flocks of chickens gathering to search for food or bask in the sun love to brag loudly the accomplishments (eggs laid) of their sisters.
The apron-dressed hen logo symbolizes that we farmgirls are always hatching new ideas; we are independent, but we also enjoy flocking together occasionally to cluck encouragement to each other, or to cackle and “cluckle” over a good joke. (Farmgirls of all ages enjoy having a good time! Very young farmgirls can be called “farmerettes.” After a certain age, we become really wise {you know what I mean} and reach “henopause.”)
The new logo of the hen in an apron will be embroidered into a standard-size patch (like a grown-up Girl Scout badge) to represent that we are FARMGIRLS, and proud of it! Other patches can be designed to represent our individual chapters and our accomplishments. These patches can be sewn onto our denim jackets. Our jackets can be showplaces for our Farmgirl Accomplishment Patches. Our gathering-together dress-up clothing can be our decorated denim jackets with our favorite aprons (and maybe a pair of work boots)!
The official MaryJane Farmgirl Accomplishment Patches will always be in the shape of a hexagon to distinguish us from other types of patches on jackets. Why a hexagon? In MaryJane’s Stitching Room, MaryJane says, “The hexagon, a shape that speaks the zen of the busy beehive or the wire manors of chickens, symbolizes the unity and structure of the farmgirl life—a framework for the proper order of things, a pattern for life. In unwritten feminine language, it is a standard for farmgirls, or for that matter the ordinary honeybee or the hen, rank and file workers that move the work along. It says that all things are to be done decently and in order, and that small things add up.” These hexagon-shaped patches also represent our honor for the individuality of each farmgirl, who, like hexagonally shaped snowflakes with “no two alike,” will stamp their farmgirl projects with their own brand of uniqueness and creativity to inspire others.
For example, when a farmgirl plants her first organic garden, crochets her first item, completes her first building project, cans her first fruits, etc., embroidered hexagonally shaped Accomplishment Patches will be earned to sew onto her denim jacket to be worn with pride. Farmgirls participating in community projects that help to bring sunshine into the lives of others will earn a patch with a sunflower on it. (Chapter Leaders will also have their own unique patches, as will each chapter.) When a Farmgirl begins (or “hatches”) a business that becomes self-supporting, she is “feathering her own nest,” so she will earn the “Golden Egg” patch. The Farmgirl Chapter movement is a wonderful network for sharing expertise with each other, business and otherwise. Imagine the fashion statement and new conversations these jackets of many colors will start!
Our Farmgirl Chapter Coordinators can be like the Mother (Superior) Hen, keeping the Sisterhood of Apron-Wearing Hens (aka Chapter Leaders) supplied with resources, project ideas, and newsletters to help them grow their chapters and inspire new farmgirl members.
And, finally, MaryJane can be like the Queen Bee, creating a busy beehive of ideas to pollinate and sweeten the world. (Honeybees, like hens, are a very productive part of any farm.) Like other organic things, these concepts will grow and evolve with the cross-pollination of ideas from farmgirls everywhere!
To paraphrase the saying “Give a man a fish …,” I say, “Give a girl an egg, and she can do lots of things; but teach her how to raise chickens, and she becomes a farmgirl!”
Today, it is official. (Farmgirls don’t waste any time, once a decision is made.) The new logo for the Farmgirl Sisterhood is a hen dressed in an apron.
Farmgirls are on the move, so get ready! The hexagonal logo of a hen wearing an apron will “bee-come” a gentle and playful, but powerful, symbol!
P.S. Janet from Kentucky has already started programming our hen emblem into her embroidery machine to create a patch. Stay tuned!
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Killarney |
Posted - Oct 02 2013 : 11:56:08 AM
Carol-Sue, YES! go to All forums, and click on Earn Merit badge. It will give you all the information on each Badge and how to earn it. You can print it out with all instructions if you want to. There are also Pictures of Badges that have been earned under," Merit Badge Awardees." They are fun, you get a Certificate, for each badge earned(they so fun and pretty!) and a pattern to embroider your badge! Also you can email Brian Ogle for further instructions at MJF office. You will find it under the badge Info!
Connie
Imagine....#3392 |
| Carol-Sue |
Posted - Oct 01 2013 : 5:08:23 PM
Hello,
I was wondering if you already quilt, crochet, knit, etc. if it was possible to earn Merit Badges?
Live Fully! Laugh Often! Love Much! Hope Always! |
| Acelady02 |
Posted - Sep 13 2011 : 2:06:16 PM
Welcome Sabrena, You will love it here.
(((((Hugs All)))))Penny
Farmgirl Sister #3343
God gives Miracles to those who Believe, Courage to those with Faith, Hope to those who Dream, Love to those who Accept, & Forgiveness to those who Ask... |
| Sabrena Orr |
Posted - Sep 13 2011 : 1:29:24 PM
Just officially joined the sisterhood and cannot wait to get started on the merit badges! whoo hoo!
Sabrena, Olympia |
| Killarney |
Posted - Sep 03 2011 : 8:31:02 PM
Brenda, I love that idea!!! |
| brightmeadow |
Posted - Sep 03 2011 : 8:10:56 PM
I attached my badge to a "broach" jewelry finding - I can attach it to a jeans jacket, a tote bag, a vest, or whatever I want because it is totally portable!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com [ or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
| Penny Wise |
Posted - Aug 11 2011 : 4:24:09 PM
in all of the shuffle of moving out and back in and school; i've lost my membership packet and my patch .....boooooo hoooooooooo
Farmgirl # 2139
~*~ counting my pennies and biding my time; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
| luckilady |
Posted - Aug 11 2011 : 07:06:47 AM
I just joined this week and am having so much fun. I love the projects and can't wait to get started on my first badge! I am thinking of putting the ones I earn on a shabby chic denim jacket, but I love the idea of putting it on an apron like Megan suggested.
~Jennifer
Life is 10% of what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. ~ John Maxwell
Farmgirl Sister #3375 |
| BillieAnn |
Posted - May 24 2011 : 4:49:37 PM
Hello all I am new at this. |
| Lorraine Michelle |
Posted - May 20 2011 : 08:10:00 AM
I am not sure where to put my badge. do most of you put them on a bag or a jacket? If any one has any other idears please let me know!
thank you,
LorraineMichelle
farmgirl #3007
Chickens are like potato chips...
You can't have just one! |
| walkinwalkoutcattle |
Posted - Apr 13 2011 : 03:58:51 AM
thats totally cute! My badge is still waiting for it's perfect "spot". :) I'm thinking of putting it on an apron.
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
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| ChickieMama |
Posted - Mar 27 2011 : 8:07:50 PM
I love your pretty tatting! I never thought to do that on mine! Great idea!quote:
Originally posted by CherryPie
I can't believe I never posted my prettied-up sisterhood badge, after all this time! Here it is, embroidered and with my first try at tatting:
I'm still figuring out if I want it on a jacket, a bag or what....
Kimberly Ann
Farmgirl Sister #225
Crochet Geek, Newbie Fiddler, Would-be Farmer, Backyard Chicken Rancher
Farmgirl Sister#2808
"Happy Hens make Happy Eggs" |
| Penny Wise |
Posted - Mar 01 2011 : 10:32:20 AM
don't feel intimidated--do with it what you like!
welcome to the farm!
Farmgirl # 2139
~*~ counting my pennies and biding my time; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
| OmahaMegs |
Posted - Feb 28 2011 : 4:05:06 PM
I just got mine and I feel so intimidated! I usually freehand most of my stitching...
Remember who you are and what you represent! |
| Bonnie Ellis |
Posted - Oct 26 2009 : 2:21:07 PM
Kimberly Ann: your tatting is great. You say it is your first try? Wow! It makes the badge look so pretty! Good job.
Bonnie
grandmother and orphan farmgirl |
| Alee |
Posted - Oct 19 2009 : 8:01:54 PM
Awesome Job, Kimberly Ann!
I think what I am going to do is make a simple wall quilt (hexagons of course) and pin my badges on there. Then I can sew some on to my jean jacket as I have the time! :D
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| CherryPie |
Posted - Oct 19 2009 : 7:46:27 PM
I can't believe I never posted my prettied-up sisterhood badge, after all this time! Here it is, embroidered and with my first try at tatting:
I'm still figuring out if I want it on a jacket, a bag or what....
Kimberly Ann
Farmgirl Sister #225
Crochet Geek, Newbie Fiddler, Would-be Farmer, Backyard Chicken Rancher |
| the red henhouse |
Posted - Oct 08 2009 : 4:08:25 PM
count me in,I love patches and can't sit still just thinking about it.MJF has made me feel good about being a farmgirl in wa. state....Connie from "The Red Henhouse" |
| LAMoore |
Posted - Sep 03 2009 : 1:02:12 PM
what a great idea - I am just joining and am looking forward to being part of the farm girl community |
| Alee |
Posted - Aug 20 2009 : 11:43:40 PM
Bonnie- I can see why you were confused. The first post on this thread shows a prototype of the patch that ended up getting tweeked just a bit. The official patch that has always been mailed out had the hen all in red with black lettering, and the lettering looks just a bit different. It had to be changed a little bit so the printers could do it properly and without costing an arm and a leg (if I remember correctly.) Here is a thread where you can see what some of the other gals have done with their logo patches. Some embroider Henrietta's apron in blue and some leave it red.
http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=16458&whichpage=1
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| Bonnie Ellis |
Posted - Aug 20 2009 : 7:56:27 PM
Alee: I was talking about the one to be embroidered on the patch with a blue apron, red hen and black lettering as posted on the "news"!!! Official Farmgirl Logo as presented by maryjane herself on the first page of this topic.
Bonnie
grandmother and orphan farmgirl |
| Alee |
Posted - Aug 04 2009 : 07:04:00 AM
Bonnie- this thread is from the very start of the Sisterhood so the "new" logo patch is actually the one you received with you Sisterhood packet after you joined the sisterhood. :D
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| Alee |
Posted - Aug 04 2009 : 07:02:27 AM
Welcome Ms. Deb!!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| MSDeb |
Posted - Aug 03 2009 : 8:32:41 PM
I think this is a great idea.I just joined tonight and already i am beginning to feel connected. My 96 chickens say YAAAA!
Love is forgiving and for giving. |
| Bonnie Ellis |
Posted - Aug 03 2009 : 7:06:50 PM
What a great idea. I love the new "logo" patch. will the farmgirl sisterhood members get new ones?
bonnieellis@comcast. net Minnesota
grandmother and orphan farmgirl |
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