Archives for May 2012

30
May

Sample Spree and Lots of Fun Goodies

I know I said that you couldn’t really purchase individual yards of fabric, trim, ect. at International Quilt Market, but there is one event that is held before market opens where you can and it’s called Sample Spree.  Again, this event isn’t open to the public, but it’s about the only chance that one has to purchase lines of fabric that have yet to be released and may not be released for up to five more months.  It happens around 8:00PM the night before market and goes until 10:00PM.  Not every fabric manufacturer participates, but a lot of them do.  There is a lot of fabric as well as trims, patterns, notions, ect. that can all be purchased at wholesale cost (without the huge minimums that generally come with ordering wholesale). 

Sample spree is nuts!!  Seriously.  Imagine all the chaos that goes along with the running of the bulls, but instead you have hundreds of ladies obsessed with fabric all running to grab the new lines.  And once it’s gone, it’s gone, so I’m sure you can imagine the madness.  Mom and I signed up for Sample Spree last spring which was our first time, but we skipped it this past fall, so we thought it would be fun to do it again.  Luckily for us, there are no fabric lines we just MUST have, so we are much more relaxed about the whole event.  Some people would not find sample spree fun at all.  Certainly if you don’t like crowds, you would not like this event.  But we like the excitement and hub-bub of it all, yes, we are the type that actually like shopping the day after Thanksgiving.

People start lining up for Sample Spree up to four-five hours before they even open the doors.  Mom and I arrived about 45 minutes before it started and this (picture above) was what the line looked like and we ended up pretty much in the middle.  It seems kind of nutty to wait in line that early since once the doors opened we were all in there in about 5 minutes, but to each his own.

So here are some of the things we brought home from sample spree and some freebies from different people at market……….

I firmly believe that you can never have too much rickrack, especially in pretty colors such as these!

I picked up pretty much the whole collection of ‘Rhapsodia‘ by Art Gallery Fabrics (which has already been released).  These are all 1 yard cuts and I am in love with this line.  Feminine and girly, yet still modern.  And if you’ve never felt Art Gallery Fabrics, you are definitely missing out.  They are dreamy and wash better than any of my other quilting cotton.  Perfect for garments!

And while we were at the Art Gallery Fabrics table, I picked up one more bundle of fabric that I might love even more than ‘Rhapsodia‘……this one is called ‘LillyBelle’ by Bari J. for Art Gallery Fabrics.  This line will be released in June which is just around the corner.  This is only half of the collection as the other half was already sold out by the time we made our way to this stop at sample spree.

I have been waiting for this line from Riley Blake Designs to come out for about 6 months now.  It’s called ‘Seaside‘ and it is just perfect.  Yes, Riley Blake Designs sends me fabric for all my design team projects but I wanted to have all of these fat quarters of each print so I picked up this fat quarter bundle at sample spree.  I’m seeing a quilt here with this set.  Although, I may have to get some yardage as well because a few of these prints are begging to be made into children’s clothing.

I don’t have very much seasonal fabric in my stash, so I picked up this fun Christmas collection from Anna Griffin.  I like that it incorporates some pink and blue into the traditional red and green color scheme.

Here is a little freebie from the folks at Windham Fabrics.  This is Lotta Jansdotter’s new line ‘Bella‘.

Some free, super-cute 2.5 inch pre-cut squares.

I picked up a Kona Cotton Color Card that they were giving out for free.  It’s a great thing to have because it gives you an actual swatch of each solid fabric that is much easier to coordinate than just looking on your computer.  This card is also great when you are trying to pair a solid with a patterned fabric.

This was a cute bundle of embroidery patterns that I picked up.  I have been embroidering a lot lately and I am really enjoying it.  I may have a little embroidery up my sleeve coming out soon, so these sweet little designs really caught my eye.
Here are some pictures I took in our hotel room with some of mom’s fabric too…….

And that’s a wrap.  We had so much fun picking up these goodies at quilt market.  It’s so nice that Mom and I both love sewing and fabric and can bond over fun experiences like quilt market. 

I think we both have A LOT of sewing ahead of us with all this gorgeous fabric!
28
May

The Cottage Garden ~ May 2012

Happy Memorial Day!  I hope you all have had a wonderful time this weekend celebrating all the men and women who have done so much for us and our country in the line of duty.  And to any of you reading this who have served our county, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do or have done.  You are truly selfless human beings and are courageous beyond belief.

We have been lucky enough to have my dad visiting with us in from Italy this weekend.  I think I’ve mentioned that he lives over in Tuscany, but in case I haven’t, he lives about half way in between Florence and Rome.  It’s been about a year and a half since we’ve seen him and this was his very first time meeting Mr. Caspian Finn.

My dad has the ultimate green thumb.  I’d say he’s probably the best gardener I know, so he has been helping us get the cottage garden back into tip-top shape.  We have been so busy traveling as well as with work and the kids, that we really hadn’t gotten a chance to get out in the yard much.

You might say my dad has a mild obsession with gardening.  I can remember many, many weekends as a child spent in our local garden centers.  He always took such loving care of our plants and yard and I was very proud to have my friends come over to our house and spend time outside.  I don’t consider myself to have a green thumb quite like him, but I love being able to have him here sharing a little bit of the knowledge he has gathered over the years.

Memorial Day seems to mark the beginning of new growth here in Chicago and it’s when we can rest assured that we probably won’t get another freeze.  Here are some pictures of a few of the wonderful things that are happening around the cottage garden……..

Peonies are blooming.

‘Savannah’, our peach tree, is showing signs of producing lots of fruit this year.

My absolute favorite flowers, the hydrangeas, are starting to bloom.  Slowly, but surely.
New little apples on our apple trees.

Hops growing up the side of the coach house.

The blackberries changing over from flowers to berries.

Grapes are starting to grow on our grape vines.
I just love this time of year.  There are so many magical things happening all over our property.  We have had a wonderful time with my dad and are so thankful he could be here to meet our new little guy.  And a BIG thank you to him for all he has done for us in the yard.  It really feels so great to have our yard nice and cleaned up and ready for summer! 
Savannah is done with her first year of preschool (which flew by way too fast) and we will be traveling to Florida in the coming weeks for a much needed long vacation.  It will be my kids very first time at a real beach.  I can’t wait to see their reactions……I’m quite certain they are just going to love it!
I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  

Did you spend any time out in your garden?
24
May

International Quilt Market ~ Spring 2012

A week ago today, we packed up the family and drove from Chicago down to Kansas City for Spring International Quilt Market.  Typically I wouldn’t bring the whole family to a work related trade show, but I’m still nursing my little guy so there really was no other option.  Luckily, I have a super-amazing husband who was willing to entertain the kids during the day while I was busy at market.  And my mom (Grandma Jane) and her husband, Pepo, agreed to fly in from Texas as well.  That meant mom and I could focus on market while the guys and the kids did fun things like the aquarium and lego land.

What is International Quilt Market?  International Quilt Market is a trade show for the quilting and fabric industry.  It is where the designers / manufacturers debut their new lines and where most quilt shops and store owners place their orders for new lines of fabrics, patterns, notions, trims, ect.  Fabric is ordered by the bolt and most everything is sold at wholesale pricing.  The show is not open to the public and you need to present credentials to get in.  There are hundreds of booths showing off all things related to fabrics and quilting.

The pictures I am about to share with you are from the types of booths that interest me, but there is truly something for everyone.  Lots of reproduction fabrics and very traditional quilting and sewing as well.  I didn’t take as many pictures as I would normally and we skipped some of our regular stops at market as we were focused on scouting some fabrics for an upcoming project I have in the works.  But I definitely think I got enough eye candy to give you a little taste of our experience.

So I’ll take you on a little tour…….let’s start at the very beginning……..

Our first appointment with with my rep. from Moda and after we met with her we stopped by Bonnie and Camille’s darling booth to check out their new line ‘Marmalade’.  They always have such a fresh sense of style and I’ve been wanting to meet Camille in person for some time.  They were lovely, just as I had expected.

Mom and I stopped off at Lauren and Jessi’s booth (another Moda designer).  I used some of their new line ‘Birds and Berries’ for a sample of one of my patterns that was displayed in the United Notions booth.  I adore this apron and the pencil quilt, which they said is done with just a jelly roll of fabric.

More pretty quilts at the Moda booth.

Beautiful things at the Fig Tree & Co. booth.

Vanessa Christenson (V & Co.) with her new line Simply Color for Moda Fabrics.  Really gorgeous, unique line.  I especially like the ombre fabrics and the white with color dots (shown on the pillowcase dresses in the picture).

Fun stuff at the American Jane booth.

I’m a big fan of Anna Griffin and her booth is always stunning.  She has a newer division of the company called ‘Blend’ where they have a bunch of different new designers working with them.  Their work is always top-notch and gorgeous.  On the first day of market Anna was there so we were able to show her the cover of the new Charlotte Apron Dress pattern which was done in one of her previous fabric lines ‘Carmen’.

The lovely ladies from Izzy & Ivy.  Their line of girls patterns is always totally adorable and they were just lovely.  So glad I finally got to meet them in person!

The Izzy & Ivy crew has a new line of patterns for boys call ‘Muddy Maxx Designs‘ that focuses mainly on accessories.  They had the most adorable backpack (seen in the first picture) and all these cute items for the bedroom as well as some adorable appliques.  If you have a little guy, I recommend checking out these patterns.

I had to take a lot of pictures at the Birch Organic Fabrics booth because I had so many pieces on display with them.  Not only did I have a big display, but my friend Shannon from Luvinthemommyhood had lots of pieces on display too!

Look familiar?  That’s my Run Around Romper pattern in the shorts variation.

There’s the girl variation of the Run Around Romper.  I just think that fabric is so sweet.

Here is one of Shannon’s (Luvinthemommyhood) dresses with the adorable heart cut out in the back.  This was a huge hit and that bike fabric is too cute!

And look over here!!  Cynthia (owner) did such a nice display of the garments and photographs from The Cottage Mama.  She also had a handout promoting the sewing patterns.  How sweet was that?  I just absolutely love working with them!

Here is Cynthia (owner) and I posing at the Birch Organic Fabrics booth.  I know I’m probably a little bias, but I thought their booth was one of the most beautiful.  So many bright colors and more eye candy than you can even imagine.  Again, so happy to be working with these great people!

I didn’t get a ton of pictures of the Riley Blake Designs booth……I think I was too busy chatting with Cindy (owner) and Jina (Design Director).  But I did manage to take a few.  Above you can see my Shortcake Reversible Romper and Dress pattern.  I did not actually sew this one……the lovely Julia from Riley Blake Designs made it, but it was still fun to see it on display!

I’m really excited about Tasha’s new line coming out soon ~ The Simple Life.
I was fortunate enough to be invited to dinner with the Riley Blake Designs team after the second day of market.  It was really fun getting to know a lot of the designers and the owners since we had never met in person.  I was seated next to Shari Butler and Carina Gardner, both of which were wonderful to chat with during dinner!  Shari’s line ‘Dress Up Days‘ was what I just used for my most recent Design Team project ~ The Lolly Dolly Pillow.  And Carina…….well, she is just an amazing woman entrepreneur with a scrapbooking, fabric, clothing pattern, and possibly an upcoming wallpaper line.  Remember when we did the ‘Sew Along‘ for her pattern the Playdate Outfit?  So much fun!  
Sarah Jane Studios new line was one I was so excited to see in person!  I loved her first line so I was quite certain I would love her second and it did not disappoint.  ‘Out To Sea‘ is so uncontrollably cute!  I have a thing for nautical lately (after all, we did name our son Caspian after the Caspian Sea).  Isn’t her booth design amazing?  Sarah Jane drew out the design and her sweet husband constructed it for her.  He was also there helping promote her line.  Gotta love a supportive hubby!
New Embroidery Designs

Love this ship!
This dress was actually designed by Sarah Jane and she had a friend sew it up for her.  I think she might have a future in clothing design, don’t you think?
Here’s Sarah Jane and I.  We just talked and talked……..we could definitely hang out if we lived near each other.  I met Sarah a year ago in Salt Lake City and we’ve kind of stayed in touch since then.  We’ve got a lot in common and it’s so great to be able to talk to another mama of three who is in a creative business…….we could definitely relate on many different levels.
Here’s Bonnie from Fishsticks patterns.  She was so nice and we talked a lot about the world of children’s sewing patterns.  She specializes in boys patterns and had some really great tips and tricks for sewing with knits.  She was just as sweet as can be and I can see why people love her!
Here I am with Emily Herrick and her line ‘Shore Thing‘ for Michael Miller Fabrics which is another nautical inspired fabric line.  Check out her dad’s shirt, isn’t it so stylin’?
Also, Emily Herrick (Crazy Old Ladies Quilts) has come out with this awesome quilting book for guys.  Sometimes it’s hard to come up with a masculine looking quilt, but Emily has come up with a ton in her new book, Geared for Guys.

Anna Maria Horner’s new line ‘Field Study’.

The always super-cool, Tula Pink.  She was promoting two different lines that were quite different from one another.  ‘Nightshade‘ is definitely on the darker side and the bright and cheery line called ‘The Birds and The Bees‘.
Whew!  I’m exhausted just looking at all of the pictures.  And can you believe that isn’t even half of everything we saw?  I know, stimulation overload……but of the best kind……fabric!
If you are in the sewing business and are looking to start purchasing your fabric wholesale, quilt market is definitely an event you should attend.  It is held in Houston, TX every Fall and rotates around the country for Spring market (which will be held in Portland, Oregon next year).  People are not purchasing a yard of fabric here and there, when we order, we are ordering bolts of 15 yards, so again, it’s definitely something to consider if you are doing a serious amount of business.
There is one even during market where you can purchase smaller amounts of fabrics and pre-cuts called sample spree.  Mom and I didn’t attend sample spree in Houston, but we thought it would be fun this time.  It’s a little bit crazy…….picture ladies running and grabbing for fabric, but I kind of like it.  I’ll share more about sample spree in another post as I think this one has gotten a bit long.
But one last thing……..I absolutely could not do what I do without my amazing husband and the support from my Mom and her husband, Pepo.  
Mom (Grandma Jane), the girls and Pepo in Kansas City

Caspian Finn and Grandma Jane
We met up and took a lunch break at the fanciest burger king we have ever been to…..never seen anything quit like it.  But the girls loved their crowns and are sporting the sunglasses from Riley Blake Designs.
Thank you Brett, Mom and Pepo for all you do for me.  I would not be where I am today without your love and support during this wild ride called The Cottage Mama.
If you would like to read about my previous market experiences, you can click HERE to read about Spring 2011 and HERE to read about Fall 2011.
Also, if you have any questions about International Quilt Market, feel free to ask and I’m happy to help!
21
May

Dress Up Days Fat Quarter Bundle Giveaway Winner!

I just returned from International Quilt Market late last night and am playing catch up today.  I can’t wait to share some of this fabric ‘eye candy’ with you all, but I’m still in the process of downloading all my photographs and catching up on business related things.  All I can say is that is was an amazingly inspirational trip for me with some wonderful new connections in the fabric and quilting industry.

During my stay in Kansas City I had dinner with a big crew from Riley Blake Designs including the owner, Cindy, as well as a majority of their fabric designers.  I just so happened to be seated next to Shari Butler from Doohikey Designs who is the designer behind the fabric line ‘Dress Up Days’.  I just thought that was so fun since I had just done a tutorial using her fabric.  Anyway, more about that later, but I’m pleased to announce the winner of the ‘Dress Up Days’ Fat Quarter Bundle is………

Congratulations!! It’s always fun and exciting for me when the winner of these giveaways is someone who I’ve become friends with over on The Cottage Mama Facebook Fan Page.  ‘The Desselles’, just email me at thecottagemama[at]gmail[dot]come with your contact info. and we will get this gorgeous fabric bundle out to you as soon as possible.

Thank you so much to everyone who entered and if you weren’t are winner this time, don’t worry, there will be more Riley Blake Designs giveaways in the future!
16
May

The Lolly Dolly Pillow Tutorial and Riley Blake Designs Fat Quarter Bundle Giveaway

As I’ve mentioned before, I am part of the Riley Blake Designs Project Design Team and today I am guest blogging over there sharing a free tutorial for ‘The Lolly Dolly Pillow‘ that I created from their new ‘Dress Up Days’ line.
Click HERE to visit Riley Blake Designs official blog and view the full tutorial.

I am absolutely in love with this fabric line and I am so happy to be giving away an ENTIRE Fat Quarter Bundle of ‘Dress Up Days’ by Riley Blake Designs.  The full bundle includes 24 different cuts of fabric from the ‘Dress Up Days’ line and can be used for anything from quilting, clothing to home decor.
GIVEAWAY: ‘Dress Up Days’ by Riley Blake Designs
Fat Quarter Bundle (24 Fat Quarters)
To enter the ‘Dress Up Days‘ by Riley Blake Designs Fat Quarter Bundle giveaway do one, some or all of the following (you can have up to three entries):
1)  Visit Riley Blake Designs and tell us what line of fabric is on the top of your wishlist right now.  Click HERE to visit Riley Blake Designs.

2)  Follow / Subscribe to The Cottage Home Blog (if you already follow then thank you very much…..just let me know you already follow).  You can follow in the left side bar of the blog or add this blog to your Google Reader.

3)  Become a fan of The Cottage Mama Facebook Fan Page (if you already are, another BIG thank you……just let me know you are already a fan).  Click HERE to become a fan.
Giveaway will be open through Sunday, May 20, 2012 at midnight (CST). 


  Again, to view the full tutorial for The Lolly Dolly Pillow, please click HERE to visit the Riley Blake Designs official blog.

11
May

On The Cutting Table……..

‘On the Cutting Table’ is a series a started a little while back where I just fill you in on some of the behind the scenes happenings of The Cottage Mama.  Sometimes I disappear from the blog for a little bit, but I’m usually busily working away on different projects for other areas of the business.

So I thought I would share what’s been going on around here this past week…….
First off, we are getting ready for International Quilt Market that is coming up this next week.  If you are not familiar with this event, it is a trade show (not open to the public)……but you can read about my experiences HERE and HERE.  I will not have a booth there this time, but I have some pretty great meetings scheduled with people and several of my creations will be on display at the Moda, Riley Blake Designs and Birch Fabrics booths.  I have been working away getting samples of my patterns sewn up for these three manufacturers using some fabrics that have yet to be released, which is always a lot of fun.

Samples for the Moda Booth of both my Shortcake Reversible Romper and Dress pattern as well as my Janey Jumper pattern.
This is one of the samples for the Birch Fabrics booth, though they will have about 5 of my pieces on display.  Isn’t this whale fabric just too cute?  This is my new Run Around Romper pattern sewn in the shorts variation for a baby boy.
I’ve also been busy creating a new tutorial for Riley Blake Designs that will be posted next Wednesday.  I’m using their new ‘Dress Up Days‘ line and we will be giving away a Fat Quarter Bundle of this adorable fabric next week.  I can’t wait to show you this finished project ~ I think you’re going to really like it!

My pattern covers and instructions arrived this week……all 27 boxes!  Right now they are hanging out in our mud room until we can figure out the best way to store them in the house.  I’m still waiting on the pattern sheets since those come from a different printer.  Due to the fact that they are printed on nice white pattern paper, each pattern sheet is hand folded at the printer.  Luckily the printer is shipping a small portion of the pattern sheets today so I should be able to fill all pattern pre-orders next week and have some left to take with me to market.  The rest of the patterns should be here the following week!

Also, this week I sold off a bunch of fabric from my stash over on The Cottage Mama Facebook page.  There are always new lines coming out so sometimes I have to make room in the studio for new arrivals, especially before market.  The pictures above are all the cut yardage and fat quarter bundles that will be mailed out (hopefully) by tomorrow.
And as if I didn’t have enough going on, I am just dying to update my family room so I’ve been working on pairing some fabrics for this project.  I bought a wing-back style chair last year that I’ve had stored in my in-laws basement and I want to recover it in a bold print that will be the base for my design.  I love the bright and fresh looks I’ve seen in all the magazines lately, but I think I’m just a warm and cozy girl at heart, so I’m sticking to that color palette.  I’m trying to incorporate some Anna Maria Horner fabrics into the design as well.  This project is pretty far down on the priority list, but it’s just something I can’t get out of my head……do you know what I mean?
I’ve also got some new things I’m adding to the Etsy Shop as one-of-a-kind pieces as well as some custom orders that can be made in size 6 month through size 8.  The dress above will be listed later today as well as a few other things.  If you haven’t visited The Cottage Mama shop in awhile, I would love for you to stop over: www.thecottagemama.com
Here are a few other things that will be showing up:

So today I will be working on putting a vintage-inspired children’s look together for the ‘Vintage May‘ series that is happening over at Craftiness is Not Optional and Skirt as a Top.  Not quite sure what I’m making yet, but I’m excited to come up with something for my post on Monday!
I hope you guys have had a wonderful week.  Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about doing the free pattern for the ‘Little Linen Dress‘.  It’s coming…….eventually.
To stay even more up to date with The Cottage Mama, please join in our conversations over at The Cottage Mama Facebook page.  We’d love to hear from you!
Have a great weekend and a very Happy Mother’s Day!
11
May

May Giveaway Day Winners

And the winners of the May Giveaway Day are……..
Heartsong Quilts:

Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops:

 Canton Village Quilt Works:

 Fat Quarter Shop:

 Modern Fabric Studio:

Yay! Life!:

Thank you so much to everyone who entered and congratulations to our winners!  If you were one of our winners, please email Lindsay at thecottagemama[at]gmail[dot]com with your contact information and we will make sure you get your prizes as soon as possible.  
Check back next month for another fabulous giveaway day!
5
May

New Pattern from The Cottage Mama ~ Charlotte Apron Dress

And now for the final pattern in the new series………
The Charlotte Apron Dress
Size 6 Month through 8 Years
PATTERN DESCRIPTION:
The Charlotte Apron Dress is an adorable gathered skirt dress with many different design variations.
View A, the teapot variation, has a ruffle apron attached to the skirt with a hand-pieced teapot appliqué
(appliqué pattern piece included). View B is a fabric yo-yo variation that has an apron embellished with
vintage-inspired fabric yo-yos. And, View C, the embellished bodice variation, includes an embellished
bodice and dress without the apron. View A, B and C give you the opportunity to use beautiful, unique
trims and express your design style. Consider combining the different variations to make a truly
unique look of your very own. The options are endless!
Bodice is fully lined and each variation requires two buttonholes. This is a great pattern for confident
beginner sewers who are interested in trying their hand at buttonholes as well as appliqué. It is also
the perfect pattern for the more advanced seamstress to stretch their creativity.
The Charlotte Apron Dress is perfect for any occasion.  It can be made is so many different design variations and can be paired with dressy shoes, casual tennis shoes, or even cowboy boots.  Perfect for special parties and events or just running around.  The adorable teapot applique that is included in the pattern can be used on even more than just the apron…….think about adding it to a t-shirt, a pillow or even fabric wall art.
The teapot applique can be left off the apron and fabric yo-yo’s can be used in its place (templates and instructions for yo-yo’s are included).  Or you could opt to leave it plain (as seen above).  Instructions for embellishing the bodice are also included in the pattern.  I used a decorative stitch along the bottom of the skirt to add some more detail and interest.  Dress is designed to fall mid-calf, but can be shortened another inch to have it fall right below the knee.

Here is a variation where we have left the ruffle off of the apron and used a patterned fabric for the apron top (as opposed to white).  Dress can also be made without the apron entirely.

As you can see, my girls had a ball wearing these dresses.  The minute they put them on they were ready to run and play.  It’s so fun that they have each other to grow up with and I know they are going to love looking back on these pictures someday.  A big thank you to Amy Tripple Photography for this wonderful photography session.
The Charlotte Apron Dress is available for pre-order in the shop.  The patterns should be here in 1-2 weeks and will ship upon arrival.
Click HERE to order.
Also, I’m currently offering a Pattern Bundle in the shop as well.  You can choose any three out of five of The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns for $33.00 ($11.00 each as opposed to $12.50 each).
You’re going to love this dress.  There are so many different ways for you to get creative.  
I can’t wait to see what you all come up with!
4
May

New Pattern from The Cottage Mama ~ Ruby Ruffle Dress

It’s time to reveal the second new pattern from The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns………..
Ruby Ruffle Dress
Size 6 Months through 10 Years
I have been making this dress for several years now and selling different variations of it my online shop.  Due to the large amount of requests for a pattern for this design, I finally decided to make it available.  It is a really adorable dress that is perfect for little babies all the way to bigger girls size 10.  Here is a little bit more about the Ruby Ruffle Dress……
PATTERN DESCRIPTION:
The Ruby Ruffle Dress is a classic a-line style dress with shoulder button closure in three design variations. View A, the tiered ruffle variation, has an inset panel of contrasting fabric with three tiered ruffles and a fabric bow that ties in the center of the chest. View B is the triangle panel variation and has a simple contrasting in-laid fabric panel in the center-front of the dress and can be trimmed out with woven ribbon, rickrack and more. View C, the classic a-line variation, is a timeless, classic style dress perfect for girls young and old.

All design variations are fully lined with contrasting fabric for total comfort for your little one. All variations require two buttonholes at each shoulder for a total of four per dress. This is a great pattern for a confident beginner that is looking to try their hand at buttonholes, ruffles and lined garments. Get creative by incorporating some of your favorite trims and buttons! 





View A is so sweet with three tiered ruffles and a fabric tie in the front.  All dress variations button at the shoulder with two buttons on each side.  This is a wonderful dress to pair two of your favorite patterned fabrics or you could even use a solid for the center panel and ruffles.  Dress falls right above the knee and looks adorable paired with jeans as they get a little taller or with a long-sleeved shirt underneath for the cooler weather months.

View B has a simple inset panel with woven trim accent.  You could add the fabric tie as well if you wanted a little more girly detail.
View C is a simple a-line dress that buttons at the shoulder.  You can also insert piping into the top dress seams for some added interest and detail. All variations are fully lined.

My girls had such a great time shooting these photos with Amy Tripple Photography.
Pattern is available for pre-order now and should arrive in 1-2 weeks.  Pre-order patterns will ship upon arrival.
Click HERE to order.
Of all three new patterns this is probably my personal favorite.  It is one of my absolute favorite dresses to make because of all the fun fabrics that can be truly showcased with this design.  I also love the a-line style and the touch of whimsy with the tiered ruffles.  
I’m so glad to be able to offer this as a pattern so that now you can make your very own!
3
May

New Sewing Pattern from The Cottage Mama: Run Around Romper for Boys and Girls

It’s finally time to start sharing my new set of printed sewing patterns!  It is really hard to keep anything from you all.  I wanted to share these pictures the second I received them!

It was also really hard to decide which design to share first, but I decided to start with the ‘Run Around Romper‘ since this pattern is for boys and girls!

 Run Around Romper
Size 6 Month through 6 Years

PATTERN DESCRIPTION:
The Run Around Romper is the perfect one-piece outfit for your little guy or gal with three different design variations that can be made as pants or shorts. View A, the interweaving stripes variation, is a one-piece pants outfit that buttons at the shoulder, has a unique interweaving stripe pattern and side button tabs. View B is the shorts variation that buttons at the shoulder and has optional side button tabs. View C, the ruffle pants variation for little girls, also buttons at the shoulder, has side button tabs and has an adorable small ruffle at the bottom of the pants.

All design variations are fully lined with contrasting fabric for total comfort for your little one. View A and B can be made as pants or shorts. All variations can be made with the interweaving stripes and require two buttonholes. This is great pattern for confident beginner sewers and offers many ways to get creative with your design!

We had two little guys join us for the photo shoot whose mama’s were fans of The Cottage Mama Facebook page.  It was so fun to get to meet these mama’s in person and get to have their little guys model this new pattern.  They are SO adorable and totally sweet.

All of the fabrics pictured above were sent over from Birch Fabrics.  They are 100% organic cotton and were just lovely to work with.  These four garments (plus one more) will be on display at their booth for International Quilt Market coming up in a couple weeks.

Spencer modeling the basic shorts variation – View B.
View C – Girly Ruffle Pants Variation.

Sweet Grayson modeling View A.

The Run Around Romper is a perfect Spring and Summer garment, but is equally as cute layered with a long sleeved tee and open sweater or sweatshirt for the Fall and Winter.  Generous length has been give so the pants can be cuffed to expose the contrasting lining fabric.
I hired Amy Tripple Photography for the photo shoot and I absolutely loved working with her.  I love taking my own pictures, but sometimes it’s just nice to put it in the hands of a true professional.  We have a few more projects in the works and I’m so happy to be working with her.
All The Cottage Mama sewing patterns are professionally printed paper patterns (not a PDF) published by The Cottage Mama, Inc.. Patterns include a color front and back cover, full-sized pattern pieces as well as detailed step-by-step instructions with photographs.
The Run Around Romper is now available for pre-order in the shop and should arrive from the printer in 1-2 weeks and will ship upon arrival. 
Click HERE to order.
I hope you love this pattern as much as I loved creating it ~ there are so many fun design variations. 
Can’t wait to share the other two patterns with you!