Archives for July 2013

25
Jul

The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns Blog Tour: Day 8

Today is the final day of The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns Blog Tour. I hope you have enjoyed seeing all of these gorgeous creations from so many talented bloggers and that the blog tour has inspired you to see all that you can do with the NEW The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns.

Georgia Vintage Dress:

Alida from Alida Makes is one of the sweetest bloggers around. Whether she’s sewing children’s clothing or adult fashion her projects are always clean and polished with her signature style. Head over to Alida Makes to check out the Georgia Vintage Dress she created……you’re going to love it! Click HERE.

Miss Matilda Dress and Top:
I’m sure many of you know Kate from the popular sewing blog See Kate Sew. I’m so happy to have Kate sewing up the Miss Matilda Pattern in her signature clean, modern yet feminine style. Head over to See Kate Sew to check out her beautiful outfit and make sure to poke around……her photography is beautiful and projects are unique, yet very doable. Click HERE.
Daphne Wrap Dress and Top and the Skip and Play Pants and Capris:
Sabra from Sew a Straight Line selected the Daphne pattern and used the top variation paired with the Skip and Play Pants variation. Sabra always selects the most beautiful fabrics and details for her pieces. If you’ve never visited Sew a Straight Line, it’s a definitely a must read blog. Head over to Sew a Straight Line to check out Sabra’s darling sewing creation and make sure you check out some of her other sewing posts…….I think you’ll really enjoy them. Click HERE.
So that concludes our 8 day The Cottage Mama Patterns Tour. I hope you’ve enjoyed this as much as I have. All of the new patterns seen on the tour can be purchased at www.thecottagemama.com.
24
Jul

The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns Blog Tour: Day 7

It’s Day 7 of The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns Blog Tour and today we have three lovely bloggers sharing their versions of the NEW The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns.
Georgia Vintage Dress:
I am so excited Kristin from Skirt as a Top is joining us today on the blog tour. She seriously creates so many fabulous clothing pieces over on her blog……whether it’s adult fashion, sewing for girls, sewing for boys……she does it all. And with complete and total style. Head over to Skirt as a Top to check out Kristin’s version of the Georgia Vintage Dress pattern and while you are there check out some of her other sewing creations. Click Here.

Miss Matilda Dress & Top:

This is not Kirstin’s first time on The Cottage Mama Patterns Blog Tour, but I’m so glad to have her back sewing up the Miss Matilda Dress pattern. Kirstin has an amazing sewing and crafting blog called Kojo Designs and has recently started an absolutely stunning party and entertaining site that is a must see. You have got to check out her beautiful photography as well. Head over to Kojo Designs and check out Kirstin’s version of the Miss Matilda Dress. Click HERE.
Daphne Wrap Dress & Top:
Jessica is another one of my online blogging friends that I’ve actually met in real life. Yay! We roomed together as Alt Design Summit back in January and boy do I love this girl! She is so talented, creative and a truly genuinely nice person. She runs her blog, Me Sew Crazy, and also has many other sewing projects currently in the works including an online sewing conference and so much more. Head over to the Sewing Rabbit to check out her version of the Daphne Wrap Dress and while you are there check out everything else Jess is up to……..you’re sure to be impressed. Click HERE.
So that concludes Day 7 of The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns Blog Tour. Check back tomorrow for the final day of the tour. All the patterns seen on the blog tour can be purchased at www.thecottagemama.com.
23
Jul

The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns Blog Tour: Day 6

It’s Day 6 of The Cottage Mama Patterns Blog Tour and today we have three very special ladies sewing up three of the NEW The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns.
Georgia Vintage Dress: 
 

This lovely version of the Georgia Vintage Dress was actually sewn by Amy’s mom, Mama Reita. I love that Amy and her mom both share a passion for sewing just like my mom and I do. Amy’s blog has some absolutely wonderful sewing, home decorating, crafting and recipe ideas. If you’ve never been over to visit Positively Splendid, head over there and check out this darling version of the Georgia Vintage Dress Pattern and while you’re there, spend some time poking around…….you’ll love what you see. Click HERE.
I was so excited that Shauna agreed to be part of this tour. She has her own line of sewing patterns with a wonderful mix of boy and girl designs that are perfect for today’s modern kid. She also offers tons of great free sewing tutorials (especially for children’s wear) over on her blog Shwin and Shwin. Head on over there and check out her version of the Miss Matilda Dress. Click HERE.
Daphne Wrap Dress and Top:
Bev from Flamingo Toes always ceases to amaze me with her beautiful creations. Whether she is sewing or crafting, she always comes up with projects that are doable with great style. Head over to Flamingo Toes to check out Bev’s version of the Daphne Wrap Dress Pattern and while you are there, make sure to check out her wonderful tutorials. Click HERE.

That concludes Day 6 of The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns Blog Tour. All of the patterns seen here during the tour can be purchased in paper and printed form at www.thecottagemama.com.

22
Jul

The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns Blog Tour: Day 5

Today is kicks off week 2 of The Cottage Mama Sewing Pattern Blog Tour. Today we have two very talented ladies sharing their beautiful creations made from the NEW The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns.

Miss Matilda Dress and Top:


Summer is one of the sweetest bloggers I have ever met and yes, I was lucky enough to meet her in person in January in Salt Lake City. She has three little ladies and she sews the most beautiful things for them. She does a beautiful job pairing and selecting pattern fabrics and I’m so excited for all of you to head over to Sumo’s Sweet Stuff and check out Summer’s version of the Miss Matilda Top and the Skip and Play Pants and Capris. Click HERE.
Daphne Wrap Dress & Top and Skip and Play Pants & Capris:


What’s not to love about Jessica’s blog and the beautiful things she creates? Jessica and I competed together in the first season of Project Run and Play. I have always admired her unique sense of style and oh. my. goodness……..her photography is incredible!! Talk about a multi-talented woman. Head on over to Happy Together to check out Jessica’s version of the Daphne Wrap Dress and Top and the Skip and Play Pants and Capris. Click HERE.

So that concludes our pattern tour for today, but please check back tomorrow when another three bloggers share their amazing sewing creations.

All the patterns seen on The Cottage Mama Pattern Tour are available in paper and PDF format and can be purchased here: www.thecottagemama.com

 

19
Jul

The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns Blog Tour: Day 4

Today is Day 4 of The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns blog tour and today we have three very talented bloggers sharing their versions of the NEW The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns.

Georgia Vintage Dress:

Ashley is someone I have gotten to know through the online sewing community. She doesn’t blog very often, but she has an incredible handmade sewing business. I remember when she emailed me several years ago asking for handmade business advice and I have been thrilled to watch her business take off and thrive. She does a brilliant job pairing patterned fabrics and has quite a following over on Facebook. I asked her to be a part of this tour because I knew she would put a modern twist on the Georgia Vintage Dress. Head over to Chickadee Chickadee to see her gorgeous version of this new pattern. Click HERE.


Miss Matilda Dress and Top:

I have just gotten to know Veronica this past year through the online blogging community. She writes a darling blog called SewVery where she blogs primarily about children’s clothing. She has a wonderful sense of style and actually tested the Miss Matilda Dress and Top pattern for me several months ago. And lucky enough for me, I get to have dinner with Veronica next week when I am in Huntsville, AL teaching at the Martha Pullen School of Art Fashion. She will be driving in from TN with several other bloggers. It’s such a thrill to get to meet these women in person who I form relationships with online. Check out Veronica’s version of the Miss Matilda Dress over on her blog SewVery. Click HERE.

Daphne Wrap Dress:

daphne-dress5
Ana Sofia emailed me when I put a call out for testers over on The Cottage Mama Facebook page and I was so thrilled to get her email. She didn’t know this, but I had admired her work for several years. She has such a sense of classic style and always has an understated, elegance to her sewing. She values details such as piping and trims, yet never seems to over do it. And now after working with her during testing, I’m even a bigger fan. She is such a lovely women and I’m thrilled that she is sharing her Daphne Wrap Dress over on her blog S is for Sewing. Click HERE.

That concludes Week 1 of The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns Blog Tour. All the patterns seen here on the tour can be purchased in paper or PDF form at www.thecottagemama.com.

Check back next week when we have another 12 bloggers sharing their amazing sewing creations!
18
Jul

The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns Blog Tour: Day 3

It’s Day 3 of The Cottage Mama Sewing Pattern blog tour and have we got some cutie outfits to share with you today! I’m so excited about these three versions of the new The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns.

Georgia Vintage Dress:

Anneliese from Aesthetic Nest writes such a stunningly beautiful blog focused around her three girls and sewing, cooking, crocheting, entertaining and so much more. I stumbled upon Aesthetic Nest many years ago right when I got into blogging and I felt like I had stumbled about a kindred spirit. Someone else who loved the same patterns as I did, had a passion for piping like I did, used the same fabrics that I loved. If you’ve never been over to visit, you must. And while you’re there check out her adorable version of the Georgia Vintage Dress Pattern. Don’t you just love the rickrack on the collar? I know, I do. Click HERE.

Miss Matilda Dress and Top and Skip and Play Pants and Capris:


I wasn’t sure if Melissa would be joining us on this tour since she has two darling little boys, but I’m so happy that she decided to sew this little outfit for her niece! Melissa is the designing force behind her own pattern line, Blank Slate Patterns. She offers modern patterns for boys and girls, but let me tell you…………I think she is truly the queen of boy patterns. Hip, trendy, yet classic and age-appropriate. They are what everyone has been looking for in regards to designs for little boys. Head over to Melly Sews to check out Melissa’s version of the Miss Matilda Top and Skip and Play Pants and Capris. Click HERE.
Daphne Wrap Dress and Top:


I don’t even know where to start about my girl Stef. She is actually my friend (in real life). We got to know each other through blogging and then stayed together at Alt Design Summit this past January and it was like we have known each other forever. Stef is probably one of the most inspiring bloggers I know. She blogs about sewing, entertaining, cooking and crafts over at her blog Girl. Inspired. Her attention to detail is incredible, the parties she throws are stunning with sweet treats that are over the top and her sewing technique is impeccable. I am SO happy to have her as part of my life as she continues to inspire me to create beautiful things. Head over to Girl. Inspired to check out her precious ‘Kitty’ version of the Daphne Wrap Dress and while you’re there be sure to poke around……..you cannot leave without being inspired. Click HERE.
All of the patterns seen on The Cottage Mama Pattern Blog Tour are available for purchase in printed or PDF form and can be found at www.thecottagemama.com. For wholesale inquires and/or a list of The Cottage Mama distributors, please email Lindsay at thecottagemama[at]gmail[dot]com.
Check back tomorrow for another three talented bloggers sharing their looks created from the new The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns!

17
Jul

The Cottage Mama’s WoCave: Introduction

Have you ever heard of the term ‘Man Cave’? I’m guessing you have…….but what about us women? Don’t we need our own spaces too? A few months back I was asked to be part of Skinny Cow’s new WoCave campaign (pronounced wo-cah-vay). What is this you might ask? Well, basically Skinny Cow is well aware of what most of us would refer to as a ‘Man Cave’ (a special space for a man), so they thought that it would be fun for women to have a chance to explore what a ‘Women Cave’ means to them, hence their new term, WoCave.

I think more times than not people assume that a woman’s WoCave is her home. Which is true to some extent, but what about a space that she can TRULY call her own. Do you have one? Would you like one? Perhaps you do not have room for a physical space in your home to call your own, but what about just a special time where you can escape from all the business of home life and connect with other women?

For me, I am luckily enough to have a space inside my home to call my WoCave and that would definitely be my sewing studio. It’s a very small room off of our dining room, but it is all mine. It is my escape from the everyday chaos of being a mom to three young children and where I can go to step away from that role and be my creative self.

Another space outside of my home that I would consider my WoCave is a group of women that I get together with regularly for what we call, Creative Night. Creative Night is where we all bring something creative to work on……for some that is editing their photography, for others its knitting, for me its hand sewing. But we all bring a dish to share (and our favorite beverage…….usually wine) and just enjoy each others company. Sometimes we get things done, sometimes we don’t……..but either way, it’s our time to step away from our daily lives and connect with each other.

So, for the next several months I will be on a mission to take my WoCave to another level. Since I value the time I spend with my girlfriends, we are going to be trying to do somethings a little more out of the ordinary to really tap into our creative sides as women. Because we all love DIY and crafting, that will be our main focus.

To start me off on the right foot, Skinny Cow brand sent over this really fun box filled with goodies. A craft book, necklace, stationary, inspiration board and gift certificate to Michael’s. Oh and let’s not forget the ice cream to share with my friends……..

Let me tell you……these Cookies ‘n Dough Bars are To. Die. For.

Mission 1: Our first mission is to take our creative group and go to a local pottery shop and spend the evening painting pottery. None of us consider ourselves painters, but it is going to be so much fun trying something new and creative with one another. And again, another great chance to connect without the distraction of little ones and home life.

So what about you…….do you have a WoCave of your very own? Or do you have a place where you can escape with your girlfriends where you kick up your heels, relax and connect?
Perhaps you’d like to join me on this journey and round up some of your girlfriends and set up a time to escape for a little girl time. I encourage you to join me in creating your own WoCave.
I’m really looking forward to it!
I’ll be back next week to give you a recap of Mission #1!

17
Jul

The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns Blog Tour: Day Two

So it’s Day 2 here at The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns Blog Tour and we’ve got three great bloggers sharing their versions of the four new The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns.

Georgia Vintage Dress:

I became familiar with Heidi from Elegance and Elephants when I was judging the Flickr group over at Project Run and Play. I remember her work always being top notch with such elegance, class and style. She has since released several new sewing patterns that seem to be taking the online sewing community by storm. If you’ve never visited her blog, head on over and check out her version of the Georgia Vintage Dress and while you’re there, take a look around. Click HERE.
Miss Matilda Dress and Top:

I feel like Susan and I go way back. She and I started blogging quite a bit around the same time and I have always admired her hip, cool style. This is Susan’s 2nd time on The Cottage Mama Pattern tour, you can check out her first tour creation here. Susan has some incredible tutorials over on her blog from everything from home decor, children’s clothing, adult fashion and so much more! Head over to Living with Punks to check out her version of the Miss Matilda Dress and Top Pattern. Click HERE.
Daphne Wrap Dress and Top and Skip and Play Pants and Capris:



I have just gotten to know Justine this last year and let me tell you, this is one busy sewing mama. I love a woman who has a defined sense of style and Justine has just that. Her creations are a little country, a little vintage with some hints of modern thrown in the mix. She blogs about children’s clothing, but also has some really fabulous adult fashion tutorials that you won’t want to miss. Head over to Sew Country Chick to check out Justine’s version of the Daphne Wrap Top and Skip and Play Pants and Capris. Click HERE.
All the patterns seen in The Cottage Mama Pattern Blog Tour are available in paper and PDF and can be purchased at www.thecottagemama.com
Check back tomorrow for another three bloggers and their inspirational pattern creations!
16
Jul

The Cottage Mama Sewing Pattern Blog Tour: Day 1

Today kicks off Day 1 of The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns Blog Tour!

Throughout the next two weeks, there will be 24 blogs sewing up the new The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns (www.thecottagemama.com). These are all bloggers that I absolutely adore and have become friends with over the last several years. A few of them are newer bloggers or ladies in the online sewing community who don’t blog too often, all of which I have a tremendous amount of respect for their sewing technique and design abilities.

I encourage you to check out their blogs for the full post on each pattern review and while you are there, poke around………you are sure to be inspired! I don’t know about you, but I love seeing different takes on the same pattern design. I hope you do too.

Georgia Vintage Dress:


Crystal was actually one of my pattern testers and tested the Miss Matilda and Daphne pattern. I was so impressed by her work that I asked her to be part of this tour. Her blog is absolutely adorable and you will be seeing Crystal again here on The Cottage Mama when she guest blogs a back to school tutorial in September. Head over to her blog to see her darling version of the Georgia Vintage Dress. Click HERE.
Miss Matilda Dress and Top:

I have gotten to know Caila over the last year and her blog is a ‘must-see’. I think you’ll really love her classy style with modern details. Her photography is beautiful, her fabric selections are unexpected and she also blogs some really great boy designs as well. Check out her version of the Miss Matilda Dress and Top Pattern. Click HERE.
Daphne Wrap Dress and Top and Skip and Play Pants and Capris:


How do I love thee? Let me count the ways……….I am a big fan of Frances Suzanne, two sisters that create. Their style is classic with heirloom quality details. Do you know that feeling when you happen upon someone that has similar taste and style like you do? Yep, that’s Frances Suzanne. Go over and check out their version of the Daphne Top and Skip and Play Pants and Capris……you’re going to love it! Click HERE.

All patterns are available in print and instant download PDF and can be purchased at www.thecottagemama.com
Check back tomorrow for three new versions of the new The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns!
15
Jul

So Today I’m 32 Years Old

So today I’m apparently 32 years old. I kind of already thought I was 32, so it doesn’t really come as much of a surprise. I think somewhere halfway into 31, I decided I was 32. It’s hard to keep it straight once you start getting above 21.

The three new photographs of me in this post were taken by my friend and book photographer, Amy Tripple.

I love birthdays. I know some people dread them and don’t like to celebrate; however, I definitely feel they are a day to be celebrated no matter your age. I have always felt like I was many, many years older than I really am. And I truly look at age as simply a number. But if I am looking at it in terms of age, I feel quite proud of all that I have achieved at the age of 32. If the next 32 years look anything like the first, I am excited for the ride!

So since I’m writing about my birthday, I thought I would share 32 things about myself. Some are kind of personal, some are things you might already know, but here we go……….

1. My favorite food is shrimp followed closely by pasta and bread.
2. I am very domestic. Would definitely choose spending time indoors rather than out and I feel a sense of pride being able to make our house a home.
3. I am not a night person. I usually head to bed around 10:00PM.
4. I don’t do well during the day without coffee. Coffee with just a little bit of milk. No sugar.
5. My toenails are painted fushia-y pink right now.
6. I like reality telelvision. I am fascinated by how some of these people live. Like can’t believe that it’s even real (and it probably isn’t……but I still pretend).
7. I prefer red wine to white wine.
8. We have three children and I truly cannot decide if we should have a fourth. I had a miscarriage in between Savannah and Matilda and it has changed the way I view pregnancy.
9. I had postpartum depression after the birth my oldest and was treated for it through my second and third children’s births. The itty bitty baby phase is always a tough one for me. But I am completely fine now. Yay!
10. My parents got divorced when I was 19. My mom is remarried (to Pepo…..who we love) living in Texas and my dad has retired to the tuscany region of Italy. I wish they all lived closer.
11. My mom is my best friend.
12. I need my creative space to be organized before I create. And then it looks like a bomb exploded when I’m finished. It’s a vicious cycle. Organize. Clean. Create. Repeat.
13. I love writing my blog, but work very hard to balance at all. I do my best, but it is hard and I do get overwhelmed.
14. I am passionate about most things in my life……family, home, business……pretty much everything.
15. I am Catholic. I believe in God. And He has become more and more my rock as I get older. I find myself communicating with Him often.
16. My brother lives in Boulder, CO and is a professional chef. I miss him.
17. I have short hair, but I used to have really long hair. And I just got highlights for the first time ever a few months ago.
18. As much as we love our cottage home, we are hoping to move in a couple years. The hubby and I are ready for a new adventure!
19. I am very sensitive and get my feelings hurt easily.
20. I am really enjoying my children getting older. The conversations we are able to have are such special moments to me. Although, I still enjoy rocking my baby and singing to him each night before he goes to sleep.
21. My favorite movie is ‘You’ve Got Mail’. No it’s nothing super deep or intellectual, but I think it is so sweet and I love Meg Ryan’s life during that movie and the love story involved.
22. I married my high school sweetheart and he is pretty darn awesome. We have been together since I was 17.
23. I don’t really like baths. I prefer showers.
24. I love spending time with friends. I am definitely a people person.
25. I do not like when people rearrange things in my house. A place for everything and everything in it’s place…….that’s a good motto.
26. I thought I was going to grow up and be a broadway star. I spent my whole childhood training for it.
27. I went to Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and majored in Musical Theater. Then reality hit and I moved to Chicago, IL and got a degree from DePaul University in Finance. I decided stability and family life was more important than stardom. But I can still belt out a tune.
28. I used to work in commercial banking and real estate prior to having children.
29. I try my best to have positive energy and encourage others.
30. I love my life. I know people don’t always love to hear you say that. It seems as though, they would prefer to hear the negative. But it’s true. So there, I said it……I love my life.
31. I am by no means perfect. I just try to do the best that I can every day. And when I mess up, I always say I’m sorry.
32. I work very hard. Every. Single. Day.

So there’s 32 things about me…..good, bad, boring, ect. But I don’t always have the opportunity to come on here and talk personally with you, so I thought maybe those things would show you a little bit more about the woman behind this blog.

This past weekend I got to go out to dinner with my husband and kids, got to sleep in a little bit, they brought me some beautiful flowers (that you maybe have seen over on Instagram -@thecottagemama) and take a nap. This mama is pretty happy, so I’ll say that having a birthday on a Monday isn’t so bad since you have the whole weekend before to celebrate.

Thanks so much for reading and have a great day!