Archives for September 2013

Sep

Sydney Skirt: Free Pattern and Tutorial

In case you missed my guest post over at See Kate Sew for Ruffles 2013, I’m bringing this post home.

I love ruffles. I think they are so sweet on little girls; however, I do believe in all things in moderation. Too many ruffles on a little one can overwhelm them, but ruffles used sparingly can really add such a sweet, feminine touch to even the most casual of garments.

Today I’m excited to share the Sydney Skirt Free Pattern and Tutorial with you! I don’t know about you, but as my girls are getting older comfort is becoming more and more important to them. I typically sew with a lot of woven cotton fabric; however, this year I am trying to add more knits into the mix with Savannah starting Kindergarten last week.

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Sep

Hexi Pouch and Riley Blake Designs Bundle Giveaway

Today I’m over at Riley Blake Designs sharing my Project Design Team Tutorial for this cute little Hexi Pouch. Head on over to Riley Blake Designs to get the full tutorial.

And since I’m blogging over there today, how about something for you guys here?

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Sep

Kids Fedora Hat Sewing Pattern Review

I made a hat. Yay! When Elegance and Elephants came out with their new Kids Fedora Hat Sewing Pattern, I knew it was on my ‘must sew’ list for this season. And then when Heidi from Elegance and Elephants asked me to join her pattern tour, I jumped at the chance to sew up this adorable pattern.

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Sep

Apple Free Lunch Box Sewing Pattern and Tutorial

Remember last week when I told you we were going to have one guest contributor here on The Cottage Mama each week this fall. Well, today’s guest is Rebecca from Rock the Stitch sharing this completely adorable Apple Shaped Free Lunch Box Sewing Pattern and Tutorial. A big warm welcome to Rebecca……….

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Hello, Rebecca here from Rock the Stitch! I would like to share with you a tutorial and free pattern for an apple lunch box.

Free Lunch Box Sewing Pattern from The Cottage Mama

Now that school is back in session so begins the never ending battle for lunch boxes. My kids seem to always leave theirs at school, or buried deep in their closet, or who knows where. But, since I am such a loving mom, I tend to always be loaning out my lunch box (a cheapo given to me free by my workplace) and am constantly left with nothing more than a grocery bag to carry my food in. Well, here is my solution to remedy that problem: a super cute apple lunch box!

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Sep

Birthday Boy Toddler Car Party Outfit

Several weeks back my little guy, Caspian Finn, turned 2 years old. We didn’t do a big 1st birthday celebration for him, so I wanted to do something special for his second birthday. This little guy is in love with cars. I never knew there were so many cars in this world until spending time with Caspian. All day long he points out cars and trucks all over the place, “car, car, car”. So the theme for his party was pretty easy to come up with…….cars. Not the movie “Cars”, just the vehicle.

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Sep

In-Home DIY Spa Kits: Skinny Cow WoCave

As I have mentioned for the last several months, I have been working with the lovely Skinny Cow brand on their latest WoCave campaign. They have been so great to work with and have sent me to do many different activities with my girlfriends that I might not otherwise have done. For the last mission, they wanted me to grab some friends and do some in-home DIY crafty spa activities. Does that sound like fun? I thought so!

I had no idea that there were so many different kits available on the market that are great for DIY crafty ‘spa-themed’ get togethers. I wanted to share with you a few of the kits that were sent from Skinny Cow and show you where to get them in case you want to get together a group of your girlfriends for a crafty spa night.

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Sep

Walnut Basil Pesto Recipe

I’ve always loved pesto, but my husband…..not so much. He thinks the taste is a little strong and never seems to excited when dinner involves pesto. I decided to try my hand at making my pesto with walnuts instead of pine nuts to mellow and the flavor and I have to say that it was a big success!

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Sep

Three Ring Binder Pencil Case Sewing Tutorial

Today I’m excited to introduce one of our first guest bloggers here on The Cottage Mama. I have a lot on my plate coming up with the release of my new book and will be traveling, teaching and attending quilt market over the next several months. So I decided I needed a little back up to make sure you guys still get the sewing inspiration that has always been provided here at The Cottage Mama. Over the next few months we will have one guest blogger per week sharing a sewing tutorial with The Cottage Mama readers. These ladies are all extremely talented and have some newer blogs that I think you will really enjoy.

First up is Crystal, from Stitched by Crystal. Please give her a warm welcome as she shares her darling tutorial with everyone!

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Hi there! I am Crystal, you can usually find me over at Stitched by Crystal sharing my sewing and other random crafting. I am so excited to be here today to share a tutorial for my three ring binder pencil case!

This case would be a great gift for someone in middle or high school going back to school. I remember needing three ring binders for most of my classes back then. This little case would be a fun and convenient place for them to keep all their school supplies. It could also be made without the loops on the bottom if you don’t use binders.

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Sep

Sewing for Kindergarten: Dresses, Skirts, Tops and More!

Today I am participating in the new series ‘Sewing for Kindergarten’ hosted by Mie from ‘Sewing Like Mad‘. Savannah started full-day Kindergarten back in mid-August. It has been such a wonderful experience for her. She said that Kindergarten is the best thing to ever happen in her whole like. However, we had a little trouble with the lunch situation on the first day.

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