Halloween Trick or Treat Bag Pattern

Do your kids have special Halloween Trick or Treat Bags? I have been wanting to make my kids their own personalized Halloween Trick or Treat Bags for several years now. I have admired some of the cute ones I've seen in the Pottery Barn Kids catalog and thought about ordering them several times. But my conscious always held me back since I knew I could make them very easily if I just took the time to create a pattern. So this is the year........we are due with our 4th child in about two weeks and she will be the final little one to complete our family, so this was … continue reading

Happy Birthday, Josephine!

Dear JoJo, Happy Birthday! Today you are six years old. Wow, time sure does fly when you are having fun! I can't believe my youngest baby is six. Here are some things I would like to remember about you when you turned six years old and somethings you might like to know about your six year old self....... … continue reading

Puppy Dog Stuffed Animal Pattern

This Puppy Dog Stuffed Animal Pattern post is sponsored by the lovely folks at Cost Plus World Market. My kids are getting a little bit older and I feel like every year the holidays have gotten a busier and busier. Maybe it's because we keep adding new children into the mix, but nevertheless, I thought it would be good to do something this year to help us slow down and think about the true meaning of this holiday season. It's important to me to teach my children to help others that may be less fortunate and to teach them to be grateful for the lives they … continue reading

DIY Fall Wreath Tutorial

There's something about hanging a wreath on the door that makes a house feel like a home. This summer has been a little crazy, to say the least. We are finally moved into our new home and slowly, but surely, are getting unpacked and organized. … continue reading

Reusable Snack Bag Tutorial

So we have four young children in our family which means we go through a lot of snacks and I mean A LOT! So back when my oldest two were itty bitty I sewed together some reusable snack bags that we have been using for many years. Since then we've added two more children and I decided it was time to sew up a few more for all our summer outings. … continue reading

Happy 9th Birthday, Caspian!

Happy 9th Birthday, Caspian

Dear Caspian, Today you are 9 years old! Happy Birthday, Buddy! I can't believe you are only one year a way from double digits. My, how the time flies! Here are some things I'd like to remember about you when you were 9 years old and some thing you might like to know too........ … continue reading

Free Summer Sewing Patterns & Tutorials

Free Summer Sewing Patterns & Tutorials for Girls from The Cottage Mama

It's that time of year again.........time for summer sewing! I've rounded up a group of Free Summer Sewing Patterns & Tutorials for your little girls. Although, fall is my favorite season of the year, there is something so sweet about summer sewing......sundresses, bonnets, ruffles. Also, the bright colored fabrics and trims make my heart swoon. I've collected several dresses, hats, skirts, shorts and hooded towels that are all available for free here on The Cottage Mama blog. So I hope you'll enjoy this round-up of projects! … continue reading

A New Summer Picnic Dress

Last weekend I created a New Summer Picnic Dress which is another version of my Free Summer Picnic Dress Pattern. I haven't made this dress in a long time, so it was really fun to sew one of these again. I originally created this dress for my Matilda (who is now 6 years old), but the one that I sewed here is for our little Josephine (16 months old). … continue reading

Happy 11th Birthday, Matilda Jane!

Dear Matilda, Happy Birthday! Today you turn 11 years old. You've been counting down the days until your birthday for about 20 days now and the day is finally here! Things are a little different this year on your birthday since we are experiencing a global pandemic (COVID-19), but nevertheless, we will still be celebrating our special girl (you!) today! Here are a few things I'd like to remember about you when you turned 11 years old and a few things you might like to remember about your 11 year old self...... You love all things NASA. You know so much … continue reading

Bunny Plush Toy Tutorial

My children love stuffed animals and I wanted to make a sweet little bunny plush toy for our new baby girl, Josephine Mae. If you own a copy of my 'Woodland Hand Applique Set' you can simply use the large bunny applique to create this adorable toy. This bunny rabbit takes no time at all to sew, so if you're looking for something to make for your little one, give this a try! … continue reading