14
Sep

Cooking with Kids – Pita Pizza

My oldest daughter, Savannah Rose, is 2.5 years old and she loves feeling like a "big girl".  Being that she is still pretty little, we have only cooked and baked together a handful of times, but I plan on making this a regular activity for the two of us (and eventually the three of us when Matilda gets a little older).Today for lunch I decided to make something I know Savannah loves - Pizza!  This recipe (if you can call it that) was super-simple and Miss S. was able to be involved the whole time.  I want to foster the love of cooking in all my children and I … continue reading

13
Sep

Something for Mama – Sweater Refashion with Cottage Style

So it's been starting to get a bit chilly here in the Midwest which has caused me to pull out all of our fall/winter wardrobe items.  I took inventory of all my girls stuff and made sure to get them what they need for this fall.  But what about Mama?  Sadly, I always spend all of our clothing budget on the girls these days because they actually need things.  Where as I just want new things.So after accessing my fall/winter clothing situation, I came upon a sweater that I really like, but just needed a few minor tweaks to make it feel new again.  In a matter of 30 … continue reading

10
Sep

A Proud Wife

As I have mentioned before, my husband is a home-brewer and makes his own beer and wine.  I shouldn't say he is just a home-brewer, but an award-winning home-brewer.  He is as passionate about home-brewing as I am about sewing (which is saying a lot).This past year, Brett (The Cottage Papa) won "Best in Show" with one of his home-brews at a very large brewing competition.  Part of his prize package was the opportunity to brew his beer on the big, giant brewing system up at The Rock Bottom Brewery in Milwaukee, WI.  And for a home-brewer this is super-exciting … continue reading

8
Sep

Sweet Baby Hats and a Clutch

I love blogging, but what I think I might love even more, is the inspiration and community that comes with being a craft/sewing blogger.  I am constantly bookmarking things in my reader with the intention of coming back and someday actually completing all the amazing projects and ideas I have found.Well, as I'm sure most of you know, that just isn't going to happen.  I'm never going to complete every awesome sewing or crafting tutorial that I have bookmarked (though I wish I could!).  But every so often, there is a tutorial that I must complete without … continue reading

8
Sep

Fabric Giveaway Winner

Wow, I was overwhelmed with the number of entries for the fabric giveaway - 465 to be exact!  It was so great hearing from all of you.  You guys definitely gave me some great ideas of things to create with these gorgeous fabrics and I really wish I could send each of you 5 yards of fabric. But there can only be one winner.  And the lucky winner of the fabric giveaway is........#106: Candace from Candace's Calling who said "I love the Sugar bundle! I've been pennant crazed lately and these fabrics would make adorable banners! I also need some fun throw pillows … continue reading

7
Sep

The Cottage Mama Photo Shoot

About a week ago, my lovely photographer friend, Megan, took some gorgeous pictures of her daughter Gracyn, and my daughter Savannah wearing some of the most recent "The Cottage Mama" creations.Megan is the person that really caused me to jump into the world of blogging.  I will never forget our mom's night out conversation where she said, "you should write a blog.......I'd read it".  And I thought, really?  It got me thinking, if she'd read it, maybe others would too........and so here I am blogging away.  Thanks Megan! So for the photo shoot, we had planned to … continue reading

2
Sep

Sew Basics: Prepping Fabric

This past Saturday I found myself with a little time to myself while out running an errand and I decided to pop into my local thrift store to see if I could find any treasure.  And sure enough, $8.00 later, I had struck gold (well for someone who loves sewing!).  So here's what I found...... I found a set of vintage floral sheets (set included a flat sheet and two standard pillowcases), a couple embroidery hoops (you can never have enough of those), and three large pieces of fabric. One of the fabrics was 1.5 yards of a linen/cotton blend that was sold for … continue reading

31
Aug

Fabric Giveaway From Me to You

I don't do a whole lot of giveaways here on The Cottage Home. So, today I'm changing it up a bit and I've got a little giveaway from me to you.  It's not much, but just a little token of my appreciation to all of The Cottage Home loyal readers.  I love your emails, your comments, and you seriously make blogging such an amazing experience for me.So, enough with the touchy-feely stuff and onto the giveaway.  Today you have a choice of two 5 yard fabric bundles.  You can choose from these two fabric lines Art Gallery "Sugar" or David Walker "Robots".  If you are the … continue reading

27
Aug

Change Up Bag Lunches with Tortilla Roll-ups

My Mom always did a great job packing our lunches while we were in school.  And yes, I was one of those kids whose Mom packed their lunch up until their very last day of high school - thanks Mom! As most kids do, I went through phases of liking certain things more than others.  Only wanting turkey sandwiches with nothing but turkey and bread (how boring!) and loving peanut butter and jelly (minus the jelly).  But I always got excited when my Mom would change it up a bit with something new and Tortilla Roll-ups were definitely a pleasant surprise. Now while I … continue reading

23
Aug

Sew Basics: Applique

Applique is a great way to add detail to your favorite sewing project.  I define applique as a piece of fabric sewn on top of another piece of fabric (though some might consider embroidered patches as applique as well).  You can add applique to quilts, shirts, blankets, onesies, bibs, burp clothes and the list goes on and on.  Applique is very simple and is a great project for the beginning sewer. Here are the supplies needed for basic applique: Double-Sided Fusible Interfacing (such as Wonder-Under or Steam-A-Seam Lite - these are the two I … continue reading