Search Results for: cottage pincushion

Woodland Cottage Pincushion ~ Free Pattern and Tutorial

Today, I’ve got a really fun, whimsical pincushion that I hope you all love as much as I do.

I was inspired to create the Woodland Cottage pincushion by our home.  We live in a 1930’s cottage style home and it has been a great source of inspiration for me in a lot of my design and sewing projects. Here is our home……

So today we will be making an adorable Woodland Cottage pincushion from Riley Blake Designs ‘Woodland Trails’ fabric line.  Even if you don’t want to use it as a pincushion, you could hang it somewhere in your home or even on your Christmas tree, but for me, mine will be sitting right next to my sewing machine!

Let’s get started……….

Woodland Cottage Pincushion
by The Cottage Mama
Free Printer-Friendly Woodland Cottage Pattern Pieces
(Click HERE to print)
Materials:
Fat 1/8th of 4-5 different coordinating fabrics
1/2 yard Riley Blake Designs rickrack trim
1/4 yard Riley Blake Designs crochet trim
Embroidery floss and needle
Fiberfill or stuffing
Basic Sewing Supplies
Instructions:
Print your pattern pieces and cut all pieces.
Main House: Cut 2
Door: Cut 2
Window: Cut 2
Shingles: Cut 38
Using a 1/4″ seam allowance, place the shingle pieces with the right sides facing and sew around the curve.  Turn the shingles right side out and press.  You may need to trim the curves a bit to get them to lay flat.  You will end up with 19 completed shingles.  This is the most time-consuming part of this pincushion, but it’s what gives it some charm.  So turn on some music and take your time.
Add some embroidery to the window and door.  This does not need to be perfect as imperfections add character.  Even if you don’t know how to embroidery, just go for it.  I did a basic backstitch on the window and a large french knot for the door knob.
Place the window and door pieces with their right sides together.  For the window, you will sew all the way around the square, but leave a little opening for turning your window right side out.  For the door, sew around the curve and turn right side out through the bottom opening.  Press the seams out for both the window and door.
Pin the window and door in place.  You can eye-ball this step.  Just place them where you think they look nice.  Make sure to line up the raw edge of the door with the raw edge of the main house piece.  Edgestitch these to the main house piece (this will catch the little opening left in the window).
Now for the fun part, the shingles.  I like to use Wondertape for this step because pinning in straight lines can be a little tricky with such small pieces.  Wondertape is a double sided tape used in sewing and quilting and will disappear when washed.  I use it a TON when working with trims.  If you don’t have this, you can try pinning or using a quilting basting glue.
Lay your first line of tape 1/4″ up from where the roof and the house join.  Pull off the paper backing and lay your shingles with the straight edge in line with the tape.  Stitch 1/8″ from the edge to secure the first row of shingles in place.
Measure up 1/4″ from the first row of shingles and put down another row of tape.  Pull off the paper backing and lay another row of shingles.  Stitch in place.  Continue to do this same technique until you reach the top of the roof and it is totally covered with shingles.
You should end up with two shingles at the top of the roof of the house.
Now if you would like to add some rickrack, just line it up with the edge.  Again, I used my Wondertape (yes, I am obsessed), but you could certainly pin it.  At this point baste the rickrack in place 1/4″ from the edge.  If you use a smaller rickrack or larger you will need to adjust your seam allowances to make sure only a little part pokes through.
At this point, if you have a label for yourself or your business, sew it onto the back of the main house.
Also, I used a piece of Riley Blake Designs crochet lace to kind of look like a chimney coming off to the side of the house.  You could omit this piece or make it larger for a nice hook to hang your cottage over a door handle or even on a Christmas tree.  Sew the crochet lace in place by lining up the raw edge of the lace with the top of the house.
Place the cottage front and cottage back with the right sides together.  Stitch all the way around using a 1/4″ – 1/2″ seam allowance (depends on the size trim you are using).  Leave a 1″-2″ opening at the bottom.  Clip the corners to remove bulk and turn the cottage right side out by pulling it through the opening in the bottom.
Next, grab some fiberfill and stuff your pincushion.  Make sure you fluff the fiberfill as you go and really get it tucked in nicely to the corners.  Close the bottom by hand sewing with coordinating thread.
And, you’re finished!
Now step back and admire your adorable Woodland Cottage Pincushion!
Fabric Line: Woodland Trails by Sheri McCulley for Riley Blake Designs
Happy Sewing!

Guest Blog Post: Woodland Cottage Pincushion ~ Free Pattern for Riley Blake Designs

Today I’m guest blogging over at Riley Blake Designs ‘Cutting Corners College’ sharing a free pattern and tutorial for the Woodland Cottage Pincushion.  The design was inspired by our very own cottage.  
Come on over and say hello……..

Click HERE to view the Woodland Cottage Pincushion at Riley Blake Designs.

The Cottage Mama Best Project Posts of 2013

The Cottage Mama Best Projects of 2013. www.thecottagemama.com

Ok, so I know I said I wasn’t going to post until the first of the year, but I thought I would share one last post with you to round out 2013. These are my top 13 favorite project posts from 2013 (you can also check out 2012, 2011 and 2010). It’s always so fun to go back through and look at what I’ve created or cooked over the last year. Thank you all so much for visiting the site and interacting with me via social media. You all are a blessing in my life and I am so excited to see what 2014 has in store for me, my family and The Cottage Mama.

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Best of 2012 ~ DIY Project Tutorials

I had a feeling 2012 would be a great year, but never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine all the opportunities that would come this year. I do not take any of it for granted and wake up every day feeling blessed and so thankful for all of this.

Now, more than ever, I believe that we have a great power in our destiny. I know my husband was rolling his eyes last year when, on the first day of 2012, I kept saying (out loud) that 2012 was going to be a great year! I believe if you put positive energy out in the world and work really hard, good things will come to you. So for the record, I think 2013 is going to be the best year yet! This might all sound a little cheesy to you and maybe it is, but give it a try and I think you’ll be surprised.

I wanted to gather some of my favorite project tutorials from this last year to share with you all. It’s always fun for me to go back through the year and look back at all that has happened here at The Cottage Home. And just in case you missed one of these projects, I’ve linked to each one below the picture.

Favorite Project Tutorials from 2012

 
 
 
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for visiting my little corner of the internet world at The Cottage Home. It has been a pleasure getting to know all of you and I am looking forward to a great 2013!

Happy New Year!

Easy Magnetic Pin Holder Tutorial

Easy Magnetic Pin Holder Tutorial. The Cottage Mama Sewing Blog.

I have been meaning to write a blog post for over a year about this Easy Magnetic Pin Holder, but as life would have it, I just never got around to it. But today is the day! My mom sent me this darling magnetic pin holder that she made last year and I use it so much in my studio. My mom and I have a thing for little dishes. We love to have little cute bowls and dipping dishes around for snacks, etc. We believe you can never have too many cute little dishes!

I like having multiple pin holders going at one time, so I can have straight pins within arms reach at all times. These Easy Magnetic Pin Holders are super-simple to make and would make great gifts for all the sewing friends in your life.

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Free Patterns to Sew for Valentine’s Day

Free Patterns to Sew for Valentine's Day on The Cottage Mama. www.thecottagemama.com

I was looking over the sewing projects here on The Cottage Mama blog and realized that I didn’t have much to share in the Valentine’s Day department. I’ve rounded up some free patterns to sew for Valentine’s Day that I thought you might enjoy sewing.

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Pin Cushion Ring Tutorial

When I was teaching at the Martha Pullen School of Art Fashion a couple of weeks ago, I needed some straight pins for a project I was demonstrating. Our lovely machine educator in the room, Darlene, handed me this sweet little pin cushion that she had brought with her. It was so adorable and perfect for traveling.

Upon closer examination of this pincushion, that had been given to Darlene by her by a friend, I noticed that it was simply made from a plastic bottle top. The bottle top had two holes drilled in the top and a piece of elastic was used for the ring portion. I knew that when I got home, I wanted to try to make my own version of this darling little pin cushion.

I still had some leftover blank rings from the DIY Cabochon Jewelry that I had made as Christmas gifts this year, so I decided to use those as the base for my pin cushion. These pin cushions would make such a sweet gift for the seamstresses / quilters / sewists in your life. Or just make one for yourself……they make the most perfect little travel pin cushion!

Pin Cushion Ring

Supplies:
1 plastic bottle top
1 3″ x 3″ circle of fabric
Ribbon or Trim (4″ – 5″)
1 blank ring base
Fiberfill or other stuffing (just a small amount)
Strong craft glue (i.e. E6000)
Hand sewing needle
Thread
Scissors
Instructions:
Gather up your supplies. You can find blank rings at your local craft store (i.e. Michael’s, Joann’s, Hobby Lobby, ect). I like the adjustable kind because you don’t have to worry about whether or not the rings are going to fit.
Also, choose any size or type of plastic bottle top that you like. It can be big or small…..it doesn’t really matter.
Cut out a circle from your fabric. I used the top of one of my storage containers as a guide. It measured approximately 3″ x 3″. If you make a larger circle, you will have a larger, more rounded pin cushion top. If you cut a smaller circle, then your pin cushion top will lay more flat within the plastic bottle top. It’s entirely up to you how large or small you would like your pin cushion, but 3″ worked well for the standard top.

Do a basic running stitch around the entire edge of the fabric circle with your hand sewing needle and thread. Pull the thread a little to begin gathering the circle.

Fill the circle with a small amount of fiberfill or other stuffing of your choice. Once you have stuffed the circle, pull the threads even tighter to close the top of the pin cushion. Sew back and forth a few times and knot your thread to secure.
Grab your strong craft glue (I like E6000) and apply a liberal amount to the inside of the plastic bottle top and the bottom of the pin cushion. Stick the pin cushion inside the bottle cap and continue pressing until it fits inside well.

Measure your ribbon or trim so that it is a little bit longer than the circumference of the bottle top. Fold under the two ends towards the wrong side of the trim and glue in place. Then apply your strong craft glue to the outside of the plastic bottle top. Wrap the trim around the bottle top, making sure to line up the trim with the edge of the top. Apply a little more glue where the trim overlaps to secure in place.

Apply glue to the blank ring and press in place on the bottom of the bottle top. Make sure you apply a good amount of glue to the ring, but not too much, because you don’t want to see the glue coming out from the ring top. You want it to look neat and tidy.

 After your pin cushion is dry, add some pins and you’re ready to go!
PS: I found some other great tutorials for different variations on this idea that I thought you might like to check out. This one from Prudent Baby and this one from Riley Blake Designs uses a metal bottle cap and here is one that uses elastic as the ring base.

On the Cutting Table: New Fabric, New Designs, Ect.

It’s been a busy week over here.  Lots of things going on and trying to juggle my family, the kids, the blog and the business is always a challenge.

This past week I finally decided it was time for me to bring in a little help so that I can prioritize some things in regards to my work-life balance.  The only people that have ever watched our kids since our oldest Savannah was born are family members…..mainly my in-laws.  But I decided to ask the high school girl from next door to come over two afternoons a week (for three hours each day) to play with the kids while I get some work done.  So for right now I am home the entire time she is here working in my studio, but after Cass is done nursing in another 8 months or so, I might feel comfortable enough to leave for a little bit.

I have gone back and forth about this for months and now I’m wondering why I didn’t do it sooner? Well, I know why I didn’t do it sooner……….guilt.  I think my business was ready for this about three months ago, but personally I wasn’t.  It’s really hard being a work from home mom because as much as I want to grow my business, I want to be there for my kids during this precious time that is going by way too fast.  But I need to create.  It’s just part of me.  It makes me a better mama to do what I love and it is so very important to me that my children recognize that Mama has passions and dreams just like they do.

So I decided it was best for the kids to have a young person come play with them two days a week that is completely focused on them.  They are getting used to someone new watching them (other than family) and are just in love with our new sitter.  And for me, I get to devote six very focused hours of my week in my studio doing what I love and working on my business.  I am really happy with my decision now and I think it’s a win-win for all of us.  But being as though I value the fact that I am able to stay home with my children, it’s not a decision that came about lightly.

So what was going on this last week?  Lots of stuff………

Fabric is ‘Circa 52’ by Monaluna for Birch Fabrics

Well, I’m excited to say that I got my next three patterns sent out this week!  One is for boys and two are for girls and I think they are so cute (of course, I’m a little biased).  It will still be several months before they are available for sale, but they are officially now in production. It’s amazing how long it takes to get a printed pattern fully ready for sale!

Above are the pictures of the lovely bundle that arrived this week from Riley Blake Designs.  Being on the Project Design Team definitely has its perks and working with pretty fabrics is one of them.  I am so in love with this line ~ Woodland Trails.  It’s fun, whimsical, girly and springy.  I’m certainly feeling Easter with this line, what about you?

My next tutorial on the Riley Blake Designs blog will be done in this line as well as a pincushion I am designing.  And those trims and buttons, you’ll see those coming up soon too!

I also got a few things listed in my shop, The Cottage Mama:

Wide Leg Boys Pants – Size 4/5

These were a boys pant pattern that I drafted.  It will not be one of the next patterns that are released as there are a few things I will probably tweak, but they were really fun to make.  They are made from a thin blue and white striped stretch denim and are trimmed with a fun orange bike fabric from ‘Children at Play‘ by Sarah Jane Studios.
And here are a couple other fun dresses that I created from my ‘Shortcake Reversible Romper and Dress‘ pattern:
Fabric is ‘Sweet on NYC’ by Sugar Pixie for Timeless Treasures
This is the dress version of the ‘Shortcake‘ pattern where I added a double ruffle down the front.  Adding the ruffle makes it not able to be reversed, but it’s still fully lined which is really nice.
Fabric is ‘Sweet on NYC’ by Sugar Pixie for Timeless Treasures
This is also the dress version of the ‘Shortcake‘ pattern with the optional rick rack trim at the bottom.  I think this fabric is so fun and funky and the lining is red with little pink flowers.
So this last week has been a little crazy, but I feel like I got so much accomplished.  I’m feeling so much more centered having finally decided to add a little help around here.  There are a few other projects in the works that I’m not quite ready to reveal (and no, none of them involve another baby).
I’ve got a lot of projects to work on coming up in the next couple weeks, but this week I will be focused on designing Miss Savannah’s orange party dress for her orange birthday party!  I can’t believe my baby is going to be turning 4.
I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead and thanks so much for reading The Cottage Home!

Spring Has Sprung!

Spring has sprung and fabric designer, Heather Bailey, has come out with some super-cute new sewing patterns!  I have always loved Heather’s fabrics (as I’m sure you’ve seen in my etsy shop), but I’m really thinking I just may have to get my hands on some of these patterns.

Check out some of her new pattern designs:

And are these adorable or what?  I’m loving the butterfly and the ladybug – imagine one of these little critters sitting next to you at your sewing machine?  These pincushions would make great gifts for all of the crafty people in your life.

And these…….well these are so ridiculously cute, I can’t even stand it!  I can just imagine my two little ladies playing pretend with these two adorable characters.

And finally, this beautiful bag!  If you have some extra time before Mother’s Day I think this would make a great gift for Mom!

Speaking of Mom………my Mom (The Cottage Mama’s Mama) has agreed to do a guest blog post reviewing a recent sewing pattern that we picked up at the Chicago Quilt Festival this last weekend (which was amazing, by the way).

The Sewing Workshop patterns claim they are “patterns that teach”……well, we’ll just have to put them to the test!  My Mom is an amazing sewer (though she is very humble and would never admit it), so I’m very excited for her to share some of her knowledge with all of you.

Here is the pattern she will be reviewing:

I would love to do more sewing pattern reviews and tutorials on The Cottage Home, so if you are interested in guest posting a pattern review, please leave me a comment or email me and we can work out the details – TheCottageMama@gmail.com

Happy Sewing!

Cottage Mama’s Note:  All patterns are scheduled to be in-stock tomorrow, April 23, in Heather Bailey’s store.

Mason Jar Pin Cushion Tutorial

I wanted to share this fun, easy Mason Jar Pin Cushion Tutorial with all of you.  I have been trying to get my craft space organized over the last few days (trying being the operative word).  I have a big stash of these mason jars that I got super cheap at the thrift store (.39 cents each).  I am going to be using them to store all of my extra trims, buttons, ect.  I decided to add a pin-cushion to the top to make them dual purpose (and I think it makes the jars so fun and decorative)!

So if you need some extra storage, grab a mason jar and give this tutorial a try!

Mason Jar Pin Cushion Tutorial
Supplies:
1 Mason Jar (any size) – with lid
Scrap piece of fabric
Scrap piece of cardstock/scrapbook paper
Glue gun (or strong craft glue)
Pencil
Scissors
Fiberfill
Directions:

Trace a circle around the interior lid of the mason jar onto your cardstock.
Cut out the circle with your scissors.
On the wrong side of your fabric, freehand draw another circle (about 2 inches wider than your lid center.)
Using your scissors, cut out the circle.
Here is your completed fabric circle.
Place your fabric (wrong-side up) over the exterior lid of the mason jar.
Center the circle over the lid exterior.
Place your fiberfill in the middle of the fabric circle.
Push the fiberfill into the fabric, pushing it through the lid exterior.
Take the lid interior and push it into the lid exterior.
This is what it will look like when you lock the lid center into the lid exterior.
Now hot glue your fabric down over the lid center to set it in place.
This is what it will look like when all of your fabric is glued down.  Don’t worry – this doesn’t need to be neat, as you won’t be able to see this when the pin cushion is complete.
Now to cover up the fabric edges, take the cardstock circle that you cut earlier and glue it into the center of the lid.
And there you have it – the completed Mason Jar Pin Cushion!
Cottage Mama’s Note:  I tied a pretty pink ribbon around the top of the jar.  I plan to make several of these to store all of my colored trims.  I used pink & cream Amy Butler fabric because this jar will hold all of my pink trims.  I also used Amy Butler scrapbook paper for the inside of the lid.