2
Mar

Camping Party Invitations

Are these not the cutest darn camping party invitations you have ever seen? I cannot get over the sweetness here. Savannah is turning 8 in several weeks and she really loves camping. She wanted to have an outdoor camping party, but the weather in early March in Chicago isn't typically very warm. So she decided to have an indoor camping party. We are going to set up our huge tent in the basement, add some twinkle lights and make it feel like they are camping outside (except they will have heat and a potty). She is having 9 of her friends and then she let Matilda … continue reading

24
Feb

Riley Blake Designs Josie Mae Bonnet

Today I'm excited to share the Josie Mae Bonnet that I created from one of my current favorite fabric lines, Farm Girl by October Afternoon for Riley Blake Designs. I can't get enough of this line, every single print is just precious and perfect for so many different projects. I pretty much have all the prints from the collection (if you remember my On the Cutting Table post from last week). I was just telling my mom that I love everything that October Afternoon creates when it comes to fabrics. Their designs are classic, but are always so well suited for … continue reading

22
Feb

Janey Jumper Scallop Tutorial

I have been dreaming about creating this version of the Janey Jumper Pattern for a long time. I always have all these ideas, but actually putting my ideas to fabric doesn't always work out. I'm so glad I finally found the time to create the vision that has been in my head. Today's tutorial will show you how to create this horizontal scallop overlay on the top of the Janey Jumper. This is also how I create scallops on just about everything I sew, so if you are looking for a basic scallop tutorial.....look no further! The tutorial is assuming that you own the Janey … continue reading

16
Feb

Modern Sewciety Podcast: The Cottage Mama

Several weeks back I chatted with Stephanie from Modern Sewciety. Modern Sewciety is a wonderful free podcast where they talk to all sorts of people in the sewing, quilting, fabric industry.......designers, fabric shops, quilters, bloggers....you name it! I just wanted to let you know that my podcast (episode 85) is up and ready for listening over at Modern Sewciety. I had such a fantastic time talking with Stephanie about all sorts of things.......how I started The Cottage Mama, balancing business and family life, what's in store for The Cottage Mama this next … continue reading

15
Feb

Lessons with Lindsay: Getting Creative with Trims

Today I've got a brand new Lessons with Lindsay video tutorial discussing all about Getting Creative with Trims. If you've been following The Cottage Mama for any amount of time, you probably know about my passion and love for trims when creating projects and especially, children's garments. I'm excited to share with you some tips and tricks about incorporating trims into your garments as well as how to create unique, one-of-a-kind trim. You don't want to miss this video! It's a great little peek into my creative process. Hopefully it will inspire you to start … continue reading

10
Feb

On the Cutting Table: Fabric

It's been awhile since I've done an 'On the Cutting Table' post. The truth is, there hasn't been a ton on the cutting table this last year due to this and that. But 2016 is a new year and there are lots of fun exciting things on the horizon for The Cottage Mama! This last week I received a box of fabric from Riley Blake Designs for some upcoming projects. Riley Blake designers always create the most adorable fabrics. Seriously. It just doesn't get a whole lot cuter than these........ … continue reading

8
Feb

Tooth Fairy Pillows

I wanted to share these darling Tooth Fairy Pillows that my mom (Grandma Jane) created for Savannah and Matilda. We just absolutely love how they turned out. I think, as of now, Savannah has lost 8 teeth and Matilda has lost 6. They have had quite a few visits from the Tooth Fairy. Mom said she's planning on making a boy version of the Tooth Fairy Pillow for Caspian soon since it won't be long before he loses his first tooth! … continue reading

1
Feb

Girls Chandelier Makeover

When we purchased the New Cottage Home, there were not a lot of things in the house that I wanted to save......especially in the lighting and wallpaper department. As I've mentioned before, this home was a foreclosure and the previous owners left years before we purchased the home back when the bank took possession. The old owners had taken all the things they wanted when the house was foreclosed on.......i.e. all the shelving in the closets, pantry and other things. The fixtures were very outdated, rusted and old and there was a really 'unique' antler … continue reading

27
Jan

Patchwork Baby Bibs for Josephine

My mom (aka Grandma Jane) is amazing. She sews more in a year, than I think most people sew in 10. It helps that she retired almost two years ago and has time to really sew, but even when she was working full time, she always amazed me with the amount of projects she could finish in such a small amount of time. … continue reading

25
Jan

Lessons with Lindsay: How to Gather Fabric

It's that time again.......another Lessons with Lindsay sponsored by Baby Lock Sewing and Embroidery Machines. On today's Lessons with Lindsay: How to Gather Fabric, you will learn traditional gathering techniques as well as how to use a ruffler attachment for a traditional sewing machine and how to gather using a gathering foot on your serger. … continue reading