21
Jan

Cottage Quilt Block Pattern

I just received this Cottage Quilt Block back in the mail last week. I don't know if I mentioned it here, but last year my sewing machine sponsor (Baby Lock) flew me to Iowa to film two episodes of the PBS show Fons and Porter 'Love of Quilting' with Mary Fons. A few of you have emailed and said that you saw my episodes (yay!). Surprisingly I haven't seen them myself. Unfortunately, our PBS station doesn't pick up the sewing shows, but hopefully I'll get a copy someday and can check it out........or not........it's always so strange to hear myself talk. … continue reading

19
Jan

Before and After Kitchen Makeover

Today I am so excited to share the first post about our New Cottage Home! I know I've mentioned that we moved and that we renovated a foreclosure home that we purchased, but now I'm finally ready to reveal some of the before and after pictures of what happened this summer in, what I like to call, the New Cottage Home. First up, our Before and After Kitchen Makeover. … continue reading

18
Jan

Sashiko Baby Bonnet

I have been meaning to blog about this Sashiko Baby Bonnet for over 6 months now, but time just has a way of getting away from me these days. This beautiful baby bonnet was a gift for Jospehine from the amazingly talented Evy Hawkins. I met Evy through our mutual sewing machine sponsor, Baby Lock Sewing and Embroidery Machines. We apparently just missed each other teaching at the Martha Pullen School of Art Fashion. The first year I started teaching, she wasn't teaching, but luckily our paths crossed at the first Baby Lock Common Threads Event. … continue reading

13
Jan

Monkey Bread Recipe

Have you ever had Monkey Bread? If not, it is truly a wonderfully sugary sweet breakfast treat made with store-bought biscuits (although, you could certainly make those from scratch as well). You've got to try my Monkey Bread Recipe! Monkey Bread is probably not an everyday sort of breakfast item, but it's perfect for a special occasion. We like to make this on the morning of Thanksgiving........it's something a little bit special, but really easy to get prepared the night before. You pour over the butter and brown sugar mixture in the morning before you bake … continue reading

11
Jan

Easy Cork Board Makeover

I'm slowly but surely starting to focus on hanging some things up in my new sewing studio. I bought three of these inexpensive cork boards from IKEA a few months ago........one for my office and two for Savannah and Matilda's room to go next to their desks. I originally thought I would just put them up as is, but that just seemed kind of boring. I'm all about incorporating fabric whenever and where ever I can, so I did these Easy Cork Board Makeovers this weekend and I'm excited to share this DIY project with all of you. … continue reading

6
Jan

The Cottage Mama 2016

Hi there! Happy Happy 2016. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and have had a great start to the new year! I wanted to take a moment to let you know that this year I'm going to be changing things up here on the blog a bit.......not much, but a bit. Of course you'll still see your normal sewing posts as well as more of my new sewing video tutorials; however, this year I'm going to be sharing more interior design posts, before/after room and furniture makeover posts, organizing ideas and some additional recipes. A little more variety, if you will. These … continue reading

4
Jan

Lessons with Lindsay: Edge Finishing Options

In this weeks Lessons with Lindsay Video, I share with you the many different options for finishing the edges of your fabric when sewing garments. I'll also show you step-by-step how to create a lovely French seam and share several other tips and tricks for beautifully constructed children's clothing. … continue reading

2
Jan

Shoot Along 2016

Happy New Year! I'm looking forward to lots of new and exciting things here on The Cottage Mama. One goal I have for myself is to take more candid photos of the kids and our family. Daily life kind of stuff, you know? I love the pretty, modeled pictures of the kids that I get to take from time to time, but I want to make sure that I capture 'real' life as well. You didn't think my whole life was just pretty dresses, beautifully plated food and perfectly clean interior design, did you? I try my best, but no one is perfect. There are days my kids pick out their own … continue reading

31
Dec

Top Blog Posts for 2015

As 2015 comes to a close, it's always fun for me to take a look at the stats here on The Cottage Mama Blog and find out which posts you all have been enjoying the most this last year. Some of these have been favorites for years and some of these have just made their way into the Top 10 Blog Posts. If you haven't tried some of these sewing and craft projects or recipes........check them out! I think you'll really enjoy them! … continue reading

29
Dec

Book Advent Calendar

This year we introduced a new Christmas Advent Tradition into our family. I know it's after Christmas, but this was so much fun that I thought I would share the details with you in case you want to incorporate this into your family traditions next year. … continue reading