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

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

Pecan Pie Bark Recipe

We have company coming next week to celebrate Christmas, so I've been doing a lot of baking in preparation for their arrival. My mom's husband, Pepo, absolutely LOVES pecan pie, so I wanted to make a sweet treat that I thought he would really enjoy. I have seen a couple different variations of Pecan Pie Bark online. I read through the comment sections on a few recipes and realized that the recipes didn't seem to be turning out quite right. People had some different suggestions of things to try to get the perfect consistency and I think I've hit the jackpot with … continue reading

How to Embroider a Dress Bodice: Lessons with Lindsay

Machine embroidery is one of my favorite ways to add personalization to a children's garment or other project. I know not everyone has a machine capable of embroidery, but if you do......this lesson is for you!  In today's Lesson with Lindsay video tutorial, I'll be showing you exactly how to embroider a dress bodice. It's so easy! Take a look........... … continue reading

Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Children

This post is sponsored by Cost Plus World Market, however, all ideas, opinions and suggestions are 100% mine. I'm usually really good about Christmas shopping ahead of time. I like to get everything picked out, made and ordered so that I can enjoy the holiday season. But for some reason, I always seem to forget about stockings and end up causing myself stress when Christmas is upon us. Well, this year, I decided to be SUPER organized and get my stocking stuffers picked out and ready to go. I thought I'd share some of the items I've picked out for my kids … continue reading

Black Friday Sale!

Just wanted to let you know that there is a Black Friday Sale going on over on The Cottage Mama Shop website and The Cottage Mama Etsy Shop. 30% off ALL Patterns (including the new ones) and the book, Sew Classic Clothes for Girls!  The sale will run through Monday and there won't be another one for quite awhile. So grab your patterns and use the code blackfriday2015 at checkout! Visit The Cottage Mama Shop Website HERE. Visit The Cottage Mama Etsy Shop HERE. Happy Sewing! … continue reading

Strawberry, Rhubarb, Cream Cheese and Thyme Mini Hand Pies

I love pie. Any kind of pie, really. So I figure others must feel the same. I created these simple Strawberry, Rhubarb, Cream Cheese and Thyme Mini Hand Pies for the Holiday Ornament Exchange I recently hosted. These were so easy and there are so many ways to change these up........different jams, different cheese, different herb. These really are so tasty! Give them a try, you won't be sorry! … continue reading

How to Host a Holiday Ornament Exchange

This post is sponsored by Cost Plus World Market. All ideas, suggestions and opinions are 100% mine. The holiday season is upon on us and it's time to gather up your girlfriends and celebrate this wonderful time of year! Sure you could invite your best gal pals over for a cocktail party, brunch or cookie exchange, but why not try something new this year? This year, change it up and host a holiday ornament exchange. It's a great way to get everyone together to celebrate the season and add a little fun and excitement to your holiday gathering. Don't have a … continue reading

New Patterns: Savannah Dress & Josie Mae Bonnet

I excited to announce the release of two new patterns from The Cottage Mama! … continue reading

Lessons with Lindsay Sewing Video: Bias Binding

It's that time again! Time for another "Lessons with Lindsay" video. Today we are going to be discussing all things bias binding. … continue reading