Quick Column Quilts Book Review and Giveaway

Today I'm excited to introduce to you Nancy Zieman's latest book, Quick Column Quilts! This lovely new book is going to be perfect for those of you that don't like to spend weeks and weeks on a project. I know for me, one of the reasons I love sewing children's clothing is that I can finish a detailed piece of clothing in about one day. And I would definitely call myself a 'finisher'. How about you? I don't like to have unfinished projects lying around. So if it's going to take me a long time to get a project completed, I'm more than likely not going to start it … continue reading

Michael Miller Fabrics Challenge Quilt

Several months ago my mom, Grandma Jane, participated in the Michael Miller Fabrics Quilt Challenge with the Modern Quilt Guild. When she was visiting, we took some pictures of her challenge quilt in front of the cottage. Basically everyone in the challenge had to incorporate this Petal Pinwheels fabric line into a design.......it could be anything as long as it was quilted. They also had to incorporate a Michael Miller Fabrics solid. And finally, you had to be a member of the Modern Quilt Guild to enter. … continue reading

Happy 3rd Birthday Caspian Finn

Dear Caspian, My, oh my, I can't believe you are 3 years old today. I still feel like you are my baby because in my eyes you are still that tiny baby boy I brought home from the hospital three years ago. In a couple months, your new little sister will arrive and you will become a big brother. You're growing up so fast. I am loving this extra time we are getting to spend together while your sisters are at school all day. You are such a joy every single day. There are a few things I would like to remember about you on your 3rd birthday and a few things you … continue reading

Fabric Covered Mouse Pad

I don't know about you, but I like to try to incorporate my beloved fabric into as many areas of my home as possible. So today I have a super-quick, no-sew project for you to incorporate your favorite fabric onto the top of your mouse pad. You can simply take a mouse pad you already own or pick up an inexpensive one at your office supply store, add some fabric and you've got a pop of color next to your computer that will bring a smile to your face! Let's get started on this Fabric Covered Mouse Pad....... … continue reading

Spiced Zucchini Banana Bread Recipe

We have had quite a bit of produce in our house this summer with the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) were doing with a local farm. That means each week we go to the farm to pick up a box of organic, in-season produce to use throughout the week. We had quite a few leafy greens in the beginning, but now we've moved onto onions, beets, zucchini, cucumbers, eggplant, etc. So today I had some zucchini to use up and two bananas that were on their way out. So I created this Spiced Zucchini Banana Bread recipe that I think you'll really enjoy. Even the kids gobbled … continue reading

The Cottage Mama Sewing Contest

  I'm pleased to announce the first ever The Cottage Mama Sewing Contest! I have been blown away by all of the incredibly talented women who sew from my patterns. I thought it would be fun to have a friendly competition with a big grand prize to honor all of your hard work and creativity. So I'm announcing the contest today, however, I wanted to give you plenty of time to get creative and have time to sew so the entries aren't due until September 12, 2014. Check out the Contest Celebrity Judges further down the post.......I'm so excited to have both of … continue reading

Pink Door Fabrics Giveaway

Today we have a wonderful $50 giveaway for you all from one of the lovely, The Cottage Mama blog sponsors, Pink Door Fabrics. Pink Door Fabrics carries an amazing array of designer quilting cotton from all the latest designers and manufacturers. They really have incredible taste in fabric! Here are some of my favorite items from their shop: I would love to get my hands on these 16 prints with this 8 yard bundle of Far Far Away by Heather Ross. My girls love unicorns and this collection is so fun and whimsical. … continue reading

New Pattern Release ~ Claire Pajama Pattern

Claire Pajamas Pattern from The Cottage Mama. Size 6 month - 10 years and 18" doll pattern.

Today is my birthday (I'm 33 years old, in case you were wondering) and I thought this would be the perfect day to release my newest pattern, the Claire Pajamas Pattern. I have been working on this pattern for several months getting it just right and I'm so happy to finally have it completed and ready to offer to all of you! I truly hope you love it as much as I do. … continue reading

Happy 5th Birthday, Matilda Jane!

Dear Matilda Jane,   Happy Birthday! Today you turn five years old!! These last five years have flown in the blink of an eye. Five years really isn't all that long, but it feels like you have been in our life forever. And then again, when I think about the fact that you are just five years, that's actually hard to believe. I always think of you as a little bit older or the same age as your big sister. Maybe it's because the two of you are so close in age, play with so many of the same toys and enjoy so many of the same activities. But today you turn … continue reading

The Palmetto Baby Cottons Giveaway

Today I'm excited to introduce one of our newest blog sponsors, The Palmetto Baby Cottons! I met Kay, the owner, back in February when she took my classes at the Martha Pullen School of Art Fashion and I just want to say that she is one of the sweetest women I have ever met. And not only is she incredibly nice, she has wonderful taste in fabrics and trims. So here is a little more from Kay of The Palmetto Baby Cottons....... … continue reading