1
Jul

Filming Sewing DVDs in Cincinnati and a Little Book Preview

I feel like the last three months, or rather the last year, have been a whirlwind of busy. It might not have seemed like it here on the blog, since I've definitely had to pull back online for work / life balance, but behind the scenes there has been so much going on. As most of you know I signed with a publisher (F & W Media) last June and wrote my first sewing book. The book is now complete (though it's been out of my hands for quite awhile) and will be sent print any day now. My book, Sew Classic Clothes for Girls: 20 Dresses, Outfits and Accessories from … continue reading

26
Jun

Scalloped Envelope Clutch ~ Free Pattern and Tutorial

This was a project I shared a while back over at Riley Blake Designs and in case you missed it, I'm bringing it home. When I came across this printed cross-stitch fabric, I just new it would be perfect for some type of bag. It's from the 'Hipster' cotton line and I'm absolutely in love with these prints. Envelope clutches seem to be all the rage right now and I have a thing for scalloped edges, so put them together and what do you get? A Scalloped Envelope Clutch Tutorial. Let's get started....... Scalloped Envelope Clutch Tutorial by Lindsay Wilkes from … continue reading

24
Jun

Slow Cooker Strawberry Rhubarb Jam ~ Recipe

So last week the kids and I went strawberry picking. We picked a ton of beautiful strawberries and I have really been wanting to try my hand at making some freezer jam. I was searching around for some recipes and couldn't quite find what I was looking for. Many recipes called for fruit pectin, which I didn't have on hand and some of the others required you to cook the jam on the stove-top all day. Nope.......I don't have all day around here with three little ones. And then it dawned on me.......how about using my trusty slow cooker! So that's what I … continue reading

20
Jun

A Trip to the Strawberry Patch: 2013

It's strawberry season here in Chicago. On Monday I was trying to decide what the kids and were going to do for the day and I thought......'I bet it's strawberry picking time.' I called our local berry farm to see if they had berries this year (since the weather has been so strange) and it turns out Monday was the first day they were open for picking! Well that sealed the deal. The kids and I were going to go strawberry picking and get the first pick of the season!Miss Savannah was really into making sure she picked the very best strawberries she could find. This … continue reading

19
Jun

Riley Blake Fabric Fest Blog Hop and Fat Quarter Bundle Giveaway!

   So I know I mentioned it quite some time ago, but this September I will be heading to Las Vegas to teach at Riley Blake Designs 'Fabric Fest'! I'm so excited about this opportunity. I have really enjoyed working with the folks at Riley Blake Designs and I know their first conference is going to be amazing. There are going to be so many great classes and teachers during this conference.......if you haven't signed up, you definitely should. There is something for everyone!I will be teaching three hands-on sewing classes during the conference and will be on a … continue reading

17
Jun

46th Annual Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Veggie Spirals

So guess what? Remember last year when my mom (Grandma Jane) made it into the finals of the 45th Annual Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest (see post here)? She flew to Orlando, FL to compete for the $1 million dollar prize and unfortunately, she didn't win with her Biscuit Corn Cakes with Goat Cheese in Blackberry-Thyme Sauce. However, that didn't stop her from wanting to go again this year! She entered several different recipes into this years competition (46th Annual Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest) and she has made it into the semi-finals with her Parmesan Crusted Veggie … continue reading

10
Jun

Daphne Wrap Dress and Top Pattern from The Cottage Mama: Now Available!

And here it is........the final pattern in The Cottage Mama summer collection of sewing patterns. The Daphne Wrap Dress and Top (size 6 month - size 10) is now available in PDF and will be available in paper around the end of June!Daphne Wrap Dress and TopSIZE 6 MONTH - SIZE 10 DESCRIPTION: The Daphne Wrap Dress and Top is the perfect casual wardrobe essential for your little one. It is a semi-fitted, A-line, wrap dress that is fully lined, wraps around back and is secured with two buttons in back and two buttons in the front. View A can be made as a dress or top … continue reading

6
Jun

Skip and Play Pants and Capris Pattern from The Cottage Mama: Now Available!

I am pleased to announce the third pattern from The Cottage Mama Summer Collection, the Skip and Play Pants and Capris (Size 6 month - size 10)!These are the first pair of pants and capris offered from The Cottage Mama. You can layer these under dresses and jumpers or pair them with a little t-shirt and cardigan. However, your little lady decides to wear them, they will surely get noticed!Skip and Play Pants and CaprisSIZE 6 MONTH - SIZE 10DESCRIPTION: The Skip and Play Pants and Capris are the perfect wardrobe essential for your darling little one. The pants and … continue reading

5
Jun

Summer Rag Flip Flop Tutorial

So it's finally summer around here and I was asked by the folks at Joann Fabric and Craft stores to come up with a summer craft project inspired by their new summer catalog, Cape Discovery. If you like crafting with your children, this is a great place to gather up some new ideas. The girls and I flipped through this catalog to find our inspiration project: After looking at all the different project ideas in the Cape Discovery Catalog, we chose to create some 'Summer Rag Flip Flops' for the girls. My girls definitely love a good craft! These were such an … continue reading

4
Jun

Miss Matilda Dress and Top Pattern: Testers

I have such an incredible group of women behind the scenes that have been helping me test all my patterns to ensure a perfect pattern for our customers. Like I mentioned last week, they are an incredibly talented group of women and I am so proud to share some of their darling creations with you.This is Crystal's (Stitched by Crystal) little cutie wearing the Miss Matilda Dress in size 12 month. We shortened the sash a little bit since these pictures were taken so that it didn't extend beyond the hem of the dress. Crystal chose a gorgeous eyelet fabric with … continue reading