2
May

Sewing Class This Weekend – May 6, 2012

So I've been teaching some sewing classes around town lately.  I know I've mentioned this over on The Cottage Mama Facebook page, but I don't think I've said anything about it here on the blog.  This weekend (Sunday, May 6, 2012) from 1:00PM - 4:00PM I will be teaching another class for my Janey Jumper pattern at Material Girl Fabric Shop in Crystal Lake, IL. Material Girl is located in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, so if you are in the area and would like to join us, I would love to have you.   You can call Material Girl directly (see phone number at the … continue reading

1
May

May Giveaway Day

Are you ready for this?  It's finally here.......The May Giveaway DayHere's how this works.........you can enter to win each one of these prizes from our lovely blog sponsors.  Leave a separate comment for each prize you would like to win.  For example, if you want to win the Fat Quarter Shop prize, leave a comment saying something like "I'd sure love to win the Fat Quarter shop prize - they are a great shop!"  And leave a separate comment for EACH entry. Got it? Great! Here are the amazing prizes and sponsors for our May Giveaway Day.......FAT QUARTER SHOP: The … continue reading

30
Apr

French Themed Bridal Shower

Well, seeing as though my sister-in-law's wedding was this past weekend, I figured it was about time for me to finally post these pictures from her french-themed bridal shower.  Her shower was many months ago, but with so much going on lately, I just never got around to sharing these with all of you.  We won't have the wedding pictures back for a couple weeks, so I'll fill you in on how the girls did as the flower girls and the whole wonderful experience once I have some pictures to share.  All I can tell you right now is that is was amazing and my sister-in-law, … continue reading

25
Apr

Sewing Pattern Update and Giveaway Winner

Wow, what a week this has been!  My next three patterns finally went to print and should be available to ship the next couple weeks.  Putting together all the components of a pattern is such a labor of love.  So many hours go into each one starting with the original drafting, digitizing, grading, testing, instructions, photography, covers, yardage requirements and the list goes on.  It always feels a bit overwhelming when I'm in the middle of it, but the end product is always worth the hard work!Next week I will begin sharing these new patterns with you by … continue reading

20
Apr

Berenstain Bears Disappearing Nine Patch Quilt Block Tutorial and Giveaway

Grandma Jane is back with a great beginning quilting tutorial, the Disappearing Nine Patch, and a fabulous giveaway.  I can't take any credit for this giveaway.  Mom came up with this idea herself and personally purchased these items for one lucky reader all on her own.  Mom knows how much you all mean to me and wanted to do something special.  So without further ado........here's Jane....... “Hooray, hooray, we’re on our way! Our summer vacation starts today!” That line from the Berenstain Bears book, The Bears’ Vacation, still resonates through my head from … continue reading

19
Apr

Little Linen Dress

I have been so busy lately sewing up samples of my new patterns that I decided to take a few quick minutes to sew up a little summer top/dress for Matilda.  You would think that with all the sewing I do that my kids wardrobes would be completely handmade.  Nope, not the case. A lot of the pieces I create end up being sold or used as display pieces in stores so I tend to create more special occasion pieces for the kids.  I have very little time these days with everything that's been going on, but a major goal of mine is to create more everyday pieces for my own … continue reading

17
Apr

Angel Hair Pasta with Peas, Tomatoes and Garlic ~ Recipe

 It's been a while since I've posted a recipe here on the blog, so I thought I would share a simple dinner that we had last week.  Pasta is my go-to dinner when I want something quick, easy and satisfying.  This easy pasta dish can be prepared in about 15-20 minutes!Angel Hair with Peas, Tomatoes and GarlicServes 4Ingredients:1 lb. Angel Hair pasta1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz) with garlic and olive oil1 tablespoon minced garlic2 tablespoons olive oil1 cup frozen peas1/2 cup Parmesan cheese plus more, to tasteSalt and pepper, to taste Directions:Cook pasta according … continue reading

16
Apr

Muffin Tin Monday – Creating Non-Picky Eaters

So as of recently 'Muffin Tin Monday' is what we've been doing for lunch around here each Monday afternoon.  Have you heard of this?  Well, just Google 'Muffin Tin Monday' and you will find a million and one pictures of this idea.  Basically you just use a muffin tin, load it up with a variety of different foods and serve the muffin tin as your child's plate for lunch (or dinner).  Pretty easy, right?Here's what was in our muffin tin this past week:Starting from the top left, moving to the right:1. Woven Wheat Crackers2. Peas3. Sliced Banana4. Tortilla Chips5. … continue reading

13
Apr

The Handmade Business: Where to Start?

So you want to start a handmade business?  The first question to really think about is 'what are you going to make to sell?'.  Or maybe you have a handmade business already but your products don't seem to be getting the attention you had hoped.First, ask yourself this, what do you enjoy creating?  That is the MOST important question in starting a handmade business.  If you do not enjoy what you are doing, then you will not be happy creating the pieces for your shop and you will burn out very quickly.  Handmade takes time and effort, so you must make sure you are … continue reading

11
Apr

This Past Weeks Happenings….

Wow, is the week over yet?  I can't believe it's not Friday yet........it seems like this week has been so crazy busy.  I spent this past weekend and last few days sewing up a storm in preparation for a photo shoot for my upcoming sewing patterns.  Not to mention spending some much needed time with my family celebrating Easter.Garments for pattern photo shootOur photo shoot was today with Amy Tripple Photography and it went really well.  I have never used Amy before but she came highly recommended from a friend and I was so excited by the whole experience.  I … continue reading