The Cottage Mama Blog - Sewing. Cooking. Crafting.

Apr

Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting UV Moisturizer Review and a $50 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

I jump at the chance to try Olay products because they never seem to disappoint. I have tried other brands of facial moisturizers in the past but I always end up coming back to my Olay. So when I was offered the chance to try the new Olay® Total Effects Tone Correcting UV Moisturizer, I said sign me up!I was so surprised when this product arrived -- it really looks so cool. Granted, I don't generally purchase a product based on appearance, but this presentation really caught my eye. It looks like swirled moisturizer and foundation all in one. I couldn't wait to … continue reading

Apr

Guest Blog Post: Woodland Cottage Pincushion ~ Free Pattern for Riley Blake Designs

Today I'm guest blogging over at Riley Blake Designs 'Cutting Corners College' sharing a free pattern and tutorial for the Woodland Cottage Pincushion. The design was inspired by our very own cottage. Come on over and say hello........Click HERE to view the Woodland Cottage Pincushion at Riley Blake Designs. … continue reading

Apr

So many things, so little time……

Just wanted to check in and let you know that I'm here. I am super-busy right now trying to get my next three patterns published by next month. So, I will apologize in advance for my lack of blogging over the next couple weeks. I was really excited by your response to my handmade business series, so I definitely have some posts on those topics coming soon. But for right now, I have to make sure I focus on getting down to business, so I need to pull myself away from the computer and hit the sewing machine.We have a photoshoot scheduled for next week for all the … continue reading

Apr

Tulip Petal Sun Hat Pattern and Tutorial

Tulip Petal Sun Hat Size 2-5 years Free Pattern & Tutorial Click HERE to download the free pattern piece. Fabric Line: 'Sunny Happy Skies' by Bella Blvd for Riley Blake Designs Course Materials: 1/2 yard each of two different coordinating prints - 100% cotton fabric 1 large button 1 small button Basic Sewing Supplies Pinking Shears (optional) Tulip Petal Pattern Piece (found HERE) Course Instructions: 5/8" Seam Allowance, unless otherwise noted. Cut your pattern pieces. You will need six for the exterior fabric and six for the … continue reading

Mar

45th Annual Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest Recap

Wow, what an incredible last several days we've had! The 45th Annual Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest has come to a close and though Mom didn't walk away with the $1 million grand prize, we all walked away with memories to last a lifetime! I feel so blessed to have been able to share this once in a lifetime experience with my mom and am so glad she invited me along for the ride! Mom at her station ~ #48The 45th Annual Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest was held this year in Orlando, FL at the Peabody Hotel. Each finalist was allowed to bring three guests, but many people … continue reading

Mar

Will It Go Round In Circles? ~ Free Quilt Pattern and Tutorial ~ Part 5: Binding

Here we are on the final day of the 'Will it go round in circles?' quilt pattern and tutorial. Today we will bind our quilt. This binding tutorial is a great one whether you are binding a quilt or even a simple baby blanket. Keep on going........you're almost finished! And now here's my mom (Grandma Jane)............. Part 5: Binding34. Binding--Stitching all complete? It is time to bind your quilt. Yea! We are almost finished! I like to machine stitch the binding on to the quilt and then finish it up with hand stitching.35. Place the ends of two binding … continue reading

Mar

Will It Go Round In Circles? ~ Free Quilt Pattern and Tutorial ~ Part 4: Quilting

So here we are.......we've got our quilt top pieced together and our quilt backing ready to go. Now for the most exciting part, actually quilting our quilt. Mom (Grandma Jane) has some really great information and tips in Part 4 of the 'Will It Go Round In Circles?' quilt pattern and tutorial. If you've ever been a little nervous about quilting, don't worry, Grandma Jane will show you the way....... Part 4: Quilting19. How to “sandwich” your quilt—I like to lay the backing and the quilt top out on the floor to check for placement. I decided I wanted the pieced … continue reading

Mar

Will It Go Round In Circles? ~ Free Quilt Pattern and Tutorial ~ Part 3: Quilt Backing

Welcome to Part 3 of the "Will It Go Round In Circles?" Free Quilt Pattern and Tutorial. Yesterday we finished up our quilt front and today we will be cutting and piecing our quilt backing. My mom always creates the most beautiful, pieced backings for her quilts. Take it away, Mom........Part 3: Quilt Backing15. Quilt Backing—I sub cut layer cake pieces for the pieced backing but as above in the cutting instructions. You can cut strips however you like—it’s great way to use up scraps. Lay strips out to get the look you like. Then sew 16 of the 2 ½ inch x 10 … continue reading

Mar

Will It Go Round In Circles? ~ Free Quilt Pattern and Tutorial ~ Part 2: Quilt Top Continued

Welcome to Part 2 of the 'Will It Go Round In Circles?' Free Quilt Pattern and Tutorial. Today we will be finishing our quilt top. If you missed Part 1 (Cutting / Appliqueing) you can view it HERE.Part 2 (Quilt Top Continued):7. Now with all 56 squares, complete, lay out the squares again and make sure you like your color placement. Sew your blocks together into rows of 7 blocks each with a scant ¼ seam. I love Diary of a Quilter Amy Smart’s helpful tutorial on the “scant ¼ inch seam” (click HERE to view her tutorial). The first couple of quilts I made I did … continue reading

Mar

Will It Go Round In Circles? ~ Free Quilt Pattern and Tutorial ~ Part 1

This week we have a very, I mean very, special guest here with us on The Cottage Home ~ my mom (aka Grandma Jane)! I am so excited that Mom agreed to guest blog and share her amazing talent and skills with everyone. My mom is definitely not one to toot her own horn, but I'm not kidding when I say that she has serious talent in the sewing arena. Grandma Jane is sharing a free quilt pattern and tutorial for everyone. Today she will share the first part and will post every day this week until we have sewn the quilt from start to finish. Sound like fun? If … continue reading