The Cottage Mama Blog - Sewing. Cooking. Crafting.

Mar

March 2012 Giveaway Day

Our March Giveaway Day is finally here! This is something new we are trying here at The Cottage Home blog. We've got some wonderful prizes from our lovely blog sponsors. I think you are going to be very happy!Here's how this is going to work: I am listing all of the prizes that are available today. I have included a link underneath each prize that you can click on to enter each individual giveaway. Do not comment on this post to enter to win. You must click on the links below the prizes and enter each one separately. I thought about doing this as one giant … continue reading

Feb

A little of this and a little of that ~ Kids, Hats and Dresses

Life has been very busy around here and I've been meaning to share some pictures of the kids I took recently. These were taken a couple weeks ago. Caspian Finn is getting into that adorable chubby, smiley, almost 6 months phase and I could just eat him up. Of course I think he's just too cute, I'm sure I see him differently since I am his mama, but even as I look at his picture right here, I just want to snuggle this little guy.Here are some more pictures of Mr. Caspian at 5.5 months old:I ordered these hats for the kids for Christmas from my lovely blog … continue reading

Feb

Broom Love

You may think I have totally lost my mind with this post. A post about a broom, Lindsay, really? Well, that's what my mom thought when I called her and said, "I'm so excited for my new broom to arrive!" And as I just wrote that, I realized, that it does sound pretty strange........what has my life come to? I'm excited about a broom? Someone over here may need to get a life........Enough about my craziness, though, and let me tell you about my new broom. I have really been trying to live according to this William Morris quote since we entered 2012......."Have … continue reading

Feb

"I Spy" Fabric Matching Game ~ Tutorial

Here's a super-fun kids game tutorial for an I Spy Fabric Matching Game. Savannah Rose will be getting this game for her 4th birthday that is coming up on March 5th ~ I can't wait, I think she's going to love it! This year I have three sewing re*sew*lutions: 1) Use up my excessive amount of fabric scraps 2) Design and sew more boys clothing 3) Dabble in the world of quilting To start off 2012, I thought I would start at the top of the list and use some of the fabric scraps that have been invading my sewing studio. Since I typically design and sew … continue reading

Feb

A Little Change: Giveaway Day

So I'm making a few little changes around here on the blog and one of them is in regards to giveaways. While I absolutely love sharing new businesses and products with you all, I feel like my blog content has had too many giveaways over the last several months. Promoting and growing small businesses is very important to me, as I am a small business owner myself, but I'm going to start doing things a little differently.The main reason I started this blog was to share my love for creating and hopefully inspire you all to want to create in your everyday life. I … continue reading

Feb

On the Cutting Table: New Fabric, New Designs, Ect.

It's been a busy week over here. Lots of things going on and trying to juggle my family, the kids, the blog and the business is always a challenge. This past week I finally decided it was time for me to bring in a little help so that I can prioritize some things in regards to my work-life balance. The only people that have ever watched our kids since our oldest Savannah was born are family members.....mainly my in-laws. But I decided to ask the high school girl from next door to come over two afternoons a week (for three hours each day) to play with the kids … continue reading

Feb

Inexpensive Wall Art ~ Decorating with Paper

I love when I find a great print that can bring an entire room together. Usually I'm looking for it in the form of fabric, but when I can't find exactly what I want, sometimes I have to turn to other sources ~ like paper.Several months back I was shopping at my local Home Goods store and as I was going to check out this fabulous wrapping paper caught my eye. You know how much I love patterned fabric so it was no surprise that I was drawn into this bold wrapping paper. I needed some wrapping paper for a wedding shower gift, so I picked it up and it said $3.99 … continue reading

Feb

Guest Blogging at Project Run and Play: Creating a Signature Style

Today I'm guest blogging over at Project Run and Play discussing how to 'Create a Signature Style'. If you've never checked out Project Run and Play, you must! Think Project Runway for children's clothing. I was lucky enough to compete in Season 1 and I'm so excited to be back. The blog has under-gone quite the transformation since the amazing Elizabeth and Liz of Simple Simon & Co. have taken it over this last season.If you get a moment, come on over and say hello.(Click HERE)Have a great day! … continue reading

Feb

Savannah’s Orange Birthday Party ~ The Invitation

Miss Savannah has a real thing for orange at the moment. It's her absolute favorite color. Who knew she would be so en-vogue with her color selection? Seeing as though 'Tangerine Tango' is one of the Pantone Colors of the Year she is staying right ahead of the current trends. Just kidding......she obviously doesn't have a clue about that, but I just thought it was kind of funny.Anyway, Miss S. is crazy for orange, so she decided she wanted an orange birthday party this year. What does that mean? It means that everything is going to be orange ~ the food, … continue reading

Feb

Happy Day Big Bow Dress ~ Pattern and Tutorial

Today I'm excited to share my tutorial for the 'Happy Day Big Bow Dress' with all of you. I created two coordinating sister looks from this gorgeous fabric (see previous post here) - 'Sunny Happy Skies' by Riley Blake Designs. The big bow dress is an easy, beginner sewing project that makes a big statement with the over-sized pocket and bow. Yes, there are two button holes, but trust me, you can handle it! Make this dress for any holiday by changing up the fabric. The dress can also be layered with long-sleeves and tights for the colder weather months. … continue reading