The Cottage Mama Blog - Sewing. Cooking. Crafting.

Dec

Patchwork Travel Neck Pillow ~ Pattern & Tutorial

I know a lot of people travel around this time of year. As a matter of fact, my mom and her husband will be flying in to celebrate an early Christmas with us in less than two weeks! Many people are unable to sleep in airplanes and cars because of their uncomfortable neck position . I've seen lots of travel pillows in the airports, but I wanted to make one that was a little bit more exciting.........a little more "me", shall we say. The Patchwork Travel Neck Pillow is a great gift idea for anyone you know that travels a lot. Or make one for yourself so you can … continue reading

Dec

15-Minute Pillowcase {with French Seams} ~ Tutorial

Today I have a great 15 Minute Pillowcase with French Seams tutorial for you! As most of you know, I love lined garments. Why? Because I like things to look as beautiful on the inside as they do on the out. However, sometimes lining projects is not necessary or practical and that's where french seams come in. A french seam encases the raw edge of the fabric so you have a beautiful, neat and tidy, finished look. And that's where the 15 Minute Pillowcase with French Seams comes in........ No joke, these pillowcases will not take you more than 15-minutes and … continue reading

Nov

The Magic of Christmas

image sourceDo you remember when you first found out the 'truth' about Santa Claus? I was probably one of the last of my friends to actually succumb to the reality. I can remember being on the large soccer field at my elementary school in California and arguing passionately with the other kids about the existence of Santa Claus. I tried to explain to everyone how I had seen this television program where they discussed the Santa sitings that had occurred at the north pole. Why didn't they believe me? I mean I had concrete evidence. I was absolutely convinced … continue reading

Nov

Happy Thanksgiving

Just a quick post to wish you all a happy thanksgiving from our little turkey's to yours!So very, very many things to be thankful for this year, but our little Caspian Finn has to top the list.His big sisters just adore him.This little man is such a blessing for all of us. Be still my heart, how I love him so.Happy Thanksgiving! … continue reading

Nov

‘Sew Serendipity Bags’ by Kay Whitt ~ Book Review

Kay Whitt has done it again! A few months ago I was sent a copy of Kay's second book, Sew Serendipity Bags, and it is absolutely fabulous!I'm not sure if you remember my review on Kay's first book, Sew Serendipity, but I loved it too. Sew Serendipity, has a larger emphasis on clothing, but what do you need to go with your lovely outfit? A beautiful, super-hip, ultra-chic bag! And what's even better is if you can make that bag yourself.Sew Serendipity Bags has the same feel as Kay's first book with beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations helping you sew each and … continue reading

Nov

Modern Fabric Studio ~ Sponsored Giveaway

Today's giveaway comes from our new blog sponsor, Modern Fabric Studio. If you have not heard of this wonderful fabric shop, I am so excited to introduce them to you. Like I've said before, we can never have too many fabric shops around!A note from the owner of Modern Fabric Studio, Amanda: I have always been into crafting but I started sewing only a few years ago. One day I came home from work..it was snowing and I knew I wouldn’t be going to work the next day. I went and bought a sewing machine that night and locked myself up in my apartment and taught … continue reading

Nov

Roasted Butternut Squash with Onions & Garlic ~ Recipe

Roasted butternut squash with onions and garlic is the perfect fall side-dish to accompany any meal. Looking for a new Thanksgiving side-dish? Well this could be it. Simple ingredients with complex flavor. You can't beat that!Roasted Butternut Squash with Onions & GarlicIngredients:1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed1 large yellow onion1 head garlic1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil1 teaspoon kosher salt1/2 teaspoon ground black pepperDirections:Preheat oven to 400 degrees.Peel butternut squash, remove seeds/pulp and cut into 1" cubes. Cut onion in … continue reading

Nov

Butterfly Kisses Fabric Giveaway Winner!

And the winner of the $50.00 gift certificate to Butterfly Kisses Fabric is.........Congratulations, Suzie! I am so happy for you - you are going to have so much fun deciding what to buy with your gift certificate. Please email me at [email protected] and we will coordinate getting you your gift certificate. Thanks so much to everyone who entered. I'm so excited for Tammy and Chad and can't wait to see Butterfly Kisses Fabric grow! If you weren't the winner for this giveaway, don't worry because next week we will be having another fabric shop giveaway … continue reading

Nov

Country Fried Steak with Cream Gravy ~ Recipe

Country fried steak must be a southern thing. People around here in Chicago give me a strange look when I ask them if they have ever had it before. My family moved from California to Texas right after I turned 13 and I have been hooked on country fried steak ever since. I guess you could say, it was love at first bite.Not only is country fried steak delicious, but it is also a very inexpensive cut of meat which makes it perfect for a family on a budget. If you've never tried country fried steak, I'm sorry to say that you are missing out. Come on, give this … continue reading

Nov

The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns Round-Up and Flickr Group

First off I would just like to say a big thank you to all the bloggers that participated in The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns blog tour. It has been a thrill for me to see garments made from my original sewing patterns and so fun to see your individual interpretation of the patterns.From left to right - Kojo Designs, Aesthetic Nest, A Lemon Squeezy HomeFrom left to right - Craftiness is not Optional, Girl. Inspired, No Big DillIf you entered to win one of the 12 patterns being given away, please check back on each of these blogs to see if you are one of the lucky … continue reading