The Cottage Mama Blog - Sewing. Cooking. Crafting.

Dec

The Joy of Blogging

The following post was a guest post I did recently over at Lil Blue Boo. Ashley has had some different guest bloggers over talking about how they find the joy in blogging. Ashley is undergoing cancer treatment. If you don't know her story, I would encourage you to visit her blog. She is a true inspiration. I seem to have Ashley on my mind daily with all that she is going through during her cancer treatment. I pray for her and her family quite often and I hope things move in a positive direction. Ashley is such an incredible example of what it means to … continue reading

Dec

Sponsor Love

I thought I would take this opportunity to share some deals/discounts/new stock from The Cottage Home blog sponsors. I love each and every one of these shops. I do not accept every interested sponsor, so when you see these folks listed in my right side-bar, rest assured that I highly recommend them.If you have any last minute Christmas shopping to do for someone crafty or perhaps you need some more supplies to finish up that last-minute Christmas gift, I would love for you to check out these sponsors before shopping somewhere else. These are all small … continue reading

Dec

From Grandma with Love………Christmas Janey Jumpers

So my mom, Grandma Jane, has done it again! To be totally honest, I don't think I have ever received something my mom has made and not been totally thrilled. For one, I put a huge value on handmade items and two, she and I have very similar taste.I was really excited when my mom said that she wanted to make the girls Christmas dresses. Usually I like to do the kids special occasion outfits, but with having three little ones now, I was more than happy to have someone lighten the load. Mom said that she wanted to make the dresses from my Janey Jumper sewing … continue reading

Dec

Embellished Baby Bib ~ Pattern & Tutorial

Christmas sewing is in full swing here at The Cottage Home. I've got a million and one projects on my to-do list and am slowly getting through them. This will be my baby boy, Caspian Finn's, first Christmas so I wanted to sew something for him. Yes, I know he won't know whether or not Mama sewed anything for him this year, but I want to make sure that everyone gets an equal amount of handmade gifts. I picked up this woven trim somewhere.....not quite sure exactly. I'm always on the hunt for unique items for embellishing. It's been in my collection of trims … continue reading

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