The Cottage Mama Blog - Sewing. Cooking. Crafting.

Aug

The "Children At Play" Collection

Last week I mentioned that I was working on a collection of pieces featuring my own sewing patterns for "Sew Beautiful" magazine. I thought maybe you would like a little peak into some of the pieces that are being sent to the magazine this week for the photoshoot that will take place in early September. The whole collection is design in "Children At Play", a new fabric line, by Sarah Jane Studios.All of the following pieces are from my own sewing patterns and will be released at various times over the next year. The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns will be print … continue reading

Aug

The Busy Mama

So I have been crazy busy around here lately. I sort of feel like I am moving in 500 different directions trying to get everything done before our little baby boy arrives. He'll be here in three weeks (if he doesn't come early)! That being said, there is SO much I would like to do before we meet him so that I can fully focus on him and the girls during this new transition with our family.As most of you know, that nesting instinct kicks in big time towards the end of pregnancy and I guess you could say I've sort of been "nesting" in my etsy shop. I wanted to … continue reading

Aug

OnStar FMV Product Review

Have you heard of OnStar? You might be most familiar with this product on GM vehicals; however, I had the opportunity to test out the new OnStar FMV mirror on my Toyota Sienna mini-van and I'm telling you all about my experience on my review blog today.Click HERE to read more! … continue reading

Aug

Book Review: Glorious Embellishing with Gloria McKinnon

Sewing and crafting books are one of my favorite pieces of reading material. I could flip through sewing books time after time and never get bored with them. I find these books to be so inspiring and a wonderful resource for learning new tricks and techniques. Most nights, before I fall asleep, I am looking at some sort of sewing / crafting magazine or book - it's just a great way to end the day!I was recently sent a copy of a fabulous new book from the publishers of Sew Beautiful and Martha Pullen for my review and I am thrilled to share this new publication … continue reading

Aug

Summer Berry Cones

These summer berry cones were one of my favorite looking dishes at Matilda's "Tea for 2" party! Not only were they tasty, but they were just so pretty that they made a wonderful centerpiece on our buffet table.I had seen this idea on Pinterest to serve fruit salad inside waffle cones and I just thought it was brilliant! Have I mentioned how much I L.O.V.E. Pinterest? It is such amazing daily inspiration. You can see some of my pins HERE. I loved the idea of fruit salad, but I wanted to do something that represented Matilda and she loves berries, so I went … continue reading

Aug

From Grandma with Love………Claira the Pig

I knew my mom was working on something special for Matilda's 2nd birthday, but when Matilda opened up "Claira the Pig", I could not believe my eyes. Total and complete adorableness! This pig doll is named "Claira" and was made from Heather Bailey's pattern "Claira and Clancy Pig Dolls". Mom put her own twist on the pattern with her use of fabrics, trims and buttons. The details in this doll are amazing! I am in love with the eyes and the little eye lashes. Also the sweet flower next to the ear is another special detail that makes this doll one-of-a-kind.The … continue reading

Aug

Altered Couture Magazine Fall 2011

It happened again - The Cottage Mama was published in the Fall 2011 Issue of Altered Couture Magazine! I'm so thrilled to be part of this wonderful publication for the second time and I have to admit, I don't think I will ever get tired of seeing my work in print. This issue of the magazine is full of all sorts of tutorials and inspiration for altering your fall wardrobe. Oh, how I love fall!In the fall issue I have three pieces that are featured........The first two pieces are combined into one article and they are my Shawl Collar Sweater and T-Shirt Shrug. … continue reading

Aug

Crepe Paper Flowers

The crepe paper flowers that I made for Matilda's "Tea for 2" party were really simple to make and incredibly inexpensive. I bought three rolls of different colored crepe paper and was able to make about 10 different flowers and a ton of ruffled streamers (and I still had some left over). At $1.00 per roll, I would definitely say this was budget decorating. Here's how to make your own crepe paper flowers........ Supplies: 3 rolls crepe paper (different colors) Tape Sewing machine Directions: Grab your three rolls of crepe paper. I chose two … continue reading

Aug

{ Nesting } – Organization Overload

It's less than two months now until little man's scheduled arrival. And when I say scheduled, I mean really scheduled since, unless I go into labor early, I have a c-section date already on the calendar (due to my previous c-section with Miss M.). Anyway, I have since realized that there are 5000 things I want to get done before this little angels arrival and SO little time to get it all done.Recently I went slightly crazy organizing the house. I think my good friend, Lara, thought I had lost my mind when I was showing her all the insides of my cabinets. Do … continue reading

Jul

Fat Quarter Shop Fabric Giveaway Winners

I'm so excited to announce the winner(s) of the Fat Quarter Shop "Meadow Friends" jelly roll giveaway. Did you notice how I said winner(s) plural? Well, Fat Quarter Shop contacted me this week and said because you guys did such an awesome job at visiting their shop and ordering fabric, that instead of just giving away one jelly roll, they are giving away FOUR!!!Here are the FOUR lucky winners.........Congratulations to all four of you! Each winner will receive a jelly roll of "Meadow Friends" by Deb Strain from Fat Quarter Shop and can choose whether they would … continue reading