6
Sep

Sew Magazine: Blog of the Month

Several months ago I was contacted by a UK sewing magazine, called "Sew Magazine" and asked if they could feature my blog as the "Blog of the Month".  I couldn't believe it.......really? Little ole me?  Well, it was true!  They said they like to feature an inspirational sewing blog each month and they had chosen my blog for the September 2011 issue.  Wow!  To say I was flattered would be the biggest understatement of the year!Last week I was sent my copy of the magazine.  To be honest, I've never purchased this magazine before, but I think I may have to going … continue reading

5
Sep

Our Sweet Baby Boy: Caspian Finn Wilkes

Our sweet baby boy has arrived!  Caspian Finn Wilkes was born on August 31, 2011 at 12:10 AM weighing 7 lbs. 2 oz and 19.5" long.  And he is perfect!I honestly couldn't have asked for a better delivery - no c-section - I got to do my VBAC!!  I guess it's true, 3rd time's a charm!  Labor and Delivery Story: So here's how things went.......I started having a dull backache in the morning of August 30th, but wasn't quite sure if it was anything.  It was a constant uncomfortable feeling, but since I was induced with my other two, I didn't know what to expect.  August … continue reading

30
Aug

A Fun Little Contest and a Giveaway from Me to You!

So as you know, I am due with my third child, a baby boy, on September 6th.  Right now I am scheduled to have a repeat c-section on that day.  I had a regular delivery with my oldest, Savannah, and then an emergency c-section with Matilda due to her heart rate dipping and her face front presentation.If I go into labor naturally prior to September 6th, I will attempt a VBAC (assuming everything looks good).  If not, we'll play it safe with our scheduled c-section. Things are kind of up in the air.  But I thought it might be fun to do a little guessing game with you … continue reading

29
Aug

Baby Boy’s Room: A Nautical Nursery

One week and counting until our little bundle is scheduled to arrive!  I thought I would share some pictures of the nautical themed nursery that we've put together for our special little guy.My husband, Brett, painted the room.  Surprisingly, he let both girls help for about 10 minutes.  That was enough time for them to get covered in navy blue paint from head to toe - he is a brave, brave man (and a super-wonderful daddy).  Brett had already put up the chair-rail and crown molding when we did the girls nursery, but he painted the navy blue and tan that I picked … continue reading

22
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

17
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

15
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

10
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

9
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

8
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