The Cottage Mama Blog - Sewing. Cooking. Crafting.

Jul

Playdate Outfit Sew Along: Day 5 – Capris/Shorts

If you've made it this far, I want to say thank you for staying with me. I've had a lot of fun sewing with you all so far! And I hope you guys are having fun too. So now we are moving on to the capris/shorts. I decided to make the capris for my little lady, so I will be referring to them as such through this post. First we need to add the cuff to the capris. Place the cuff on top of the bottom of the pants, right sides together and sew together at the bottom edge. Do this on all four pant pieces. Press seams open and then press the right side as … continue reading

Jun

Playdate Outfit Sew Along: Day 4 – The Flower

So now that we've got our top or dress completed, it's time to add the fun, accent flower. This part of the pattern is completely optional, but I think it adds a nice little bit of whimsy to the outfit. You can get as creative as you would like with this accessory, but I opted to follow the pattern and just add an extra-large fabric covered button to the center. You've got to start by cutting 8 petals. I used the accent fabric for the petals, but you could use whatever fabric you like......maybe even something less matchy and more bold.....it's up to … continue reading

Jun

Playdate Outfit Sew Along: Day 3 – Top/Dress (2nd Half)

So it's time to finish up our top/dress! How are we feeling? Good, I hope......we're in the home stretch, so bare with me. Yesterday we stopped after finishing up our arm holes and shoulder ruffles, so now we'll move on to the side seams and finishing. Since you've probably just pressed your shoulder ruffles and arm holes, you will now need to pull the exterior fabric and the lining completely apart (we do this a lot with this pattern). Place the right sides of the exterior fabric and the right sides of the lining fabric together at both sides seams. … continue reading

Jun

Playdate Outfit Sew Along: Day 2 – Top/Dress (1st Half)

It's day 2 of the Carina Gardner "Playdate Outfit" sew along and today we are going to be working on the top or dress. The dress is made in the exact same way as the top, but just cut a little longer. So for the purpose of this post I will refer to this as "the top" instead of dress. Whenever you start sewing with a pattern it's a good idea to read through the pattern several times before you begin. Check all the instructions, make sure you've cut all your pieces and pay careful attention to the seam allowances given for each step. Generally, there is a … continue reading

Jun

Playdate Outfit Sew Along: Day 1 – Getting Started

Welcome to the Carina Gardner "Playdate Outfit" Sew Along! I'm so glad so many of you have decided to join in the sewing fun. And even if you're not sewing the pattern along with the rest of us, you still might find some helpful hints and tricks when sewing with commercial printed patterns. So, let's get started.......... The Tools: Here are a few of the tools that I like to use when I'm sewing. I find they make life a little easier and they can help achieve that truly professional look to your sewn garment. I have quite a few tools in my sewing box, so … continue reading

Jun

Birdsong Bows – Annabelle Flower Pattern Review AND Giveaway

One of my super-fabulous, totally wonderful blog sponsors, Birdsong Bows, sent me her most recent pattern to review called the Annabelle Flower pattern. This pattern is top-notch just like all of the other patterns I've seen from Birdsong Bows!If you've never sewn a Birdsong Bow pattern, you are missing out. I would call myself a total novice when it comes to hair bows, but these patterns are always incredibly well instructed and very easy to understand. I don't know if you recall, but I made some pretty fun hair bows awhile back from the Funky, Loopy Bow … continue reading

Jun

Rachael’s Handmade Soap Giveaway WINNER!

The winner of the Rachael's Handmade Soap Giveaway is............Congratulations to The Osborne Family!! You are just going to love these soaps and scrubbies! Email me at thecottagemama[at]gmail[dot]com with your address/contact information and we'll make sure to get your prize out to you as soon as possible. Thank you to everyone who entered!Tomorrow we have a fabulous giveaway and pattern review from one of my lovely blog sponsors, Birdsong Bows!**If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of The Cottage Home blog, please email Lindsay at … continue reading

Jun

{ Matilda’s Birthday Dress – Tea For 2 Party }

In about three weeks, Miss Matilda Jane will be turning 2! I can't believe it - how did my little baby grow-up that fast? My mom has always said that every year goes by quicker and quicker and every year I believe her more and more.Matilda loves to play tea party, so there was no doubt that "Tea for 2" would be the perfect theme for her party. I still have lots of details to plan such as the food, beverages and decor, but there is one area where I am ahead of the game - The Dress! Last year I based "Matilda's Summer Garden" 1st birthday party completely around … continue reading

Jun

Playdate Outfit Sewing Kit

In exactly one week we will start the sew-along for the Carina Gardner "Playdate Outfit". I've already sewn my outfit since I will be spending this week preparing the five blog posts for next weeks sew along. Starting Monday, and each day after that, we will sew a portion of the pattern and will have all completed our outfits by Friday. If you missed the original details, click HERE to view previous post.Above is my completed look for my daughter, Savannah Rose. I also wanted to offer a sewing kit to those of you who are interested. I know it's sometimes hard … continue reading

Jun

Lemon Roasted Asparagus

Don't you just love summer? It's that yummy time of year when all of the glorious produce comes in season. I absolutely love visiting the farmers market and picking up produce from our local farmers. I recently picked up some wonderful asparagus that I wanted to serve as a side dish with a meal I was preparing. When produce is actually in season, I don't like to do too much to it in regards to flavoring and seasoning because it already tastes so good in it's pure form.Lemon Roasted Asparagus in the perfect side-dish for any meal. Serve it with some rice pilaf … continue reading