The Cottage Mama Blog - Sewing. Cooking. Crafting.

May

Sew Serendipity by Kay Whitt – Signed Book Giveaway

I mentioned in last weeks "Quilt Market" post that I would be doing a book giveaway this week. Well, here it is, just as promised - "Sew Serendipity" by Kay Whitt. One of the first people my mom and I met at International Quilt Market was author and pattern designer, Kay Whitt. We just happened upon her booth where she was sharing her gorgeous pattern designs, her wonderful book and was sporting the most adorable dress that you can see in the picture above (made from one of her own patterns). And as I mentioned before, she was a true ray of sunshine. So … continue reading

May

For the Love of Yo-Yo’s

I have always loved yo-yo's and no, I'm not talking about the kind you probably played with as a child, I'm talking about fabric yo-yo's. These fabric embellishments have been around for forever and they have such a lovely vintage, nostalgic quality about them. They used to be used on quilts, aprons and dresses and still are today. Add a yo-yo to any of your sewing projects and it will instantly have a vintage charm about it.At the beginning of April I attended a very large local flea market in our area that is held once a month. This is one of my favorite … continue reading

May

International Quilt Market – Spring 2011

If any of you follow along on Facebook or Twitter, you know that I just returned from International Quilt Market in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was an amazing, inspiring trip, but boy am I tired!If you are not familiar with International Quilt Market, it is basically a trade show for quilt shops and manufacturers. There is a Quilt Market twice a year that is not open to the public (just to those in the trade) and then there is a Quilt Festival twice a year that is open to everyone. At quilt market there are tons of booths displaying all there newest and greatest … continue reading

May

The Cottage Mama Published in Altered Couture Magazine

I have some pretty exciting news! I just had my first two pieces published in the summer issue of Altered Couture Magazine. The magazine is a quarterly publication and hit newsstands on May 1st. It is available in many different stores such as Barnes and Noble, Borders, select Joann Fabrics, as well as online through the publisher, Stampington Company. Altered Couture is a magazine focused on "altered" and embellished clothing and accessories. It is filled with gorgeous photographs and inspirational pieces. The artists explain the tools and techniques used in … continue reading

May

Purple Potluck Bowl Covers

Summer time means picnics, barbecues, and potlucks! Many times we are invited to outdoor activities and everyone is asked to bring a dish to share. I thought it would be fun to create a reusable fabric bowl cover so that we can tote our side dishes to these events in style. These are also great to have at an outdoor picnic to keep the bugs off of your food when no one is eating. These bowl covers will take you no time at all. It will probably take you longer to decide on your fabric and coordinating bias tape than it will to actually sew them. Make one for … continue reading

May

Semi-Handmade Spring Wardrobe Series: Recap

I have had such a wonderful week sharing all my Semi-Handmade Spring Wardrobe creations with you all! Here's a recap of Savannah's entire Spring Wardrobe made by her mama. The rest of her clothing is more basic play clothes. I got her some denim shorts, khaki shorts, two pairs of knit shorts and some knit capris. I think she may need another pair of capris or so, but this should have her set for awhile, don't you think?Butterfly DressCreated from an old, stained polo shirtBumble Bee SkirtCreated to match a store-bought tankCupcake DressCreated from an old … continue reading

May

Semi-Handmade Spring Wardrobe Series: Part 4

I hope you've liked what you've seen so far in my Semi-Handmade Spring Wardrobe Series and today I am revealing two fun little dresses and a super-easy skirt. All three of these looks were created from different store-bought shirts. They were transformed into something new with the addition of some new fabric, pretty trim, and large ruffles.I think this dress looks like a high-waisted skirt, but it's actually a dress. Again, I had another cute t-shirt that needed some new life and a few stains cut off. So I cut off the stained portion of the shirt (the bottom) … continue reading

May

Semi-Handmade Spring Wardrobe Series: Part 3

Today I am revealing two semi-handmade looks that are so super-simple. Even if you are a beginner sewer, you can definitely feel confident tackling these two projects.Both of these looks, the cupcake dress and the ruffle capris, started off as two very basic clothing pieces and were transformed into something a little more special through the use of ruffles and fun fabric.For the cupcake dress, I started out with a basic peasant style denim dress that was purchased from target. Savannah got a lot of wear out of this dress last summer, but unfortunately it was … continue reading

May

Semi-Handmade Spring Wardrobe Series: Part 2

So today I am revealing the first two looks in Savannah's new semi-handmade spring wardrobe.Both of these outfits just shout spring to me. One of these outfits was made from a repurposed shirt and the other one was from cotton fabric that I had in my fabric stash made to match a store-bought shirt.The first dress, what Savannah likes to call her "Beautiful Butterfly Dress," is made from a terribly stained polo shirt. I really loved the fit of this shirt and I'm not quite sure what spilled all down the front, but it is definitely not wearable anymore......until … continue reading

May

Semi-Handmade Spring Wardrobe Series: Part 1 – Introduction

Savannah Rose has been growing like a weed. It's like overnight she grew 1"-2" and the poor girl was in serious need of some new clothes. Now, it is impossible (or just not feasible) for me to hand-make all of my children's clothes. With my etsy shop taking a lot of my sewing energy and projects for the blog, sometimes the girls get the short end of the stick.........but not this Spring! I've taken a little time away from the etsy shop to focus more on my girls.I was inspired by Jessica from Me Sew Crazy when she came up with a spring wardrobe for her girls. … continue reading