31
May

The Cottage Mama – What’s New in the Shop?

As most of you know, I am going to be entering the world of children's clothing pattern design.  I have been sewing like crazy testing out some of my new designs to see if they are ready to be sent out.  But on top of all that I have added some new things to the shop that I wanted to share with you all.I will be releasing some of these designs as sewing patterns (plus some that you haven't seen) and some of them will just stay as items in my shop and may be released as patterns in the future. Strawberry Bubble Romper.  This is a fun play-suit for an infant/toddler … continue reading

30
May

Sew Serendipity Signed Book Giveaway – WINNER!

And the winner of the "Sew Serendipity" signed book giveaway is...........Congratulations, Sara!  You are just going to love this book!.  Email me at thecottagemama[at]gmail[dot]com with your address and I will get this book in the mail to you ASAP.  Thanks so much to everyone who entered.  We've got some great giveaways coming up this month, so there will be plenty of opportunities to win some more neat things! … continue reading

26
May

The Cottage Home Little Girls Sew Along

So I've been wanting to do a "sew along" here on the blog for some time and have finally decided that it is time.  Our wonderful blog sponsor, Terri from Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops, is going to be sponsoring this sew along for us.  I was originally going to pick a pattern myself from her fabulous selection of little girls sewing patterns, but I decided I would let you all make the final decision.I've narrowed it down to six patterns that I thought you all would enjoy sewing for your little ladies.  Surprisingly, I have never sewn from patterns from any of these … continue reading

25
May

Quilt Market – The Fun Stuff

So I've already shared my quilt market experience with you, but I thought I would share some of the fun stuff that I brought home from the market.  Some of these things were freebies and some of these I purchased at the sample spree.This is a new line coming out from Moda by Aneela Hoey, called "Little Apples".  At the Moda booth they were giving out these adorable little squares of fabric and this pillow pattern.  The pattern also includes an cute little girl embroidery pattern.  I'm definitely going to make this for my little ladies.While at the sample spree, I … continue reading

23
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

19
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

17
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

14
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

11
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

6
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