5
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

4
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

3
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

2
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

2
May

Spring Cleaning – $100 Visa Gift Card AND Libman Spray Mop Giveaway

I know this is going to sound very strange, but I actually like spring cleaning.  Do I love the everyday picking up of toys, crumbs and other surprises that my girls leave around?......well, not so much.  But I have to admit that a good deep cleaning around this house feels really good (while it lasts, that is).Click HERE to check out my spring cleaning tips and enter to win $100 Visa Gift Card AND the new Libman Freedom Spray Mop! … continue reading

29
Apr

Leftover Remix: Grilled Shrimp and Roasted Corn Pasta

Yesterday I posted my recipe for Spicy Grilled Shrimp with Corn Relish.  Well, we had some leftovers and I decided it would be fun to turn them into something new for the following dinner.  There are very few additional ingredients for this pasta dish, but your family will never know they are eating something very similar to the night before.If you would like to make this dish, but fear you might not have any leftovers from the night before, just plan ahead and make a double recipe of the spicy shrimp.Leftover Remix:  Grilled Shrimp and Roasted Corn … continue reading

28
Apr

Spicy Grilled Shrimp with Corn Relish

A week ago it actually felt like spring here in Chicago (though today, not so much), so I had grilling on the brain.  One of my favorite foods is grilled shrimp and I came up with this spicy grilled shrimp recipe with corn relish that is perfect for those warm weather days.  This recipe may appear to have a lot of ingredients, but most of the spices can be found in your pantry. Spicy Grilled Shrimp with Corn Relish Serves 4-6   Ingredients: Shrimp: 1 lb. raw shrimp, shells on 1/4 cup olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro, … continue reading

26
Apr

Dick and Jane Inspired Easter Dress – Bodice Tutorial

In case you missed my guest blog post on  "No Big Dill" about a month ago, here it is........... To me, the "Dick and Jane" books are the epitome of retro, children's storybook classics.  The images in these books bring me such comfort.  They remind us of simpler times, they remind us when life was slower and more easy going.  I often wonder if I was born during the correct time period because it seems that everything vintage always has a soft-spot in my heart. I personally did not grow up with the "Dick and Jane" book series, but my mom grew up learning … continue reading

25
Apr

Early Empire Cinch from Handmade Beginnings

I have been wanting to make the "Early Empire Cinch" from Anna Maria Horner's book, Handmade Beginnings - 24 Sewing Projects to Welcome Baby since before I was even pregnant.  I purchased this book because it had some projects that I wanted to make for Matilda and had some really great baby gift ideas.There is an entire chapter in this book dedicated for "Mama Sewing" and that's where you will find the "Early Empire Cinch" plus tons of other great projects for anyone who is expecting.I had my husband snap a few pictures of me before I went out to run some errands … continue reading

24
Apr

Happy Easter from The Cottage Home

 Happy Easter! Just a quick little blog post wishing you a very Happy Easter.  We started out our day by checking out what the Easter bunny had brought for the girls, followed by a little egg hunt inside the house. Next we met my in-laws for Easter Mass, followed by a delicious brunch at one of our favorite local restaurants.  And, to our surprise, we actually had some decent weather, so when we got home we headed outside so the girls could hunt for more eggs in the front yard. It was a truly lovely day.  I hope you all had a great time during your Easter … continue reading