17
Feb

Fabric on Facebook

 Sometimes I realize that I just have WAY to much fabric!  I always like to over-buy because I would much rather have too much than too little.  But sometimes, enough is enough and it's time to clear out the shelves for new fabric shipments.  I just finished doing my second fabric destash over on facebook at near wholesale pricing for The Cottage Mama fans.  I love The Cottage Mama fans!!!  Have you joined The Cottage Mama facebook page?  If not, you should come join us - we have lots of fun.   Click HERE to visit the facebook fan page - all you have to do is … continue reading

15
Feb

Winter Wonderland Dress Tutorial

Well, unfortunately this was my last week on Project Run and Play.  I had a great time and am so thrilled how far I ended up going amongst these amazingly talented women.  This week is the last week and I cannot wait to see the final three designers "wild card" looks.  But for now, I thought it was finally time to start sharing some tutorials on my previous looks.  You didn't think I was going to leave you hanging, did you? … continue reading

14
Feb

Valentine’s Mail

Even though I am all grown up now, a wife, and mother with two little girls, my mom still sends me the most special care packages for the different holidays.  She always sends us beautifully packaged boxes with thoughtful things for the whole family.  I SO look forward to these packages!  We received a Valentine's Day box from her last week with lots of fun Valentine's treats, decorations and gifts and I just wanted to share a couple handmade gifts with you.For Christmas I gave Mom, Amy Butler's new book, Style Stitches, in hopes of getting her back into sewing.  … continue reading

13
Feb

Baked Breaded Zucchini

I have had a taste for fried zucchini over the last several days, so today I tried my hand a making a baked version of this popular appetizer and I must say it was mighty good!  To be honest, I could not tell the difference between this baked version and the fried version that you would purchase in a restaurant.  I breaded these zucchini chips with panko bread crumbs which I think really added to the crunchy texture. If you have a taste for fried zucchini, give this healthier version a try.  This is great as an appetizer or a side-dish.  Your kiddos will love … continue reading

12
Feb

Week 5 Project Run and Play – Valentine’s Day Challenge

"Little Love Bug"So this is the second to last week of Project Run and Play and I'm still in the competition!  Can you believe it?  I feel so honored and privileged to have made it this far.  Thank you guys so, so much for all your support - I couldn't have done it without you.For this week, we were told to come up with a Valentine's inspired look.  The idea for this dress popped into my head several weeks ago.  I wanted to make something that could be worn for Valentine's Day, but could also be carried through into spring/summer.  As I'm sure a lot of you know, … continue reading

9
Feb

Sew Basics: Make Your Own Custom Piping

I think piping is one of the sweetest, most professional details you can add to children's clothing.  It makes a some-what ordinary piece of clothing into something extraordinary.  There are many different colors and sizes of piping that you can purchase pre-made in the notions section of your local sewing store, but did you know that you can make your own? Making your own piping is really fun, very easy, and super affordable.  I love tying a garment together with piping in a coordinated, printed fabric.  Last week in my vintage/retro "Project Run and Play" … continue reading

5
Feb

Week 4 Project Run and Play – Vintage/Retro Challenge

"1940's Fun in the Sun Playsuit"I made it to Week 4 of Project Run and Play! This was the week I've been waiting for - The Vintage/Retro Challenge!  Now here is a challenge that is right up my alley.  The hard part about this challenge was deciding what to make - I had so many options!!  But since I've decided to use this competition to challenge myself, I decided to try a brand new design with some sewing elements that were a little new to me.  This outfit has three components - a smock dress, a knicker bloomer, and a sleek bonnet.  I decided to use a vintage … continue reading

3
Feb

Oilcloth Giveaway WINNER!

And the winner of the 1 yard (two half yard cuts) of oilcloth is............Congratulations Brittany!  Email me (thecottagemama(at)gmail(dot)com) with your address and I will get your oilcloth in the mail ASAP.  Thanks for entering everyone!! … continue reading

1
Feb

Free Valentine’s Day Printables

I've had Valentine's Day on the mind today.  I'm not quite sure why (my husband and I don't do much for the holiday), but whatever the reason,  I decided to create some printable graphics/designs for you all to use for Valentine's crafts, cards or whatever else you can think of to use these fun graphics for in your life.  I hope you like them.  The first one is one of my favorites.  My husband and I just watched the movie "Julie and Julia" and I cannot get this quote out of my head.The next two would be great to attach to a gift or for school treats. The following … continue reading

31
Jan

Weekend Sewing

First off, if you haven't gone over to Project Run and Play to vote this week, would you mind heading over there and voting for #3 "Lindsay's Girly Girl Twirl Dress"?  I usually ask you guys to vote for your favorite look, but this week I need your help! This was a particularly hard challenge for me (I'm not much into current women's fashion trends).  We are definitely at risk for being eliminated and the next week is the vintage-inspired challenge which I know I can rock!!  So, if you all would please, pretty please, head over and vote, I would be so grateful!  … continue reading