The Cottage Mama Blog - Sewing. Cooking. Crafting.

Jan

Week 3 Project Run and Play: Adult Fashion Inspiration

The Girly Girl Twirl DressThis weeks Project Run and Play challenge was to take a women's fashion trend, brand, or look and create an outfit for a child. Rather than making a mini-version of an adult look, I decided I wanted to create my own unique look based on several women's fashion trends that would be truly wearable for a child - thus, I created the Girly Girl Twirl Dress.These were my inspiration dresses for creating this look.........I have been loving the soft, tiered feminine ruffles, the gorgeous deep jewel-tone colors, and the little lace details that … continue reading

Jan

Oilcloth Giveaway

I realized it's been awhile since I did a giveaway here, so I think it is time! Today I am giving away two half yard cuts of oilcloth from my personal stash for a total of 1 yard (the two prints are pictured below). If you've never worked with oilcloth, you are going to love it! There are so many super-fun projects you can do with the versatile material. Here are some examples of some great projects made with oilcloth: Click HERE for more information.To enter the Oilcloth Giveaway do one (or more) of the following (please leave a separate comment for each … continue reading

Jan

Just an update…….

First of all, thank you guys so much for voting for my "Sweet Ruffle Play Coat" over on Project Run and Play. We, again, came in a very strong second place and have moved on to the next round - woohoo!Many of you have emailed and asked and, yes, I do plan to make this pattern available on the blog. I just need a little time to get my pattern pieces together, scan them into the computer and the tutorial written. I have been really tired lately and slightly under the weather, so please be patient with me........I promise it's coming. Oh, and I'll be posting the … continue reading

Jan

Adventures in Potty Training

We interupt our regularly schedule program because today is a big day.........we have officially begun potty training. I have been dragging my heels about this one for some time now, but it's finally time to get the ball rolling.Savannah will be three in March, so I figured now was probably a good time. I am SO nervous about this adventure. I don't imagine Savannah is going to be one of those "I put big kid underpants on them and, poof, they were potty trained". No way, not my strong-willed, opinionated little girl. This is going to take a master plan.I have … continue reading

Jan

Week 2 Project Run and Play – Leila and Ben Challenge

The Sweet Ruffle Play Coat It's that time again - time to vote for your favorite look for Week 2 of Project Run and Play!For this weeks challenge each of the designers were given the basic Leila and Ben "Sweet Dress" pattern and were told to make it our own. This pattern is a basic peasant style dress and is incredibly versatile (see picture below). It has been mighty cold here in Chicagoland, so I wanted to create something for my daughter to wear right now. You all know how much I LOVE dresses, but I decided to do something a little more unexpected and turned … continue reading

Jan

Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

I love lemon. I love lemon bars, lemon pound cake, lemon poppy seed muffins, and I REALLY love lemon cupcakes. Here's a great recipe for lemon cupcakes with the best (in my opinion) cream cheese frosting! Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting (Makes 24-30 cupcakes) Ingredients: 3 cups self-rising flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 cups white sugar 4 eggs 1 cup whole milk 2 tablespoons lemon zest 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons lemon juice Cream cheese frosting (recipe below) Directions: Preheat oven to 350 … continue reading

Jan

Week 1 Project Run and Play – Winter Wonderland

Project Run and Play starts TODAY!Our first weeks challenge for Project Run and Play (the blogger version of Project Runway for kids) was "Winter Wonderland". I have to admit, when I saw this theme, I was 100% stumped. I just couldn't wrap my head around it. I think part of it was the theme being so wide open and the other part was that I was insanely nervous about what my fellow bloggers would be bringing to the table. Have you checked out the competition? There are some seriously talented ladies!But luckily, I am married to a very creative husband who … continue reading

Jan

Blackberry and Mustard Glazed Ham

This ham was SO good (if I do say so myself)! I served this for Christmas Eve dinner for my family, my in-laws and my two sister-in-laws. And even my husband, who would much prefer some type of red meat, absolutely loved it. This recipe was given to my mom by someone she works with (Miss Mary) and then was passed onto me.If you're looking for a great, crowd-pleasing ham, this recipe will do the trick!Blackberry and Mustard Glazed HamServes 8-10Ingredients:1 6-8lb. fully cooked, spiral sliced ham1 jar (12 oz.) blackberry preserves1 jar (7 oz.) whole grain … continue reading

Jan

The Party Dress – Printable Pattern and Tutorial

In case you missed my guest blog post on U-Create, here is my pattern for The Party Dress. I've updated a few of the steps and tried to clarify some things people had questions about. In thinking about my guest post for U-Create, there really was no question in my mind what I wanted to do. It had to be a dress! I am very excited to offer this free printable pattern! The Party Dress (size 18-month through size 5) is the perfect outfit for any special occassion - it's a birthday dress, a holiday dress, a church dress or even a modern flower girl dress. … continue reading

Jan

Vintage Inspired Craft Room Organization

My mother-in-law has a great art studio in her home. It is large, gets lots of natural light and she has so many neat supplies such as buttons, vintage linens, lace, fabrics, glitter, glues, pens, paints and the list goes on and on.For this past Christmas I wanted to make her a few things for her studio. Most of these items were for storing her large collection of different trinkets that she uses on her Art Dolls. I found these great vintage labels HERE and had fun turning these into pretty organizational supplies.With the new year upon us, I bet a lot of us … continue reading