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

29
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

28
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

26
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

24
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

22
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

17
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