The Cottage Mama Blog - Sewing. Cooking. Crafting.

Nov

A Whimsical Fall: Decorating Inspiration

I am very blessed to be surround by creative women in my life. My mom, who lives in Texas, is incredibly creative and talented (though she'll never admit it). And my mother-in-law (aka Gigi), who lives close by, has quite the creative, artistic flare when it comes to decorating.In case you wondering, the entryway above is not my home, it's my in-laws. Gigi loves fall (as do I) and puts so much time and effort into decorating her home that I just had to share it with you all. She leaves no corner untouched when it comes to fall - her attention to detail is … continue reading

Oct

Sew Basics: Bias Tape (part 1)

I am so inspired by all of you that are new to sewing, getting back into sewing, or are thinking about buying a sewing machine to start sewing. I love all the emails you have sent me and conversations we have had over on facebook. I haven't been the most consistent with my "Sew Basics" tutorials, but I'm going to try to put more of these together in hopes that you all will get as hooked on sewing as I am.As most of you know, I am a self-taught sewer (well, mostly). I've had a few lessons from my Grandma and grew up with my Mom sewing (though I never showed much … continue reading

Oct

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from The Cottage Home! Hope you all have fun trick-or-treating with your little pumpkin heads - I know we will!! … continue reading

Oct

Two Little Pumpkin Heads

I feel so relieved that the girls Halloween costumes are complete. I went back and forth for several weeks try to decide what they were going to be, but could not decide. Finally, I took the girls to the fabric store and let Savannah decide. I pulled out the Simplicity Halloween costume book and she said she wanted to be a pumpkin. Perfect! Not the most creative costume idea, but definitely a classic. I mean really, how long will they let you dress them up as pumpkins? Not long, I suppose. So here is the pattern we settled on.Today was Savannah's ballet … continue reading

Oct

Comfy Sews: Shawl Collar Sweater Tutorial

Welcome to those of you visiting from over in the "Mommyhood"! I'm so excited that Shannon asked me to be part of this month long battle she is having going on over on her blog, Luvinthemommyhood - Comfy Sews vs. Cozy Knits. Guess which side of the ring I'm on? For those of you that know me, you know I am all about the sewing over on my blog, The Cottage Home. On a rare occassion I pick up my crochet hook and maybe someday I'll learn how to knit, but for now, the sewing needle is my tool of choice. As of lately I've been slightly obsessed with felted … continue reading

Oct

A Simple Lunch: Avocado Bread

Sometimes the best things in life are the simplest. One of my all time favorite quick, yet satisfying lunches is avocado bread. So simple, yet so incredibly delicious.Ingredients:1 Avocado2 pieces Italian breadOlive oilGarlic SaltDirections:Cut avocado in half. Remove the pit and scoop out the inside. Place in a bowl.With fork mash up avocado. Sprinkle in a little garlic salt (to taste). Mash again.Toast good Italian bread. Drizzle with olive oil. Spread avocado on top of Italian bread. If you're really hungry, make two pieces of avocado bread! Enjoy! … continue reading

Oct

Laptop / Kindle / I-Pad Sleeve Tutorial

In case you missed my tutorial in Delish Magazine, I wanted to share my Laptop / Kindle/ I-Pad Sleeve Tutoiral with you. Gift giving season just around the corner and what better way to show someone you care than with a custom laptop sleeve. This pattern can be made for any size laptop, Kindle, or I-Pad by adjusting the measurements accordingly. I used girly fabric here, but you could definitely make this more "manly" by using a more masculine print or perhaps even some wool suiting material. Supplies: Cotton fabric for exterior Fleece fabric for … continue reading

Oct

Sew Basics: Felting Wool

Last week I happened upon the mother-load of wool sweaters at my local thrift store - only $1 per piece! I'm always hunting for 100% wool for felting, but it's sort of hard to come by these days, so I definitely felt like I hit the jackpot last week!! I love felted wool, but haven't done a ton with it. So this last week, I spent the day over at my mother in-laws felting all my wool finds from the thrift store (she has a super-awesome washer and dryer).Felting wool is very simple. In order for the wool to felt, you need 100% wool (or close to it). If the … continue reading

Oct

This just spoke to me……..

Yesterday I was over at my mother-in-laws felting a ton of wool (tutorial on that soon) and she gave me the "Where Women Create" magazine featuring Amy Butler, Nancy Soriano, and Jo Packham (just to name a few). I am so inspired by this magazine - reading all of these incredible stories of creative women entrepreneurs and the spaces where they turn their dreams into reality. I've read many issues of this magazine before, but for some reason this issue, in particular, spoke to me. There were several quotes that I just cannot seem to get out of my head, so here I … continue reading

Oct

Two Giveaways and Two Winners!

I am pleased to announce the two winners of our most recent giveaways.............For the $25.00 Elizabeth Victoria Fine Stationary Giveaway, the winner is.......And the winner of "The Cottage Home" 1-year Anniversary Celebration Giveaway (8 half-yard cuts of Heather Bailey's, Nicey Jane) is...........Congratulations to both winners!! If you could please email me with your contact information ([email protected]), I will make sure you receive your prize as soon as possible. Thanks everyone for entering! … continue reading