6
Oct

One Year Already and Fabric Giveaway

 image sourceTime definitely flies when you're having fun!  It's hard to believe that today is my 1-year blog-a-versary (is that a word?.....probably not).  1-year ago today I started this blog with much encouragement from my friends and here I am a year later having met so many wonderful and talented people and feeling like I am truly part of a community.It's amazing to me how this blog has evolved over the last year.  Click here to read my very first post EVER! What have I learned from blogging over the last year?Blogging is truly a communityThere are so many … continue reading

5
Oct

My First Show

So this Thursday I will be traveling from Chicago down to Tennessee (outside of Nashville) to the Strawberry Patch Barn Sale.  This will be my very first show......ever!  I opened The Cottage Mama this past March and, up until now, have done primarily online and word-of-mouth business.  I'm really hoping to take my business to the next level over the next year and I think doing more public shows will really make it happen. I have been working around the clock to build up my in-stock inventory (which has been quite difficult in addition to being a mommy, wife … continue reading

4
Oct

Fairy Princess Tutu Tutorial

I don't know about you, but I like to take gift giving as an opportunity to try something new when it comes to sewing and crafting.Yesterday we attended our friends, Patrick and Anita's daughter Ella's 2nd birthday party. I had never made a tutu before, but I figured what little girl doesn't love a tutu?  My 2.5 year old daughter loves dress-up right now so I imagine Ella will start to get into that as well.This tutu would be perfect as a fairy princess costume for Halloween - make your tutu, embellish a leotard, give your little one a wand and she's ready for … continue reading

30
Sep

Baby Boys and Robots

Is it just me or does it seem like there are a ton of babies being born during this time of year?  It seems like all our friends have been having babies left and right......as a matter a fact our good friends Patrick and Anita just had a new baby today.......baby Lucy!As I've mentioned before, I've been busy getting my inventory ready for a show next week, but I have managed to find some time to whip up a few baby gifts here and there (and I have a couple more to do this weekend).  My friend Shannon just had her second baby boy so I thought I'd make her a little … continue reading

29
Sep

New Sponsor and Giveaway – Elizabeth Victoria Fine Stationary

I'm so excited to announce the newest sponsor of The Cottage Home - Elizabeth Victoria Fine Stationary.  Elizabeth Victoria is giving away a gift certificate to their shop to one lucky The Cottage Home blog reader.Want a chance to win?Click here to read more about our great new sponsor and enter to win this wonderful giveaway. … continue reading

27
Sep

Embroidered Reusable Snack Bag Tutorial

I have been wanting to make some reusable snack bags for my girls for about six months now.  Today I finally took the initiative and got some made (it's about time, right?).  I made these today partly out of necessity (we are out of plastic sandwich bags) and partly because we are taking a road trip down to Tennessee next week for me to do a show for "The Cottage Mama" and I just thought they would be great for the car ride. There are about a gazillion tutorials on the internet for these reusable bags (there are some really great ideas out there).  But as it is … continue reading

22
Sep

The Cottage Mama Clothing Labels

I love my clothing labels.  Yes, I need clothing labels because I sell children's clothing, but even if I didn't sell my clothing I think I would still want my own labels.  There's just something so gratifying about sewing your own label into a completed project......whether it be your kids clothing, a baby gift, a quilt, a fun clutch, ect.I have had a handful of emails over the last month in regards to where I purchase my clothing labels (which by the way, I am happy to answer because I love hearing from you guys).  I know I've cited it in a few posts, but I … continue reading

20
Sep

Fall Fabric Pumpkin Tutorial

It's really starting to feel like fall here in the Midwest.  We still have our occasional warm day, but for the most part fall is upon us.  Fall is my favorite time of year with all the fun festivals, pumpkin patches, apple orchards.......I truly value the beautiful seasons each year. Since it finally feels like fall, I think it's time to get out some decorations for around the house.  I wanted to make something for our home that tied in with the season as well as our decor.  Though I tend to use bright colors in my clothing design, my home is decorated in more … continue reading

17
Sep

Friday Share

Well, this has been a busy week. I have to admit my children were not their normal well-behaved selves......there was very little listening going on in my household.  I don't know, but there must have been something in the air because they were double-trouble for sure!  Despite their shennanigans, I managed to get some sewing accomplished.  And looking at this sweet little face definitely eased my frustration of parenting these two.......Matilda Jane eating her pretzelThis week I received a really fun package in the mail.  Lillianna Marie Designs is going to be … continue reading

15
Sep

New Sponsor Highlight: The Blog Guidebook

I'm so excited to introduce you to one of my new sponsors, The Blog Guidebook. Please click here to read more about this lovely new sponsor of The Cottage Home.Think you would be a good fit for The Cottage Home? Interested in becoming a sponsor? Please email me ([email protected]) for rates and additional information. … continue reading