The Cottage Mama Blog - Sewing. Cooking. Crafting.

Nov

Baked Artichoke Bread

Every year my husband and I host a big fall party. This was our sixth year hosting and we love being able to get all of our friends together and celebrate our favorite season. We call the party "The Feast" and it is definitely just that. We provide a large piece of meat for everyone - we've done barbecued turkey, pulled pork, tri-tip roast and this year we did a beef brisket. My husband did a fabulous job with the brisket - maybe I can get him to "guest post" about it (wink, wink, hubby if you're reading this). Everyone else brings a dish to share and we have … continue reading

Nov

Gadanke Review and Giveaway

Today I have a fun little giveaway for you guys. Katie, from Gadanke, is giving away one of her "The Little Things - A Journal of Thankful Thoughts" to one of The Cottage Home readers. She graciously sent me one of these journals to review and we will be sending out one to the giveaway winner.I thought this was an appropriate giveaway for this time of year since Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Personally, I use to keep a gratitude journal, where I would write down the five things at the end of the day that I was thankful for (be it big or small). Well, … continue reading

Nov

Fabric Organizers

Back in August I posted about my new sewing studio (we've since moved and I have an even newer sewing studio!) Since then I have had quite a few people emailing about the fabric organizers I use so I thought it was time to give you the scoop on my favorite sewing organization tool of all time! With Christmas around the corner, these would make a fun gift for anyone you know who is a true fabric lover or a fun gift for you from your husband or family (just forward them this post and say "hint, hint"). … continue reading

Nov

My Fabric Hunting Adventure

So, I ventured downtown towards the south side of Chicago to visit this fabric warehouse (Textile Discount Outlet) I had heard about online. I am always looking for woven trims and fun details to add to the next "The Cottage Mama" clothing line, so I had been wanting to check this place out. I wasn't quite sure what to expect based on the reviews on read online, but I can say it was definitely an adventure.There were three floors with tons and tons of fabric everywhere. It seemed like each floor went on for miles. The building was so old that I wasn't quite … continue reading

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