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

14
Sep

Cooking with Kids – Pita Pizza

My oldest daughter, Savannah Rose, is 2.5 years old and she loves feeling like a "big girl".  Being that she is still pretty little, we have only cooked and baked together a handful of times, but I plan on making this a regular activity for the two of us (and eventually the three of us when Matilda gets a little older).Today for lunch I decided to make something I know Savannah loves - Pizza!  This recipe (if you can call it that) was super-simple and Miss S. was able to be involved the whole time.  I want to foster the love of cooking in all my children and I … continue reading

13
Sep

Something for Mama – Sweater Refashion with Cottage Style

So it's been starting to get a bit chilly here in the Midwest which has caused me to pull out all of our fall/winter wardrobe items.  I took inventory of all my girls stuff and made sure to get them what they need for this fall.  But what about Mama?  Sadly, I always spend all of our clothing budget on the girls these days because they actually need things.  Where as I just want new things.So after accessing my fall/winter clothing situation, I came upon a sweater that I really like, but just needed a few minor tweaks to make it feel new again.  In a matter of 30 … continue reading

10
Sep

A Proud Wife

As I have mentioned before, my husband is a home-brewer and makes his own beer and wine.  I shouldn't say he is just a home-brewer, but an award-winning home-brewer.  He is as passionate about home-brewing as I am about sewing (which is saying a lot).This past year, Brett (The Cottage Papa) won "Best in Show" with one of his home-brews at a very large brewing competition.  Part of his prize package was the opportunity to brew his beer on the big, giant brewing system up at The Rock Bottom Brewery in Milwaukee, WI.  And for a home-brewer this is super-exciting … continue reading

8
Sep

Sweet Baby Hats and a Clutch

I love blogging, but what I think I might love even more, is the inspiration and community that comes with being a craft/sewing blogger.  I am constantly bookmarking things in my reader with the intention of coming back and someday actually completing all the amazing projects and ideas I have found.Well, as I'm sure most of you know, that just isn't going to happen.  I'm never going to complete every awesome sewing or crafting tutorial that I have bookmarked (though I wish I could!).  But every so often, there is a tutorial that I must complete without … continue reading

8
Sep

Fabric Giveaway Winner

Wow, I was overwhelmed with the number of entries for the fabric giveaway - 465 to be exact!  It was so great hearing from all of you.  You guys definitely gave me some great ideas of things to create with these gorgeous fabrics and I really wish I could send each of you 5 yards of fabric. But there can only be one winner.  And the lucky winner of the fabric giveaway is........#106: Candace from Candace's Calling who said "I love the Sugar bundle! I've been pennant crazed lately and these fabrics would make adorable banners! I also need some fun throw pillows … continue reading

7
Sep

The Cottage Mama Photo Shoot

About a week ago, my lovely photographer friend, Megan, took some gorgeous pictures of her daughter Gracyn, and my daughter Savannah wearing some of the most recent "The Cottage Mama" creations.Megan is the person that really caused me to jump into the world of blogging.  I will never forget our mom's night out conversation where she said, "you should write a blog.......I'd read it".  And I thought, really?  It got me thinking, if she'd read it, maybe others would too........and so here I am blogging away.  Thanks Megan! So for the photo shoot, we had planned to … continue reading