19
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

18
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

15
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

14
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 (thecottagemama@gmail.com), I will make sure you receive your prize as soon as possible.  Thanks everyone for entering! … continue reading

13
Oct

Embellished Hooded Towel Tutorial

I know it's a tad bit early to be talking about Christmas, but I just can't help thinking about it.  Since I have committed myself to handmade gifts this year, I need to do some serious planning in order to get all my gift giving accomplished.  So I thought you also might enjoy me sharing some holiday gift giving ideas a little earlier than normal.......perhaps you are going handmade as well! The following tutorial was not entirely my own idea.  I had posed a question over on "The Cottage Mama" facebook fan page in regards to the projects everyone was working on … continue reading

11
Oct

The Strawberry Patch Barn Sale

As you know from my previous post, my family and I hit the road and headed down to Tennessee for my very first show.  I was invited to Lafayette, TN to be part of The Strawberry Patch Barn Sale that is owned and coordinated by Christy Donoho.I am going to warn you right now, this is probably going to be my most picture heavy post to date.  But I was just so inspired by everything going on in this small town, that I had to document everything!Thursday evening was the preview night for the sale.  There was a $10 admission charge (which was donated to a local … continue reading

11
Oct

The Cottage Mama Giveaway on A Little Etsy Love

I just wanted to let you all know that I am being featured over on A Little Etsy Love and giving away a $25.00 gift certificate to my etsy shop, The Cottage Mama.  I don't do a ton of giveaways, so if you are interested, feel free to head over and enter to win!Click here to enter the giveaway! Here is an example of a few of the items currently listed in the shop for sale:Fall Knot Dress - Size 3t, Ready To ShipWhimsical Peasant Dress - Size 6, Ready To ShipMod Jumper, Size 3t, Ready To ShipA-Line Swing Dress, Size 12m, Ready To ShipSweet Fall Party Dress, Size 4t, … continue reading

10
Oct

Fall Issue Delish Magazine – I’m a Contributor!

About 6-months or so ago I was asked to contribute a sewing/craft tutorial for a new online magazine publication called Delish Magazine.  I had checked out their very first issue and I was instantly in love.  I loved the premise behind the magazine - "Live like you mean it".  And on top of this being a fabulous online women's magazine, it is totally free to the reader!Our fall issue just launched and I really hope you will take the time to visit this wonderful magazine and check out my sewing tutorial.  There is everything from fashion, living, cooking, health, … continue reading

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