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

2
Sep

Sew Basics: Prepping Fabric

This past Saturday I found myself with a little time to myself while out running an errand and I decided to pop into my local thrift store to see if I could find any treasure.  And sure enough, $8.00 later, I had struck gold (well for someone who loves sewing!).  So here's what I found...... I found a set of vintage floral sheets (set included a flat sheet and two standard pillowcases), a couple embroidery hoops (you can never have enough of those), and three large pieces of fabric. One of the fabrics was 1.5 yards of a linen/cotton blend that was sold for … continue reading

31
Aug

Fabric Giveaway From Me to You

I don't do a whole lot of giveaways here on The Cottage Home. So, today I'm changing it up a bit and I've got a little giveaway from me to you.  It's not much, but just a little token of my appreciation to all of The Cottage Home loyal readers.  I love your emails, your comments, and you seriously make blogging such an amazing experience for me.So, enough with the touchy-feely stuff and onto the giveaway.  Today you have a choice of two 5 yard fabric bundles.  You can choose from these two fabric lines Art Gallery "Sugar" or David Walker "Robots".  If you are the … continue reading

27
Aug

Change Up Bag Lunches with Tortilla Roll-ups

My Mom always did a great job packing our lunches while we were in school.  And yes, I was one of those kids whose Mom packed their lunch up until their very last day of high school - thanks Mom! As most kids do, I went through phases of liking certain things more than others.  Only wanting turkey sandwiches with nothing but turkey and bread (how boring!) and loving peanut butter and jelly (minus the jelly).  But I always got excited when my Mom would change it up a bit with something new and Tortilla Roll-ups were definitely a pleasant surprise. Now while I … continue reading

23
Aug

Sew Basics: Applique

Applique is a great way to add detail to your favorite sewing project.  I define applique as a piece of fabric sewn on top of another piece of fabric (though some might consider embroidered patches as applique as well).  You can add applique to quilts, shirts, blankets, onesies, bibs, burp clothes and the list goes on and on.  Applique is very simple and is a great project for the beginning sewer. Here are the supplies needed for basic applique: Double-Sided Fusible Interfacing (such as Wonder-Under or Steam-A-Seam Lite - these are the two I … continue reading

22
Aug

DIY Laminated Alphabet Flashcards

My 2.5 year old daughter, Savannah, is really into her alphabet lately.  She loves to sing the ABC song and can identify most of her letters (I'll take credit for the song, but I really think Sesame Street has helped her along her way with the letters).  I thought I would take advantage of this little ABC phase she is going through and make her some fun little flashcards.Jill from Homemade by Jill posted these adorable Alphabet cards on her blog as a free printable.  When I saw this post pop up in my reader, I knew I must do something for Savannah with these cutie … continue reading

19
Aug

The Cottage Mama’s Favorites: Sewing Books

Sewing books and cook books - two of my most favorite things!  It might sound totally dorky, but give me a glass of red wine and a good sewing book to dive into and you've got my idea of a great evening!  I will never have too many nor ever get tired of looking at either of these genres of books.  They are so incredibly inspiring and constantly compel me to create.Luckily for me, my local library does a great job of keeping up with the newest book releases in sewing and crafting.  Sometimes it might take me a few weeks to get my hands on a new release (or a few … continue reading