25
Apr

Pattern Weights

I don't know about you, but cutting fabric is one of my least favorite parts about sewing.  I love having a design idea in my head and I LOVE sewing it together, but the cutting......not so much. I was reading my most recent issue of "Sew News" magazine and they had a great idea that I thought I would share with all of you.  Typically when you are working with a pattern, you will pin it to your fabric and then cut it out.  Well, their tip was to use washers (like the kind your find in the hardware store) to weight-down the pattern pieces.  Genius, I say!!  … continue reading

22
Apr

Spring Has Sprung!

Spring has sprung and fabric designer, Heather Bailey, has come out with some super-cute new sewing patterns!  I have always loved Heather's fabrics (as I'm sure you've seen in my etsy shop), but I'm really thinking I just may have to get my hands on some of these patterns.Check out some of her new pattern designs:  Image via www.heatherbaileystore.comAnd are these adorable or what?  I'm loving the butterfly and the ladybug - imagine one of these little critters sitting next to you at your sewing machine?  These pincushions would make great gifts for all of the … continue reading

19
Apr

Roasted Vegetable Shrimp Pasta Primavera

So as I mentioned last week, my Mom came to town from Texas for a visit this past weekend.  While she was here I wanted to fix her something super yummy for dinner the first night she arrived.  I prepared a roasted vegetable shrimp pasta primavera with basil in a light cream sauce.  It was SO good, I could go for some right now!!  This is not the most figure flattering recipe (but I'm sure you've figured that's the way with most of my recipes) but I do have some healthy ones coming, I promise!Roasted Vegetable Shrimp Pasta PrimaveraIngredients:2 zucchinis, cut in … continue reading

9
Apr

Simple Felt Hair Clip Tutorial

Have you seen all of the super-cute felt hair clips that are out there on the market?  Well, if you haven't, just Google them and you will see this hair accessory craze!  There are some incredibly cute designs being sold, but I just can't stomach paying $6-$10 for a hair clip that my daughter might wear (the operative word being.....might).This afternoon I decided to make some little felt hair clips of my own for my daughter Savannah (Matilda doesn't have any hair yet).  These were so simple and easy and there was NO sewing involved - I know I'm not the best about … continue reading

7
Apr

Homemade Cranberry Granola

I'm a huge fan of granola or anything with oats for that matter, especially oatmeal cookies!!  This afternoon I decided to try my hand at making my own homemade granola from scratch.  I just put the ingredients together that I enjoy and luckily it turned out (you never know when you are making up your own recipe)!So if you have an extra minutes one of these days, whip up a big batch of this yummy granola for you and your family.  First of all this recipe will make your house smell A-mazing! It's also great for breakfast, served with milk or over yogurt, makes a … continue reading

5
Apr

Easy Dinner Idea: Chili Cheese Baked Potatoes

We used to eat a lot of baked potatoes growing up.  My Mom would "doll" them up with all sorts of toppings and we would make an entire meal out of them.  So, a few weeks ago I was trying to come up with something yummy for dinner and remembered how much I loved my Mom's "Chili Cheese Baked Potatoes" and realized I hadn't made those in years.I don't know if I would call this a recipe (all you are really doing is assembling), but this is a very satisfying and inexpensive meal that is sure to please all of your family members.  So here you go...........Chili Cheese … continue reading

4
Apr

Happy Easter from The Cottage Home

 The Cottage Family Matilda JaneSavannah RoseJust wanted to wish you a happy and blessed Easter from The Cottage Home! … continue reading

31
Mar

Easy No-Sew Applique Tutorial

As I have mentioned in previous posts, it is "birthday season" around here.  My daughter's 12 little friends all have their birthdays within a month of each other.  Well this weekend is the grand finale of all the birthday festivities!This weekend my friend Danica's little guy, Roaran, will celebrate turning 2 and will finally join his friends in the "2" club!  She is planning an awesome "Thomas the Train" party that I'm sure will be amazing.  She wanted to jazz up his basic train overalls to make them "Thomas" themed and I agreed to help her out with this little … continue reading

30
Mar

The Cottage Mama is in the Mommyhood!

I'm so excited that Shannon over at luvinthemommyhood.com has posted this lovely feature/interview about my family, myself and my etsy shop "The Cottage Mama".  Yes, that's right, I have an etsy shop!  I know I haven't officially talked too much about my shop here on the blog, but I just recently got some inventory listed and I'm open for business!!  I am doing a giveaway for a $25.00 gift certificate to my shop over at luvinthemommyhood.  I would love if you would head over to luvinthemommyhood, check out the interview and enter to win!!  You will also learn … continue reading

26
Mar

Boys………

If you have been following my blog here for very long, you know that most of the things I post about (when it comes to children) has to do with girls.  I'm sorry, I can't help it, I have two of them!!Well, I have been working on some birthday presents for my daughters little friends and they happen to be mostly............boys.  I love to make Savannah's little friends handmade gifts for their birthdays.  Now it is not always possible to make ALL of them totally handmade, but I try my best.I'm a huge fan of making super-hero capes for the little ones, but here are … continue reading