Weekend Sewing

First off, if you haven't gone over to Project Run and Play to vote this week, would you mind heading over there and voting for #3 "Lindsay's Girly Girl Twirl Dress"?  I usually ask you guys to vote for your favorite look, but this week I need your help! 

This was a particularly hard challenge for me (I'm not much into current women's fashion trends).  We are definitely at risk for being eliminated and the next week is the vintage-inspired challenge which I know I can rock!!  So, if you all would please, pretty please, head over and vote, I would be so grateful!  Voting is only open until midnight tonight.

Click HERE to visit Project Run and Play!

This weekend I decided to take a little time to do some sewing for myself and my family.  I started my very first string-block quilt and these are my first four squares.

For those of you that sew a lot of clothing, you know how many scraps you end up having left over.  I thought this quilt would be perfect for using up all those skinny little scraps that I can't bare to throw away.  Plus, I love the eclectic look of all the different pretty fabrics.

 

A string block quilt has a "constant" strip of fabric that is sewn down the middle on the diagonal that is usually some type of solid color.  I chose to use white.  When all of the blocks are arranged the "constant" ends up making a diamond shape.  Pretty neat, huh?

In the picture above, you can see how the thin white strip forms a diamond when four blocks are placed together.  I plan on this quilt taking me a very long time, but I love that I am using my scraps and I know it will be gorgeous when it is all finished.

I also decided to sew a quick peasant style dress for my daughter Savannah.  I used the pattern that was given to us during the last Leila and BenProject Run and Play Challenge (the Sweet Dress pattern).  I actually sewed the pattern the way it was instructed this time.

This dress pattern took me about 45 minutes to get sewn (garment label and all!).  I would say if you are a beginner it might take about an hour and a half, but no more than that.  It's super-simple and only has two pattern pieces to cut! I would highly recommend this pattern to any new sewer that is looking to start to make children's clothing.

The only thing I did different with the pattern was to add the ruffle detail down the front.  I think this is going to be a great little dress for spring/summer.  And what I really love about this pattern is that Savannah will be able to continue to wear this as a top when she gets taller - gotta love that!

I hope you all had a great weekend!

Cottage Mama's Note:  The fabric used for the peasant dress is Heather Bailey's Pop Garden - Rose Bouquet - Emerald.

Time For A Party

Are you familiar with Party Resources?This blog is home to some gorgeous pictures/work...
I can't read it without wanting to get married again...
Anyhoo, I will be over on Party Resources today guest blogging, please stop and check it out!

{ SLATE COASTERS }

a quick weekend project...

Home Depot - $3.97 for nine 4" tiles

coat with a spray of clear when finished...

cute?

Quiet Time

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

Week 3 Project Run and Play: Adult Fashion Inspiration

The Girly Girl Twirl Dress

This weeks Project Run and Play challenge was to take a women's fashion trend, brand, or look and create an outfit for a child.  Rather than making a mini-version of an adult look, I decided I wanted to create my own unique look based on several women's fashion trends that would be truly wearable for a child - thus, I created the Girly Girl Twirl Dress.

These were my inspiration dresses for creating this look.........

I have been loving the soft, tiered feminine ruffles, the gorgeous deep jewel-tone colors, and the little lace details that we've been seeing in women's fashion.

I used a super-soft cotton/spandex fabric to create the long-sleeved top for the dress.  I also added three tiered ruffles to the end of both sleeves.  On the bodice I added tiered ruffles, surrounded by a little lace detail and finished with a gorgeous piece of woven vintage trim.

The skirt of the dress is made from a spandex, ruffle fabric in the a mix of the gorgeous jewel-tone colors.  Underneath the dress, I added a pair of black leggings that have a ruffle edge at the bottom (it's kind of hard to see in the photos).  I created a head-band from the ruffle fabric and the vintage woven trim.  The look is finished with a pair of Chanel-inspired, black patent-leather, quilted ballet flats.

Comfort is key when it comes to children's -wear.  I really wanted to create a look that was truly wearable for a child.  She could run, jump, play or twirl and be incredible comfortable and stylish at the same time!  And I know this dress fit the bill, because Savannah did not want to take it off - she told me it was "SO cozy and soft".  Perfect - mission accomplished!!

Head on over to Project Run and Play and vote for your favorite look!

Click HERE to visit Project Run and Play.

{ Laundry Room }

I planned on waving my magic wand and giving the laundry room a whole new look

in a matter of minutes ~

but,

it hasn't been easy.

My magic wand is on the fritz.

I have never had problems choosing paint colors.

but, the lighting in this room has me stumped.

I've painted the cabinets 3 different colors so far.

N O N E 

of them are working.

I thought I could add a few upgrades, like a butcher block counter top ~

simple.

And removing several of the cabinet doors.

I whipped up a quick burlap skirt for the bottom of the counter area - 

which makes me realize I must paint the insides of the cabinets also.

So, I've got to resolve this paint color issue.

The lighting is Hor-i-ble!

I was trying to think a little out of the box and paint the cabinets & walls something daring.

Something that still went with the rest of the house, but with a Ahh factor.

I've come up with this...

white walls.

yes, white.

something like this comes to mind, only in a laundry version.

{ if this is your room raise your hand }

I've never done white walls before.

I think that will brighten up the yellow problem.

Then the cabinets will be, well, you'll see...

Oilcloth Giveaway

I realized it's been awhile since I did a giveaway here, so I think it is time!  Today I am giving away two half yard cuts of oilcloth from my personal stash for a total of 1 yard (the two prints are pictured below).  

If you've never worked with oilcloth, you are going to love it!  There are so many super-fun projects you can do with the versatile material.  Here are some examples of some great projects made with oilcloth:

Click HERE for more information.

To enter the Oilcloth Giveaway do one (or more) of the following (please leave a separate comment for each entry):

1)  Leave a comment and let me know what you might make if you win the oilcloth.

2)  Become an official follower of The Cottage Home blog (if you already follow, just let me know)

3)  Become a fan of The Cottage Mama (http://www.facebook.com/TheCottageMama) on facebook (again, if you already are, then simply let me know).

4) Finally, "suggest" your facebook friends become a fan of The Cottage Mama.

There are FOUR chances to enter this giveaway.  Please include your email address with each entry.  Giveaway will be open through Tuesday, February 1 at midnight (CST).

Cottage Mama's Note:  My next giveaway will only be offered to The Cottage Mama facebook fans, so if you are interested in a chance to win exclusive giveaways, please join us over on The Cottage Mama facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/TheCottageMama).

Is It Spring Yet?

Sorry to start this talk already, it seems seasonal depression has grabbed hold of me and refuses to let go...

i feel a change comin’ on

At the moment I have a pair of these on order…

 

I’m totally in love with the fabric.  I’m anxious to see if I love it as much in person.  If I do, then Baby Chase may have a new nursery design coming his way.  Luckily everything that I’ve purchased for his nursery up to this point will either totally work with this fabric or is able to be returned. 

LiveJournal Tags: baby chase's nursery

Just an update.......

First of all, thank you guys so much for voting for my "Sweet Ruffle Play Coat" over on Project Run and Play.  We, again, came in a very strong second place and have moved on to the next round - woohoo!

Many of you have emailed and asked and, yes, I do plan to make this pattern available on the blog.  I just need a little time to get my pattern pieces together, scan them into the computer and the tutorial written.  I have been really tired lately and slightly under the weather, so please be patient with me........I promise it's coming.  Oh, and I'll be posting the pattern for the "Winter Snowflake Dress" too!

For this next weeks challenge we were instructed to take a woman's fashion trend, brand, or look and make it into an outfit for a child.  To say this was a challenge is an understatement!!  But I've come up with a look that I hope you and the judges will like - I'm looking forward to sharing it with you on Saturday.

Secondly, thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone that commented on my "Adventures in Potty Training" post.  You all have shared some invaluable information with me and I can't wait to give some of this strategies, tips and tricks a try.  Miss S. did ok on Monday.  Probably the most humorous part of the day (though it was NOT funny at the time) was that in the time it took me to go upstairs to grab something, Savannah took off her Minnie Mouse underwear, went into the play room, peed on the floor, then put back on her underwear.  When I came back downstairs she said, "see mama, I'm doing great - I'm all dry!".  Well yes SHE was all dry, but the carpet was not - ugggh!!

Yesterday she seemed to come down with a cold that had her laying on the couch, so I decided to back off a bit.  I couldn't bare to make the poor little lady get up off the couch when she was feeling under the weather.  But today she seems to be feeling better and is, oddly enough, very excited about using the potty.  So, this is good, I guess.........we shall see!

But again, thank you guys so much for all your comments and support.  You're the best!

Some Blue For Dew

See that lovely lady to my right in this picture? That happens to be my long time best friend (right along with my other best friend also pictured here).Today is her 30th birthday. So to start the celebration I thought I would do a post around her favorite color...
For Neville..
Happy Birthday Dew!!!!!!!!!! I hope you have as much fun today as we did wayyyyy back when down in Mississippi...
Love you!

Images Country Living

Mugs...What's Yours?

Yesterday I ran into Pier 1 for a client and I had to talk to myself out of buying this....Okay, I will be straight with you, it was actually this one....
I know, I know, you are questioning my taste, at this moment I am too. I have an excuse though. You know those things you always want to buy even though you don't need one more (probably because you can't stop buying them)? Usually this particular vice of mine falls victim to the coat/tee shirt category....
However, there is something about a mug that I find hard to resist. Especially if it has initials...
Numerous times I have almost bought the mugs above (Anthropologie) and below (West Elm).
I have been able to exert a significant amount of self control over the years but sometimes it is hard. Which leaves me wondering what is it exactly that draws me to mugs? I don't know to be honest.

Other items that randomly yet often tempt me: pencils, paper napkins and coffee table books.

So let's hear it, what do you find yourself constantly wanting to buy over and over for no apparent rhythm or reason?