Matilda's Mermaid Birthday Outfit

So as I mentioned before, Miss Matilda wanted a 'Mermaid Under the Sea' birthday party this year for her 4th birthday. Sounded good to me! I love all things nautical and beachy, so I thought this party would be pretty easy to pull off and it turns out that it was just that. I'll share the party details with you tomorrow, but for now, I wanted to share the little birthday party outfit I made for Matilda.

For me, every good party starts with fabric inspiration. Matilda wanted to focus on blue and pink since those are her two favorite colors. I have been so busy this summer that I did not have time to order any fabric for her dress, I had browsed around online, but hadn't found anything that was just right. So one Saturday afternoon I headed over to our local Joann's and just really hoped that they carried some type of mermaid fabric that I liked or that was the proper colors for the party. And low and behold, there was the perfect fabric........'Merry Mermaids'! I was so darn excited. It had kind of a salmon pink, but I was pretty sure we could make it work. Most importantly, I knew Miss M. would love it and I just thought the mermaids were darling. Plus it was 40% off......can't beat that!

When I brought the fabric home, I knew we needed some other prints to go with it. You know I can't just have one single print on an outfit. I started playing around in my fabric stash and found this great salmon pink from Art Gallery Fabrics to pull out the reddish pink in one of the mermaid's hair and then this multi-sized dot from one of Sandi Henderson's earlier lines pulled it all together.

I wanted to make a longer top for her party since we were surprising the girls with a bounce house. I thought jumping around in a dress might be a little difficult, but a top with leggings would work just great!

This top is a combination of two of my sewing patterns. The bodice is from the Charlotte Apron Dress and then I extended the strap piece to make it a knot style dress. The skirt is from the Miss Matilda Dress and Top cut at the top length, but with a 2" band of fabric added at the bottom. The bodice on the Charlotte dress is shorter than the Miss Matilda, so that's why I needed the extra added length.

As a side note, all the new patterns have arrived as printed patterns and are available in the shop.

I also used the side sash pieces (the shorter length for the top) from the Miss Matilda pattern, but cut them the same length, sewed them into the side of the bodice and had them tie in a bow in the back of the top.

The bodice is my favorite part since I got to play with trims and embellishing. Have I told you how much I love rickrack? Um......yeah, you already know. All the embellishing on the bodice was done prior to dress construction. I just drew out a curved pattern piece for the front. First I added the trim down the center, then added the outer rickrack and finally added the blue, tiny rickrack on top. So easy, but such a sweet detail.

I just absolutely love this little peanut! I can't believe she is 4 years old. I'm looking forward to sharing the details from her birthday party. She had a ball!

Pin It

Color Your Summer: Rainbow Button and Bead Art

Did you catch my latest project tutorial over at Kojo Design's 'Color Your Summer' series? It was so busy last week with family in town for Matilda's birthday that I didn't get a chance to share with you.

Head over to Kojo Designs to view the full project tutorial on how to create this one-of-a-kind rainbow button and bead thread spool art piece.

Click HERE to read more.

Pin It

Happy 4th Birthday, Matilda Jane!

 Dear Matilda,

Today you are four years old.......how is that possible? It seems like only yesterday, your came into our lives to grace us with your beautiful presence. Today on your birthday there are some things I would like to remember about you and some things I think you might want to know about what you were like when you turned four years old.

1. You love mermaids. You had a mermaid birthday party.
2. Your favorite color is still blue, with pink following a close second.
3. You still take a long afternoon nap (thank you for that!).
4. When you wake up from your nap, you give me a big hug and wrap your legs around me. I call you my 'Tilda Monkey'. And you call me your 'Mama Monkey'. It still makes me feel like you are my baby girl.
5. Your favorite foods are hot dogs, french fries and all kinds of berries.
6. You sleep with your 'Geo' (Team Umizoomi) doll.
7. You really wanted a 'Diamond Princess Tiara' for your birthday. It is plastic and sparkly, but you think it is really diamonds. Mommy and Daddy got that for you.
8. You like to play dress up.
9. Your favorite TV shows are Dora, Team Umizoomi, Princess Sofia and Doc McStuffins.
10. You love playing with your brother and sister.
11. You will wear any clothes that mommy makes for you and are SO excited when I sew for you.
12. You love to color and paint.
13. You love your gymnastics class.
14. We saw 'Seussical the Musical' and now you are trying to learn all the words to the songs from the show and love acting out the finale of the show.
15. You are sweet and very kind.
16. You love going canoeing and camping with Daddy.
17. When we go out to restaurants, you love to order chocolate milk.
18. You like ice cream more than cake.
19. You perform 'Mr. Knickerbocker' by singing and doing all the moves and it is truly one of the cutest things I have ever seen.
20. You are a such a bright light in our family and bring joy into every day.

Happy Birthday to my sweet, Matilda Jane!

Love,

Mama

Pin It

Filming Sewing DVDs in Cincinnati and a Little Book Preview

I feel like the last three months, or rather the last year, have been a whirlwind of busy. It might not have seemed like it here on the blog, since I've definitely had to pull back online for work / life balance, but behind the scenes there has been so much going on.

As most of you know I signed with a publisher (F & W Media) last June and wrote my first sewing book. The book is now complete (though it's been out of my hands for quite awhile) and will be sent print any day now. My book, Sew Classic Clothes for Girls: 20 Dresses, Outfits and Accessories from The Cottage Mama (Size 12 month - 10 Years) will be released October 7, 2013. And let me tell you........I cannot wait!

My publisher, F & W Media, owns the Martha Pullen Company which has led to many new and exciting opportunities, one of which was filming two sewing DVD's in Cincinnati last week. The DVDs will be available at the same time as my book releases. Each one will be approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes and they will be available as regular stand-alone DVDs or available to watch through Martha Pullen Television (MPTV) or downloaded from the Martha Pullen website.

The first DVD is a companion to my book, Sew Classic Clothes for Girls. In the picture above, you are getting a tiny sneak peek as to what's in the book. All the pieces in the picture are patterns found in the book, but there are many more that aren't shown here.......we need a little element of surprise, right? The book is 95% garments in size 12 month - 10 years and let me tell you that there is not another children's sewing book on the market that contains this many full garment patterns for girls with so many different variations. I really wanted to give you a lot of content and patterns that you could mix and match to create many different, truly one-of-a-kind pieces. I hope you really like it!

The book companion DVD is where I walk you through step-by-step through many of the techniques shown in the book. The techniques are illustrated really beautifully within the book, but if you are a visual learner, you are going to love being able to see these techniques done right before your eyes. It's kind of like having a private, one-on-one sewing lesson! I take you through gathering, how to make your own bias binding, how to apply bias binding, how to make your own custom piping, how to insert piping into seams, lined garment construction techniques and the list goes on and on. Let's just say I didn't have a hard time talking for well over an hour.

The second DVD is all about pairing pattern fabrics and trims.......my favorite! Also, I show you how to transform my Charlotte Apron Dress pattern into this darling embellished knot dress. I walk you through constructing the entire garment as well as how to apply and make your own trims, how to use bias binding and so much more.

I thought you might like to see what the set looks like from a little farther back where you can see the cameras. There were three different cameras filming and moving at all different angles.

Here you can see how the three cameras are filming different angles. Kathy McMakin from Martha Pullen Company watched these screens as I filmed to make sure all the details of the instructions were caught on film. If something was missed during filming, the crew would go back and film it again without me saying anything to have the proper footage for editing. I don't know what I would have done with Kathy (and her side-kick Charlotte), they truly made this such a lovely, stress-free experience.

Here is a trim board where I talked about the different types of trims and how to use them.

Here is a super-cheesy picture of me with the lovely Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold Sewing and Embroidery Machine that I got to use during the show. This machine is such a dream. And I adore the folks over at Baby Lock......such a great company!

I had a truly wonderful time filming. I use to be a musical theatre major (singing, acting and dancing) and actually attended school at the College Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, so it was strange to head back to the same city to be in front of the camera again. I finished my degree in Chicago as a finance major, but theatre, acting and stage will always have a big part of my heart.

I can't say I wasn't nervous to film these DVDs.......I was nervous, for sure. I wondered if I would choke under pressure or would stumble over my words? I tend to be a worrier and can get myself so worked up over things that are out of my control. So I tried to take a very relaxed approach. I had an outline for each one of my DVDs, but didn't have a script or use the teleprompter that was provided. I simply pictured myself in the classroom teaching a sewing class and told the camera everything I wanted the students to learn. It felt natural and organic and not at all rehearsed or forced........let's just hope it comes across that way on screen. I haven't seen any of the footage yet, so fingers crossed!

Martha Pullen herself flew in to film with Joan Hinds (author 'All Dolled Up' and many other doll clothing books) who was filming right after me and Kari Mecca (Sewing with Whimsy) flew in the day before I left too. It was a special time to get to visit with all these women who share the same passion and love for sewing as I do. To even be considered as part of their circle was just such an honor. I found myself at dinner the night before I left taking a moment to take it all in and be truly present in the moment. I thought, wow, I want to remember this night and experience forever.

Pin It

Scalloped Envelope Clutch ~ Free Pattern and Tutorial

This was a project I shared a while back over at Riley Blake Designs and in case you missed it, I'm bringing it home.

When I came across this printed cross-stitch fabric, I just new it would be perfect for some type of bag. It's from the 'Hipster' cotton line and I'm absolutely in love with these prints. Envelope clutches seem to be all the rage right now and I have a thing for scalloped edges, so put them together and what do you get? A Scalloped Envelope Clutch Tutorial. Let's get started.......

Scalloped Envelope Clutch Tutorial

by Lindsay Wilkes from The Cottage Mama

Fabric Line: 'Hipster' cottons by Riley Blake Designs

Supplies:

1 yard exterior fabric

1 yard lining fabric

**if you have a non-directional print you can get away with only a half yard of each print and cut the pattern on the horizontal.

1/2 yard fusible interfacing

1 button
Free pattern piece found HERE

Instructions:

ALL SEAM ALLOWANCES 1/2", UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

Step 1: Assemble your pattern. This pattern is very easy. All you need is 8.5" x 11" sheets of paper. Print out your scallop piece from the free pattern included above in the supplies list and cut it out. Then place two 8.5" x 11" sheets with the longs sides flush next to each other and tape them together, then place the straight edge of the scallop piece flush up against one of the sheets of paper and tape them together. Now you have your Scallop Envelope Clutch pattern. You may need to angle cut the paper attaching to the scallop piece depending on how your printer prints out the pattern piece.

Step 2: Apply fusible interfacing to the back of the two fabrics you are using. Do so according to manufacturers instructions. You can use any interfacing you would like, but just remember that the thicker the interfacing, the sturdier this will be as a clutch.

Also, if you would like to use this as a case for a kindle or other electronic device, you could apply fusible fleece to the backsides of the fabric as well. 

     

Step 3: Cut out your pattern pieces. You need one in the exterior fabric and one in the lining. Fold up the bottom of the clutch so that it comes up to the bottom of the scallops with the right sides together.

Step 4: Sew along both straight sides. Do this for the lining and exterior pieces. Clip the corners at an angle to remove bulk.

Step 5: Turn the interior lining piece right side out and press.

Step 6: At this point the exterior piece is still wrong side out. Take the lining piece and tuck it down inside the exterior piece. This will make it so that the right sides are together.

Step 7: You'll need to leave a little part open across the front of the clutch so go ahead and mark this with your fabric marking pen so you won't forget.

Step 8: Sew the exterior and the lining together all the way around the scallops. Start where the side seams end and go all the way up, around and back down to the other side seam.

Step 9: Clip around the scallops. Use pinking shears or scissors and clip the seam allowance down and cut each dip in the scallop. You need to cut almost to the stitching at the dips of the scallops, otherwise they will not turn out nicely. If they aren't laying flat when you turn your clutch right side out, that is probably the problem.

Step 10: Sew across the front of the clutch, making sure to leave that one section open that we already marked. Your stitches across the front should meet up with the stitches you did for the scallops. Clip out the extra fabric in the corner so that it turns out nicely. Cut down to the stitches, but making sure not to go through them. Make sure to move the back of the clutch out of the way so you don't catch it in your seam.

Step 11: Turn the clutch right side out by pulling the fabric through the opening. Tuck the lining down into the exterior, making sure to neatly tuck in the corners.

Step 12: Press out the scallops. Sometimes you really have to 'work out' the scallops with your iron to make them look nice. Try rolling the seams out with your fingers......that always works well for me. And press, press, press!

Step 13: Press under the little section you left open so that it is in line with the center front of the clutch.

Step 14: Run a row of topstitching across the front of the clutch to close the opening. You could also topstitch around the scallops as well, but make sure you go slowly because if those stitch lines don't look good, they will definitely show on the front side of the clutch.

Step 15: Make a buttonhole on the center scallop based on the size of your button and according to your machines instructions. Open the buttonhole.

Step 16: Close the top scallop piece and mark for your button placement. Hand or machine sew your button in place.

 

And now look......you have a completed Scalloped Envelope Clutch!

Feel free to adjust the measurements. Wouldn't this make an adorable case for your ipad using fusible fleece for padding? So many options!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!

Pin It

Slow Cooker Strawberry Rhubarb Jam ~ Recipe

So last week the kids and I went strawberry picking. We picked a ton of beautiful strawberries and I have really been wanting to try my hand at making some freezer jam. I was searching around for some recipes and couldn't quite find what I was looking for. Many recipes called for fruit pectin, which I didn't have on hand and some of the others required you to cook the jam on the stove-top all day. Nope.......I don't have all day around here with three little ones. And then it dawned on me.......how about using my trusty slow cooker! So that's what I did.........

Slow Cooker Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

Ingredients:

3 lbs. fresh strawberries

2 lbs. rhubarb

1 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Directions:

Step 1: Grab your strawberries and rhubarb and start cutting them into large chunks. The farm where we went strawberry picking sold rhubarb as well so it worked out perfectly for this recipe.

Step 2: Place half the strawberries and rhubarb in your slow cooker and sprinkle with half a cup of sugar. Then add the other half of the strawberries and rhubarb and sprinkle with the remain sugar and cinnamon.

Step 3: Set you slow cooker on low for 6 - 7 hours. After four hours of cooking, remove the lid but allow the mixture to continue to cook. This will cause some of the liquid to evaporate out.

Step 4: Around 5 hours cooking time, get out your potato masher and mash up the mixture as best you can. I like the jam to be nice and chunky, but if you prefer a smoother consistency then you could always transfer the mixture to your blender.

Spread your strawberry rhubarb jam on toast or serve it warm over vanilla ice cream or add it to your favorite yogurt and granola.

I put some of the jam in our refrigerator in glass jars (it will save for 1 - 2 weeks) and the rest of it I put in freezer safe containers in the freezer.

Also, I really love the tart and sweet taste of strawberry rhubarb jam; however, if you prefer things on the sweeter side, then you will definitely want to add more sugar to this recipe. My oldest daughter Savannah tried this and she said it was 'JUST right!'. She's a pretty tough critic, so I'll take that to mean that it's pretty darn good. 

Enjoy!

Pin It

A Trip to the Strawberry Patch: 2013

It's strawberry season here in Chicago. On Monday I was trying to decide what the kids and were going to do for the day and I thought......'I bet it's strawberry picking time.' I called our local berry farm to see if they had berries this year (since the weather has been so strange) and it turns out Monday was the first day they were open for picking! Well that sealed the deal. The kids and I were going to go strawberry picking and get the first pick of the season!

Miss Savannah was really into making sure she picked the very best strawberries she could find. This girl has high standards when it comes to berries.........she passed over many berries before she picked just the right one. She was our quality control manager.

This is what Mr. Caspian did the entire time. He had a feast and didn't get a single berry in his basket. I tried to look past the fact that the berries weren't washed and just let him have a good time. He really enjoyed himself since he absolutely loves berries. You could just see his eyes light up when he realized what we were doing. He was in hog heaven.

Miss Matilda was kind of in between girl. She spent a good amount of time eating and a good amount of time picking berries for her basket. When I told her we were going strawberry picking she said 'I know what shirt I'm going to wear!' And it was just perfect.

We spent about an hour picking our berries and then went and had a picnic lunch under a nice shady tree. It was such a gorgeous day out and I just spent the whole time we were out there feeling so incredibly grateful for all these little blessings in my life. Nice weather will do that for you.

We got a really good amount of berries, but I will tell you that a majority of them were gone by the end of the day. I seriously think strawberries are one of the greatest little treasures......so sweet and delicious!

And this is what the kids looked like after our picnic and strawberry eating fest. And this is why we never wear fancy clothes to pick strawberries........it always ends with a strawberry face or strawberry body.

A nice man saw me trying to take pictures of the kids and offered to take a group picture of us. Don't you just love when that happens? So here's our strawberry picking crew.......it's a miracle that everyone's faces are pointing towards the camera......seriously........a miracle.

A couple years ago I made some really delicious Cinnamon Strawberry Muffins (recipe found here) and this year I decided to try something new. If you follow me over on Instagram (@thecottagemama) you might already know what it is..........it turned out so yummy......I can't wait to share!

Strawberry picking has become an annual tradition for us. I took the girls picking when I was pregnant with Cass, we went last year when he was just a baby and I carried him on me in the Ergo carrier and now look at the three of them. It's amazing how time flies!

Pin It