The "Children At Play" Collection

Last week I mentioned that I was working on a collection of pieces featuring my own sewing patterns for "Sew Beautiful" magazine.  I thought maybe you would like a little peak into some of the pieces that are being sent to the magazine this week for the photoshoot that will take place in early September.  The whole collection is design in "Children At Play", a new fabric line, by Sarah Jane Studios.

All of the following pieces are from my own sewing patterns and will be released at various times over the next year.  The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns will be print patterns and will be available in multiple retail venues (in-store and online) as well as through my etsy shop.  Several of the patterns include multiple variations on the same dress or outfit so you will be able to get creative and make whatever design suits your personal style.

 Janey Jumper Ruffle Front Dress

 

 Children on Parade

 Shortcake Double Ruffle Birthday Party Dress

 The Little Man Shirt

 Shortcake Reversible Romper

(with Ruffle Bonnet - free pattern and tutorial found HERE)

 Janey Jumper Scallop Dress

 Retro Rocket Romper

The Little Man Vest

Speaking of "The Little Man," it's hard to believe that our own little man is scheduled to be here in 2 weeks!  This pregnancy has just flown by so fast.  With my other two little ladies, the last month seemed painfully slow, but I guess when you keep yourself busy, time flies!  

I have to be honest and say I'm starting to feel pretty tired.  I really want to tie up some loose ends with the shop and my patterns.  I've also got a few more things to go up on the blog before his arrival but then I think I will take some much needed R & R (assuming he doesn't come early).

The Busy Mama

So I have been crazy busy around here lately.  I sort of feel like I am moving in 500 different directions trying to get everything done before our little baby boy arrives.  He'll be here in three weeks (if he doesn't come early)!  That being said, there is SO much I would like to do before we meet him so that I can fully focus on him and the girls during this new transition with our family.

As most of you know, that nesting instinct kicks in big time towards the end of pregnancy and I guess you could say I've sort of been "nesting" in my etsy shop.  I wanted to add some "ready-made" items to the shop along with my custom order pieces.  Here are some new things that have been added in the last month..........

I've added several "Paris Twirl Skirt and Shirt" sets to the shop as well as some skirt-only listings.  My girls love these outfits.  They are super cute, but Savannah says they are "super-cozy" which means she thinks they are soft.  The skirts are double layered for extra twirl factor and the tops are trimmed out with vintage lace trim.

In addition to the "Paris" sets, I've added several other skirt and shirt sets as well.......

Preppy Plaid Twirl Skirt and Shirt Set

(Skirt is available by itself as well)

Fall Ruby Twirl Skirt and Shirt Sets

In addition to the skirt and shirt sets, I've added several new reversible rompers and dresses.......

The Reversible Rompers are just that - FULLY reversible, so it's basically like having two looks in one.  I can totally see these rompers transitioning to fall with tights, boots and a long sleeved shirt.  They have a sort of knicker look to them which I love for the cooler weather.

The Reversible Dresses are the same concept as the rompers, FULLY reversible so you get two looks in one.  You or your child can choose which side they feel like wearing on that particular day.  These dresses are cut with a wide-swing to them, so they are perfect for layering and twirling as well.

And here are a few other things that have shown up in the shop lately........

Patchwork Janey Jumper

Plum Bird Knot Dress

Mod Shift Ruffle Neck Dress

In other very exciting news, I was asked by "Sew Beautiful" magazine to do a 3-5 page pictorial shoot featuring my designs and my new sewing patterns.  New sewing patterns, you say??  Yes, they are coming.....I promise!!  I'm just trying to get them off to the right printers and the first two should be available next month.  Both patterns feature designs you might have seen in my etsy shop and each pattern includes several different design variations.  Patterns will be available through my etsy shop and I will definitely be announcing when they have arrived!

I was seriously honored and flattered to be asked to be part of "Sew Beautiful" magazine and I have been working on my collection of samples to send to them by the end of the month for the photoshoot.  The photoshoot will take place next month; however, my pictorial will not be released until the July 2012 issue.  

The entire collection is being done in "Children at Play" by Sarah Jane Studios.  I met Sarah Jane at quilt market and just fell in love with her fabric as well as her darling personality.  This fabric has been SO much fun to work with and if you follow along on Facebook, then you've seen a few of my sneak peaks over there.  There is even BOY clothes!!

So for the next several weeks, I'm going to be finishing up my "Sew Beautiful" collection, getting my patterns ready to go, working on custom orders from the shop, putting the final touches on our little man's room (pictures to come!), and maybe, just maybe.........putting my feet up and resting a little.  

To be honest, I thrive on busyness so hopefully I can accomplish my goals in the next several weeks, but if not, that's ok too.  I'm just going to roll with it..........you never know when this little guy is going to decide to make his grand entrance!!  We can't wait!!

The Cottage Mama - What's New in the Shop?

As most of you know, I am going to be entering the world of children's clothing pattern design.  I have been sewing like crazy testing out some of my new designs to see if they are ready to be sent out.  But on top of all that I have added some new things to the shop that I wanted to share with you all.

I will be releasing some of these designs as sewing patterns (plus some that you haven't seen) and some of them will just stay as items in my shop and may be released as patterns in the future.

Strawberry Bubble Romper.  This is a fun play-suit for an infant/toddler and this strawberry fabric is one of my favorites.  The romper is fully lined and ties at the shoulder.  Perfect for a little crawler.

Flutter Sleeve Ruffle Peasant Dress.  I don't typically offer this style dress, but I wanted to try my hand at this easy-to-wear, casual girls dress.  This has been a really big seller in the shop and I am down to the very last yard of this vintage trim.

Purple Swirls Pinafore and Bloomer Set.  This outfit is a lot of fun and perfect for a little crawler or toddler.  I love the banded bloomer which gives these a little different look than your typical bloomer (they look a little more like a short).  The top has a retro-inspired cross-back and is very cool in the summer.  The top also looks adorable paired with a long-sleeved shirt and jeans for an easy transition to fall.

Summer Berry Frock.  This is a simple knot dress in fabulous bright, eclectic fabric!  I like these dresses for my girls because they transition nicely from season to season.  For summer I would just add a pair of sandals, but for fall I would pair this with a long-sleeved shirt, tights and boots.

The Sweet Dress.  This is one of my favorite designs done in one of my favorite fabrics.  The green and blue fabric is feminine without being super-girly and pink.  This is a great dress for a toddler on up and is fully-lined and comfy to wear.

Fully Reversible Bubble Romper.  Done in the same "sweet" fabric as the dress above, this romper is fully reversible and is two looks in one.

The Sweet Dress and Reversible Bubble Romper are two of my favorite looks for sister outfits.

All-Star Romper.  A little something for a baby boy or toddler.  This romper is perfect for summer-time play and will keep your little guy nice and cool during the warm summer days.  It has a large pocket on the front for collecting "treasure" and the pocket is accented with royal blue piping.

A-Line Mod Shift Jumper.  I designed this dress with a little bit older girl in mind, but it could certainly be worn by a toddler.  The sophisticated color palette of purple, grey, lime green and pink are perfect for a girl who wants something with a little style, but not too over the top.  The dress is fully lined, has two large pockets and closes at the shoulder with fabric covered buttons.

So that's just a little update about some new things going on in the shop.  If you are interested in keeping updated with new designs, exclusive sales and happenings with The Cottage Mama, come join us over on Facebook.  Click HERE to become a fan of "The Cottage Mama".