Unusual and challenging sewing techniques

Unusual and challenging sewing techniques

I was having a conversation with somebody recently about the different techniques we use in sewing clothes. So I began to make a list. I'm not talking about the basics like laying out a pattern, cutting, simple darts. They are important for sure, but I'm more...

2026 Sudoku wardrobe contest

2026 Sudoku wardrobe contest

This is an ongoing post, and I'll update it as I go The 2026 wardrobe contest organised by Sewing Pattern Review is the perfect opportunity for me to use up my (huge) stash and also to sew a new wardrobe after big weight loss over the last 12 months. I also need to...

Revisiting my youth

Revisiting my youth

..through the medium of Vintage Sewing Patterns. I discovered this classic deep in my stash recently. Apparently I was a size 12 back when I was 18 years old and sewed this the last time. I loved this pattern, especially the jacket which was so cool. I made it from a...

Garden redesign

I've been shopping for plants at Farmer Gracy for the great garden redesign of 2025. These arrived today and are now potted up, parked in the greenhouse and doing their thing while I get the borders ready. Photos and descriptions from the Farmer Gracy websiteOne...

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Home Decor Wishlist

Home Decor Wishlist

In the same way that I have a sewing wishlist, I also have one for home decor. My youngest daughter and I collect pins and she is my style editor. For a teenager she has the most amazing eye and discerning taste. Some of these are massive jobs, others are 10 minute...

Middle age went by…..

hy is it that middle age is so often portrayed as a time for regret: regret that youth and inexperience has passed and regret that old age and inability may all too soon be with us? Personally I was glad to be out of my twenties, and only really...

Bloomin’ lovely watercolours

Bloomin’ lovely watercolours

I've been playing with watercolours this weekend, and had a go at some flowers for my Poor Mother web logo. Here's a larger version. What do you think of it?   I'm thinking of putting together some clip art collections for download. Do you want me to let you know...

Things to bear in mind

Things to bear in mind

I'm making a few notes to help Project 60 along the way. Little steps make up the whole journey.Image sourceI used to look at my ideal weight and plan out how long it would take to get there, by losing so much per week. Guess what! I haven't made it yet! So now I...

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Favourite Reads

Home Decor Wishlist

Home Decor Wishlist

In the same way that I have a sewing wishlist, I also have one for home decor. My youngest daughter and I collect pins and she is my style editor. For a teenager she has the most amazing eye and discerning taste. Some of these are massive jobs, others are 10 minute...

read more

Middle age went by…..

hy is it that middle age is so often portrayed as a time for regret: regret that youth and inexperience has passed and regret that old age and inability may all too soon be with us? Personally I was glad to be out of my twenties, and only really...

read more

What’s hot on the Blog

Home Decor Wishlist

Home Decor Wishlist

In the same way that I have a sewing wishlist, I also have one for home decor. My youngest daughter and I collect pins and she is my style editor. For a teenager she has the most amazing eye and discerning taste. Some of these are massive jobs, others are 10 minute...

read more

Middle age went by…..

hy is it that middle age is so often portrayed as a time for regret: regret that youth and inexperience has passed and regret that old age and inability may all too soon be with us? Personally I was glad to be out of my twenties, and only really...

read more
Bloomin’ lovely watercolours

Bloomin’ lovely watercolours

I've been playing with watercolours this weekend, and had a go at some flowers for my Poor Mother web logo. Here's a larger version. What do you think of it?   I'm thinking of putting together some clip art collections for download. Do you want me to let you know...

read more
Things to bear in mind

Things to bear in mind

I'm making a few notes to help Project 60 along the way. Little steps make up the whole journey.Image sourceI used to look at my ideal weight and plan out how long it would take to get there, by losing so much per week. Guess what! I haven't made it yet! So now I...

read more

Project 60

I just signed up for a DietBet to kick start Project 60. Currently I weigh about 60lb more than I did when I met Tim, when I was at my best. A few things have spurred me onMy mum recently passed away after a few years living with vascular dementia: one of the risk...

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What we ate and what I spent: week 3 of 52

What we ate and what I spent: week 3 of 52

Youngest daughter expressed a desire for granola this week. I think she's fed up with toast for breakfast, but as she is terrible at getting up on time in the mornings, I refuse to put time and effort into fancy breakfasts. (See how far from perfect we are!) But...

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Living a simpler life

Our family has a reasonably simple, laid back existence, and we're fortunate not to have to worry about paying the bills, but that's mostly because we're resourceful, and good at making do and mending. Over the last couple of years I've been reading an increasing...

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2014: the year of small changes

For me, a new year always brings the desire to declutter and simplify my life. This year I'm thinking about my brain, my body and my wardrobe. It's the year of small changes; tackling things in little chunks like drawing, sewing or gardening every day for 20 minutes,...

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