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...

Swap 2015: it’s morphing into a summer project

Sewing

Realistically I know I won’t complete all 11 garments by the end of March. That’s fine, I’m still happy with the plan, and it will work OK for my summer wardrobe.

I saw this Pin today, and it got me thinking about what else I could add to make a proper capsule wardrobe

From The Berry

I was struck by how this is similar to my plan. I can make another pair of trousers, maybe in stone rather than white, and another dress (most definitely NOT a maxi though!). The other basics I own already, like vest tops, simple cardigans, a long sleeve tee.

I’m quite taken with the blue print skirt as well…..

The plan for this weekend is to make a start on the navy shirt, and possibly the Barbs. Or I may revise the collar on the polka dot shirt. I used the method suggested by Style Arc but it looks, well, home-made. So I swotted up in my copy of Shirtmaking for an alternative.

We’re planning some time in Sweden this summer, catching up with family, and generally mooching around. An opportunity to wear the SWAP.

Thanks for reading. Comments are welcome!

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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...

read 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...

read more
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...

read more