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...

Summer 6PAC: 6 piece summer capsule part 1

Summer 6PAC: 6 piece summer capsule part 1

The 6PAC tradition continues, and today Elizabeth has written about the latest edition of this ongoing project, over on her blog. There’s a thread about it on Stitcher’s Guild as well. Originally 6PAC meant 6 Piece Autumn Capsule, but the abbreviation has...
Spring 6PAC capsule wardrobe

Spring 6PAC capsule wardrobe

This is the time of year when my creative self seems to emerge from hibernation and I start to fondle my stash, daydreaming of all the beautiful clothes I’ll make one day! In reality I seem to plan dozens of garments (and buy the fabric & patterns for them)...

Winter sewing

It’s Winter 6PAC time again, and this time I’m really going to do my best to get some, if not all, the garments made/bought.The guidelines are posted over on Stitchers Guild here and are like this:The 6PAC is a set of guidelines to help you create a group...

Spring 6 PAC: Robson Trench in Red

The first item for the Spring 6 PAC is the Red Trench: I’m making Sewaholic’s Robson in red breathable waterproof fabric, underlined with a bright print like Seamstress Erin has done here. <a...

Sewing with a plan-Spring

If you’re not sewing with a plan then you need to get started now! The idea is to look at your wardrobe, identify key items that are lacking or need replacing, and sew a mini capsule to fill those gaps. Over the year the items build into a useful wardrobe that works...