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...

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...

What we ate and what I spent: week 2 of 52

What we ate:Lunches:Tomato and red pepper soup, using a jar of mild salsa left over from New Year’s EvePea and Ham soup using the ham stock I froze after Christmas (the cooking juices from simmering the ham in cider)Beans on toastHam, cheese and onion tart...

What we ate and what I spent: Week1 of 52

This week we were still finishing off leftovers. A lot of comfort food here: good for the wallet but not so good for the waistline!Leek and potato tart from Nigel Slater’s Feast, vol1Ham, eggs and potato saladLeftover buffet: cheese, crackers, pate, salads...

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...

Batch cooking on a budget

I found this site while I was planning my 30 day menu:Watch Full Movie Online Streaming Online and Download http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/batch-cooking I’d already earmarked a big batch of tomato sauce for pizza and bolognaise,  but...