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...

Cranberry, honey and ginger sauce

A fragant variation on a traditional cranberry sauce. I use this to marinade chipolatas to have with the turkey on Christmas day. 2 oranges, zest & juice 350g cranberries 4 tbsp runny honey 150ml port 1″ root ginger, peeled and grated Simmer everything for...

Buche de Noel

Traditionally French, this chocolatey confection has become part of our Christmas Day tea in recent years. There are a lot of recipes out there for Buche de Noel, including Delias, which is a lovely dessert recipe. However this one from Saveur is more cake-like and...

Chestnut, cranberry and bacon stuffing

This is delicious stuffed right under the skin of the turkey, over the breast meat. Make enough to cook some in a separate dish; dotted with butter it crisps up beautifully. Original recipe fromĀ  BBC Good Food . 100g dried cranberries (I use Lidl’s cranberry and...

Honey glazed chipolatas

These are delicious as part of Christmas lunch.Marinade 48 hourscook 30-40 minutes1llb chipolatas3tbs honey cranberry and ginger sauce1 tbs olive oilPut everything into a container, seal and put into the fridge.To cook: spread onto a baking tray and put into an oven...

Stir-up Friday

Of course it isn’t really stir-up Friday, but we missed making the Christmas cake last Sunday, and I wanted a better name for today than Black Friday. What a horrible institution that is.Here’s a WI recipe that makes a really good rich fruit cake for...