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...

One tin roast chicken

Serves: 6  |  Weight Watchers ProPoints: 11 Ingredients 1 lemon, quartered2 onions, cut into wedges4 garlic cloves4 sprigs rosemary1.5kg chickenOlive oil spray150ml dry white wine350g  diced butternut & sweet potato200g celeriac, peeled and cut into...

Thai fish cakes

 Serves: 4  |  WeightWatchers ProPoints: 5 IngredientsFor the fish cakes 454 g white fish cut into small pieces 1 egg lightly beaten 80 g french beans thinly sliced 3 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced 2 tsp chilli flakes 1 spring onion, thinly...

King Prawn Chow Mein

Serves: 4  |  Weight Watchers ProPoints  13Ingredients 2 tsps Sesame oil300g frozen king prawns, defrosted and drained. (I love the Lidl ones in a box)600g  peppers, sliced, plus any other veg you like (mushroom, shredded carrot, beansprout, pak...

Pea and leek frittata

Serves: 4  |  Weight Watchers propoints: 9    |   Time: 25 minutes Ingredients 100g green peas, 1 large leek, trimmed washed and sliced 90g spinach Sunflower oil sprayHandful basil leaves, roughly torn8 large eggs, beaten100g...

Ginger, chilli and lime chicken

Marinaded chicken breasts served with multigrains and green vegThrow the chicken breasts in the marinade in the morning, then cook in the oven while you prep the grains and veg.Serves: 4 |  Weight Watchers ProPoints: 7 Ingredients:4 medium skinless, boneless...