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...

Keto recipes for leftovers

Keto recipes for leftovers

It’s almost 2016, and one of my goals for next year is to look after my brain by eating keto as much as possible. As I did the usual over ordering on the Christmas food, we have a fridge full of ham and turkey, so a few recipes that are keto and left-over...

Julskinke

Ingredients 1 (18-pound) whole bone-in, skin on, fully cooked, poached in cider with peppercorns, allspice, onion, carrot. (cook the day before) You can cook on the morning of Christmas Eve, but it takes 3 hours to simmer so allow enough time.For the glaze: 1/2 cup...

Recipe: Pig’s trotter and ham hock terrine

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall The Guardian, Saturday 16 December 2006 23.57 GMT This recipe uses cheap ingredients to make a chic and filling dishoriginal at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2006/dec/16/foodanddrink.recipes Pig’s trotters are often used as...