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...

Home Decor Wishlist

Home Decor Wishlist

In the same way that I have a sewing wishlist, I also have one for home decor. My youngest daughter and I collect pins and she is my style editor. For a teenager she has the most amazing eye and discerning taste. Some of these are massive jobs, others are 10 minute...
Gordon Ramsey’s Pork Chops with Peppers

Gordon Ramsey’s Pork Chops with Peppers

From Learn to Cook with Gordon Ramsey, as published in the Radio Times Pork chops with sweet & sour peppers – Serves 2 You’ll be amazed at how two such simple things can taste so good together. The sweet and sour peppers really cut through the richness of...
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...

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...