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...

Recipe: Apple and date chutney

Find this recipe at YummlyApple Date ChutneyPrep Time: 20 minutesCook Time: 50 minutesYield: 4 half pint preserving jarsIngredients4 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (about 3-4 medium apples) 1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar 3/4 cup stoned and chopped dates (about...

Recipe: Spicy Pineapple Chutney

From BBC Good Food Prep: 20 mins Cook: 1 hr, 5 mins Skill level: Easy Servings: Makes 3 x 330ml or 2 x 500ml jars  Give this tangy fruit pickle away as a gift or keep in your cupboard for a colourful household condiment Ingredients 2 tbsp sunflower oil 3 red...

Recipe: Delia’s Mango Chutney

This recipe is taken from Delia Smith’s Winter Collection.Ingredients 8 mangoes, slightly under-ripe (total weight about 6 lb/2.7 kg) 1½ lb (700 g) soft light brown sugar 1 level teaspoon cumin seeds 2 heaped teaspoons coriander seeds 12...

Recipe: Indian Tomato Chutney

From taste.comIngredients:2kg ripe tomatoes 1 clove 1 tsp cumin seeds Olive oil 1/2 tsp black mustard seeds 3 small green chillies, halved, seeded 2 garlic cloves, grated a thumb size piece of ginger, grated 1/2 bunch coriander, leaves picked, stalks chopped 5 fresh...

Recipe: Candied Peel

This recipe is from Waitrose: http://www.waitrose.com/home/recipes/recipe_directory/h/homemade_candied_peel.html I’m trying it with added Grand Marnier, just like they use at the Granary Grill on their Orange and Grand Marnier trifle. Ingredients 2 lemons 2...