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: Gravad lax med gin

An alternative recipe for gravlax, or gravad lax as it should be called! Thanks to my Swedish aunt Yvonne for this recipe Start 3 days beforehand. 1 mittbit av laxfilén (med skinn) ca 1,5 kg 2 dl socker 1 dl salt 6 cl gin + 6 cl vatten 2 matskedar enbär 2 matskedar...

Recipe: Sillsalad

Sillsalad combines everything Swedish: pickled beets and gherkins, potato, dill and cream, herring and apples, into a wonderfully bright combination of flavours and textures. Perfect for Christmas with its jewel bright colour, it’s a must-have for your...

Recipe: Braised Kale in a Creamy Sauce

Kale in a creamy sauce is the traditional accompaniment to meatballs, creamed potato and Christmas ham, and is an essential part of the Julbord!Serves 4 500g kale 1 tsp salt 25g butter 25g flour 120ml milk 120ml double cream 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepperfreshly...

Apple and cranberry mince pie

My youngest isn’t keen on mincemeat, so I was thinking about an alternative for her that’s not so rich, but still Christmassy. (we eat LOTS of mince pies)Found this recipe at Lay The Table , via  The Onion. I’ll test it and let you know the...

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...