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: fruit and nut stuffing for turkey

Yield Makes about 12 cups Ingredients 12 whole pitted prunes, halved 12 dried apricots, halved 1 cup dark raisins 1/2 cup dried currants 1/4 cup bourbon 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tart cooking apples, unpeeled, cored, cut into 1/4-inch pieces 2 large onions, cut...

Recipe: Cranberry Glaze for Turkey

From Martha Stewart’s Christmas Cookbook 2003 Yield Makes about 1 1/4 cups Ingredients 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1/2 shallot, finely chopped (about 2 teaspoons) 2 fresh sage leaves 1 teaspoon whole juniper berries 1 cup fresh or thawed cranberries 2/3 cup...

Roast and brined turkey

Brining a turkey before it’s roasted isn’t common in the UK, but I might give it a try this year. Martha Stewart is my first port-of-call for Christmas inspiration: here’s her instructions for a moist and juice turkey on Christmas Day. The turkey...