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...

The trousers he doesn’t know he wants

I’ve had a couple of weekends to myself so tucked myself away in the sewing room and got stuck into a couple of things. I thought I’d share hubby’s trousers with you. He refuses to buy new clothes as nothing ever fits (he’s very tall, and...

A bit of a gap….and sewing while I shrink!

No posts for a few weeks for one reason and another…however, now my mum is installed in her new residential home (and loving it) and our tenant has moved into her house, I can draw breath again. I’m itching to start sewing for myself, but I’m losing...

Sewing for men

My husband was born in Stoke-on-Trent and is proud of it. Now, he’s not at all a fashionisto, but he does love a nice Belstaff, an ancient Potteries brand, and part of his family’s motorcycling heritage.You can read here about how a waterproof cotton...