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...

Project 60

I just signed up for a DietBet to kick start Project 60. Currently I weigh about 60lb more than I did when I met Tim, when I was at my best. A few things have spurred me onMy mum recently passed away after a few years living with vascular dementia: one of the risk...

Weight Loss Magic Soup

      Print 10 days until Christmas and I have a target weight to reach with only 3 or 4 lbs to go. I’m trying this 3 day soup diet in a window between pre-Christmas events. I’ll be eating my usual porridge and apple for breakfast, then 3 bowls...

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...

2014: the year of small changes

For me, a new year always brings the desire to declutter and simplify my life. This year I’m thinking about my brain, my body and my wardrobe. It’s the year of small changes; tackling things in little chunks like drawing, sewing or gardening every day for...

Sewing clothes that keep on fitting

I’m at the beginning of two life journeys right now. One is rediscovering my sewing skills, which are rusty after years of neglect. I used to sew ALL the time, then stopped once my girls began to refuse to wear things I made for them, and when work/house...