From disappointment to opportunity

Wow, it’s been a long time since I wrote anything here. All is well, as much as it can be during a pandemic, I just lost the writing habit again. May hasn’t been as expected (local elections and two big …

Fibre Mood Holly Dress

I’ve really enjoyed wearing my Myosotis dress and thought it was time to try a different style on a similar theme. I’ve made lots of summer dresses but not so many for the cooler months and after not making many …

Beating the Winter Blues

How do you deal with the down days, the dark days? I find January difficult, especially the first week. It’s a time of adjustment after Christmas and New Year and a good time to reflect but has also in the …

Autumn colours

Sewing dresses has become appealing again now that I have a clearer idea of what I like to wear and what the gaps are in my wardrobe. It feels as if I’ve not made much other than activewear and bras …

A garment of praise

It’s been yet another busy week, with work, political stuff that I won’t bore you with here (but you can find it on Twitter if you like) and, unusually for me, two big social events. We attended the Lord Mayor …

Sew fancy

Yes, it’s another Emerald Erin Jordy bralette! This is my 5th and it feels really special. I’ve had the embroidered bra tulle for a few months but was a bit nervous about sewing with it. It turned out to be …

Rest and reflection

How are things with you? I’m feeling rested and refreshed after our summer holiday. This year we’ve taken a break from the Keswick Convention and instead headed down to East Sussex for a week at Ashburnham Place, which is organised …

Sewing as a celebration

What makes you want to create something? There can be so many reasons. For me at the moment, it’s a celebration of healing and progress. I’ve almost finished a dress – more on that soon – and have really enjoyed …

Scars and stitches

Craft can help us communicate when words are simply inadequate. I wondered how to explain to my wonderful surgeon just how much her care had impacted me both physically and emotionally. I felt as if she had stitched hope back …

Rebuilding

This is just a quick update as I’m rather sleepy and wobbly. My reconstructive surgery went ahead three days ago, on Thursday. It took a long time – between 6 and 7 hours – so I’ve been feeling very tired …