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 …

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 …

Breaking the silence

It’s been a while since I last shared anything here and I feel I need to explain why. In October I made a doctor’s appointment about a persistent breast lump. I’m used to others coming and going but this one …

Summer sewing

Well, I did it again… a burst of writing enthusiasm and a long gap. Not to worry, that just seems to be how my mind works. I’ve been sewing a lot after a break of a couple of weeks as …

Seasonal Sparkle

I always look forward to seeing the projects and patterns in Sew Now Magazine. There are usually several pdf patterns and projects as well as the printed patterns, offering a broader range or creative opportunities. The Christmas sweatshirt by MadeIt …

One pattern, multiple outfits

It’s amazing how much can be made from one pattern! So far I’ve managed three mock playsuits – of which you’ve seen one so far – two pairs of culottes and a blouse from Simplicity 1334. The fabrics are from …

Pineapple playsuit

The Smaller Small has made her choice! She asked for a t-shirt in the pineapple print that I bought  last week in Dewsbury. My inspiration for this make comes in part from the Sewcialists August challenge –  Tribute Month  – so this …

Sew Over It Coco Jacket

I’ve been looking for some simple jacket patterns for a while, so hearing about the Coco Jacket pattern release (previously only available as a class) was very exciting. This pattern prompted my visit to Fabworks where I chose a cheerful outer fabric …

Textile Travels

It’s been a busy week with lots of travelling and not much sewing (apart from 20 buttonholes in one afternoon…more on that soon). Last weekend we set out early for a short trip to London, for some family time and …

Superstar!

Sewing for my daughters brings me so much joy. They have their own distinct styles and still love having unique mummy-made clothes and accessories. This week the Big Small (now aged nine-and-a-half) has gone away with school for a few …