blood, sweat & tears

Sometimes, however much you want them to go right, some things just don’t. It can happen even if you’ve made said thing many times before, although familiarity does usually help. But some days, no matter what your mental attitude, no … Continue reading

soaking up wonder

Sometimes I forget how lucky I am, living in Nottingham. I’ve often taken my home town for granted somewhat. It doesn’t have the glamour of London, nor the ambition of Birmingham, nor the street-cred of Liverpool or Manchester. But it does have Architects … Continue reading

family jewel

So finally, the commission I have been working on is done. Well, the first part of it at least. Meet the Jewel family. All are made from Sarah Campbell’s wonderful Melodies fabrics for Michael Miller, in the Jewel colourways. Mum, Dad, … Continue reading

alone

I spend quite a lot of my time alone these days. I don’t mind. No really, I don’t mind. In fact, I would go so far as to say that actually, I love it. I get up and make breakfast and … Continue reading

riding high

I have written about the wonderful designs of Sheila Bownas before. But that wasn’t the whole story. A new instalment has just emerged. A new collection of designs from the archives of Sheila’s wonderful designs has just been brought to … Continue reading

putting it about a bit

I was brought up in an age when girls were not supposed to be outgoing. Quietness and demureness were prized, particularly by my nanna, but also by my mum. My sister and I were encouraged to be modest and self-effacing; … Continue reading