A Journal
A personal journal that invites readers to design their own journeys through the world - with travel, dress and taste.
Everything is rooted in seasonality, sensory and cultural experience, and thoughtful independence.
Applying coloured lipstick to last
Paris, Cannes and Grasse - a journey for Autumn
Travelling with a friend, we start in Paris, and end in Cannes. A 5-night cultural and olfactory journey for early autumn.
A Danish summer weekend with dance, architecture and Michelin stars
3 nights in high summer. My itinerary for a cultural and culinary weekend spent in Copenhagen with a friend.
Fredome mays man to haiff liking
Workings of a Garment: a 1950’s rose-print cotton gown by Selfridges, in the style of Nina Ricci
Study and analysis of how this 1950’s cotton gown was constructed. One from my personal vintage collection. Learnings and inspiration for improving my dressmaking techniques and knowledge.
Blueberry Crumble
A very simple two-portion recipe for blueberry crumble with a touch of walnut. The single fruit approach for this crumble really lets the delicate blueberry flavour sing forth. Memories of Maine, New England.
Fredrikstad - a long weekend for early Summer
From Manchester to Norway, taking advantage of a regular, short flight to Oslo to visit one of the best preserved fortified towns in Europe.
Harbours to Highlands. A New England road trip itinerary for Summer
Itinerary journal of my 16-night jam-packed summer touring holiday through New England - taking in Maine, Vermont and a Boston city break.
Rhubarb & Rose Compôte
Recipe for a fragrant rhubarb and rosewater compote, to keep in the fridge for livening up smoothies, pancakes or plain cakes. An utterly delightful flavour combo and a taste of The British Isles.
Low-and-Slow Pecan & Pumpkin Seed Granola
Very simple two-step recipe for homemade pecan and pumpkin seed granola. Memories of Suffolk.
Closet Core Patterns : “Just. Make. It.”
The online advice I needed to hear, to stop procrastinating on the ‘scary sewing project’ that I was afraid to ruin or fail at. Just Make It. Cut into that expensive fabric and be done with it. Get on with making and wearing the thing.
Cherry Jeffs : “Repeating a process can teach us important lessons about subtle variation and refinement.”
Cherry Jeffs must be a kindred spirit. This excellent article about what an artist’s body of work is also perfectly encapsulated why I refine - for longevity, strength and coherence of my inner voice. My favourite passage and link to the original article.
Quimper - an off-season active itinerary for Spring
My itinerary for a springtime 7-night stay in Brittany, with medieval Quimper as the base. Cider, cycling, springtime walks, crepes and art.
Sewing a square neck tiered midi dress in Liberty Heidi cotton poplin from 1970’s Style 1169 pattern
Fifth time I am using this pattern. Perfected the fit, and finally making with an expensive fabric, Liberty’s cotton poplin in Heidi. Absolute favourite make with this pattern so far. Lessons learnt and seam finishes used, with detailed dressmaking closeups.
Workings of a Garment: a Y2K Acne oversized long-line shirt, designer ready-to-wear
Study and analysis of how this Y2K oversized Acne blouse was constructed. Learnings and inspiration for improving my dressmaking up to designer ready-to-wear standards.
Sewing a pleated blouse in wool flannel from 1970’s Gunne Sax Simplicity 8907 pattern
Starting with a Gunne Sax pattern from the 1970’s, after some significant design amendments, made a cropped blouse in micro-houndstooth wool flannel. Lessons learnt.
Jersey - a long weekend in Spring
My travel itinerary for 3 nights in Jersey, Channel Islands. Walking, history and dining.
Chocolate, Rose & Beetroot Loaf Cake
Recipe for Chocolate, Rose & Beetroot loaf cake, topped with cream cheese frosting. Fragrant and decadent, and an excellent keeper. Adapted from a Paul Hollywood recipe.
Mushroom Risotto
Recipe for an autumnal oven-baked mushroom risotto, portioned for a moderate 2 person meal, saving space for a dessert.
Choc-Chip Cookies
Recipe for choc-chip cookies, using a blend of dark and milk choc chips, and three types of sugar for optimum mix of crunch and chew.