A Journal
A personal journal that invites readers to design their own journeys through the world - with travel, dress and taste.
My work is shaped by seasonal rhythms, cultural, sensory and historical awareness, and expressions of independence. Language is my first love.
Swedish Semlor buns
Recipe for Lenten-Easter treat, Swedish Semlor buns. Adapted from a recipe by Estonian patisserie owner, Angeelika Kang.
Sewing high-waisted trousers in smooth serge wool twill from 1970’s Vogue 1275 pattern
Working with a 1970’s Vogue Basic Design pattern, sewing a pair of single pleat trousers in serge wool twill. Details on total make time, adjustments, seam finishes, and lessons learnt.
Sewing a boat neck summer dress with tie back in a novelty print cotton from Vogue 1102
Journal of my making a boat-neck dress with a shaped underbust seam and large tie bow at the back. Details on total make time, pattern adjustments and lessons learnt.
Sewing a man’s shirt in grey wool flannel from Simplicity 8753
My journal for making a man’s shirt using fine wool flannel, from a modern Simplicity pattern. Details on total make time, adjustments, seam finishes, and lessons learnt.
Sewing a button-up box-pleat skirt in electric blue cotton twill from McCalls 7906
Sewing a box-pleated midi skirt, in electric blue cotton twill, using a Y2K McCall’s pattern. Details on total make time, adjustments, seam finishes, and lessons learnt.
Leighton Denny nude polish, Mirage or Not
Colour scrutiny of Leighton Denny’s 3 Times a Lady nail polish, a mid-tone neutral nude creme.
Sewing an A-line skirt in electric blue cotton twill from Vogue 7210
Sewing a midi skirt with contour waistband, in electric blue cotton twill, using a Y2K Style pattern. Details on total make time, adjustments and seam finishes, and lessons learnt.
Alnmouth, Northumberland Coast - a weekend in late Summer
My travel journal for a short, late summer break in Alnmouth. Sand and castles.
Sewing ultra wide leg flat-front trousers in black single wool crepe from Burda 6966
The simplicity, elegance and sophistication of sewing ultra-wide leg flat-front trousers in single wool crepe. Lessons learnt and pattern additions.
A Summer drive-and-ride through Belgium & Northern France
Itinerary journal of my summer tour through the Belgian Ardennes and Northern France. Bikes very much mandatory.
Cotswolds for William Morris - a weekend in high Summer
A friend and I visited Kelmscott Manor in The Cotswolds. Where else we stayed and ate.
Zoya green polish, Cece
Colour scrutiny of Zoya’s Cece green polish, with a prominent shimmer foil finish.
Pembrokeshire in Winter with mountain biking and boutique hotel
Itinerary journal of my winter break in Pembrokeshire. Where we ate, what we saw and how we enjoyed winter by biking around the countryside.
Sewing a tent dress with dagger collar in Liberty crepe-de-chine from Very Easy Vogue 8593
Working from a 1970’s Style pattern, my reflections on making a very loose fitting maxi dress in Liberty crepe-de-chine; the first time working with silk but the second time with this pattern. Main lesson: crepe-de-chine is difficult to cut out…
Norfolk - Summer riding
Itinerary for a short weekend cycling break near the North Norfolk Coast.
Summer walking on the Suffolk Coast
A weekend catchup with a dear friend. My itinerary journal for a short weekend walking break on the Suffolk Coast.
Sewing a scoop neck tiered sundress from a 1970’s Butterick 7012 pattern
Going off-piste, using quilting cotton for a simple summer tiered dress with topstitching.
Guernsey in Spring - walking on a tiny island
My planned itinerary for spending 4 springtime days in Guernsey, Channel Islands. Days spent walking and picnicking, nights spent in a treehouse hotel.
Sewing a princess seamed dress with short puff-sleeves and collar from 1980’s Style 4603 pattern
First time sewing princess seams, first time sewing with proper shirting fabric. Starting from a 1980’s Style pattern, how long I took, adjustments made and lessons learnt from my sky blue button-up midi dress with contrasting white collar and pearl buttons.