Shortbread
Recipe for plain buttery shortbread, topped with crunchy sugar and sliced into bitesized bars. Tips for achieving that ‘short’ crumbly texture you are aiming for.
Sewing a puff-sleeve midi dress in khaki green linen-cotton twill from 1970’s Style 1169 pattern
Fourth make with this pattern, following several refinements on fit and pattern instructions. Details on total make time, adjustments and seam finishes for square neck, puff sleeve, tiered maxi dress in a robust khaki green twill

Leeds to Penzance - biking, brunching and lido-bathing in Summer
Travel tinerary for a 4-day mid-week summertime break in Penzance.
Chokoladbiskvier
Recipe for Chokoladbiskvier, or Swedish Chocolate Buttercream Macaroons. Alcohol optional. Ideal for making at any time of the year.

Manchester to Brest, Brittany: an off-season itinerary for the end of Winter
Travelling in the off-season of winter, itinerary for 7 nights in Finistere. Winter hikes, thalasso therapy, eating crepes, visiting medieval towns and castles, and admiring the early sunset in pretty port towns.
Apricot jam
Recipe for homemade apricot jam - more apricot than sugar. Making a taste of France at home.
Swedish Kokosrulad (coconut roll cake)
Recipe for Swedish Kokosrulad, a coconut roll cake filled with a custard buttercream.

Vogue September 1978
Striking fashion imagery from a vintage Vogue magazine, September 1978 edition.
Thoughts from Carpe Diem Regained by Roman Krznaric
A book on seizing the day, and doing more of that. My reflections and key takeaways from Carpe Diem Regained, by Roman Krznaric.
Reflections on The Lost Art of Dress, by Linda Przybyszewski
A book about The Dress Doctors, a troop of women operating during the early-to-mid 20th century who advised American women on style and clothing throughout the Great Depression, World Wars and social upheaval. Teachers, writers, designers, and retailers, they were dismissed as backward in the late 60s but much of their theories and teachings still ring true for anyone looking to dress, budget and express themselves authentically, and with grace and personality.
Sewing an A-line skirt in bright red serge wool twill from 1990’s Style 2571 pattern
Sewing a midi skirt with waistband, in bright red serge wool twill, using a 1990’s Style pattern. Details on total make time, adjustments and seam finishes, and lessons learnt.
Swedish Semlor buns
Recipe for Lenten-Easter treat, Swedish Semlor buns. Adapted from a recipe by 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 pleated 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
Sewing a man’s shirt, in wool flannel, using a modern Simplicity pattern. Details on total make time, adjustments, seam finishes, and lessons learnt.
Cuccio yellow polish, Seriously Celcius
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.

Leeds to Alnmouth, Northumberland Coast - 2 nights in Summer
Travel itinerary for a short weekend break in Alnmouth.