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.
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.
Stockholm - a workcation in Autumn
My itinerary journal of 5-night work-meets-play autumn break in Stockholm, departing from Leeds. Where we ate, what we saw and how we enjoyed a workcation trip amidst falling leaves and the last of the long days for the year.
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
Penzance - biking, brunching and lido-bathing in blackberry season
My itinerary for spending a spell in Penzance, in late summer. Blackberries, biking, brunch and bathing.
Chokoladbiskvier
Recipe for Chokoladbiskvier, or Swedish Chocolate Buttercream Macaroons. Alcohol optional. Ideal for making at any time of the year.
Brest in Winter - combined biking with city break
Travelling in the winter off-season, my planned itinerary for Brest in Finisterre. 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 in bright red serge wool twill, using a 1990’s pattern. Details on total make time, adjustments and seam finishes, and lessons learnt.