You know how it’s scorchingly hot at the moment? Well, in a moment of topical genius, I’ve chosen today to talk about cold weather. About draughts, to be specific. Remember them? The whistling cold wind burrowing its way under your doors to negate any good your central heating is doing… Sounds quite pleasant right now, … Continue reading Doggy draught excluders
Month: July 2013
A horse for the wall
There’s nothing nicer than knowing that a handmade present was well-received, so I was delighted that this horse T-shirt was such a hit that the recipient's Mum requested a bigger version for his recent third birthday... I’m such a dab hand at the iron on transfer paper by now that I actually – regular readers, … Continue reading A horse for the wall
The story of the asparagus pea
Like most back garden-vegetable growers, I can't resist the lure of the unusual. We’ve all heard innumerable times about the quest of the evil supermarkets to stamp out choice and offer us only the same few varieties of veg (those that store well and grow uniformly) whereas we (the elite! The vanguard! Those sticking it … Continue reading The story of the asparagus pea
A sewing spot
This was the scene in my sitting room last night. Friday evening, the baby’s asleep, my partner’s home from work for the weekend: the perfect time to get on with sewing some of that quilt I’ve been working on forever* while having a chat and watching some Attenborough on the TV**. The trouble is, my … Continue reading A sewing spot
Easy baby bib pattern and tutorial
About, ooooh, five months ago I decided to make my sproglet some bibs. He was six months old at the time and I wanted a bib of a decent length to actually catch all the food he was spilling down his front as I was weaning him. After a very perfunctory Google, I couldn't find … Continue reading Easy baby bib pattern and tutorial
A study in wallpaper (or Living in the ’50s)
One of my favourite London museums is the Geffrye Museum. It's a treasure trove of historical domesticity. Set in a stunning almshouse in Old Street, a series of living rooms are decorated in the style of different eras, from the 17th century, right up to the modern day. If you want to know what after … Continue reading A study in wallpaper (or Living in the ’50s)
Spiffing elderflower cordial recipe
Elderflower cordial is one of those drinks that make me feel that I’m a character in an Enid Blyton book. You know how the Famous Five went on endless picnics and every time someone drank a bottle of ginger ale, they’d proclaim to the other four, “I do declare this to be the best ginger … Continue reading Spiffing elderflower cordial recipe
A trio of teeny, tiny trousers
My very lovely friend Laura (who blogs over at Circle of Pine Trees) gave birth to her third son recently. I wanted to make something nice for him. (I also wanted it to be ready on time, but you know how that’s going to end, don’t you?) Before my sproglet was born, I came across … Continue reading A trio of teeny, tiny trousers
Garden moodboard: July
One of the nicest things about moving to a new house is discovering all the different flowers that appear across the course of a year. Earlier in the Spring, the back garden was a riot of bright orange, pink and yellow rhododendrons, so I've been pleasantly surprised (that's an understatement, actually, I've been really flipping … Continue reading Garden moodboard: July
Wolves in London 