• The Irish Chain Mini Quilt
    Crafts for adults

    Stash-Busting Perfection: The Irish Chain Mini Quilt

    February 17, 2026 - By 

    The Irish Chain block is a classic and much‑loved design in patchwork and quilting, admired for its elegant simplicity and striking visual impact. Thought to have originated in the early nineteenth century, the block is built around a repeating grid of squares that create the illusion of interlocking diagonal chains. This distinctive criss‑cross effect gives the pattern its name and makes it a favourite among quilters who enjoy strong geometric layouts. It’s a block I’ve wanted to try for a while, I even purchased red and white fat quarters when I visited the Knit & Stitch show. What is an…

  • The Irish Chain Mini Quilt
    The Weekly Edit

    The Weekly Edit {Week 7/2026}

    February 16, 2026 - By 

    Starting my week with the Weekly Edit is a ritual I’ve kept for years. It’s my favourite Monday morning anchor—a chance to slow down, celebrate the ‘small wins,’ and gather the smiles from the week behind us. Part reflection and part record-keeping, it’s my way of documenting our family’s adventures before the next chapter begins. The Weekly Edit {Week 7/2026} We made it to half term! I wish I had the whole week off to spend with my kids but I’ve had to settle for a couple of days later this week. My kids need a break from school after a long,…

  • Maileg mouse DIY
    Crafts for kids - Crafts for teens - Crafts for tweens

    DIY Maileg costumes for Spring

    February 12, 2026 - By 

    Surely Spring must be on the way. Our garden is full of bulbs and our fingers are crossed that it will stop raining for half term next week. The teen and I have been crafting miniature makes for our Maileg mice. We wanted to share the cutest little recycled craft for your little ones (with a bit of help from you!). DIY Maileg costumes for Spring We used recycled cardboard tubes as the base for our DIY costumes. We decided to make a daffodil and a leek – to celebrate St David’s Day next month. We painted our tubes in…

  • a month in the country
    The Weekly Edit

    The Weekly Edit {Week 6/2026}

    February 9, 2026 - By 

    Starting my week with the Weekly Edit is a ritual I’ve kept for years. It’s my favourite Monday morning anchor—a chance to slow down, celebrate the ‘small wins,’ and gather the smiles from the week behind us. Part reflection and part record-keeping, it’s my way of documenting our family’s adventures before the next chapter begins. The Weekly Edit {Week 6/2026} Last week I finished reading A Month in the Country by J. L. Carr. This was a short book but really beautifully written. It was about a man finding renewal and healing after returning from the First World War, whilst working to…

  • Crafts for adults

    Subverted tea towel workshop at the Fashion and Textile Museum

    February 7, 2026 - By 

    I mentioned that I over the weekend I attended a subverted tea towel workshop with Holly Searle at the Fashion and Textile Museum. Using vintage tea towels, the original meaning is subverted by adding a statement which alters the original perspective. It was fun and a great way to spend a morning. The Fashion and Textile Museum I’ve been to the Fashion and Textile Museum a few times now. It’s a wonderful exhibition space near London Bridge. At the moment they have an exhibition called Costume Couture: Sixty Years of Cosprop. Cosprop specialises in period costume for film, television and…

  • homestyle - interiors

    Breathing New Life into Old Rooms with Timeless Patterns

    February 6, 2026 - By 

    Herringbone flooring continues to hold a strong place in British interiors because it offers structure without feeling rigid. The repeating zigzag layout introduces order while still adding visual movement, making it suitable for both traditional homes and contemporary spaces. Unlike plain flooring, herringbone creates interest at floor level, which helps anchor a room visually. In Manchester properties, oak herringbone often highlights heritage features while improving how light moves across smaller rooms. In modern flats, carpet or luxury vinyl herringbone supports open-plan layouts by visually connecting adjoining spaces without the need for walls or dividers. The pattern works quietly in the…

  • subverted tea towel workshop
    The Weekly Edit

    The Weekly Edit {Week 5/2026}

    February 2, 2026 - By 

    Starting my week with the Weekly Edit is a ritual I’ve kept for years. It’s my favourite Monday morning anchor—a chance to slow down, celebrate the ‘small wins,’ and gather the smiles from the week behind us. Part reflection and part record-keeping, it’s my way of documenting our family’s adventures before the next chapter begins. The Weekly Edit {Week 5/2026} We are all massive F1 fans so were excited to hear about the new Kit Kat F1 chocolates. They are only available at Morrisons Daily so it took me a while to track them down but I did! Kit Kat is the…

  • 3d printed Lego wreath
    Crafts for adults - The Monthly Thread

    The Monthly Thread: January’s embroidery sampler & linen collage

    January 31, 2026 - By 

    I love the start of a new year. Each month I love to write a round up of what I’ve been making. This helps me to see what I’ve made, and holds me accountable for projects half started or bought. This year I’m calling my series The Monthly Thread. January’s post is all about a embroidery sampler & linen collage. The Monthly Thread: January’s embroidery sampler & linen collage Let’s start off with the embroidery sampler and linen collage! My first finished make of 2026 was the Pretty Fabrics and Trims Christmas Countdown panel. This was a lovely project to have…

  • Family Life

    Legal Steps Every Buyer Should Know When Buying Property

    January 27, 2026 - By 

    Buying a home is exciting, but it can quickly feel overwhelming when you’re unsure of the legal steps involved. From making an offer to receiving your keys, every stage matters in protecting your investment. The process may seem complicated, but with the right understanding, you can handle it confidently and avoid unnecessary stress.  Understanding these steps not only helps you stay informed but also prevents costly mistakes. Keep reading to learn the key legal steps every buyer should understand before completing their purchase. From Offer to Acceptance: Setting the Legal Foundations After finding your ideal property, your first legal step…