• Crafts for adults

    What I made in May 2025

    May 31, 2025 - By 

    Where did May go? Time for a monthly update! What I made in May 2025 I’m working my way through my craft stash and thought it was about time I made the MakeBox Modern English Paper Piecing Ladybird which was released in June 2023. I enjoy English Paper Piecing but usually stick with hexagons, diamonds or simple shapes. This kit has really been testing my patience! I wanted to use the finished ladybird on a banner and it just about fits. So far I have made half of the ladybird and have set it aside for now. Some of the…

  • lifestyle

    Wedding Guest Dresses – Themes for 2025

    May 30, 2025 - By 

    With wedding invites landing in inboxes and postboxes alike, there’s one fashion question that always springs to mind: what to wear? If you’re searching for the ultimate wedding guest dresses this year, 2025 has brought with it some exciting new trends, along with the timeless staples we all know and love. Whether it’s a countryside ceremony, a sleek city affair, or a laid-back destination wedding, there’s a style out there that’ll tick all the right boxes—flattering, appropriate, and effortlessly stylish. Here’s a look at what’s trending in 2025 and how you can find the perfect wedding guest dress for every…

  • days out

    Cruise and hike: Combining coastal cruises with onshore walking adventures

    May 29, 2025 - By 

    A coastal cruise offers a relaxed way to enjoy the ever-changing picturesque shoreline, with optional land-based excursions, while enjoying the entertainment and informative onboard activities to enhance the overall sailing experience. Cruise and hike: Combining coastal cruises with onshore walking adventures Why not try sailing from the UK and go through idyllic coastal towns and secluded bays. Combine your laid-back cruise with leisurely, energetic discovery walks to get up close and personal with the incredible coastal landscape through an invigorating trek. Moreover, modern cruise lines offer day-long walking trips along with optional guided tours and shore excursions as a part…

  • The Essential Guide to Pattern Making
    competition

    {giveaway} The Essential Guide to Pattern Making

    May 27, 2025 - By 

    I am eagerly awaiting a new series of the Great British Sewing Bee. I love watching the amateur sewers compete to impress Patrick Grant and Esme Young. To celebrate the new series arriving shortly I am delighted to have a copy of The Essential Guide to Pattern Making up for grabs. The Essential Guide to Pattern Making The Essential Guide to Pattern Making is an extensive and clear guide for all who wish to become confident in designing and making their own patterns. This handy book will become any dress-maker’s pattern-designing bible: with accessible break-downs on seams and darts, the order…

  • Five Happy Things

    Five Happy Things {Week 21/2025}

    May 25, 2025 - By 

    Starting the week by writing the Happy List is something I’ve been doing for the last few years. It’s my chance to sit down and reflect on the things that made me smile in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures. Five Happy Things {Week 21/2025} I was really proud of my daughter who went to our local borough athletics competition and came first in javelin (just like last year). She enjoyed taking part as it was a whole day out of school. I spent the weekend making gingham coasters with my daughters box of hama…

  • days out - London Borough of Westminster

    Celebrating 150 years at Liberty London

    May 23, 2025 - By 

    Over the weekend we went into London to visit Liberty London flagship store on Great Marlborough Street. This is one of my favourite department stores, and my favourite fabrics to work with, and well worth a visit any time of the year. This year sees them celebrate their 150th anniversary with a programme of curated exhibitions, immersive installations, special collections and so much more. We visited to see the free exhibition called I Am. We Are. Liberty. as well as the installation of the Liberty Patchwork House. I Am. We Are. Liberty. Our first stop was the I Am. We…

  • Bee keyring from love embroidery magazine
    Crafts for adults

    Bumblebee keyring kit {love embroidery]

    May 21, 2025 - By 

    Today I wanted to share another cute cover gift I recently made. I love these little kits, this just took an hour which gave me the little crafting kick I needed. Bumblebee keyring kit from love embroidery magazine The Bumblebee keyring kit came with my Love Embroidery magazine subscription. It included a mini wooden scallop frame, 4 shades of thread (blue, light blue, brown and yellow), 100% cotton fabric, a keychain and ring. The Bumblebee keyring kit was designed by Matilda Smith for love embroidery magazine (issue 41, 2023). With the kit you got the chance to learn 3 simple…

  • English Paper Pieced ladybird
    Monday Happy List

    Five Happy Things {Week 20/2025}

    May 18, 2025 - By 

    Starting the week by writing the Happy List is something I’ve been doing for the last few years. It’s my chance to sit down and reflect on the things that made me smile in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures. Five Happy Things {Week 20/2025} On Monday I took part in Mass Observation Day on the 12th May. The project aims to record everyday life in Britain and anyone can submit their diary for the day to the Mass Observation archive. My kids were kept busy with their after school activities. My son went kayaking…

  • days out - Surrey

    {Exploring} Painshill Park in Surrey with teens

    May 16, 2025 - By 

    A few weeks ago we went to visit Painshill Park in Surrey. It’s highly recommended, especially if you enjoy scenic walks, historical architecture, and tranquil natural settings. Located in Cobham, Surrey, this 18th century landscaped garden spans 160 acres and features a variety of follies and picturesque views. It’s also been used as a film location, so many of the places were familiar to us! Highlights of Painshill Park Painshill Park is worth a visit and is a beautiful landscaped garden packed with a variety of places to explore. There is a house called Painshill but this is not open…