The Shirt Dress by Merchant and Mills

This is probably my favourite thing I’ve made – it’s The Shirt Dress by Merchant and Mills. I made it years ago, in fact it was one of the first things I made following a pattern that was for people who can sew. It’s started falling apart now, I’ve worn it that much but I love it.

I made it up using a cotton/linen mix, the one that’s shown on the pattern page on the M&M website. I’ve been on the look out for a similar fabric to make another, but not found any as of yet. I didn’t add ...

five frugal things – 020617


number 1


I cleaned and sorted the kitchen cupboards and this brought to light that I have a fair bit of tea stashed away. Now, contrary to popular belief, not all British people go through gallons of tea a day.  I will drink it and do like it but it’s definitely something I can live without, especially in this warmer weather but then, genius struck.  I can brew the tea, leave it to cool and make ‘ice’ tea.  I love drinking it this way, particularly when it’s my favourite tipple of Lady Grey or peppermint.  (I don’t normally put the ...

i can’t believe you’re not an artist

They’re too good, aren’t they?  For someone not in the creative industry.  I know.   Anyway, these are my plans for my sewing extravaganza for this summer. All Tilly and the Buttons patterns which I am very drawn to. We will just have to see how they go.  I have already made two of the items which I will be posting about soon!!

Coco doesn’t have a second arm because I couldn’t get it right

Emily ...

no hobby no life

A thing you get asked over and over and over and over again in Japan is (and this is no matter on the age), ‘What are your hobbies?’.  To me, this is an odd question to ask an adult but maybe I’m the odd one?  My usual boring answer is, ‘reading’.  And watching TV and Netflix and YouTube AND of course, eating.  This actually annoys me because my hobby is reading.  I like to read and I do read.  I am under the impression that lots of people say reading is their hobby but then they never do it.   ...