Matsumoto + Lake Suwa – Feb ’24: part one

We spent a few days in Nagano and very pleasant it was, but really cold. The people were very friendly – I don’t want to offend but compared to Tokyo (and I know it’s because it’s a capital city, they are the same everywhere), extremely friendly.

We took the Azusa train from Tachikawa at 8:24 and arrived in Matsumoto at 10:37. It was full, so I’m glad we booked and didn’t just roll up on the day like we had planned.

We stayed at Hotel 168 aka Iroha (if you know Japanese, you’ll get it). I didn’t, my husband had ...

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 ...

sewing round up 2023

I know, it’s a lazy way to do it and this year I’ll try and post individual items but here’s what I sewed last year – not too much but all right. The face is my concentrating face.

Sew DIY – Lou Box Top (Scoop neck, curved hem)
I love these patterns because they are drafted for a height of 5’10” and I’m 5’9″ so no need to add any length.

I made it in a Japanese, gingham linen from Miss Matatabi. Trousers from Zara, bought about 13 years ago (aargh!) and shoes are Converse Ballet which are so ...

Happy New Year: 2024 take 3

We spent the remaining days of Italy back in Vicenza.

My very clever mother-in-law made afternoon tea and crème brûlée for us – amazing! Cakes on the top layer were from a local patisserie.

We went to see the fabulous lights in Vicenza town centre – beautiful as always. It feels so magical and they are everywhere.

We had hot chocolate which in Italy means thick and can be eaten with a spoon. I much prefer this to the hot chocolate that is common in the UK which is usually also very sweet.

We headed to a park where there ...

Happy New Year: 2024 take 2

Day two in Turin saw us going to The National Museum of Cinema which I didn’t really think would be anything much BUT it was! It was really good but again, you must must must book tickets in advance. The queue was crazy! I think it was due to the special exhibition being Tim Burton.

The museum is in the Mole Antonelliana – a fantastic building inside and out. You can go in the lift which you can see in the middle for a view of the city. The third picture is there because it reminded me of the lyric ...