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. March’s post is all about punch needle & sashiko. The Monthly Thread: March’s punch needle & sashiko Earlier in the month I attended The Stitch Festival in London. I try to visit every year, mainly to try a new craft at one of the workshops that runs through the day. This…
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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 13/2026} Last week was a musical week for us. My son took part in his final school concert before he leaves to take his GCSEs, and I also performed with my local choir. We are both looking forward to a break from rehearsals…
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Last week I spent a day at The Stitch Festival at the Business Design Centre in Angel. Living in London means I am spoilt for craft shops and creative workshops, but I can’t resist seeing everything under one roof. The Stitch Festival 2026 As well as my ticket, I also booked my workshops in advance – choosing punch needle, adding embroidery to knits and a sashiko class. I love the opportunity to learn something new and thought these three classes would be fun. The punch needle class took place before the festival opened, so I had a very early start…
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The manner in which you enjoy your coffee tends to grow along with you: from brewing it black straight in a cup to ultimately getting around to buying your very first bean-to-cup coffee machine… Wherever you are in your coffee journey, a dedicated home coffee corner is a great way to make your daily cup of joe that much more enjoyable. Great news coming ahead: your very own home barista setup doesn’t have to take up a lot of space or cost you a fortune! If you’re ready to take the next step in your quest for the perfect home-brewed…
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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 12/2026} Last week we celebrated my son’s birthday and mine. There were a lot of presents, cards and birthday cake. My son asked for a homemade Battenberg cake and I asked for a Jellycat inspired birthday cake. My husband was very busy baking…
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DIY book nooks have become a favorite project for hobbyists who enjoy miniature design, creativity, and hands-on craftsmanship. These small diorama-style scenes, designed to fit between books on a shelf, combine elements of model building, painting, and lighting. While building a book nook can be highly rewarding, it is also easy to make mistakes along the way that affect the final result. Understanding common pitfalls can help both beginners and experienced builders avoid frustration, save time, and achieve a more polished finished piece. The following sections highlight typical errors that occur in DIY book nook projects and offer guidance on…
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When to start using pregnancy ball to keep you comfortable and supported throughout your pregnancy? Of course, expectant mothers are curious about the best time to start with a pregnancy ball to alleviate body pain, correct postures, and keep you moving while you are pregnant. A pregnancy ball, sometimes referred to as a birthing ball or exercise ball, can certainly help in keeping you comfortable while you are pregnant. This article will address the question of when one ought to begin utilizing the pregnancy ball, the best time during pregnancy, as well as useful tips. When you have read this…
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The teen and I have been enjoying making miniatures for our Maileg mice. We display our Maileg gingerbread house at Christmas but it seems to be staying out this year. So far we have decorated for Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and even St David’s Day. Making miniatures for Maileg mice Our Maileg collection has grown and is now quite the family, consisting of Mum and Dad, Big Sister, Big Brother, Little Sister and triplet babies! They are 17cm and smaller and making miniatures for them is something we love to do. Sometimes these little miniatures can be just as time…
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The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep as We Head Into Spring — and How to Choose the Right Duvet for the Season As the days begin to lengthen and the first signs of spring emerge, many people feel a renewed sense of energy and optimism. Yet, seasonal transitions can also disrupt our sleep patterns more than we might expect. A good night’s sleep is essential at any time of year, but the shift from winter to spring brings unique challenges — from fluctuating temperatures to increased daylight — that can affect how rested we feel. One of the simplest…