Street Flowers by Richard Mabey is a beautiful book from 1976 and was gifted to me this week by my friend Helen. It's about the devices used by plants to survive in difficult surroundings: mass production and distribution of seeds, extra-fast growth and killing off of other nearby plants. It's really interesting and the illustrations, by…

My son Arlo turned 15 this week, and I promised to make him a new hat for his collection. In the first photo above you can see where I've got to with that, which is not terribly far. I'm using Quince & Co Chickadee yarn and this Purl Soho pattern. It's knitting up beautifully so…

Last weekend's Soul Craft Festival was a beauty. It was pretty special to be among so many friends and friends-to-be, surrounded by people who love making things and talking about making things as much as I do. As well as seeing Felicia and Claire and the rest of the hard-working team, I was lucky enough…

At this weekend's Soul Craft Festival, I'll be teaching some embroidery workshops over the two days. But I'll also be giving a talk. I know! Public speaking is not my favourite thing, usually. But when Felicia asked me last year whether I'd be up for it, of course I said yes. My talk is called 'Giving…