A stitch of Austenian inspiration

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us in different ways, but with the short and often dark days of winter in mind, I determined this was the year when I was going to re-acquaint myself with a hobby I gave up years ago – sewing. Nothing too ambitious, you understand, but I am determined to make something wearable.

When I was possessed of the enthusiasm and confidence of youth (many years ago), I remember borrowing my mother’s old hand sewing machine, and embarking on shift dresses and strappy tops (in case you haven’t already realised this was the ‘70’s, the decade before big hair and ra-ra skirts). I actually making a credible job of the items I tackled, but honestly compels me to admit they were pretty basic. Where did that confidence go? When did my ability to grab some material and just plunge straight in fall by the wayside?