In South Cumbria damsons are a local delicacy as we are fortunate enough to have some superb, ancient damson orchards, particularly in the Lyth and Winster Valleys. I tried making an adaptation of a fifteenth century damson and apple tansy recipe and added a few tweaks of my own.

As a penniless start up I found myself wanting to present my fabric designs in a swatch book, but not being able to afford to have one professionally made, I decided the only thing for it was to make one myself. I have been so pleased with the way my home made version turned out I am sharing it in the hope that the instructions will be useful to others.

Plum Shuttles (pronounced 'shittles')!, also known as Valentine's Buns, originate from Rutland and Leicestershire which have a strong heritage of weaving. They are sweet little currant buns that were traditionally given to children (or to your sweetheart) on Valentine's Day .

If you love a small sewing project every now and then, these little hanging heart decorations are a great way to use up little pieces of fabric and they are quick and easy to make. I have used a sewing machine but you could hand sew them if you would like a slower, more contemplative practice. I have cut out motifs with pinking shears and sewn them on the heart shapes but you could be experimental and do some embroidery on them if you prefer, or leave them simple. Why not

One of my main design inspirations are traditional Lake District cottage and farmhouse interiors. On winter days I would love to come in from the cold to this sort of cosy interior with its dark wooden cupboards, fire glowing in the black range, polished pony brasses, rag rugs on the slate flagged floor, handmade rocking chairs, cat asleep on the window seat and the reassuring tick of an old wall clock.

Bring some egg-legance to your dining table and keep your breakfast warm with a beautiful linen egg cosy.

Did you know that Saturday 12 April is Damson Day? Damsons have been grown in the Westmorland area since at least the early 1700s and in times gone by the blossom filled orchards in April were such a sight that people travelled from all over Lancashire to see them on Damson Sunday.

The snow banks in Broohah are real; bus stops are blocked, footpaths are impassable, and socks are thick and wooly. However, we are...

February weather in the land of Broohah is not conducive to outsiding. I prefer to spend my time safely indoors in the company of a hot...

This quick and easy biscuit recipe is great for making a batch for the freezer