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 .