It Started With a SHEIN Top… I'd bought a top from SHEIN that I really liked the shape of. From the front it looked quite simple, but the back was what I really loved, open-backed with ties. There was just one problem. I wanted it longer.

I know. It's August. Some of you are probably still thinking about summer holidays, BBQs and whether we're actually going to get any sunshine… Meanwhile, over at More Shabby Than Chic, Christmas has arrived. And there's a very good reason for it.

Which sounds lovely. Until you realise that means 100 individual squares. PER CUSHION. Every square has to be planned, cut, put in exactly the right place and sewn together. One square in the wrong colour or position and suddenly my carefully designed character has had a rather unfortunate makeover.

Years ago, someone once told me to marry for money, not love. Questionable advice? Absolutely. Advice I occasionally wish I’d taken? Also yes. Still, never mind. I’ve got my own money now, and believe me, I know exactly how to spend it.