I’m no expert at the sewing machine, but there is something quite fantastic about creating your own clothes. I did Textiles for my GCSEs. I can’t remember exactly what grade I got, but since all the evidence is safely out of reach, let’s just boldly assume I got an A. It’s better for my self-esteem. I vividly remember making a deep blue gown for my final piece, which I ended up wearing to my leavers’ prom. Hopefully, all photographic evidence has been destroyed, because I am certain the reality was nowhere near as glamorous as the memory.

I try to sew at least one thing a year. I find that keeping the bar firmly on the floor means there is a much higher chance of me actually succeeding. Over the last few years, I’ve managed a couple of dresses, a couple of skirts, and my absolute pièce de résistance: a velvet housecoat. I don’t wear it nearly enough at home, so I’ve decided I’m just going to start wearing it out as a regular coat. Because why not?

Anyway, it’s nearly the end of March, and my daughter has casually requested Eliza’s dress from Hamilton for her birthday, bringing me to my very first project of the year.

I have exactly three days to turn this around. The expectations are low, the chaos is high, but that just means there’s a solid chance I might actually impress myself. Wish me luck.