ANNIE: I have been harbouring a desire to take up sewing for many years now. Shouldn’t all mothers be able to knock up a child’s dress, simple curtains, cushions and a tote bag? It wasn't, then, a shock when I persuaded Emily that she and I should have a sewing lesson. It seems I am not alone: there has been a resurgence in people wanting to sew;  the recession, upcycling of vintage/old clothing and the desire to learn a skill all playing their part.

The Make Lounge in Islington has been running classes for years. We went to a class at a new school, which specialises in sewing, hence the fabulous name Sew Over It. The owner, Lisa Comfort, suggested we start with a cushion-making masterclass. Pinning the pattern onto the fabric, lining up the edges, hearing that wonderful cutting noise through a double layer of fabric, winding up the bobbin on the machine was such a joy. It is jolly easy and therefore really relaxing – a fantastic way to wind down and be creative at the same time.  Since then I have hemmed a table cloth and made countless more cushions, rummaging in shops for interesting fabrics and buttons. I bought a sewing machine from a shop that sells just that on the Shepherd’s Bush Road and have stocked up on cushion pads (they come in a dizzying array of sizes at John Lewis). The Liberty Book of Home Sewing has some brilliant ideas and patterns, which I am hoping to progress on to. To celebrate the book’s launch, Liberty has a few sewing classes featuring projects from the book on 18 and 25 September.  themakelounge.com.

Sew Over It, 78 Landor Road, Clapham North, SW9 9PH. (Take the tube to Stockwell and it is a very short walk from there.)  7326 0376  sewoverit.co.uk.

Olympic Sewing Machines, 1B-D Shepherds Bush Road, Hammersmith, W6 7NA 8743 6683.

The Liberty Book of Home Sewing £20 Quadrille (published October)