From swishing tails to the finest fabric

Charlotte Reather has a go at the ancient art of rope making

The sheer textile has a fascinating way with light, allowing or intercepting its passage through the weave. Its qualities have taken several centuries to prove useful as well as beautiful. Handwoven l

This month, get creative with patterned fabrics and wallpapers, make everlasting paper flowers and invest in some quality bed linen or tableware

AN EDIT OF THE BEAUTIES ON TEAM LIVINGETC ’S SHOPPING LIST

From traditionally harvested Scottish sea salt to world-renowned cutlery and weatherproof knitwear fit for Shackleton, Julie Harding selects outstanding British-made products with makers that fly the flag for independent manufacturing

■ Background fabric – Moda Chambray linen in grey – 2yds ■ Blue stripe ticking fabric (borders A and B and binding) – 1yd ■ Beige/blue print for borders D and E – 2¼yds ■ Light mixed prints – Nine (9)