@Tamnymore there were 2 of us from my school. I remember a coach to Rolls-Royce in Bristol, the Welcome museum of gruesome bits, which at that time wasn't open to the public, and a fantastic time at Imperial College in an optics lab. We each wore goggles which made everything upside down, we did an experiment timing how long it took for each person to start seeing the right way up again. There were so many activities, it was wonderful to meet youngsters from around the world. There was a big Japanese contingent, who demonstrated a traditional tea ceremony. It was a fabulous opportunity for a working class kid at 17.

https://mailchi.mp/newham/npj8zwo3bx-3097868?e=7c92d6cd08

This exhibition looks great. I remember riding my motorbike from Deepest Darkest Dorset to go to Biba, it must have been around 1973. The most amazing place.

That's great @Ploshkin. Very impressive. I suppose the next step is spinning your own wool - but I recall you saying your sheep are evershedders so I suppose you'd need to scavenge the wool from fences & brambles. 

Well after totally misunderstanding Tilly and The Button's blog I've got one good cuff & one which I just spent an hour unpicking 

That's brilliant!

@HenriettaMaria Reading University started out as an agricultural college. Even 50 years ago this was a thriving agricultural area. Free to enter, if you're ever anywhere near it's worth a visit.

Museum of English Rural Life  has a new exhibition. I've seen a few sewing machines in there but had no idea they have a huge collection. https://merl.reading.ac.uk/blog/2023/01/an-introduction-to-the-barnett-project/

Welcome. Looking forward to seeing what you make. Cushion covers are a good starting point to get familiar with your machine. Lots of experienced people who are generous with advice when needed.