Ceramics, miniatures and mosaics: the London school reviving the world’s endangered sacred arts
From Pakistan to Iran, a new generation is learning traditional crafts and taking their knowledge back home
A new start after 60
A new start after 60: I retired from teaching – and became a blacksmith
Julian Lee was ready for a fresh challenge after a lifetime in specialist education. So he built a forge, installed an anvil and set to work creating some very special knives
Closet clinic
Darn it! How to mend holey socks at home
With a few tools it’s possible to bring back your favourite pair of lost soles from sock-drawer purgatory
June 2024
Hooked: How crochet became fashion’s hottest trend
Dorothy Bromiley obituary
Crochet shakes off stuffy old image to become fashion’s freshest DIY trend
Other lives
Janet Slade obituary
May 2024
‘They made it look so easy’: traditional craft of bookbinding rejuvenated for the TikTok age
Enthusiasts are customising their favourite works and being rewarded with wide social media following
Neon, kilts, cricket bats: artisans gather to shine a light on Britain’s endangered crafts
Numbers of specialist makers are dwindling but one charity plans to save this vital part of our cultural heritage
A moment that changed me
A moment that changed me: I made my own wedding dress – and learned to embrace imperfection
A bloodstain here, a wonky seam there: it had its flaws, but so do I. And I’m absolutely fine with that
April 2024
Observer Design
April design news: the Dr Dolittle of design, an algae air purifier and Habitat at 60
Trending on tick-tock: why British watches have hit the big time
Button up: 20 of the best men’s cardigans – in pictures
Life on a plate
Esme Young: ‘I got Mini Cheddars in the green room when I started on Sewing Bee. Still do’
Australian book reviews
How to Knit a Human by Anna Jacobson review – a remarkable memoir of psychosis
Are we really wearing micro shorts this season? The hot pants rebellion on social media
March 2024
‘It’s a worldly thing’: the ancient, multi-stranded craft of weaving baskets
Time for a crafty snack: the art of crocheting food – in pictures
February 2024
A new start after 60
A new start after 60: I couldn’t find a hat for a wedding – so I unleashed my inner artist
Dress to distress: fashion embraces the frayed, torn and deconstructed look
