Poppet.....lol...I have tried my hand at sewing, several times, but, found that I was short on the patience required... I would love to be proficient, though!
I did design my own clothes, lots of times...including my own wedding dress .....
I always have found it hard to find well fitting clothes, off the rack....
It is also easier to have flattering garments when it is possible to pick the right fabric and design...lol.....
Of course, I have always had to find a dressmaker....
It is a great idea to make your own cushions! They are soo expensive to buy...even the shoddy ones!
Van Morrison---you might try to start with his older work....Like "Into The Mystic" and "Tupelo Honey". He has made about 40 albums....
He was knighted this year...Now, he is "Sir van Morrison"....
He is from Belfast. I married a man from Belfast...and he didn't even know who Van Morrison was!! (unbelievable).......
I mostly read non fiction, also....but, I have always loved Charles Dickens! (I visited his home, once).......