Jane is “a more realistic Martha Stewart. Hers is an affordable dream based on things that are easily available. What she writes is how she lives, a way of resolving a romantic vision with everyday life”.

“Cumberbatch certainly gives Rita Konig a run for her money and the great thing about Sew Easy is that you are the creator, so much more satisfying than rushing round to Cath Kidston for a new apron. We beg you to give it a go.”

“People without much money and a house to decorate would do well to heed the advice given in this book, which shows what the author has done with her huge south London house on a miniscule budget. She is full of good, simple and practical ideas - rooms are white, furniture is classic and unchallenging and the effect is charming and liveable.”

“According to stylist Jane Cumberbatch, author of Decorating Easy (Quadrille, £16.99), striped ticking looks good on armchairs, and you can dress up plain wooden kitchen chairs with pretty pull-on gingham covers.”