Hello, I haven't posted for a while - I was busy making things and here are the results. As you know, I got a dressmakers dummy for Xmas and I have been trying it out with a top which I started making at the end of last summer. I used a Prima pattern (nothing like a free pattern donated from my Mother in law's magazine) which was simple and quick to complete. Although as you know, I tend to have an issue with finishing things so the cut out fabric pieces sat in a carrier bag all through autumn and over Xmas. I thought this would be a good project to start with on the dummy. The fabric was from my Mum's fabric stash - she let me have a rummage a while ago - and it was so lovely to work with. It is quite a light jersey, very stretchy and doesn't fray once cut. A dream fabric to use when sewing in armholes.

 I really enjoyed making this and I am looking forward to wearing it when the weather starts to improve. Roll on spring.

 Here's a close up of the pleats at the front.

 I also made another bag as you can never have too many bags. This one is to hold a crochet project on the go and my other bag is being used for shopping trips. You can just see the tablecloth in the background - another Ikea fabric which was cut into a square and edges neatened. I also made a dust cover for the dressmakers dummy (no photo - not very exciting to look at) so the sewing machine has definitely seen some action recently.

 I used some vintage fabric to line this bag too. Next time I make one, I think I am going to add an inner pocket for keys/mobile phone.

 This is another ongoing project that has sat neglected for possibly 3 years (I know, I told you I had issues with finishing things). My Mum bought this footstool from a charity shop for me over ten years ago when I was pregnant with my eldest. It was originally bottle green velour and it stayed that way until I finally got round to recovering it three years ago. I bought some wadding to cover the lid and stapled the new fabric on but I wasn't happy with the finish on the lid so I put it to one side. And it was left to one side until we moved and we found a new one side to leave it on! I was on a mission to try to complete projects yesterday as I couldn't justify starting anything else without finishing a few first. So after spending half an hour setting in sleeves and hemming the top, I dragged the footstool out and set to action. What can I say? It's grey. I love grey, I can't help it. I think this footstool will house my crochet bits and pieces - books, hooks, spare balls of wool.

One small confession - it's not completely finished. The lid is still not attached to the base. But it will be this weekend, I promise...

So that's the end of my makes for now. I currently have another small project on the go and I am hoping to make another item of clothing soon although I haven't decided what yet. A trip to a fabric shop in London has been planned with my Mum. I don't know who is looking forward to it more. I had a big sort through of my sewing stuff yesterday and discovered I don't have any other forgotten projects (other than the coat, ahem) however I do have a few little crochet things that need finishing off.

So that's what I have been up to lately. I have also been getting very fed up with the weather. I have absolutely had enough of the cold now, even though we will probably get another two months of it. Winter seems to have lasted an eternity this year. If it were just a little bit warmer (and dry) I could get out in the garden and do some serious destruction  weeding. Hope you all have a great week. x