In which I mention the 'C' word

Yes, I admit it, I'm going to be a little bit naughty and say the 'C' word, it's early I know but maybe if I say it quietly no one will notice...here goes nothing Christmas.   There.  It's said.  I've started making presents for that whole she-bang. Those of you who follow me on Instagram and Facebook will have seen these pictures already so I apologise for the repetition, but please read to the end as I have some exciting news, well exciting for me anyway!

My youngest niece seems to get into trouble with her big sister for 'borrowing' her rag doll so I thought it would be nice to make her one of her own for Christmas.  Gosh, can't stop saying the 'C' word now...Christmas.  There, that's enough I think.

So, I used the pattern in Mollie Makes but instead of using muslin as per instructions I've gone off piste because a. I couldn't find what I had left of the muslin I had in my stash without pulling lots of things out and b. I thought it would be softer to use the lovely off white fleece I had in my stash and therefore am stash busting too.

Doll in bits and pieces waiting to be sewn up and stuffed

I also ignored the instructions to make the body out of patterned fabric so that it looks like the dress as thought it would be nicer to make clothes for the doll...yeah, regretting THAT one already, well it'll be alright in the end but she's got no real shoulders so things hang a bit wrong.

Here she is in all her glory, look away if you're of a nervous disposition as she's naked!  Oh!

Naked lady sat against my embroidery tin

I was surprised by how long her legs are, I suppose they are in proportion but I'm weirded out because there are no knee joints.  And because a lady has to have some modesty here she is in a very quickly whipped up dress.

Lady in purple leaf print dress

I'm now considering making dolls for my three other nieces.  I might chicken out make a 'kit style' doll for my eldest niece in order to teach her how to sew as three dolls with clothes is a tall order for this little time and other presents I want to make so may save myself some sanity this way.  Any suggestions for a name for her?

And so now onto my exciting news...Drum roll please!

My jewellery is now being sold in a real life shop!  Woo!

You can now buy my jewellery from Emily Rose Vintage, it's a pretty little shop with a cake shop up front, what more could you ask for?  Vintage, jewellery and tea and cake.  Nope, can't think of anything else!  I would like to say a very big THANK YOU to Liz for being my first wholesale buyer.  Ta muchly!