Well, having said in my last post that I was going to get back to posting regularly again – I failed miserably…

All I can say in my defence is that life happened. Between a relationship, starting a new job, looking after a house and all the day to day things that take up time – writing posts just hasn’t happened. So I’m trying again. I can’t promise I’ll be posting every week, but I’m going to try to keep writing and keep posting. And hopefully keep sewing. (Does anyone else have Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly in their heads going “Ke-ep dancing!”? No? Just me then…)

So what have I been doing when I should have been writing blog posts? Well not as much sewing as I’d hoped. I’m still working on the elephants for my nieces – and I’ve added to my project list teddy bears and elephants for various children of friends – including one who’s due in April.

I did however decorate Christmas stockings for Boyfriend, his dad, and his dog Lyra. Originally I’d planned on buying stockings with initials on but it was tricky finding ones I liked that weren’t really expensive. So I found these felt ones from Hobbycraft. I bought a range of felt, fabric, ribbons, embroidery silks and sequins. I didn’t manage to get everything done that I wanted, but I can add to them for next year. I’ve never really done applique before so underestimated how long it would take. I also wasn’t expecting the fabric to be so stiff. Here’s the finished product:

In case you’re wondering – this is Lyra:

I have been doing a little hand embroidery and I’ve been collecting magazines (and patterns) each month – adding to the list of things I want to make. I’ve also been buying some fabric now and then. I now seriously need to start making things as the drawers where I put all my sewing stuff are getting very, very full.

Over the last few months I’ve also met my boyfriend’s family (and he’s met mine) – so far everyone’s gotten along – so fingers crossed. We went to the Forest of Dean for a weekend in October – a new area of the country for me. Absolutely beautiful! I’d recommend it to anyone who likes fresh air and stunning views. We also had a weekend just outside Bath at the end of January for his birthday.

I’m also applying to start a part-time MA in Creative Writing in September. This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and after a difficult time at work last year, I decided to go for it. The original plan had been to start last year, but the timescales were just a bit to tight. I’ve been accepted on one programme already and just waiting to hear back from others before I make my final decision. It’s all a little scary, but the good kind of scary if that makes sense.

So this year’s plans:

• Keep blogging (I promise)
• Finish the elephants and my other sewing projects
• Start my MA
• Eat more fruit & veg (always a challenge)
• Be bridesmaid at my brother’s wedding
• Help Boyfriend decorate his new house
• Wear at least one item of clothing that I’ve made
• Use my lacemaking pillow and my new pyrography tool
• Enter 3 writing competitions

Anyone else have plans they’d like to share?

Here’s a few pictures to summarise the last 6 months: