My first real bags, and a play dress

Here is the bag I've given both Mum and my mother in law for Mothers' Day:

I decided I'd do a trial first to be sure it would work, so Louisa choose this fabric and I think it looks great - very tropical. I now borrow 'her' bag to walk to the shop for the bread and milk instead of lugging my usual handbag. I'm hoping Mum and MIL will get the same kind of use out of theirs. I don't expect to replace Mum's everyday handbag that carries everything but the kitchen sink.

Below is my first creation from my Enid Gilchrist books. It's actually a little small for Elizabeth, even though the book said '1-2 years' and Lizzie's quite tiny for her age. I guess kids are getting bigger over the years. So next time I might add an inch to the front and back part of the pattern, and maybe a bit longer on the shoulder yokes too. Still, now I've slashed the back a bit and extended the button loop, it should be okay for playing around the house in - which I guess is what a 'play dress' is probably intended for anyway. I have to admit to loving this apple green colour, especially teamed with pink. It was everywhere a few years ago, but I guess it's popularity has waned a bit now. I still love it though!