February Furtling

Wasn't February quick, as always?
Here in the UK. the last week has been unseasonably warm with temperatures in the upper teens, about double the seasonal average.
Locally we have had the dilemma of whether or not to "cast a clout before May be oot". Always a tricky decision to switch to a less warm coat or jacket too soon but this week we have been quite safe to do so.
This image is from a local small park area, always a glorious Spring sight, maybe a little early this year.

Earlier in the month, before the warmer weather, my OH and I enjoyed a mini break to York. We had never been before and thoroughly enjoyed tramping along the City Walls and maze of streets. For a chilly February weekend it was extremely busy, not sure I'd relish a weekend there in July! We visited the Castle Museum and the famous Railway Museum, both excellent and really just enjoyed a relaxing time away. Of course I had to visit Duttons for Buttons.......

I took my Overnight Bag that was a class project from a few years ago and had forgotten how spacious it was.

Plenty of room for three days away. My OH has requested one and it gives me the opportunity to tweak my pattern and perhaps include different features and fabrics. 

The rest of the month saw a bit of sewing action. I had made a start on this applique project at our Ayrshire MQG meeting at the beginning of the month and since then have made a little more progress.

Last term in Amanda's class we were making a Sew Together bag and as I had made the very similar Bionic Gear bag (front in pic) I decided to make one of each to compare. The SG bag is smaller and seemed to have fewer but comprehensive instructions (in pic it's behind the BG bag, to the left)
This term we have been making a Boxy Pouch and I followed the pattern by Pink Stitches, it's at the back of the pic. Which just leaves Lola, on the right - this pattern is by Svetlana at Sotak Handmade and really is a peach of a pattern. I think the bound zip is genius and the finished effect so professional, do try it if you haven't already made one.
Most of the fabrics used in these pouches were Lewis and Irene.

Two yers ago at Creative Stitches in Glasgow, I used some birthday pennies to buy a Luna kit (by Cool Crafting) - I made the actual Luna + dress pretty soon after but has taken me until last weekend to make her beautiful winter coat. Another great product, I was full of awe for the attention to detail in this pattern, just note the faux pockets and sleeve tabs. I must admit that I did not make the six tiny buttonholes required for the six tiny buttons, I was too scared to spoil the coat, so instead have secured it with two discreetly placed press studs.

The sudden inspiration to do the coat was inspired by finding these  books........

I have my eye on some French knickers.

And once again I will be linking to Mini Archie's February Furtle Around the Blogosphere