A few months back now I entered a sew along competition on Instagram and I thought I’d share all about it with you now (better late than never right!?)

The competition was run by Dolly Henry and was to celebrate the 1st birthday of her pattern Miss Hazel Deer. It was run like a beauty pageant and was judged by the very talented Molly and Mama. The grand prize was a beautiful big bundle of fabrics from Sew Stitching Happy and the runner-up would receive a voucher to spend in Dolly Henry’s shop, both prizes certainly gave me motivation to take part. Not that I needed a prize to motivate me, I was really excited to give this a try! Plus it’s always fun to sew along with others, the fact there was some super prizes was a bonus!

I have made some felt plushies before but nothing quite like this and I was looking forward to the challenge. It would also mean having a go at making my first garment albeit on a very small-scale!

Of course one of the fun parts of starting a new project is picking the fabrics and trims. I knew as it was for a very special occasion it had to be Liberty!

With that decided I couldn’t wait to get started! The dress was actually easier than I thought it would be and has given me the confidence to try a more human sized garment although I’m still yet to try that.

I really enjoyed adding the sweet little embellishments, what is more prettier than some Liberty with lace and pearly buttons!?

So please allow me to introduce you to my Hazel doll Miss Audrey, she lives in the South East of England. Her special talent is making people happy with her sweet singing voice.

The button was actually leftover from when I made our wedding invites and I think adds a touch of glamour to her outfit.

I really enjoyed working on this doll, there were so many beautiful entries from some very talented ladies. I really didn’t expect to win anything, and although I didn’t win first place I was picked as a runner-up to go into the people’s choice award, which meant going to a public Instagram vote.

Guess what… I won! Wow it meant so much to be voted the winner, like I say there were so many great entries I didn’t think I stood a chance!

Writing about this now has got me thinking, I really must make another, a little friend for Miss Audrey!