Is that going to be sturdy enough to use as a footstool, or it is purely decorative?

I would leave as is because you will have to fill in the entire shape, including the face if you fill in the rest.

But, if you do fill in the skirt, it looks like the same texture stitch you used for the shoes would be an idea to consider using.

Is that grey patch on the chin to be chin hairs or just the hair wrapping around the head? I am going with chin hairs. That could use a bit more subtle stitching, maybe something wiry.

I understand that poem now that I am of that age.

I would do the hat and apron in red, the top of the hat, the skirt, and the sleeves in violet. Not sure what she's holding, but skin in skin tone.

BTW I love this and might steal it!

You would probably need to use a satin stitch to fill in those areas. nancyjane, I had to enlarge the pic before I could see she's holding a cup of tea/coffee.

I did finally finish my project; it is done on a scrap of heavy muslin so I think it will be alright to put on my footstool. It probably won't be getting that much use as it is actually quite small to be setting next to a chair. Just something to do. nancyjane, that is a cup she is holding. wednesday morning, that is hair wrapped around her head. My sister and I laughed til we cried when you though it might be chin hairs.