{Post 1,201} Shooting Stars Coming Along

So far on my Shooting Star quilt, I have 3 rows entirely pieced and sewn together.  After supper (baked fish, baked potatoes, and steamed broccoli), I am going to sew some more while my husband is off working out and then while he watches a movie with the kids.  I only sewed for about 45 minutes today, but it was the one thing I really wanted to do.  Where does the time go?

The "disappearing" block is shown as a close-up after the picture of the first 3 rows.  This measures 73" across and the quilt will be 73" square when finished.  I might enlarge it so that it can be used in our guest bedroom as a bed quilt.  We have a double-sized mattress wallbed in there, but no quilts just right to fit it (except one that I think was taken by one of my children).  Probably should check on that as we are having guests in August.

{Post 1,200} Necklace Possibility and Jewelry Organizer

I am not completely sold on this necklace idea.  It reminds me of a picture I saw of Michael Phelps displaying all his gold medals way back when.

Here it is so far, but rearrangements might be in the future:

Micheal with his (from Sports Illustrated):

I know--we're like twins, right?  Mine are silver, although they look gold in the picture.

Here is a jewelry hanger I made from simple stuff that my husband hung for me (because I can't use a drill).  I made it to suit my meager jewelry needs.  Just a couple months ago I started wearing necklaces.  Amazing, but true.  I made this using a 12" x 5" bulletin board (chosen because it had a wooden frame around the outside edge into which I could hammer the tacks), two pieces of black window screen, a few staples, and small black tacks.  It works for me.  These are ALL my earrings except for the pair I wear nearly every day, which are in the top drawer of my bathroom (this beauty lives in my closet).

{Post 1,199} Necklace in the Works

I am not a big jewelry fan.  But I did see a few "mother's" necklaces I like.  So, combining the styles I like, I am making my own.  Last year I got my sister (that I just saw in Ohio this past weekend) a metal stamping block.  I knew she had the stamps (except for Q and Z which is another story altogether).  So I ordered some blank 1/2" wide disks in silver and took them with me to Ohio.

My mom used to make bead jewelry, and she let me raid her stash for most of the stones.  I only had to buy the "emerals" on the first two (for my husband and eldest son).  Keith added the first March birthday to our family.

Here are the stamped discs.  I did the first initial of all my children, then in afterthought did my husband, SIL, and grandson.  

I accidentally left my camera at the party.  My husband asked me if it was mine upon finding it.  So I stamped myself a camera tag as well and attached it to the bead that was on the handle already.  The scratches aren't as obvious when it is viewed as a 1/2"-wide disc.  Here it is:

Just bought what I hope is the perfect chain for these at Walmart.  I will add a jump ring to each to attach it to the chain and put silver beads between each one.  I will take a pic when I am finished with the whole thing.

{Post 1,198} Trip Project

We left for Ohio Thursday AM and got back tonight.

Here are the first 5 blocks of my half hexagon project.  The bottom right one is not sewn to the rest.  This is about 7-1/2" x 10-1/2".  I like the way it's turning out.  I don't have a plan for it, as usual with my quilts.

I surprised my sister with her Charming Stars quilt, but I forgot to get a picture.  I was deeply burdened about something the day before we left for the trip, and it overshadowed most of my thoughts for the past few days.  It's a wonder I didn't forget more things!

My sister's oldest daughter's graduation was the reason for our trip.  I spent most of Friday afternoon and evening making many chocolate-covered pretzels and 3 batches of strawberry-pretzel salad.  Mmm-mmm.  Saturday AM I baked two Texas Sheet Cakes and decorated one.  A woman at the Kingsville, OH Wal-mart bakery saved the day by scrounging up one last graduation cap with which I could decorate the top.  The picture is not great, but there are white, lime green, and hot pink sprinkles under the cap (those were the colors she requested).  

I also finished a whole Grandmother's Flower Garden block on the way back today.  My dear husband drove all but the last hour, bless his heart ;)

Picture of that tomorrow.

{Post 1,197} Pumpkin Patch Top Finished

23-1/2" x 40".  The side black borders are 2" and the end ones are 4".

I have cut and sewn the binding (same fabric as inner border), so I have to iron that.  Later this AM I am taking one of my church friends out for lunch.  Might get to quilt a little after that.  I am thinking cross hatching by machine in the center where the squares and HSTs are, then some free motion quilting amongst the pumpkins, and maybe a feather in the wide border ends.

{Post 1,196} Pumpkin Patch and Mini Request

I already had 3 pumpkins pieced, and the squares for the center were already cut out as well, so I didn't sew as much as this makes it look like I did.  Well, I did do a lot, but this looks like more.

Tomorrow I will add an outer border and get this quilted and the binding sewn on the front.

It measures 20" x 32" now.  One more border to go.

It was dark in my sewing room, so the colors are not very accurate.  

I have some more of this plaid on point (inner border) fabric that I will use for binding as well.  I think this will be for my kitchen table (until EVERYONE gets here, when we will use this old standby that is huge).  I have a cute quilting motif in mind that involves pumpkin veins, leaves, and tendrils.

A request.  If you make mini quilts, or have a wall of mini quilts, would you send me a picture?  I am hoping most of them can probably be made without patterns.  I see a mini quilt wall in my future!  I won't put any up until I get a few made.  I'd like to see different arrangements and layouts before I put a bunch of holes in my walls.  LOL :)

{Post 1,195} Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

I wanted to sew a little something this morning, so I cut out and made a duplicate of the mini Marcie quilt, but all from men's shirts.

Here are pictures of the process.  The tiny squares finish at 1/2" square.  Felt like I fell down the rabbit hole for a while there.  I just need to sew the binding to the back.  Plenty of opportunities to do that this week.

My outer border is a little wider, so mine measures 10-1/2" x 13".