{Post 1,204} Really on a Roll Today!

Yes--it's me posting AGAIN!!

I started this new quilt this AM because they are my leader/enders and I wanted to see how the blue looked with them.  I like.  I like much.  Below my design wall pic is a pic from the book by Carrie Nelson.

{Post 1,203} Pumpkin Patch Needs Bound!

Got up fairly early this AM.  Did my grooming and reading.  Then I started machine quilting this beauty:

I used black thread for the center squares and border.  The thin side borders just have two straight lines quilted about 1/2" apart.  The center squares are cross hatched, every other row.  Close-up of quilting on and around pumpkins (done in "honey" colored thread):

Here is a view from the back of the feathers I quilted in each of the end borders:

After measuring the Shooting Star quilt top this AM, I decided I need to add one more row of blocks and a 10" black border all around.    *sigh*  I was so close to being finished!

{Post 1,202} Shooting Star Blocks United

I finished sewing this center together just a few minutes ago.  It measures 73" square.  Now to decide if this is it, or if it needs to be enlarged.

The little contraption in the bottom right corner is the arm for my sewing machine where one feeds a cone's thread through.  I had to stand as far back as I could to get the whole quilt in the picture!

{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.