Jumping in a Little Late

I'm itching to piece and use up some of my fabric stash. I discovered this quilt along and thought about it a few weeks ago then put it out of my mind. Today I've decided I'll go ahead and do it. I've never made a kaleidoscope quilt, but it's simple and should go fast-- unless I decide to really stick with the QAL dates. I'm loving some of the fabrics and designs that some of the other participants are using, in particular this quilt using black as the background.

My Pottery Barn knock-off mirror ran into some last minute painting issues, so it will be another couple of days before it's finished. I'm hoping to have the last coat of paint on today, glue down the mirrors and cross bars tomorrow, then clean up and post a picture Saturday. Fingers crossed that it goes as smoothly as that.

Bun in the Oven

We recently threw a baby shower for my sister-in-law, Jenna. I was in charge of the food and thought I would make her a scrapbook page to put in little baby's scrapbook using some of her pregnancy pictures and tie in the food. I had a few ideas for "themes" for the page, but I decided on Bun in the Oven so that we could make cinnamon rolls. Mainly because they are easy to make in large quantities and there were a lot of invites sent out for this shower. I meant to get a better picture of the page on the food table, but I forgot, so please ignore the ironing board.

The day before I headed up for the shower, there was a post on Bump Smitten for a bun in the oven shower. My first thought was "If only this had been posted a week earlier." Of course, the MIL didn't let that stop me. I showed her the page and she brought me boxes and put me to work making an oven for our buns. I was pleased with the way it turned out. The only thing she didn't have on hand for me to use was the curtain rod that we used for the door handle.My gift to Jenna was some name art to hang in the nursery. My MIL sent me fabric "samples" that Jenna was using while making her crib sheets, curtains, etc. and I used my Silhouette to cut letters out of the fabric to create the name art. I wish I could say this was my original idea, but I copied it from this blog. Instead of using ric-rack for scallops along the edges, I made some triangular picots for a more masculine look.

For the Girls

Remember my mother's day bracelet for Nikki? Lena fell in love with it. She really wanted me to give it to her. Instead, we took a girls trip, just the two of us, and went to pick out some beads for a bracelet of her very own. As soon as we made it back to Grandpa's house she wanted me to start working on it. She patiently waited for it to be a birthday gift (reminding me every now and again that she would really like a bracelet for her birthday) and finally received it today. To reward her patience, I made her two bracelets. This first one seemed fitting of a little girl.

But, I think the thing that really made her love Nikki's bracelet is how it sparkles in the light. So, I made this second bracelet with glass beads that will sparkle. The picture was taken indoors, so you can't really see how the light makes the beads sparkle.

Before Lena's bracelets were an inkling of a thought, I had decided to make her a dress. I ended up making her two. Little girls are just so much fun to make things for and I couldn't stop once I had started.

I also made her a matching "pretty" to go in her hair.

We celebrated Jenn's birthday today as well and I made her a cute sign using embroidery and needle punch (didn't take a picture), as well as a beaded bracelet. The bracelet didn't turn out quite how I had planned, since the beads change colors depending on the angle you look at them and what they are next to. I still liked it and I like that it is something that she can wear with a lot of different color options. Forgive the poor picture quality, they were taken inside (at night). The differences in colors between the two pictures gives you an idea of just how different the bracelet looks in different light, though.

I'm pondering making some more bracelets and putting them in an etsy shop since I really enjoy making them. Time will tell.

Some Love for Moms

*If you are Nikki and we haven't made it to your house yet, STOP reading NOW!*

My first project on the Silhouette was this Mother's Day card. I made two versions, one for each mom (mine and Rich's). Very simple and easy, but I wish I had distressed the edges for a bit more interest. I was more excited about using my Silhouette and not thinking about design as much.

I also made this bracelet for Rich's mom. I think it screams her name and I hope she likes it. I was trying to go for pink (her favorite color), but the oval bead choice was limited and it turned out more purple. This was my first experience knitting with beads and I am addicted! I am very pleased with the result. Lena immediately fell in love with this bracelet and keeps telling me she wants me to make her one for her birthday that is coming up.

I haven't finished up the gift for my mom, yet. I will say it involves using my Silhouette. Assuming the project I have in mind currently is the same project I end up finishing.

A Sad, Sad Day

I've had the materials for a crocheted table runner for over 5 years. I finally decided to get to work on it. After many, many hours, I have finished 12 motifs (the pattern calls for 21, but I am making it to go on my entertainment center, so I may have more or less depending on the needed length).

Right after finishing up the 12th motif, I folded it over (as always) to put it away. Only to discover this horror:
Can you see it in the crummy picture? See how the edges are uneven? Somewhere along the way I tightened up my tension so it is not consistent throughout. I always fold it up when I put it away, so I'm not sure how I didn't notice the problem earlier. The sizes are enough different that I don't think blocking will be a good solution. I have to rip back the entire table runner and start again. It may very well go back into a box for another 5+ years. I just can't bring myself to undo all of that work. . . yet.