finishing fridays

I haven't put in one stitch into Friday's rotation project which is Hallow's Eve Pillow by Stacy Nash (the night is still young and I'm an owl - HOOHOO). However, my last post was very productive and today I've been a tad bit more productive. I have two complete finishes. I am more than happy about these pieces! I'll start off small.

This is Twisted Oaks Designs Needle Nanny stitched with Dinky Dyes stitched over one. I stitched this at least a year ago and never assembled it. So today I just had to get it out and finish the sweet little thing. Normally I don't stitch things like this, but the subject hits home and my purchase of the kit benefits breast cancer research so what better reason is there. My MIL, Barbara, died of breast cancer after a 9 year struggle and journey. She passed away June 1, 2006 and things have not been the same without her. Ever since her death numerous changes have occurred and they continue to change. I, for one, quit smoking shortly after her death and haven't smoked since; not a puff ~ Nada! I'm not sure what it was, but her passing changed something in me and today I still can't put my finger on it. Maybe it has to do with watching someone die...Anyway, I had to finish this up. Besides, I bought it because of Barb. Okay enough heart-touching stuff...onto one of my favorites!

Sarah's ABC Pincushion (Thank you, Sarah Tobias booklet) - Blackbird Designs

I took several different photos. Some with flash, some without. This little gem is probably one of my favorite works I've done thus far, other than my mom's birthday present I made for her last year. I could not be happier on the way this long pillow turned out. I worked real hard at finishing this with as much perfection as I could muster. The seams are perfect and my measurements are to my liking because the design didn't call for additional quilt-like piecing and that's what I did ~ I thought outside the box! I had soooooooooo much fun machine sewing and assembling. There were a couple of times I had to stop and think about my direction, and I made a mistake once and had to bring out the trusty seam ripper, but I prevailed and alas this was my result. I took a piece of lacey material that I cut from an old place mat I had and attached it using a couple of vintage buttons. That old key belonged to my grandmother and I'm lucky to have it. I filled the pillow pincushion with corn cob bedding I purchased at the pet store. It is a good filler too!

Anyway, I am far behind in my post about last Saturday. I took 144 photos of our trip to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. I will eventually post snippets of that trip. (Don't worry ~ I won't post all 144 photos LOL!)

I have made a list, a giant list, of projects I'd like to get to. And I will in due time, but baby steps to the finish line. I have some really cute things I'd like to attempt and I'll post about those later on too. I'm leaving you now. Jose wants to watch a scary movie.