Polka Dot WIP update

Hi there! It's been a few...I've been feeling non-bloggy lately. Mostly due to my back being wonky since last Monday. I also have not done much in the way of playing with sticks and strings, pins and needles, or anything else crafty. 

However, I did manage to make three more polka dot squares. This puts the total up to lucky number thirteen!! Ha! I've got a loooooooooooooong way to go before I have an afghan!!

Oh--I just realized that I lied when I said I hadn't done much of anything crafty lately. I did attempt to make a new tutorial for a camera "case." However--it didn't turn out quite like I had pictured in my mind. So...there will be no tutorial for now!  It was quite the humorous experience.

I also got all the stitches pulled from my koi fin. I think (for now anyway) that I'll just leave the fins and tail as they are. That may change a million times between now and when I get the quilt finished...

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a great weekend!

It's Hump Day!

Well--I did take a little break...I didn't work on anything Monday night :)  But then I just couldn't help myself and had to go back to it on Tuesday. (Monday night was devoted to watching The Walking Dead and Alcatraz) hehe :)

I worked on my polka dot squares a little and worked a little more on the embroidery on my quilt. I continued work on the "scales" of the koi...that's what it is, by the way, a koi pond. I don't think I've been that specific about it before! So here's a peek at the scales...

he has eyes too! :) 

I'm pleased with how the scales are coming along, but it's slow work. I'm using regular embroidery floss (DMC cotton, size 25) for the scales (two strands) and it's much easier on the fingers--smaller needle and not as much brute force required to get through the fabric. The eyes are also regular floss. The white stripe (I'm not sure of what that is actually called on a real koi) is DMC Pearl cotton, size 5 (as are the veins on the lily pad).

I'm not sure how I'll work the fins and tail yet. I'm thinking I'm going to have to look at many more pictures of real koi to see what might look the best. 

I can't wait to see what it looks like when I get all the embroidery finished! I have an idea of what I'll do for the backing, but I still have no idea about the binding. So if any quilters out there are reading this and have any ideas about a good binding--PLEASE leave a comment with your suggestion! I'd really appreciate it. I know I haven't posted a picture of the whole thing yet, but the blue is the entire background, and the only other colors are the orange of the koi and the green of the lily pad.

Even if you're not a quilter, I'd still love some comments and feedback! Let me hear from you!

She selects wool and flax 

and works with eager hands.

Proverbs 31:13 

Happy Friday!!!

These are my two lovely daffodils that I bought at Wal-Mart yesterday. I have not repotted them yet, so for now, they are sitting in the kitchen window. I love daffodils--they're one of my faves, and I remember them always being in the yard at my Memaw and Granddaddy's house. Just thought I'd share them with you for a cheery start to a good Friday!

I worked on both the quilt and the polka dot squares last night. No pic of the quilt, but here's an update on the polka squares. :)

4 new polka squares

I certainly hope today is a wonderful Friday--for you and for myself! Although, I am kind of sad that Fringe won't be on for four more weeks. I truly dislike the March Madness! But, if I'm lucky, the weather will be nice, and I'll get to go watch my nieces play soccer Saturday morning!

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 

Worship the Lord with gladness;

come before Him with joyful songs.

Psalm 100: 1-2 (NIV) 

Crochet Flower Triptych and Polka Dot Squares Update

First order of business today--I am SO excited!!!  I've just looked at my stats, and I've had EIGHT views from the Ukraine!  How cool is that?!?

Now for an update on the crochet flower triptych. I've primed and painted the frames...

pre-primer

during primer

painted

and allowed time for proper drying. The color doesn't show up well in this picture, but it's a very pretty "satin nickel."

Now as I said before, I got these frames for cheap, and they didn't come with hangers (other than the cut out on the backside of the cardboard backer). So, I bought some hangers and hammered them in. When you do this, just make sure you MEASURE first (as I did NOT) so that you can get them centered the first time! :) These just hammer right in--no nails required.

hammer-in hanger

(These are my "it's between warm and cold outside so I'll wear socks and flip-flops" toe socks :) I promise I do NOT wear these in public--except to my Granny's house. Just thought I'd share a little socky happiness today!)

Now back to the triptych...

Put it all together, and VOILA! Beautiful crochet flower triptych for my guest bedroom!

the triptych

detail--the red flower (sorry about the glare)

I also mentioned yesterday that I've been working on some polka dot squares for a polka dot afghan. I got the idea from yet another wonderful crocheter--Little Woollie.  I'm not sure how big my afghan will be yet--but it will probably be just a lap afghan. 

You can make this with any color combination, and they are REALLY easy and quick. Little Woollie has very good and clear instructions for this pattern. 
Here's what I have completed so far:

multi-color polka squares

 And I just have to say that it (so far) is a BEAUTIFUL Saturday in Mississippi :) 

This is the day that the Lord has made; 

let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Psalm 118:24