New Projects: Necklace, Top & Quilt

In one of my previous post, I mentioned how I learned to crochet so that I could make a necklace. I took this course from Robin Dudley Howes, Eclectic Beaded Crochet Jewelry.  The on-line course is hosted on Jeanne Oliver's web site. This is my second crochet necklace/bracelet I've made.

I just gathered up bits and pieces of beads, buttons, ribbon and charms and did a simple chain stitch to put it all together.

You could wear it as a necklace or wrap it around your wrist many times for a bracelet.  It's a fun quick project and a great way to use up some of your beads and buttons.

I also wanted to share my next project - a top I made from a table cloth.

I was at a garage sale and saw this beautiful April Cornell oval table cloth. I loved the colors and thought that would make an adorable top or tote. So for $7, my sister Diana and I bought it and split it. I couldn't find a pattern I liked, so I mimicked a top I bought at Target and made this top.

Front view

I found this matching color fringe at Joann's that I thought added a fun touch.

Back view

Not sure if I like the front or back better, but I can probably wear them both ways.

And last but not least, in most of my free time I've been quilting. While in Hawaii a few months ago, we learned this quilting technique called Paper Piecing. I've been addicted to it and love working on it all the time.

These are my square pieces of black and white fabric all cut up and ready to sew.

I baste each fabric square around some paper.

And then I'm hand sewing them into 9 block squares. I need to make 54 of these blocks and I'm about half way there. Then there's lots of white blocks I need to surround these blocks with and I haven't started those yet. So, I figure I'm about a year away from finishing this quilt, but that's okay, it's so fun to work on. :-)

Have a great week!