"Under the Sea" in the Finished Column

With only a little more than three weeks left in 2010, I'm going to admit defeat. I'm feeling somewhat ashamed about not reaching my "Ten in '10" goal. That being to make and finish ten projects I named on my to-do list. To justify my defeat, I'm allowing that I did finish ten items - actually many more, particularly if you count my skirt-making craze - but these things weren't listed back in January. Sigh. I can only strive to do better in 2011.

One of my unanticipated finishes is this "Under the Sea" embroidery project. It's a Willowberry Designs BOM that began in January. This week I selected fabrics and joined the blocks.

Some of the cornerstone squares I made into stars.

 I quilted in the ditch around the embroidered blocks.

 The borders are quilted with designs that mimic the embroidery.

 Quilted bubbles and a whale spout.

 This little quilt finished at 23-1/2" X 29-1/2". And how about those binding corners?!

 A binding cutting "oops" caused me to improvise. I joined blue fabric to the yellow binding fabric. Now I like the binding better! This reinforces my belief that when you make a mistake, you can make it work to your advantage when you think creatively about your options.

 When I came across this backing fabric, I immediately identified it as perfect for this project.

One last time, thank you Cheryl for your free embroidery designs! As pleased as I am with the result, and happy about having a finish - even to sewing a sleeve at the top for hanging - for now the piece will simply be folded up and put away. Someday I'll come across a sweet little girl that this will perfectly suit.

I like reading the comments you've made about the pattern giveaway. But I'm feeling sorry for those of you who have commented, and must certainly be unaware that you're a "no reply" blogger. I've counted at least eight of you! On Friday, if your name is selected, I'll have no way to let you know you've won. So, another name will be chosen to receive your prize. Just thought you might like to know.

Here's a chuckle courtesy of MaryEllen@TheDealScoop in North Carolina.

I always wondered why a frisbee gets bigger the closer it gets to you.

Then it hit me.