Beading and Crazy Quilting Updates

First, I wanted to share my completed necklace for my October challenge. I know I posted it before it was finished and thought you might enjoy seeing the final product. I was going to add more down the front, but it didn't want to lay right and I kind of like this anyway for a little simpler piece that works great with a v-neck, scoop neck or even a blouse with collar.

Finally, my pillow is nearing completion. I am going to add some button clusters yet and I'm still waiting for my winnings from Andrew Thornton's giveaway to see if any of that will work with this piece.

I am pretty excited with this piece as it is loaded with memories. The 'ciggy' (female image) was a gift from a blog friend, Pat Winter, via another blog friend, Debbie at Mosaic Magpie. The lace surrounding the image is from the lace I won on a giveaway at Spun by Me. The brown petals and flower at her neck were taken from an unexpected gift from a very special lady. She may not recognize it. It was a fun band of three brown flowers. I had intended to add the actual ribbon and silk flowers on here, but they were just a little too big for the pillow. I took one apart and incorporated parts of it on her arm and at her neck. The gold piece on her head is a piece of needle tatting I did. The jewel on top of it is from a garage sale item. The embroidery floss was from another friend who gave me tons of it. In fact, I may never have to buy floss again. Some of the buttons I plan to add are from my grandmother's sewing box. Little did I know when I started this project the special memories that would come with it.

I will post the completed pillow at a later date. I got a great deal on some fun trim for the edges. As my husband said "that is going to be some pillow when you finish it". I'm pretty sure he meant it in a good way.