Busy Busy

First an update. The bead company did send more beads...of the same kind. exactly same.  I have decided though to keep them, and use them in free wrap bracelets.  These bracelets are just a string of random beads, all sizes, all kinds, one one long string.  you wrap them around your wrist, or can wear them as a necklace too.

Mid January we find out hubby's mom is turning 80 soon. and I wanted to do something for her.  I decided an afghan was a good idea, because she reclines on her sofa watching tv, covered up with an afghan.  Wonderful Idea right? ummm yeah ...except birthday March 10th. And i needed the afghan done, washed and dried and ready to gift on the 7th of March.
So I started hunting for an elegant yet not flashy afghan.
I asked on crochet groups on facebook.
I asked in some crochet groups i still belong to.
One day a lady posted a link to one. and I loved it. it was PERFECT!
January 16th i acquired the pattern and bought the yarn.
Afghan started. center was easy.

 this one was no flash

this one taken with flash

pretty, and easy.
The border was a different story. Looked easy. Was NOT

 Finished afghan

all packaged up.
The lady that received it loved it. I was not real happy with it, as i could not figure out the pattern corners, so I did the best i could, and it puckered up at the corners. Very unhappy with it, but she loved it. and i will never tell that it was not done perfectly.

I have also joined a dishcloth exchange. Worried terribly about this one. will my work be good enough for these ladies? I have seen their works, they are all good, very good.   can only cross fingers and hope.