Cluck Cluck....It's Boogie Woogie Time!

Welcome to Day 8 of the 

Black Tie Boogie Blog Hop!

Thanks again to our two chickie-poo's

Madame Samm

of 

and

Vickie

from

They have really given us

something to crow about!

Be sure to visit them and sign up

for a chance to win some

Egg-cellent prizes

from our fine feathered sponsors:

Ok now...time to Boogie...

Let's step it up!

I've got a lot of cluckin' to do!

I was really looking forward to working with

Red Roosters "Black Tie Boogie" fabrics...

alas...

our shipment didn't make it in time.

But fear not!

I won't lay an egg.

Nope, you'll see no egg laying here....

just

"Fresh Eggs"

a really great panel from

Clothworks, designed by Dan DiPaolo.

From two of the blocks I made these sweet little wall hangings.

Some really dear friends of mine will be getting these for Christmas.

(Shhhh...don't tell.)

Repurposed Soda can pulls for hanging....

(okay...the truth...not soda...Woodchuck Amber Hard Cider...my new vice...lol)

I planned to make everything this time around for somebodies Christmas pressie...

and started the next block with intentions of making a little hot pad.

I thought little "Bow Tie" blocks would make a sweet border.

After making 20 of them...they finish 2" btw...

I fell in love...added a bright happy sunflower border.....

 and.... Cluck Cluck!!!!

Merry Christmas to Me!

(am I bad?)

The Spouse and I have been married 35 years...we're planning a new kitchen

(okay we've been planning it for 10 yrs...but no matter...)

so I'm putting this away in my "hope chest"

(shouldn't we all start a new hope chest at least every 35yrs or so?).

Our kitchen will be Black and White with Red and Yellow accents...

How could I NOT keep this?

(Edited...Eegads...the post is "live" but I had to break in...I've been wondering why my little bow-tie blocks just don't look right...they look like spools...and DANG....just Now at 1:04AM I realize I didn't make BOW TIE blocks at all - they are spoolies...hahahahaha....well CLUCK!!!!  

I'll blame it on the 'cider')

What the block should have been

What was that I said about 'no egg laying'? lolol!!!!!

I really love these fabrics

(and yes, we still have panels and yardage available)

Earlier this fall, I made the quilted fabric for a nifty casserole carrier by Atkinsons Designs

My friend Gail put the carrier together...she does great work!

From the left over quilted 'scrap' I made the bottle holder.

I found the free tutorial at Pink Chalk Studios...thank you Kathy!

Aren't those little black Chickies just the cutest?

Looking back it seems I have a thing for

Black and White

with

Red and Yellow

(and NO...it was hard but I did NOT keep this quilt)

Chickens!

I made the quilt for my dear friend Deanna in Idaho after she tragically lost her entire chicken family one night. It just so happened I finished it in time for her birthday 

(one of the few times ever this last decade I was on time for someones birthday...cluck cluck.)

I'm sure she won't mind me sharing the label I made for the back of her quilt...it's just too cute

and it's of course....

Chickens!

While I was hunting for a scrap of black fabric with white chicken wire

(which by the way I never did find - and that's why you don't see it here)

I came across just the perfect surprise....

Lookie Look...

Cluck!

I can't believe this little guy was tucked away in a box!

(I inherited the "box gene" from my Dad...you know the one...

it's that gene that compels you to put things away in a box when you're

cleaning and run out of time to put everything in it's place...

or you've just run OUT of places to put those things...

so they wind up in a box)

I'm embarrassed to admit I don't even remember who gave him to me...

(yikes...I hope they don't read my blog)

But isn't he perfect for this hop?

Oh wait....

he needs a little something

hee hee

Much Better! Cluck!

I hope you've enjoyed your visit...

don't forget to click over to my other feathered friends today...

which reminds me...

the dear Madame chose a "peacock" on day 7....

and now I must show this pic of recent visitors....

They are our neighbors!

We didn't even know they'd moved in. haha

Oh and Wow...

I almost forgot!

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!

In paying homage to our fine feathered fowls for this Blog Hop...

rest assured we couldn't possibly be eating turkey today...

Bob will be bar-b-que-ing Ribs

and making his special French Onion Soup.

Dontcha just love his Apron?

Chickens!!!!

Cluck!

Blessings to all for a very Happy Holiday Season!

Bob and I are very Thankful to call you our Friends!

Lynn ~ The Thimblemouse >"<

Now Flap those Wings and Fly on Over To:

Celtic Thistle Stitches

Crafting 365 Days

Hill Valley Quilter

Thimblemouse & Spouse

Happy 2013 and Remembering 2012

Sending New Year Blessings to all my amazing friends out here in blogland!

I've just finished looking back at 2012 through the wonders of pictures - I can't believe I've taken so many - I'm really not a camera clicker...but I've done my fair share this past year.

Here are some of my favorite moments and memories...

Deanna with her Funky Chicken

This is Deanna. We began as Facebook Friends when I commented on a quilt she had made. I used to be a big 'gamer' and a mutual gaming friend (who is really the sister of a friend of a friend I have actually met, -can you follow that? - haha) commented on Deanna's picture of  a wonderful quilt she'd made with Black and Whites and Lime Greens - I had to say something!

After that comment - Deanna and I began a friendship that was just meant to be. We've never met face to face but we are kindred 'sisters'. I made this chicken quilt in January as a surprise for her birthday. There's a whole other story behind the 'chickens' - and maybe one day I'll share it. I no longer play games - there's just NO time - but I am so very glad I found Deanna that day...it was fate and I know we will somehow, some way span the miles between Florida and Idaho for a long over due sisterly Hug!

I've met lots of wonderful quilters on Facebook and am thrilled to be a member of "Inspired Workroom" there...a group organized and led by Linda Lum DeBono. Linda posts fun 'challenges'. I made two small wallhangings for my Mom. One was for Valentines Day...I'm sure you can guess which one that is. Another challenge was to use a 'word' or a 'name' (my mom is Blanche), a hexagon, beads and then finish it all up with an embroidery hoop. I really had fun with that one.

My wonderful spouse surprised me for Valentines Day by arranging a visit to our shop from my all time FAVORITE NFL Mascot  - from the Jacksonville Jaguars....

...It's the one and only "Jaxon DeVille"!

I just love that big furry cat! MeOw!

Here's an awesome group of quilters from one of 3 classes I taught last February here in Jacksonville at an annual guild retreat.

We had SEW much fun - we always do.

I've enjoyed teaching each year for the group - though the faces change - the friendships made and the fun times had are so special to me. I wouldn't trade the memories for anything.

Little did I know then that this would be one of my last times to teach for this retreat. All good things must come to an end I suppose, and for the first time in 20 years, the local teachers were not invited. I won't be spending the month of January in a tizzy getting ready for classes - and while it will be nice to have some ME time this month....I'd trade it for 'tizzy' anytime!
On a super side note: the cute blonde in the white blouse..yes, the one in the middle - that's Pat - she did finish her quilt - entered it in the Jacksonville QuiltFest and WON a ribbon! 

For the first time ever, I entered a contest. Aurifil Threads held a fun one on Facebook (yes, I am a Facebook junkie - can't help myself). It really wasn't about the best quilt - tho I really liked mine - it was more about who could get the most votes. I never dreamed I would win...but I did!

It was a thrill!

Even more of a thrill was the Prize!

Look at ALL that thread!

Can you say Happy Girl?

I put together this little collage to send to Aurifil because I wanted them to know how absolutely over the moon I was!

In May the Spouse and I took a road trip to Kansas City for Spring Quilt Market - what a treat!

 Here's Bob waiting in line for the show to open. Isn't he just the cutest? Macho Red White and Blue Hawaiian shirt AND his little PINK Flamingo bag...haha. Ok, the truth...it's my bag...but I couldn't hold it AND the camera. My friend Diane gave me that bag just for Market...and we filled it up...many times over..many!!!

I'd been having a blast on the playground with Victoria Findlay Wolfe's "15 Minutes Play" group and was so excited to finally meet her in person when we hooked up for Fifteen minutes..give or take. Such a sweet and awesome gal! One of these days I really need to finish that color challenge.

We got to meet another one of my quilting 'heros' and it tingled me right to my toes! Dont'cha love this pic? My tootsies are wearing pink...do you recognize the others?

If you follow her on her blog or on Facebook, you've seen her feet many times (she's got this "not so secret" obsession with shoes). 

If you guessed Pat Sloan...you win a chocolate cigar! What a doll! I just love her!

Ricky and Alex were also nice enough to pose for a picture with me...and I love them both...but honestly...not very chatty...either one of them. (just in case you can't tell, they are cardboard cut outs...wouldn't want you to get the wrong idea..LOL)

In June we celebrated a very special birthday

for a very special quilter

who loves PINK

and has a real thing for

Cupcakes...

Actually, come to think of it, I've never seen a picture of him eating a cupcake, but he calls everyone "Cupcake"

I sent out party invitations to some mutual 'Cupcakes' on...yes...Facebook again...my friend Sandie made him a hat....and my friend Diane put together a scrappy B'day card.

There were 18 of us from all over that made cupcake blocks. I had so much fun putting the quilt together - and of course Bob quilted it. The amazing Linda Lum DeBono volunteered to hand deliver it to our very own Captain Cupcake

Mark Lipinski

Here's the quilt

Isn't it fun?

This was one of the most fun projects I did in 2012. Linda was a doll and took videos that she posted on Facebook. Can you imagine...Mark Lipinski speechless?

Are There Words? LOL

I wish there were a way to share those videos here but alas, there is not. Trust me...it was priceless.

The BEST part of this whole 'let's make a surprise quilt' was the absolutely amazing group of gals I got know thru the weeks of planning and plotting. We've even decided to stay 'together' as a group on FB and enjoy staying in touch. We call ourselves "The Cupcake Crew"

Of course, this wouldn't be complete without a few pictures of my favorite gal. I just love the 'shades' - we had gone for a ride, Mom opened the glove box...saw the glasses and just popped them on. I think they are So Her!  

Our "Prom Princess" - so darling!
I think it was Mom's First Prom...
I know it was mine!

This year has seen many changes...one of them being me. I started back to Weight Watchers in July of 2011 and about a year later I finally reached my goal. This isn't the first time but I am hoping I have the determination to make it the last. It's been over 30 years since I reached Lifetime status and back then I was young and foolish...thinking it would be a piece of cake to maintain. Several pieces of cake later...I was back at the beginning. Right now I am enjoying a healthier, thinner me...but I won't kid you...every day is a struggle. Some days are easier...some days, not so much. But for once, I don't mind pictures of myself...in fact sometimes most times I am still totally surprised this is me.
(plus I've gotten rid of my old clothes...so I HAVE to stay this way....and Sandie, bless her heart is always treating me..like these two great shirts)

Last but not least I have to share with you the most wonderful Christmas gift. It was a total surprise. It made me cry. My friend Sandie delivered it to the shop just before Christmas.
Lookie Look!!!
This quilt was made with so much Love!
It's from "The Cupcake Crew"
I believe Deanna was the ringleader in this oh some awesome venture. Can you believe it?
I have never been so touched right to the middle of my heart.
I'm not sure what I've done to earn such a loving and kind gesture, but I do know that I am truly Blessed to call these ladies - and man...my friends.
Thanks so much to Deb, Connie, Nancy, Ruth, Deanna, Sandie, Gail, Kelly, Jaye, Diane, Mary Ann, Marianne, Laura, and yes, even the Captain himself.

Yikes...it's been quite a year but I know the best is yet to come! Bring it On 2013! I'm ready!

Wish you all the best year ever!
May every day bring a smile to your heart.
Happy New Years My Friends
Lynn ~ The Thimblemouse >"<

A Little Holiday Intermission

It's the day before Christmas...and all thru this house...there's very little quilting...
just a Holiday crazed Mouse...

 enjoying time off...
with her sweet loving Spouse.

It's Monday and time to link up with Bonnie to share our Easy Street progress. Click here to see who's linking up over in Quiltville today.

Meanwhile....here...Oh No!

I knew it was bound to happen sooner or later.

Friday morning step 5 of Easy Street was posted - I eagerly printed it out - then returned to my last ditch efforts to get ready for Christmas.

Ever since step 4 was posted over a week ago - it seems like I just 'blinked' and all of a sudden it's Christmas Eve. 

I still want to share something Quiltville related for us Bonnie followers (why does an image of hundreds of quilters marching, holding rotary cutters up high and proud come to mind when I say that? ha). 

Since my street is closed temporarily...how about we take a little

Look familiar?

If you've been lucky enough to catch Bonnie Hunter on her Quilt Cam, you may have seen this little quilt on the back of her chair. 

You're probably thinking...my gosh, that Thimblemouse is one bold little rodent - swiping Bonnie's picture right off her blog!

Well...I'll share a little secret with you...the picture above was taken in our shop classroom - before that little quilt went to live with Bonnie,

it started life here in Florida...looking like this...

Gives a whole new meaning to 'quilt in a bag' dontcha think? lol

Yes, I made that little quilt for Bonnie and it just tickles me that she likes it.

I've been wanting to write this post for months - this seems like the perfect time.

In the early days of Quilt Cam, Bonnie needed to take a quick 'break' but didn't want anyone tuning IN to see an empty chair, so she pinned a little hand lettered sign to the back of her chair with a 'be right back'. 

I smiled when I saw it and thought "gee, she really needs a little quilted sign" - and then promptly stored the notion in my little mouse head for awhile.

One day soon after - a friend brought in bags of scrappies for our on-going-never-ending-no-matter-how-many-I-stuff  pet pillows. I grabbed a pillowcase and started stuffing. Little bits and snips started turning into BIGGER bits and I couldn't help myself...I started sorting out the bag....

What treasures...what fun...and I thought "I really need to Bonnie Hunter these" (that's my term for her scrap users method)

Then....

a Light Bulb Moment!

A quilt for Bonnie - made from this bag...my own little challenge...can I do it - should I do it?

Why not!

So while Bonnie was away on a Bali 'high' - I planned and I played - oh how I played... 

Inside the bag were also rail blocks already sewn and the remains of others...

They'd make a perfect background for the "Intermission" and that red scrap with hints of cheddar just said Bonnie to me....

There was some very long strips of the blue just asking to play along...

I found a font I liked...printed up the letters mirror image, then traced them onto Heat n Bond Feather Lite.

The blocks below were already pieced together when I found them...oooo and that little black print- I see more letters ... 

Fun Fun Fun!

As I mentioned, Bonnie was sending us wonderful posts from Bali on her blog while I was playing away - her pictures from the Monkey Gardens just made me LOL. I wanted to include something on this quilt to remind her of Bali...I couldn't resist the monkey...I'm glad Bonnie has a great sense of humor!

There was a blank space above the 'Cam' and I had to fill it. Thinking about her obsession love of vintage machines...I poked around her photos trying to decide which machine to include. 

I saw her "Magenta" Featherweight...I let out a Yahoo when I read that she'd bought it at our Jacksonville QuiltFest in 2010!

Now those of you expert on 'all things Bonnie' - know this machine, so dear to her heart - suffered a tragic demise....I'd completely forgotten...and now I'm so glad it's 'memorialized' on her little quilt. Click here to see Bonnie's machines...scroll to her "Featherweights"...you'll find sweet "Magenta"

Ok...back to the quilt...

A little embroidered message to let us know she's not really gone....

The spool blocks....

I had sooooo much fun making those spoolies. At the time Bonnie was kitting and sewing her 3" spool blocks. I had to include some! These are 2" blocks...and shhh...don't tell....but I paper pieced them.

The quilt back...found a nice chunk of fabric and inserted the 3 center strips (they were already pieced).

I made a larger "Spool" for a hand written label. 

(Between the time I mailed the quilt to Bonnie and before she received it - she mentioned on Quilt Cam that we should really 'hand write' our labels..."whew"...I'm glad I usually do..and did...heh heh)

My little Thimblemouse 'signature'...

I can't believe I only thought about adding the 'mouse' to my quilts this year....read here to see what gave me the idea.

I'm so glad I acted on a 'whim' and made this little quilt. I know I'm not alone when I say

"Thank You Bonnie for your time...for all that you generously share and give to the quilting world. We are so lucky to have you!"

* * *

Oh...in case any of you were wondering...there were a few scraps that actually made it into the pet pillows

LOL

Thanks for visiting...hope your

Christmas is Merry and Blessed

happy holidays pictures

Happy Holidays

from

The Thimblemouse and Spouse

>"<           >"<