MeOwZa MoNDay - A Double Header

Time for March NewFO Report! MeOwZa!  Here we are again! Twice in One Day!

Oh yeh.... We're linking up with Barbara at Cat Patches be sure to check out her  linky party  to see what everyone else has been doing! >^..^< The starts....

A couple of blocks made for a special group quilt. (It's a surprise...  so we can't talk more about it now... not even if you bribe us with catnip... our kitty lips are sealed) >^..^< Still trying to catch on on a Feb block exchange... one made....

....a kazillion to go. >^..^< For Mom's first "Covert Robin" exchange... (more about that in coming days) she made one of her favorite quilt diddies and was working on a tutorial... until she realized she sewed the zipper in backwards....
(MeOwHaHaHa -oops)

"MeOuch" We told her no one would notice... but sometimes she's such a purrrr-fectionist... so..... ...decided to keep that one for herself... and made another for her secret furrr-iend.

Needless to say...a deadline was looming... and the tutorial didn't happen. Maybe next time. >^..^< About all of the other wonderful things  that were started and finished in March? We'd show em' all over again... but we've done it so Purrrr-fectly earlier today in our Purrrr-revious MeOwZa MoNDay Post. (not to mention...I really need a Cat Nap!) Til next week...

...Just Let Me Sleep! MeOwZa! Marvin & The KiDees >^..^<

2013 NewFO Challenge - January

I'm a little behind posting my January NewFO diddies...but better late then never they say...

I was so excited to join this group - it's all about starting at least one project a month (I'm pretty good at that) ...and even better- we don't really even have to finish...anything (I really excel in that department - hmm...probably not something I should so easily admit...but what the heck, we're friends, right?)

I seem to remember posting a list of things I wanted to get started and yikes...guess what? Not ONE of those things is here! 

(another secret - I don't always stick to 'lists')

Here was my January....

This little 21" wall hanging was started and finished in one week's time for Project Quilting - Season 4 - Challenge 1. It's Wonky Square in a Square...and eventually will hang on my Mom's wall.

Next up...I Dared to Dresden...another challenge...and I actually started "two"different "dresdens" - only one was finished in time....

It's a little rug for my mug and I love it to pieces.

(click Tutorials & Freebies at the top of this page - you'll find links to make your own Wonky Squares and the Mug Rug too)

What I started and am still working on....

With any luck, I'll finish it in time for Valentines Day...another pressie for ma Mere!

Project Quilting - Challenge 2 was using our favorite color and white....

I started and finished in a little over 24 hours. There's something to be said for a 'challenge' - I wasn't in the mood for sewing...but once I got going, it really helped my aching heart.

Speaking of hearts...I had the brilliant idea to do a Valentine Block Swap with some very dear friends.

I even set the deadline to mail as Feb.2nd.

It's now Feb.4th and guess WHO has missed her deadline?

*sigh*

Here's the one and only block I've finished....

Only 11 more to make....oh my!

Thankfully, I'm getting ready to run away for a few days of playtime...I'll be working too - setting up a little vendors space at a local retreat. I know I'll have some sewing time there...I'll take the supplies for the heart blocks...I will should might get them done. I'm packing up tons of projects to take...if nothing else, next months NewFO post should have plenty of STARTS!

Thanks so much to Barbara from Cat Patches for hosting the 2013 NewFO Challenge!

Click HERE to visit her linky party - see what everyone else is doing!

Have a great week everyone! I'll be back next Sunday night after retreat..then again, I might just sneak in here before that...we shall see.

Lynn ~ The Thimblemouse >"<

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 >"<

Midnights Hallows Eve

Yey! It's my day! 

It seems like forever ago I came across Soma's Whims & Fancies post looking for designers for her Halloween Paper Pieced Blog Hop. I just love to paper piece and thought this would be fun. I wrote to Soma and asked her if I could play along and was just so happy when she said YES! Thank you Soma!

I knew right away I had to put a big ole Black Cat in my design....after all, our very own Midnight 

would be very put out if I didn't make HER the focus of my very first Blog Hop Block!

Here it is.....

As you can see Midnight is looking at the moon....no face...easy peasey....and maybe she's 'wicked' and maybe she's not.

Click HERE for the PDF pattern

Click HERE for the Layout & Fabric instructions.

This of course is the 'basic black cat' block - you are free to embellish it as you like. In fact I hope you will and perhaps share your block on The Thimblemouse & Spouse Mouse Pics flicker group ...I would so love to see it!

I did decide to put add a few finishing touches to my block ~ in fact I turned it into a little wall hanging. I'm not sure I should show you (of course, you KNOW I Will - lol) because I really would like to see what YOU add to YOURS without being influenced by MINE...then again, maybe this will INSPIRE you and that's okay too!

I added little yellow button eyes...spent an evening embroidering whiskers, nose and mouth

 and a runaway spider web

..and if there is a spider web...there must also be a spider...

I think she's a "Mummy Long Legs"....haha

The stripe accent border was cut 1-1/4"

The bats on purple border was cut 2-1/2"

Today is also kinda special not only because of this truly fun hop....it's also my Birthday! I'm not telling how old...but let's just say I asked for this day to post my block so I would remember! 

Also I thought it would be fun to celebrate it with YOU and even MORE fun if maybe I gave away a little something...
........
Oops...Been There...Done That...This Contest Has
CLOSED
(edited 3/10/2013)
........

Back on the Blogging Track

 I can not believe it's been over a month since I've last posted! Yikes! Where has the time gone? 

I wish I could tell you I've been away on safari and created this quilt when I returned home....

....but while it's true...I designed this quilt...it was some time ago and unless you can call the the weeds in our garden a jungle...

the most ferocious critter I've come across in our Florida wildlife is 

"Soxie One Eye"

....she's such a pussycat....hardly a threat.

I'm not exactly sure why I haven't been here of late. Oh wait...maybe it's that thing called "work".

Since our return from spring quilt market it's been non stop.

I finished a memory quilt that now lives in Germany....

This quilt was such a pleasure to create and my heartfelt Thanks go to Kathy Brown - The Teachers Pet -  for her inspiration for this quilt. I'm in love with her book "More Take 5 Quilts" and although Kathy's quilt in the book did not have pictures, it was the perfect layout for these family treasures. I can't wait to make more from her book...this time...for MOI !

After the memory quilt...another "sweet" project. Here's a little peekie...

...a very special birthday quilt for a very special guy...

I'll tell you more about that one the next time we visit.

I just heard the dryer buzz...yey, fabrics are ready for pressing!

I've been soooo bad falling off the "15 Minute Play" wagon ... I won't even tell you how many 'colors' I am behind. You'd think owning a quilt shop I'd have more than enough fabrics to choose from...but alas...I needed MORE black & whites....so this afternoon...I looked in braved  the fabric jungle (aka...my sewing room) ....unearthed my 'stash' ..'ta-da'... found these...oldies but goodies...perfect!

Have a great week! I'm sure we'll meet again....sooner than later I hope...because I'm ready to get back on the blogging track....at least the spirit is willing....let's hope the rest follows!

Lynn "The Thimblemouse" >"<