Yippy Skippy!

June 16, 2009 on 10:28 pm | In Quilting | 60 Comments

Wow!  Thanks for all of your wonderful comments on the last two posts.  You are all so very kind, generous, AND clever!  I’ve had a great time reading every one — and laughing a lot too.  Talk about making a girl happy — thank you!

Several other things are making me REALLY happy — starting with this adorable little silver bird.

Silver Pebble

This is another one of my fabulous prize winnings from the last month or two.  This time from Sweet Emma of SilverPebble.  I love birds and I Love Love Love this little silver bird.  I’ve been wearing her since she arrived and this picture in no way does her justice.  Emma’s work is so precise and professional.  Thank you  so much Emma — really…I can’t begin to tell you how lucky I feel to be wearing one of your creations.  And how happy it makes me!  If the rest of you haven’t been to Emma’s blog or shop, you should definitely go and visit.  Emma is adorable and she has lots of gorgeous jewelry in her shop.  I even saw some birds in the shop, just in case you want to be my twin!  (Remember friendship rings when we were kids?)

Another thing that’s making me VERY happy is the end.  The. END. of the t-shirt quilts that have been hanging over my head for the last few years.  Yipeeeeeee!!!!  As some of you know, we had a good friend who was tragically killed while riding his bicycle a few years ago.  His wife asked me if I knew someplace where she could have his t-shirts made into quilts — one each for their son and daughter.

TShirt1

Their son is TheFirstChild’s best friend and they have been so good to TheFirstChild that I really wanted to make these quilts.  (In spite of all my wailing and gnashing of teeth with the process.)  Our friend was the coolest guy — everyone often joked that he was just one of the kids.  When they all came home for visits from college, he was the one father who was always welcome to hang out with all of them.  I think that is reflected in his shirts too — they’re all so fun and adventurous.

TShirt2

I used flannel on the sashing and on the back so they’d be nice and soft.  I hope my friend is happy with them — it will still be several weeks before I see her to give them to her.  She probably thought she’d never see these shirts again.

TShirt3

Hey…who’s peeking in here?  It looks like PaulKitty.  But no…I took these pictures at MeMum’s house.  This is Sally, their sweet black cat.  Sally is getting old and she came by to rub up against the quilts.  I caught her picture in mid-meow.  ;-)

TShirt5

And speaking of PaulKitty, there’s been new evidence in the Kitty Paper Caper.

Shred9

Caught him — red-handed and trying to get away!

XOXO,
Anna

60 Comments

  1. Ha!!! The black furry toilet paper marauder strikes again!

    Your little birdie pendant is darling!
    Speaking of giveaways, everytime I see my robins egg blue and chocolate quilted passport holder I think fondly of my bloggy friend, Thimbleanna!

    Comment by tattingchic — June 16, 2009 #

  2. I KNEW the monkey was framed!

    Comment by Kristy — June 16, 2009 #

  3. Wow, those quilts are done! Congratulations :-) And what a stunning result for all that effort.

    I love, love, love that you have new evidence- I think it pretty much clinches it, no?

    :-)

    Comment by Sandra @ Pepperberry and Co. — June 16, 2009 #

  4. Oh, the quilts are so special and will surely be loved!

    There is a black kitty on campus (this time of year you see a lot of strays because those bad students dump them before returning home). Mr. Stray looks a lot like Sally, but won’t come near me!

    Comment by Beth — June 16, 2009 #

  5. You did such an awesome job on the quilts! Really great positioning of the t-shirts with just the right amount of space around each one. Each aligned perfectly straight. I’m sure that they will be cherished.

    What’s next for the kitty? Reform school?

    Comment by Shirley — June 16, 2009 #

  6. Caught red handed or white pawed?? How kind of you to make the quilts. They look great. Love the necklace too!

    Comment by Teresa — June 16, 2009 #

  7. what a wonderful friend you are to make those quilts for those boys. they will cherish them forever anna.

    please tell paulkitty he has paper on his butt. although, some times, people get angry when you tell them. i was in costco. true story. this man has a toilet seat liner stuck to his butt and tucked into his pants. people were DYING laughing at him. i decided someone should tell him. then i decided that someone should be ME. he got totally mad at me. so i ninja kicked him in the face while making the appropriate ninja sounds.
    the end.

    Comment by brigita — June 16, 2009 #

  8. I knew that had to be Brigita up there! Even before I got to the ninja kicks! Tell her to undo her unbloggingness…….Those quilts are gorgeous—and you should know that tee-shirt quilts usually make me gag. You did a fabulous job for your friend’s children. What a treasured friend you must be to her.

    Comment by molly — June 17, 2009 #

  9. What a gift you’re giving. I know these will be so special to his kids. I like your tshirt quilts better than ANY other tshirt quilt I have ever seen…HONEST. I think the difference is that you used varying block sizes which added some visual interest, and appealed to the eye more than blank areas of the tshirts. You have such an eye for design…they lay out so perfectly as if the shirts were made for the quilt….instead of the other way. Your friend will cry. Take tissues. And chocolate. Or wine.

    Comment by Dandelion Quilts — June 17, 2009 #

  10. What a wonderful necklace you picked for your prize. Congrats! You must be Irish like Jane! Lol!

    Comment by Kimberly — June 17, 2009 #

  11. Those quilts are just beautiful – such a generous use of your time and something that I am sure will be treasured forever. The colours in the shirts make for a bright and dazzling display! I am sure that your friend and her kids are going to love them.

    As for the cat…….hmm….cheeky……..

    Comment by Di — June 17, 2009 #

  12. Oh Anna! Those quilts are incredible! But I hadn’t realised about your friend – what a sad thing to happen. I’m sure the quilts will be really treasured by his children.

    And you have one of Emma’s birdies! How fab! I have a birdy on my Russian Doll necklace that she made me as part of GingerMonkey’s swap and I love it – it always gets loads of comments too.

    Lucy x

    Comment by Lucy Locket-Pocket — June 17, 2009 #

  13. Anna those quilts are just the most wonderful…your friend is going to just love them. Cute, cute necklace…you’ve been one lucky girl! And as for Paulkitty…haven’t you ever seen someone come out of the bathroom with TP stuck to their shoe????????? I think he was just passing through and is totally innocent! ROFLOL!!!!! That is just hysterical.

    Comment by Carol — June 17, 2009 #

  14. THhe quilts are fabulous – what a lovely, personal idea.

    Comment by dottycookie — June 17, 2009 #

  15. Your friend is going to cry when she sees those quilts. Fabulous labour of love. Now I think you could get a job as a profiler, petty crimes division. You were spot on.

    Comment by Janet — June 17, 2009 #

  16. Ha, I told you it wasn’t the monkey! A whole lotta love in those quilts and I’m sure will be appreciated.

    Comment by Susan — June 17, 2009 #

  17. The quilts will be beautiful memories for them. They turned out great!
    I loved your last post, but didn’t get a chance to comment: that was so funny!!! Thanks for the smile!
    Also, how do you win so many contests? I apply/comment to try to win and never win any! Any tips? :)

    Comment by jkhenson — June 17, 2009 #

  18. Ah – caught red pawed. Now, how do you get a cat to do community service and what would be a fitting punishment for the crime?
    The quilts are so special – he had a great t -shirt collection and you have shown them off to perfection!

    Comment by jo — June 17, 2009 #

  19. Lovely bird! The jewelry is gorgeous! But I have to say the quilts actually take the cake. What a wonderful thing that you did for the kids. I am sure they will always cherish these. What great memories of their Dad. As for the “kitty kapers”, nothing like catching them red handed.

    Comment by Jackie — June 17, 2009 #

  20. Oh, these quilts are beautiful! It’s a really good work! I’m sure they will adore them!
    The Emma’s bird necklace is wonderful! You’re very lucky! ;)

    Comment by Silvia — June 17, 2009 #

  21. Oh Anna you are the best t-shirt quilt designer and stitcher ever they turned out soooooo wonderful, I’m sure they will bring your friend to tears. Using flannel is such a great idea so soft and cuddly. And I love your birdie necklace , I’m going to visit Emma now!

    Comment by Shawn ; ) — June 17, 2009 #

  22. Anna, the quilts turned out Great! I love them, you are such a good friend to have made those. I also love the little bird, it looks so nice around your neck. Have a great week. xoxo

    Comment by Jewels — June 17, 2009 #

  23. I love the t-shirt quilts. What a great way to honor his memory!

    Comment by Mary — June 17, 2009 #

  24. great kitty meow shot, anna!

    and love, love, love those t-shirt quilts! what a labor of love. i want to make those for both ken and my cousin with all our old harley shirts. not surprising, yours is the finest example i’ve ever seen.
    ? u.

    Comment by melly~ — June 17, 2009 #

  25. Hooray on finishing the quilts! Hooray! ;o) ooxx`jod

    Comment by Jodi — June 17, 2009 #

  26. YAHOO you got those quilts done. They turned out wonderful and what a special thing for you to do for your friend. They family will treasure them and remember wonderful memories.

    Love the necklace – to cute. But seriously Anna how do you get the pics that you do – love the cat picture. Dang near spit my coffee out when I saw it. Mr. Farmhouse got quite the chuckle out of the kitty mug shots by the way.

    Hugs – Mrs. Farmhouse

    Comment by Karen — June 17, 2009 #

  27. Those are the nicest t-shirt quilts that I have ever seen. I like the wide sashing and the varying block sizes. What a great gift you have given this family.

    Comment by Abby — June 17, 2009 #

  28. Hey there!!! Way to go on the t-shirt quilts. Whew, doesn’t that feel good to have done? I am in IL visiting my Mom and we have a day of sewing planned. I may not get out of my jammies. We had to grab our cup of coffee and visit you first. Still giggling over the cat pics! Hope all is well in IN.

    Comment by Anne — June 17, 2009 #

  29. I love the quilts!! What a great thing to do for this man’s family!

    I’m glad you said that you caught Sally mid-yawn; otherwise, I was thinking she looks like she wants to attack you and your quilts! :-)

    MJ

    Comment by MJ Smith — June 17, 2009 #

  30. so it was the monkey…disquised as paulkitty.
    clever, clever monkey.
    hahahahaha.

    the t shirt quilts look awesome!!!

    Comment by rachel — June 17, 2009 #

  31. Congratulations on the finish. They are great and what a fabulous memory quilt for the each of the kids. So sad to hear of their loss though.

    Adore the necklace! And paulkitty – too funny. They have such personalities, don’t they?! Thanks for the laugh and heartwarming quilts shared.

    Comment by Sharon in FL — June 17, 2009 #

  32. Thats kinda like leaving the bathroom with toilet paper on your foot. What a devious kitty!
    I love the necklace. There is always such cute things you win. How do you get so lucky to win so much?

    Comment by Rachel — June 17, 2009 #

  33. You’ve been busy getting those finished up! Such neat tributes for them to cherish. Your necklace is sweet!

    Comment by Amy @ parkcitygirl — June 17, 2009 #

  34. They’re stunning. I have a couple of stacks of t-shirts lurking in my closet as well. Got some IU shirts in my stack too. Go HOOSIERS!

    Comment by Cindy — June 17, 2009 #

  35. The quilts are fabulous! And how wonderful of you to do them.

    Naughty kitty. Caught red handed (or white butted).

    Comment by MichelleB — June 17, 2009 #

  36. Those quilts look amazing, Anna. I know it wasn’t an easy project, but what a treasure for the family. You rock!

    As for Paul Kitty…the squirrels tricked him into coming to the scene of crime. They called his name…Oh, Paul. Oh, Paul… And then they rubbed a little cat nip all around the t.p. mess. How can a guy resist?

    Comment by Cassie — June 17, 2009 #

  37. So glad you liked the silver birdy. He was very excited to be sent all the way to the US. He’s only a little country bird and now I expect he’s been on a plane! His turquoise-winged friend is in a sulk to have been left behind!

    I’m blown away by those quilts Anna – what keepsakes – just wonderful. That family must be so moved by your handiwork

    Emma
    x

    Comment by Emma — June 17, 2009 #

  38. You did a great job on both of these! I know what you mean about the relief of having a difficult job done. It’s just like a huge weight lifted off your shoulders, isn’t it!

    Comment by Elaine/MuddlingThrough — June 17, 2009 #

  39. Those quilts are outstanding! I found your blog today and was completely won over by the Toilet Paper Molestation crime. It was only a matter of time before that perpetrator would get caught!
    Anyway it is so wonderful that you got to do those quilts for your friend, so beautiful.
    Lisa :D

    Comment by Lisa — June 17, 2009 #

  40. Your silver bird necklace is gorgeous — what a treat for you. The t-shirt quilts are amazing; you did a fantastic job and I’m sure the family appreciates all the love and work you put into these creations.

    Ah hah! We see the toilet tissue perpetrator in action.

    Comment by Junie Moon — June 17, 2009 #

  41. Anna,

    Thanks for the link to Emma’s website–her jewelry is beautiful. I am crazy about handmade jewelry–so much more interesting than mass-produced, isn’t it?

    Comment by Linda — June 17, 2009 #

  42. What an amazing legacy you have created in those quilts.
    Your friend would be smiling and laughing at you and your wailing and loving you for doing it.

    Comment by jodie — June 18, 2009 #

  43. The quilts are beautiful…I’m sure they will treasure them always.
    Naughty…Naughty…kitty.

    Comment by Judy — June 18, 2009 #

  44. Congratulation to that pendant,
    and congratulation you finished the t-shirt- quilt.
    I adore it.
    It is absolutely fantastic, unique, great, cool and beautiful.
    I love it.
    That is a piece of art you made.
    CONGRATULATIONS!

    Comment by Janine — June 18, 2009 #

  45. Those quilts are great, but I hope your little kitty doesn’t like them!

    S.W.A.K.

    Comment by Marsha — June 18, 2009 #

  46. Strictly circumstantial. And good laywer would tear your case (and then the tp) apart.

    Comment by pam — June 18, 2009 #

  47. I too love that little bird and am heading off to check out the shop. Hope you are doing well. I have been crazy busy with work, but starting in July I am working four days a week. Can’t wait.

    Comment by raina — June 18, 2009 #

  48. I bet you are thrilled to be finished with the tshirt quilts.
    Congrats on your win………..AGAIN!!!! Really we’re getting tired of saying that. lolol I’m just KIDDING!!!!!!!!!

    Comment by Sharon — June 19, 2009 #

  49. That necklace is gorgous, I’ve just spent 10 minutes drooling over Emma Mitchell’s jewellery shop and now I’m longing to buy some too.

    Comment by Jessica — June 19, 2009 #

  50. Anna, reading your posts makes me happy! The necklace is gorgeous – I would love to be your twin. Would it make me as creative as you? I’m hopin’!
    The t-shirt quilts are beautiful keepsakes for those kids. That’s just one of the things I LOVE about quilting. You did a wonderful job on them.
    PaulKitty looked like the real ‘perp’ to me – I’m glad you caught him in the act. Can monkey come out of the doghouse now?

    Comment by Nan — June 19, 2009 #

  51. Oh, PaulKitty must be so embarrassed to be stuck in a TP cliche. I hope he didn’t have an important business meeting to attend.

    Congrats on finishing those quilts – sounds like a big job – but one I bet you’re glad you took on. :)

    Comment by finnyknits — June 19, 2009 #

  52. Anna, Here I am FAR from the first commentor :) but I had to comment anyway. What a beautiful job you did on the quilts; they will be cherished so much. I am sure the time they took to make will only make them more precious!

    Comment by Karen — June 19, 2009 #

  53. how nice of you to make those t-shirt quilts. they look so amazing! what a good friend you are!

    Comment by amandajean — June 20, 2009 #

  54. Yehaw!!! I’m doing a little ditty for you Anna! I’m excited you finished the quilts, they really turned out fabulous. You just have a way of polishing up anything and making it bright and purdy! Very nice work and what a blessing you are to do this for your friend and her children!

    Comment by Penny — June 21, 2009 #

  55. The bird necklace is stunning. It really is beautiful. What a great gift that would make. I really love it. I’m going to visit her blog and shop. Thanks for the tip. The quilts are really well done. Good for you. What an act of love.

    Comment by nanette — June 23, 2009 #

  56. What a touching idea. They are beautiful and a wonderful tribute.

    Comment by cathy — June 23, 2009 #

  57. The t-shirt quilts are fantabulous Anna!! Such wonderful work. Your friend will be so happy to see the quilts!

    Comment by nicolette — June 24, 2009 #

  58. What wonderful T-shirt quilts. They will be wonderful memory keepsakes.

    Jody

    Comment by Jody — June 24, 2009 #

  59. The quilts you made are gorgeous. I bet your friends children will be so grateful for this lovely reminder of their Dad. Oh yes, love what you did with the shopping trolley too!Bx

    Comment by Barbara — June 27, 2009 #

  60. Looks like some lovely, comfy quilts! I’m sure they will be loved!
    I’m so happy you caught the right guilty one! LOL!

    Comment by May Kristin — July 1, 2009 #

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