Backyard DIY Adventures

Heads Up This post has Nothing to do with sewing.  I am a big Fan of Photo Journals.  We are pretty happy with the way our front yard turned out .....(see this post) and have been avoiding doing anything to our backyard for a little over 2 years now... 2 years ago we did a little bit of prep work to build a new garage (we still haven't done that either).. Finances for the garage are still being collected (if you'd like to donate.......*wink*)

Here's what the back yard looked like 2 years ago...

Here's what it looked like, rough, for the past two years....

Not bad, but there's a significant slope and the WEEDS came in like crazy :(

I didn't keep those planks there for two years *wink*

We added a fence to keep our wonderful puppy safe in the backyard...

and we did the rock wall flower bed to help level out the backyard a bit since we have a sloped road outside our fence... worked out great for giving some color to a drab corner.. (I love flowers..not so great with vegetables..but good with flowers.)

These past couple weekends we've started working on the backyard and now I am don't want to stop mode..*giggle*   Last weekend we moved the fence in the side yard to make room for our travel trailer...(that's a whole different story)
Before...

4 foot walkway

After...

10.5 foot parking spot (corner post and those two panels come
completely out for added turning room
(we are also fixing the fence holes from reworking the fence :)

Now I am backyard motivated....I want to make my backyard a relaxation ZONE!!  *Giggle*   Actually with moving the fence, the backyard is a bit smaller, and not quilt so overwhelming anymore.   Here's what it looked like prior to the Fence moving...

(not bad, just a lot of gravel and weeds... It was tolerable with my craigslist finds and re-purposed patio furniture.  I did that whole little setup for under $100.  No point in buying fancy furniture to sit in gravel, weeds, and get super dusty.. *wink*

We have given up on that the DIY Yard Crasher guy miraculously showing up and doing it for us...*gosh wouldn't that be AWESOME*.  But alas, we've come to the conclusion he will not be visiting anytime soon...*giggle*  So we are doing our OWN Yard Crash.. *wink*  Will just take us longer than two days, as they do it on TV...

A friend of mine that has an excavator, and he stopped by and did a bit of work... Took him 3 hours and one dump truck ....to do what would have taken me at least 3 days (or more) and a ton of trips to the dump to do!

This is how it looks Saturday evening when we called it a day...

Sunday... After a couple of trips to Lowe's...to get Brick....Here's what it looks like after working at the end of the day....  ME..yes Me..I did the rock wall!  while Mr Fantastic worked on redoing the gates in the corners. One is just a removable panel...the other is a gate.  That Corner post comes completely out so we can get a vehicle into the back yard... Yes I am feeling those bricks now.. *giggle*

The little paver walkway is temporary to try and help get the mud out of my house

We are thinking of a Deck that runs from the house to the (future) garage wall...that would make an outdoor living space...and help hide the OLD walkway to the right that we can't get rid of...

Here's the side yard of the back yard....

We are going to stain the inside of the fence, but can't decide on a color....

In this space I am thinking of grass and some pavers to set the furniture on... When Mount Rainer is out I have a beautiful view from the top section.  The bottom section I am thinking we could setup for a little outdoor fire pit..*Maybe* but will probably end up being grass.   (that wood to the right siting on the flower bed is all for the firepit...just didn't want to have to stack it three times..hahaha)

Hopefully this coming weeks, we'll get pricing on the decking, top soil, and sod.  And my backyard will be that much closer to being finished :)  Till next weekend... will keep ya updated :)

Thanks for stopping by and sorry there was nothing about quilting this time... soon very soon... I hope *wink*

TGIFF 4.27.12

Welcome TGIFF Linky Party...

 I am so excited to be hosting!!

Check out the TGIFF Blog for upcoming Linky parties!

This week, I don't have a Finished Quilt to show, but I have a Quilt Top finished and pin basted.  I am working out how to quilt it and I have mixed ideas.   I started crazy patch quilting in the dark squares... just free motion wonky squares.... and I am thinking about doing a small stipple stitch on the sashing and practice my free motion flowers in the big square with daisies in them.


What do you think? 

I am a HUGE Daisy fan and when I saw this print I couldn't resist buying some coordinating fabrics to make a fun quilt!  This pattern is from a 2009 Issue of Fons & Porter Easy Quilts, Called Venetian Dream, by Janet Houts.  I thought it was a perfect pattern to showcase that big print!

I did modify the pattern, just a bit..There is a very small border dark purple that I added..I believe some people call it a Flange border..it's a one inch piece of fabric folded with wrong sides together and sewn into the seam..  It gives it a little 3D effect.

 I love Quilting Magazines {to keep from having TOO many lying around}
I will take the patterns that I want out of them...
And store them in a Clear Plastic Sleeves in a big notebook.
Just a tip if you have too many magazines....

Here's a full size picture on my Design Lawn

I was going to use a different print for the border, but I just couldn't resist the Daisies  *giggle*

Thank you so much for letting me Host TGIFF, this week.
I look forward to seeing everyone's Finishes!!
~~~~~

TTBH Thank You & TGIFF

First just want to say THANK YOU for all the wonderful visitors
 during the Table Top Blog Hop!


I loved reading all the comments from everyone and finding out which
one was a favorite of yours!

I also want to announce that This FRIDAY.....
 I am Hosting the TGIFF Linky Party!
I hope you can make it back and link up. 

 It's always so much FUN to see all the wonderful projects that everyone puts together!

See you FRIDAY!!

I also received a wonderful package from Cherry over at
Cherry Blossoms Quilting Studio
She is sharing her pattern with me and included a
WONDERFUL Surprise!!  Check out Hers ---->>HERE

THANK YOU CHERRY!!

Table Topper Hop - My Turn *wink*

I Heart Table Topper Quilts!! 
It's all about Pictures this Hop!! 
ENJOY!!!!  
Here are My Wonderfully FUN Finishes, 
for the Blog Hop being hosted by Madam Samm at

Sew I Quilt.
These were SEW much FUN to create & finish!
{I couldn't resist the Spring Flowers in my yard..for pictures..*wink*}

One Lucky Hopper gets to choose their favorite as a giveaway!
Which one will you pick??? *giggle*
 Make sure you tell me in your comment below. 
Winner will be selected randomly by Mr Fantastic from comments after the hop is over.
(he likes to participate in some way)  
ALSO..If I can't reach you.. You can't win.... check and make sure you're not a No-Reply Blogger.  

I Heart Felt 
with Folk Art Sampler

a c d

I Heart Raw Edge Applique 
with  Mini French Roses

a c d

I Heart Cherished Nature 
 with a Silhouette Mini
(my own creation *wink*)

a c d



I Heart Love Notes with 
remnants from my Love Letter BOM blocks

a c d

I Heart Seeing Stars

a c d

Thanks so much for stopping by & I hope you come 
back to visit again real soon!  
I HEART hearing from everyone!  
Thank you Madam Samm for letting me 
join in all the Blog Hopping FUN!  
c
Please make sure you visit all the other fantastic
blogs that are part of the Table Topper Blog Hop.
There is LOTS and Lots of Inspiration!!!  

Here's Today's Schedule!
Christine (**that's me** giggle*)

 Just Carol 

Patty D

Wendy

Leanne

Elaine M 

Judy C

&

Click on the button below for links to all the other blogs
 scheduled during the hop - Past & Future....

 

Friday Nite Sew In

Excited tonight!!! 

I am going to be pin basting a couple quilts and hopefully getting to quilt them this weekend.  

 I have my last Mini Quilt to finish up tonight for the Table Topper Quilt Blog Hop

check out the button on right side bar------->>>>  

Hop is going on right now... My day to showcase is this MONDAY!!

Heidi has lots of people sewing with us tonight...and some great giveaways too!!

~~~~~~~~~

 I am going to enjoy some BBQ Dinner with Mr Fantastic and then....

Clearing out the living room floor and getting busy! *giggle*

I have chocolate on hand if anyone needs to stop by for a bit..  *wink* 

Have fun with what ever your project might be!!

Table Topper Hop Starts!

A FANTASTIC Blog Hop started this MONDAY!!! 

The Hop is hosted by Madam Samm over at Sew I Quilt

This Hop is showcasing Table Topper Quilts using 

Fabulous Little Quilt Stands by ACKFELDWIRE

The Hop Runs from April 16th - 25th

(excluding weekend)

LOTs and LOTs of Wonderful Blogs will be 
displaying Spectacular Mini Quilts!!!!!

My day on the schedule is Monday, April 23rd.

 They are just tooo fun to make...
Some of my projects were waiting to be finished..while others
 are fun New projects with techniques I couldn't resist trying!! 

 And I have to admit it took a lot of personal will power for me NOT to show 
them to you as I made them *giggle*

  I look forward to you visiting again soon!
  Make sure you check in on ALL the Blogs for wonderful
Table Topper Quilt Inspirations!!!!

Here's the Schedule
Table Topper Blog HOP Schedule

Monday April 16th

Jacque (Snoodles)

Lesley

Sharon

Dawnmarie 

Piece Peace * please visit her on Wed April 18th

Tuesday April 17th

Kris

Marcia

Jenny

Sheila 

Josie

Wednesday April 18th

Vickie

Shanna

Deonn

Mrs Pickles 

Sharon 

Piece Peace 

Thursday April 19th

Leslie ( lesquilts)

Jennifer ( that girl)

Karen 

Katherine

Friday April 20th 

Marlene 

Charlotte 

Leslie

Darlene 

Jane

Michelle

Cherry

Monday April 23rd

Christine.. That's Me

 Just Carol 

Patty D

Wendy

leanne

Elaine M 

Judy C

Tuesday  April 24th

 Jennifer m

Roxanne 

Syd 

Selina 

Connie

Patti

Jane

Wednesday April 25th 

Mary 

Marianna

Thearica

Kelly

Marnie  

Pauline

Betsy

Mdm Samm

Relaxing Weekend...

My Weekend in Review.... Not too much sewing to report.... but..
We did a little garage sale shopping on Saturday morning as planned..didn't find much, then Mr Fantastic said.. "Hey..Let' go Jeep shopping.."  My response was "Really...you're teasing me".  So we went and visited 4 different dealerships. I found my Next Jeep at our second to the last stop.....and I love the idea of getting a new one...  I love Jeeps...They have been my favorite ride since I was 16.  My parents even bought me one when I turned 16.. Now it was a Hot Wheels, but a Jeep no less..*wink*. Some of you may have noticed my email address is JeepGirl300.   well... the only part I have to explain is the 300...and that pertains to my bowling goals.. *giggle*

My Little Red Jeep *wink*

  I currently drive a Jeep Wrangler TJ sport from 1997.  Have loved my little Red Jeep with the white top for 10 years. :)  BUT  it is time to think about getting a new one and turn this one into the little off road ride that it so much desires to be.  We went back and test drove a 2011 Four Door, and I fell in love.. It is Silver and Black and has very pretty upgraded wheels, with a lift!  EVERYTHING I WANT!!!! But a realization came to me as we were driving it around.  "WHERE IN THE WORLD will I park it????  Our garage is no where near being done, and I wouldn't dare feel comfortable parking it on the street. So as we got back to the dealership, ready for the sharks to try and talk us into looking at "the Numbers"  I told them that it was so late in the evening that we would have to come back.  They looked at me shocked...and we left *BIG SAD FACE*

The New Jeep I LIKE A LOT!  *wink*

 I know now what I want...and I am sure it will be available when I have that garage finished!  *wink*

It was so late in the evening that we didn't make it to the party we planned to go to.. I feel bad that we missed it, but it ended up being such a long day in the car and I just wanted to relax at home with my feet up.



My Sunday morning was spent watching my teammate finish up our bowling league..as I still can not bowl due to my hand... I had tried the other day to hold my bowling ball and it was a definite NO GO!  *sad face*  My team is going to Nationals this week, but I am staying behind yet again.  What a bummer.  Hopefully I'll be able to bowl by the time the new fall season starts and they let me back on their team. *wink*.

We spent early afternoon at my nephew's Birthday party.  It was fun to watch the adults against the kids on the soccer field.  The kids did AWESOME against all those middle agers.. *giggle*  and our late afternoon was spent getting our yard chores all finished for the week.   We have a new plan for our side yard and back yard to move our trailer around.  We'll have to see how it goes.  Will keep ya updated on that.

AND I did get a bit of sewing done before the entire weekend started.  I managed to get my Wee Bee Learning Block done.  Here's Jodi's Block.  I sure hope she likes it.

 It was fun to make. I was looking thru the scrap bin I have that and ran across this fun butterfly that I could fussy cut for her center. *wink*  I hope everyone has a wonderful week.  Going to go BBQ and relax with a late Sunday Movie to fall asleep to.  hahahahaha.

Long Week..ends with a Smile

I am so glad today is FRIDAY!  It's been one of those weeks, I feel like I have been on a super long roller coaster ride that makes your stomach get stuck in your throat and then spins you upside down without any notice... And I am happy to say that it's over and I didn't get sick.. *wink*

To make my wild week ride end on a Wonderfully Happy Note... I received this fabulous gift in the mail today!  Thank you CINDY!

Cindy had a giveaway for her birthday and I was the lucky Winner!!!  Cindy blogs over at Tops to Treasures.

Cindy... You made me smile after a very long-stressful week  :~)   The extra goodies were a wonderful surprise.  I have your beautiful mini in my Table Topper Quilt Stand for the weekend :)

The sun is scheduled to be out this weekend...I think we are going to try and hit a couple garage sales in the morning....and get the yard work done a bit later when it gets warmer. Then we are suppose to head over to a friends house for a late party..We'll see how it all goes.   Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend...Hugs to you all....

Sunshine, Swaps & Me...

This post will have a little bit about sewing,..but we had sunshine and I am too excited to report on my yard.... We finally had a couple days that reached 60 degrees.  While Mr Fantastic worked on the lawn, I attacked the flower beds.  Our front yard is now 2 years old and we want to keep it looking as good as it did when we first finished it *wink*. {we have a lot of sweat equity in it..*giggle*}

Here's the Before - July 2010:

Those rocks were just laying there...not really stacked at all...

Here's the After - October 2010.. Yes we built those rock walls ourselves and did all of it in just 3 months... WE were INSANE!!!!!

I am not known for my green thumb, by any means.... but I am getting better.   I was so worried when we first did all the landscaping.  I thought all the plants were going to die... happy to report they are doing great.. I added a few flowers this weekend to add some color to my planters...Can't wait for warmer weather and my tulips & tiger lilies to bloom.   Thanks for letting me babble about my yard.. 

I did get a bit of sewing done... I worked on these early this morning....my Wonky Blocks for the Wonky Bee.  Leah's Fabric choices were sooo YUMMY!   I loved it!

The patterns were easy to follow...

I also received information tonight about my Partner in the Modern She Made Swap... I am so excited about this swap..This will be my first online swap and I can't wait to make something for her.  I sure hope that I have shared enough about me, but just in case...my goal is to share a bit more about myself over the next few weeks..

Here's my first shares... I am 41 years old...and can't believe it!  I feel 27 and refuse to believe I am getting older.  I am married to my best friend.  We have been together since 2000, but only married since 2009... He took awhile to ask... *giggle*  I work full time as a High Voltage Substation Electrician and am around GUYS all day long...so when I get home.. I let my hair down and be a girl,  We have three Furry Children that we cherish...2 Crazy Kitties (Arnold & Lexie)  and one Bouncy Boxer named Jasmine.  They make cameo appearances on the blog, but most often you'll see Arnold sneaking into my quilting pictures...He loves to hang out in my sewing cave with me.
     
Okay...that's a bit for me tonight.... What are You????  Tell me TWO things about yourself that We don't know yet????

I've linked up with What a Hoot, for the Monday BOM's Away Linky Party..Check it out when you can....

TGIF 4/6/12

First, I want to say Thank you for a wonderful start to our Yester-Year Linky parties!  I really enjoy seeing all the projects that have come out of the Closets.  The next Yester-Year Linky will be on the 5th of May.  I am looking forward to seeing your progress!
 For those of you who are new....click on the tab above if you wanna learn more about this Fun challenge to bring our lost but not forgotten projects back to life *wink*

I am linking up my Spring Fresh Quilt for the TGIFF, this week, over at Dreaming in Patchwork and Finish it Friday, over at Crazy Mom Quilts.  I finished this quilt early this week, and am just so happy with how it turned out!  Click here  if you wanna read more about this FUN Finish!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Sunshine in our forecast this weekend, so I'll be out in the yard playing in my flower beds.
*giggle*

Wishing you all a HAPPY EASTER and Lots of Quilty LOVE!!! 

Yester-Year WIP Challenge

WELCOME to the First Yester-Year Linky Party!

The Quilt Monster is happily helping me pull projects out from the dark corners of the Closet...
I am excited to have you join in the fun....and looking forward to seeing your projects!!!
I hope there is lots of sharing of those temporarily Lost, but not Forgotten Projects.

  

Today...I have Two Projects to share.... 

My first is a project that has been sitting in a Ziploc bag for over 15 years.  I hand pieced all the applique on wool felt back around 1997.  YEP...I was in shock when I found this yester-year treasure hiding in a tote.  The pattern is was called Folk Art Sampler and it was dated 1995, I found a receipt in the bag that indicates a time line of 1997... I am Amazed I let it sit unfinished for SOoo Long..!! What was I thinking!!!!  

Back in the late 90's, I would regularly meet up with some great gals, The Monday Night Sew-N-Sews. We shared stories and did all kinds of quilting together, we helped each other with projects, and did swaps among the 6 of us.  I miss them and unfortunately we've all moved in different directions.. *sad face*. To finish this treasure is a great memory of the fun we had!   I did my own alterations to the pattern.  I've designed it so that I can display it in my Table Topper Quilt Rack.  Just a simple finish of combining all the blocks together, a little trimming and it fits perfect!
Here it is among a few of my Spring Flowers popping up in my flower beds *wink*

My second Yester-Year project is my Spring Fresh quilt.  These fabrics have been in my stash for well over 5 years... I guess I was waiting for a quilt pattern to call them out of the stash... and I am so happy they found their way into this wonderful completion.   You can read more about the pattern I used HERE. I love how crisp they look with the white background fabrics. *giggle*  I was excited to get it finished this week.  I finished the Top last Thursday night and worked on basting and quilting it this past weekend....and the sun came out on Monday so I was able to play a bit with my camera skills in the front yard.. A few fun pics and practice taking photos.  

This Whiskey barrel is in my neighbor's yard and
 I see it out my window as I sew..
It was calling me for a picture with this quilt *wink*

Now Let's see your Yester -Year Projects...  How far along are you???
Did you get one finished...or just worked a bit on it... I wanna know *giggle*
Our Linky Party will be open for 48 hours.  
Click on the Blue Inlinkz Tool (at bottom of post) to link.  
Grab a cup of coffee and some chocolate..and check out all the
other great YesterYear projects going on....
Encouraging words are always welcome!!
PS...Okay to just show how far along you are!  We want to encourage each other!!!!

Modern She Made Swap

I'm Sooooo Excited to join my first online SWAP.  It's called Modern She Made
and it's a FLICKR Group Swap.   You can read even more about it over at
Lori's Blog Adventures in Fabric

I have been looking at all the wonderful inspiration mosiacs and am getting super excited to participate!  They only have room for 100 members so if you want to join in the fun.. Hurry!!  You have until April 6th or 100 sign-ups.   

My Inspiration Mosiac of wonderful images from FLICKR!
I LOVE ALL these wonderful projects made by wonderful Quilters.

Off to surf Flickr some more to tag a few more favorites for inspiration! Let me know if you join the fun!  I'd love to share our ideas with each other :)

PS...... Don't forget we have a LINKY Party this Thursday!!!!  Yester-Year WIP Challenge will officially start :)   

Weekend in Review

I am excited to announce I got Spring Fresh basted, quilted and done!  WHOO Hoo all on Saturday. :) This Quilt is FINISHED!!  I worked on basting it in the morning, while Mr Fantastic was sleeping in...Poor guy is down for the count again, with a second bout of Bronchitis *SAD FACE*   Then in the afternoon... I did all the quilting.. and since this one is for my living room and I am getting better at machine binding,  I went ahead a did the binding on the machine :)  LOVE IT!  Quick and Easy!  Here's a sneak peek of Spring Fresh... I'll post more pictures when I can get it out in the sunshine.  Hopefully in time for the Yester-Year Linky Party *giggle*

I also finished up my March Craftsy BOM blocks... I stepped out of my box and did the strip quilting.. Not too sure if I like the technique or not, but glad I tried something new.. I couldn't get one side of my spider block to line up...oh well...life is good....   I also started watching the videos today for April.   Good thing I have a month to do April's blocks..those Hexies will be another challenge for me... *wink*

I pulled out a project hiding in the closet to try and work on for next Linky Parties... I found this Ziploc bag full of green and cream HST's that are whispering to me.. *giggle*  Don't know how long they have been in the closet, but long enough that I don't remember what I was doing with them..

I also pulled out some fabric choices for my next Farmer's Sampler quilt... but didn't get to much further than just fabric selection...

That's about it for my weekend of sewing..I think I am going to go and cuddle on the couch and watch a movie or two with Mr Fantastic.  Hoping you all had a wonderful weekend. Here's to a great week ahead. *cheers....tink*

Till Next Time...