A few things I've done this month...

It's almost deadline time for the ALYoF projects, and I'll make it, but I wanted to share a few of the other things I've been working on.
Cathy and I have completed 6 months of our disappearing 4-patch quilt block swap - we're using large scale florals and Kona Snow for our blocks.  We got together last week Friday to exchange our blocks - these are the blocks I made for her:

We also had a bridal shower at church on Wed. evening.  We were each asked to bring a small gift for the couple.  I wasn't sure what to bring, but I wanted it to be hand-made.  I poked around a few crafty sites, and found more than a few great ideas - and then I remembered the place mats that someone from our quilt guild had made, using a mini-charm pack.  I had a few of those kicking around, so I made 2 sets of 2 place mats.  The floral set was made using Honeysweet, from Fig Tree Quilts, and the blues and taupes are from the Snowman Gatherings line by Primitive Gatherings.  I did simple straight line quilting, both on the body of the place mats, and also SID around the charms.

My June ALYoF project is almost ready to stitch together - the rows are all complete, and the layout has been finalized, so a few hours of sewing will get the top assembled!  Check in here on Tues. for pics of the finished top.

June's project is calling me!

I missed May's ALYoF "completed project" link-up - the project got finished, but not in time....  So, we'll try again!  You've probably seen this project before - it was the one I was hoping to finish in April.  I've been using the fabric strips and small patches as my leaders and enders while I've been working on other quilt projects.  Now that I have my H2H quilts finished, I can take a deep breath again and maybe finish this quilt once and for all - I hope!
I've been putting sections together, but now I'm debating how to put it together.  I've taken pics of 3 different options - so I'll take any and all the advice I can get!

Here's option #1:

The rows will be staggered, but sewn together with a narrow sashing strip between each row.  I'm not sure that it will work with wide "joint" sections separating each brick, and then narrow sashing.  I could make the joints narrow too - I'd have to undo all the blocks (again!), and make the solid fabric narrower, but if it makes the block work, it will be worth it! 

Option #2:    

This version just has the rows sewn together - they'll still be staggered, but without any sashing.

Option #3:  I can take version #2, and set a sashing strip between every 4 or 5 rows.  They'd probably have to be wider that the strips in option #1...

Now that I see all of these options here, I think that I know what I'm going to do, but would still appreciate hearing your ideas!  And, as always, I appreciate my readers and the comments that you leave!

                                                                                                                                   

...and it's done too! (second post for June 6th)

So, I finally managed to get my second quilt done for the H2H challenge.   I had a number of interruptions, but I kept at it, and have it ready to be sent off with the first quilt.  They'll go out together Monday morning.
I used the same fabrics for both quilts (Apple of My Eye for Riley Blake), and I quilted both with a variegated thread that had many of the same colours in it.  I'm pleased with the results, and hope that both quilts bring a little bit of joy to the life of a child in foster care.  And, because you asked so nicely, I'll show you the picture of quilt #2:

I can't wait to see all of the quilts that have been made for the challenge!  I've enjoyed being part of it!

SO close!

It's time to reveal my completed quilts for the H2H challenge - and alas, I have only one finished - but it's a finish!  The second one is ready to bind, but this is the cut-off time, so I'm posting what I got done.  I've had a few other challenges along the way, and they've cut into my quilting time to some extent (and there's also been a bit of "partying" going on as hubby and I both celebrated birthdays recently!)
But, here's what you've been waiting for - the picture of my quilt!

I'm hoping to have the 2nd quilt pic in the next hour, so you can check back for it then!