I wanted to make all the blocks of the month for April right away so that I could concentrate on (1) finishing the Exploding Heart which came back from quilter Marie and (2) quilting the Greent Tea and Sweet Beans variation that's been hanging in the closet since September. The latter has the weird quarter log cabin flimsey on the back.
First, I worked on the Heart of Vermont guild's BOM as well as the one designed by Kristin Lauren. The "attic windows" one I made for the guild lottery is on the left. I'm using the same fabrics for the guild BOM and the Kristin Lauren quilt because neither provided enough blocks for a bigger quilt. I think it's going to end up as a very nice one with a black speckled background.I used an 8" block made with cut offs of previous months' blocks for the center of the attic windows. The attic windows blocks were very easy because, every month, a different guild member chooses or designs it. That means that it may be difficult or simple, depending on that person's interest or skill level. This month's was chosen by a begnning quilter. The half-square triangle was a stretch for her, but made for quite an easy block. I noticed that very few people made Dresden Plates the month it was my turn!
After I finished these, I turned my attention to the Optimism blocks designed by Aby Dolinger. I'm going for the queen-size so am making two 15" blocks each month. I'm using a consistent beige floral background for each block and am dipping into my stash for a scrappy look. I thought I'd make these quilt-as-you-go, but now I'm thinking I'll wait due to the various colors. I'm not sure about sashing anyway although I have a very large piece of teal I'd like to use.I picked up my knitting again yesterday and worked away at the shawl I started in January. I'd like to finish and go back to making hats for kids in foster care. I really don't enjoy using circular needles and the shawl is wide enough to require them. It was more or a long term commitment than the hats are, but nice for watching TV on a winter's afternoon.
Our weather has been typical for April - warm, cold, rainy, snowy, sunny. It's hard to know what to wear, especially jacket-wise, but I have put away my warmest jacket. I still have gloves at the ready, though, along with my puddle jumper Bogs slipons. Tomorrow night the library is holding its Spring Fling, and I sure hope it doesn't snow! I'll be joining Pam to sell raffle tickets for a gardening basket - what to wear will be determined by the weather. My friend Sally says she's wearing a dress, but I will probably drag out the old faithful black pants and a top, along with a sweater if needed!