Chernobyl Children's Quilt Bee

My friend, Jennifer over at Glinda Quilt's, asked for help with some quilty gifts

for a charity she is involved with.  You see, she has the biggest heart.

Chernobyl Children's Life Line (CCLL) 

is a charity that helps children living in Belarus and Northern Ukraine who still suffer the effects of low level radiation even 30 years after the nuclear accident in Chernobyl.

Chernobyl Children's Life Line (CCLL) will take children to North Wales this summer. 

 While there, the children will enjoy a combination of uncontaminated food, fresh air and sunshine, exciting trips, and lots of exercise.  This stay helps strengthen the children's weakened immune systems and does them a power of good.

This quilting bee was born last year when Jennifer decided to send each child home with a tote bag and quilted table mat and we are doing it again this year!!

The tote bag is for the child

and 

the table mat is to take home to the child's family.

There will be even more goodies for the children this year as this quilting bee grows.

This is my little contribution.

The tote bag is made with a batik fabric I've loved for awhile combined with a Moda Grunge fabric that I think coordinates well with it.  I chose to make my tote bag with Jennifer's tutorial. She always has easy to follow instructions and very clear pictures.  I changed it up by only using three 4 1/2" strips and added a ruffled pocket to both sides of the tote.

I decided to add a flower to both sides also.  That tutorial is HERE.

The table mat is the pattern Flower Box.

 The original pattern is for 12" but I enlarged it to 16" finished.  

The fabric is from Free Spirit with others from my stash.

I've had very little time on the Handi Quilter this year so I jumped on the chance for a little practice.  The mat could have used a bit more quilting, but I didn't want to take my chances at messing this pretty quilting up.  lol

I made a little something, something for Jennifer, but that will have to wait.  It's a secret...

I've been super busy with projects for quilt market and Thermoweb.

This is a little sneak peek at the Anna Griffin fabric I've been working with for Blend Fabrics.  The fabric is so feminine and pretty.  I can't wait to show this Mother's Day gift idea on the Thermoweb blog and at Quilt Market.

But this quilt market project will be on the Thermoweb blog next week.  

It is also Anna Griffin fabric for Blend.  All these fabrics are from the Charlotte collection.

Wait, there's more.  I've been a busy blogger, it just doesn't show here....yet.

This little collection of fabrics called Shop Hop from Henry Glass is a hoot and I can't wait to show some quilty gift ideas to sew.

Which brings us back to Jennifer (hint).

My friend in the UK with the biggest giving heart.

I'm thrilled to help her on her mission.

How lucky are we to meet such wonderful people all over the world

while sharing our hobby with each other.

Thank you, Jen, for your big heart!