We are a little more than halfway through the month and it's time for a check-in!

A few weeks ago, Oda May announced the first monthly challenge for the year - Layer Up! This month is all about tackling those quilt tops we've been avoiding. My tried and true method is to smooth the layers, secure with masking tape and pin together - AKA pin basting.  I have friends who are huge fans of fusible batting and basting sprays but I'm a little too messy to make those work for me. I have basting many quilts to my floor and/or pants and/or hands.

Oda May has a couple of other methods you might want to try as well - check out this reader question she answered on basting.

My favorite tool for basting is absolutely my Kwik Klip. It saves your fingers when closing a lot of safety pins.

{ask your favorite quilt shop if they stock it and if not, they can order from United Notions}

Curved safety pins are also a must (that little curve makes it much easier to close them up through the layers of the quilt sandwich). United Notions carries a wide variety of these.

So, tell me - how are you basting? Did you choose one quilt you really wanted to finish or just pick the next one on the list? I have one basted and I plan to get one more ready for my retreat next weekend.

If you are participating in the challenge, share below and Oda May will choose someone to win a sweet little prize!

COMMENTS ARE NOW TURNED OFF AND A GIVEAWAY WINNER HAS BEEN CHOSEN.