After taking another look at my second attempt at this block, I realized that Margaret was right. It really would look better if the stripes were mitered. So I ripped off the old strips and cut new ones. Per her advice I tried hand stitching the miter as opposed to machine sewing it. I used a ladder stitch and it worked great! I normally only use ladder stitching to close up doll parts, but apparently its more common application is to hand sew matching stripes and plaids.
I also found a Kona cotton in that wonky chartreuse color for the flower centers (mini yo-yos). I liked that side better than the smooth one. After I make the label it's off to the second person of the Spring Fling Round Robin for its first border. I can't wait to see what she does with it.