This is so cute! It took me just about that long to finish my first quilt. I made several in between, but finally finished my first. I found my quilts come to life after having them professionally quilted. It just adds that Pizazz. Once I pick it up from the quilter, I rush home to sew the binding. And lastly, I wash it. Yes, I wash it before giving it to the person I made it for. It makes it soft and cuddly and when the fabric shrinks, it gives it the quilty look.