Dakotamaid, a blue and white Jane would be really special, I look forward to seeing your first blocks!
I haven't ever seen a juried quilt show here Sewnsew - certainly not here in the West of Ireland, so I doubt if I will ever win any ribbons, whatever colour. I will probably put it in our (Sligo Quilt group) next exhibition, which I expect will be next year now.
Piecesinmn, it's a nice idea of yours, about appraisal, but again, I haven't a clue whether there is anyone here that does that. I suppose I could ask one of the Irish Quilt guilds, but I might have to eat humble pie, as I am not a member of either of them. (Lapsed several years ago, because it seemed soooo expensive). In the meantime, I shall probably just keep trying to improve - this isn't perfect by any means, it just looks good from a distance. Isn't that the thing about it being viewed from horseback at speed??? LOL.
Seriously though, I have been bowled over by all your lovely comments, and thank each and every one of you.