The sun really does justice to the wonderful colors you chose! Your DD will be so happy with it! Please don't give in to your frustration: this quilt deserves to be finished with the same care you've already shown in getting it this far. Applique a little churn (or star) on any holes; piece the binding; take the embroidery floss away from the bird, and show us when you've finished it!
Jory
Have you been tempted to hand-quilt the outlines of the fussy-cut centers, rather than tying them? E.g., a running stitch around the flower, or dragon fly? It would go well with your SID quilting!
And finally, 27° F? Are you kidding me? We had single digit temps last week!