Thank you for all the compliments. To answer a few questions
I use Wonder Under for the fusible. I match my thread to the applique piece. so you know I have a large stash of thread. I use a medium width blanket stitch for the larger pieces and a narrow blanket stitch for the smallest pieces. I worked on each block separately. I fused all the fabrics for a block and put them in a baggy. Then if I was traveling or sitting at the doctor's office I'd cut out my pieces. It took an evening for each block to get them all block fused down to the background. After I had all the blocks fused I started the stitching. I choose a color of thread and do all the stitching of that color for all the blocks. It only took about 2-3 days to stitch it all down. I just hate to change bobbin and thread don't you? Then another day or so to get the blocks sewn together and do the border. I'd say it really only took 2-3 weeks to get to this point. I still need ideas for quilting. I know it will be by check as I am not willing to screw it up at this point.