the quilt is beautiful and I can't wait to see it finished. From what I've experienced and I've only machine quilted 1 quilt (almost done with the second) and 2 tree skirts, is that the center is the hardest as you have so much to get through that little space. When you get to the edges it's easier as you have less going through the little space. Keep going, you'll see how much fun it is! and when you get brave enough to not stitch in the ditch, like my second quilt, every time you finish a line you want to pull it out and look at your work. that's probably why mine is taking so long!