Thanks for all the comments - it is really so interesting to have a little peek into other quilters' though processes. I really identify with the comment about the moment when a quilt becomes a quilt - I love that too - when I start the quilting and the texture starts going into it, it really comes alive. I'd love a long arm one day but for now am enjoying FMQ on my Janome - at least then I actually handle the piece - though if it were on a long arm frame, I guess I could stroke it lots. :-D
By the 'race to the finish'comment, I didn't necessarily mean that all of these would be easy or straightforward projects - my question was more about the attitude of mind while working. Even a complex project could be rushed and not enjoyed. I'm so happy to read that so many ppl DO actually enjoy the process - some comments I've read in other threads recently have made me think that too many see quilt-making as a chore. Hence my OP. :D