I have about half of it ditch-stitched now, I moved the sewing machine to the kitchen table per the great advice here, and slowed down quite a bit. It is not going to be perfect, but that will just make it that much more personal...I will remember the struggles of learning to quilt and the hard work that went into it. All of your encouraging posts and helpful tips have been a lifesaver!
I have done one baby quilt and one doll quilt before this one, both were so much easier and enjoyable. I am also looking at better sewing machines now - I love the Brother PQ1500S that one of the members recommended but I will have to save up the $700.