Thanks everyone. I think I learned a lot by doing this quilt. I concentrated on the journey rather than the finish line, and refused to put a strict deadline to finish it. I am able to sit and quilt and totally enjoy the process. I was literally shocked this week when I realized I'm about 1/2 way finished! At this rate, it SHOULD be finished by Christmas, but if it's not it is no biggie. Quilting should be all about doing what makes us happy and just having fun without putting any unnecessary pressure on ourselves. I feel like handquilting is like having the ability of giving a little piece of me to someone I love. AND, the more I do, the easier it gets! I only bent ONE needle so far.
