Thank you all so much for your kind words! Your encouragement keeps me moving forward on it.
@hopetoquilt: to answer your questions…. Yes, I am using same print fabric (blue) and using small muslin pieces to break up the pattern. My background is "premium muslin" bought from Hobby Lobby. It tends to give a lot so if you have a choice and have the funds, I would recommend 100% cotton as I don't think it would stretch as bad. I'm sure one of these nice peeps could better advise. I would think it would be heavier using something other than muslin, though. Not sure I am making since, but hope it helps. I am reposting one of my earlier photos being it is closer. This is when I was deciding layout, etc. Therefore windows in part of it weren't finished at the time. If you click on the photos, they should open up larger in a separate window.