QM--Yes the kaleidoscopes take awhile, but I really like the results. The Jelly Girl pattern just looks like one, but no stacking fabric...just sew strips together and then cut triangles and put them together to get the effect. Yep, the "big black thing" will always be at the foot of the bed when the quilt is finished. LOL Your applique is great! That is one thing I haven't tried yet.
Dublb--I won't finish my pony club with everyone else either. I am sure you will have a nice time fixing up your new house...even though it will be lots of hard work too! Maybe you will have to schedule some sewing in your week too!!
Here is a picture of my dog, Ginger (quilt inspector) and her sister Beatrice.