Thanks for all the kind words!
I do think my reluctance to proceed has to do with my most recent foray into machine quilting (one for my DD that is still a WIP) that did not look like I wanted it to and this one is a gift for a special person (the one injured in the explosion in West) and I really want it to look great. She is supposed to be moving into a new place this weekend and I do want it done for a housewarming gift. So guess I need to get busy and just sit down at my machine and start stitching!