That was an ambitious project for a first run and you did a beautiful job on it. Your niece is gorgeous and while she might not have been thrilled with more than the box right then once its her blankie she will spend many a night curled up with it, cry on it, roll all over it, not be able to sleep without it.. it will be HER blanket and then... you get the thank you that we often wish the 'others' (those who don't quilt) are unable to give. I think the best thanks is the feeling I get inside when I gift something special that I have made. Making it makes me feel good (already a win situation) and giving it feels even better (a double win). Thats why we go on and make more and more.. creating something beautiful is a sharing a little piece of who we are. I love the reward of seeing my finished projects.. and immediately put them out of my mind.. so many more to start.