Thanks for the encouragement ladies.
Leaves, thank you, I like that idea and best part is that I can fmq a pretty nice leaf!
I never thought of following a pattern in the fabric. I will definitely keep that in mind when I am piecing next time. There is a really nice pattern there that would have worked out well except it is directional and quilting it would draw attention to the fact that I paid no attention to that when I pieced it :-( .
And yes, I am ready to see this one done. Its why I've reached out for some help. I really don't want to short cut the last bit just because I am anxious to throw it on a bed (or because I joined the UFO challenge and February has been a disaster). I want to make myself finish it in a way that I'll still be happy with next year.
At least now I can change thread colours. I am so tired of looking at that background thread. Oh, one more thing, keep the thread colour subtle for the border right?