Thank you feline fanatic, I think that's exactly what I needed to hear. I'd like to take it to a longarmer once it is finished so hopefully if I just take my time and go slow it'll turn out okay. According to the pattern I have the blocks will finish at 9".
And thank you for complimenting my little buddy's (Harley) picture, well, he's 90 pounds so not exactly a "little" bud, LOL. Those Shilohs are gorgeous dogs, too.