Sprocket ... Mes Felicitations!
Enjoy your quilt!! and be proud of your accomplishment.
I love the tonal mix of fabrics. Your work is well done with the seams matching incredibly well.
Don't let your friends discourage you. Sounds like you stretched beyond their normal expectations for you. Maybe there is some jealousy amidst their laughter, that you did what they cannot or will not try? So good for you!!
Allow yourself a bit of a break ... then yes, after Christmas, quilt #2 is yours to make!
Bonne Chance!
