I think it looks fabulous! This is very much my style. I think your friend will love it!

Oh no! This was just what would fit on my board. There are 80 blocks all together. I think this is maybe 20 or so :)

I think the busy-ness is caused by too much use of light without a clear rule about where it's used. I'd tone down the corner squares from the stark white to something grey or darker. Use the lighter lights like the beige to create the bouncy light squares to add interest. Also, don't put the lights next door to each other (although I'm sure you're planning to move the ones that are so close.). I'd use random placement of the lighter blocks.

You've done excellent work, but I agree. It's not my cup of tea either. But I would ask your friend. If she says she likes it, then it's good.

I love the way it looks :-) I can't wait to see the finished picture

I think it looks great!

I like it!

I might want to spread out the blonde rectangles too. Just lay out your blocks and make sure the colors balance. Your friends niece will adore it. Lots and lots of modern quilts don't use a border at all and I wouldn't on this one. A dark navy or black narrow binding would be perfect. Have confidence in your abilities. You're doing great!

I'm thinking it is gorgeous. too much white gets bland

I think it's the blaring white.

Looks really good!