Thank you everyone! I joined this board a while back and I've asked lots of questions, wouldn't have been able to finish without your help.
So this was the scoop. I decided to make a quilt for Christmas for my niece who lives in Missouri. I've never made a quilt before.
I've been working my tail off on it, and here it is!
I made a matching pillow sham for her- the quilt is a twin, the sham is a standard pillow size (20x26). The first picture shows them both.
We just celebrated Christmas down in IA with my DH's family, the second picture is her daddy holding the quilt up, right after opening.
Third picture is Nasaria (niece) sitting in the box, way more excited about the box than the quilt. Sigh... she's only 1 1/2, what else to expect huh?!
I was hoping for, as I'm sure many do, a grand thank you, tears, etc... none of which I got, which was okay I guess... I just sat there looking at all the blood, sweat and tears that went into it and my heart sank a little bit. lol!
But I'm okay with it, had to let it go, had to accept that it's a gift, and they can do with it what they please. Another sigh... :)
So here it is!!! Let me know what you think- it was definitely not perfect, but I was so in love with it anyway.
Thanks again, everyone, for all the help and suggestions on it. I literally couldn't have finished without everyone's help.

It turned out great! You can't really expect too much in the line of thank you. Most people don't understand how hard it is to get a quilt done.

Awww, isn't she precious! You did a WONDERFUL job!!

Look at that third picture......

THAT'S why we quilt

What a cute quilt and a darling niece!!!

Her father looks very Happy .. and at 1 1/2 sadly they like the boxes and paper more . Someday she will Thank You for the quilt it looks perfect to me :lol:

Yes, he liked it. I should have specified- I knew Baby wouldn't be thrilled with it because what does she care?! lol. Mom was the one who was like, oh, thanks... and moved on to the next gift.
Egh.. I know that it's the thought that counts. :)

Well WE all appreciate seeing it. My family had no clue what went into quilting (and how much they can sell for!!!!) until I started quilting. Now they really appreciate it. I think you did a BEYOND amazing job for your first quilt. I am truly impressed. It is beautiful and we know and you know all of the love that is in that quilt. I am sure the lil babe will love it as well!

Only quilters really understand all the love, time and thought that goes into making a quilt!! So, unless they live with you and know what you go thru, they will never understand!!

Your quilts if WONDERFUL!!!!! If it came here, I'd be jumping out of my seat!! You did fabulous my dear! Keep it up.

Don't let Mom get you down. In a few years when all the toys are broke and gone , the quilt will still be there :thumbup: