Wow..that is your first? Amazing!!

It is evident that you are a talented person and up to any challenge. To gift such piece is indeed a sweet, loving gesture.

Beautiful! Keep up the great work.

beautiful!!! can't wait to see the finished quilt. you do great work!!! She will be so happy to get that quilt!!
here's a small work for someone not wanting to do such detailed piecing-http://www.fromthebluechair.com/2011/09/mug-rug-madness.html

Absolutely amazing - your first quilt, that you would do such a wonderful job on a project this advanced, the color combination....good heavens! Please post as you go along - I can't wait to see the finished product! Amazing!

Oh wow! Thank you so much everyone! I was expecting three or four people to reply, you all are making me feel so special! To answer a couple questions:
It is a Lockwood pattern called Starburst (http://www.lockwoodquilts.com/store/...starburst.html)

@DogHouseMom: I'm actually not using the paper piecing pattern, there are directions for regular piecing (is that what it's called?) or paper piecing. The paper piecing seemed more complicated. Maybe I should have done it that way if the y-seams are easier. Next time...

And yes, my sister is very special so she deserves a very special quilt. I know that she will appreciate it. She made me a beautiful log cabin quilt for my wedding last year, so I kinda owe her.

I think that I've got quilting in my blood. My grandma is an amazing quilter and I grew up playing in her basement while she quilted. It must have rubbed off. :)

I'll keep posting updates as it moves along. Thanks again everyone!

Beautiful job. Keep up the good work.

Well my dear, for a first quilt, you sure picked a doosy...and you sure did a splendid job! Each quilt gets easier as you learn short cuts and little tricks. You have real talent, don't stop now!

Gorgeous! You are working on a masterpiece.

You did tackle a big project for a first quilt. It is going to absolutely gorgeous. Can't wait to see your finished pics. You have a wonderful future ahead of you as a quilter