So excited...

Today the tree is blooming --- finally, at least the piecing. Counting the week-long class I took to learn how to do this, plus time at home to get it done, fifty hours. This goes to my granddaughter. I'll tell her that she can repay me later, like push my wheelchair.

This one is all pieced, never counted the pieces but lots of them. No applique and a bit of hand-piecing to replace a few pieces that didn't look right when it was done. Changed them out for another fabric. (Oh, just noticed my flash put a funny glare in a couple of places. Ignore.)

The pattern and piecing were done using Ruth McDowell's method, which I like. Drawing the pattern was difficult, but selecting fabrics and fussy cutting them was worse. I'm very pleased with the results even though it took so long and was a big challenge. I suppose the bigger challenge now will be figuring out how to quilt it! I might be calling my instructor and yelling help -- again. LOL!

This is what I've done so far on the Christmas mini. Our church gets one that will be more than twice this size (it will be about 84" square). Mine is about 32" wide. So far all the little pieces are just stuck on with Steam-a-Seam II Lite, not even ironed. Now that the tree is finished (sort of), I can get back to this one... and the Mariner's Sunset monster spread over my pool table.