another block completed - I'm getting faster at the pine branches.  which is a good thing because there are several blocks worth of them.

After fighting with the rocking horse and trying to make the embroidered mane look like something other than a bald man with a comb over, I've decided to pull that block.  I arranged what I have left and I think it works better without it.  Here is the preliminary layout.  My cousin and I conferred over the weekend and agreed the Merry Christmas should be in the center.  

I still need to do the long garland block across the top, but since the size has changed some due to me adding the nutcracker and re-arranging, I need to wait until I decide on the sashing size before I do that one.  I don't want it to be the wrong size, so it will be the very last block after everything else is trimmed and pieced.  All the blocks are appliqued except for the nutcracker now.  But I've only done the embroidery on 3.  Still it's going pretty well.  There is a small chance this may even be a quilt in time for this Christmas.  MAYBE

It’s looking really good!

Your blocks are absolutely awesome,, Dee.  Those pine branches look so realistic.  I have faith you will have it done by Christmas.

Those are looking *so* great!

That is a lovely work of art you are creating.

I so do hope you are able to finish it in time for Christmas.  It is such a work of art it needs to have a place this Christmas.

Jo

You are really making progress on your Dear Jane, 4 sq inches at a time.

These blocks will make a beautiful wall hanging.  If I remember right, that is your intent.  Your little pine branches look real.

At the rate you are going with this project and likely a desire to have it done by Christmas you should get there. It looks really pretty. Just a side note.........on the horse, you could design an applique mane instead of the embroidery and then make a few wavey lines when quilting it...........at this point it is no longer part of your quilt but you could use it for a pillow or some other small project.

It looks really good!  Glad practice is helping you go faster.  I hope practice will help you relax and enjoy the process.

Cris in MT