My ambitious sewing project

In January, I decided I needed a new project.  So I started making this quilt for my daughter's birthday.  I've still got a long way to go, but after 4 trips to the quilt shop and countless hours, I'm making good progress!

I started with this fabric.

And this pattern

I spent a lot of time cutting

 more time piecing

 I made 15 "friendship star" blocks and 24 "churn dash" blocks, cut a few setting triangles....

 I think it's going to look great!!

Now I just have to sew it all together, back it, quilt it, and bind it.  My daughter's birthday is in 1 week.  I think this might be a Christmas present....

Why I don't make toys

 I worked really hard at making my daughter some cute paper dolls.  I found the fabric at the quilt shop, cut out all the dolls and their clothes, backed them and even made a cute carrying pouch for all the clothes and dolls.  I knew it would be so much fun for my daughter to play with and keep her quiet during church. 

But everytime I get them out, my daughter looks at me and says, "no, let's just clean them up."  Fine, I'll just play with them by myself because I think they are cute and fun!!