Jubilation at LONG Last!

It is finally here!  After 2 years and 10 months, I have FINISHED my Jubilee Quilt, which celebrated my 50th Birthday, June 2, 2012.

It measures 77" square and I used wool batting.  It has 339 stuffed berries.

Here is where the story started in January 2012.

My dear and late friend, Jill Reid, gave me the red print reproduction fabric for this special project.  She also provided a lot of encouragement during the applique' and early quilting process.  I so wish she was here to celebrate the completion with me.

Here are some close ups:

As you may remember, I started with one muslin ran out, ordered the same muslin, but of course it was slightly different.  That's okay, I think it adds to the "instant antique" look of this quilt.

Thank you for sweet comments about my poor coco.  She has been to vet again twice.  Once for an infection on Saturday and then today.  A few hours after this was taken, her wound opened up and they put her on another week of antibiotics. I will spare you the photo until it is healed.  It will heal with a 1/2 split :(

What a good helper.

Even though I am a little tired of seeing this quilt, I hung it in the dining area to appreciate it's doneness.

If you know me, and lot of you do....you know how I like to celebrate life's milestones.  I have only 20 minutes to wait for 5pm.

While most of the work on this quilt was done alone at home, I am so grateful to my family, friends and blog buddies who have supported and encouraged me.

My whole life changed (literally) during the time it took to make this quilt.  Some of it joyous, some of it sorrowful as life will be.....

I'm grateful for it all.