Rose of Sharon quilt

I fell in love with the Rose of Remembrance quilt based on the Rose of Sharon.  This was a contest sponsored by Electric Quilt.  The winning blocks  submitted were made into this quilt.  Oklahoma Embroidery made an embroidery design collection from the winning blocks.  There is also a book of all the blocks sent into the contest. The books can be used to make the blocks by machine applique.  I saw three different versions of this quilt at the Houston Quilt Market last fall. I wanted to make one for myself.  Be careful what you ask for.  The book used a "quilt as you go" method.  I had never done this before and wanted to give it a try.  This was suppose to be my Spring project for the store - Bernina of Plano.  Well, it is now May 11th and it is not finished yet.  I did get the blocks completely together today and two borders on.  I still have to attach the two other borders, quilt over the sashing and borders, and bind the quilt.  I'm just happy that it is in one big piece now.  I don't think I will do the quilt as you go method again any time soon.  I love the creative process of piecing a quilt top.  I am happy to let someone else decide on the quilting.  So, to the people who do my quilting, your jobs are secure.  To those quilters who say you should have your quilt completely planned out (quilting and all) before you start (and you know who you are), I say it takes the fun out of the creative process.  I will be so happy to get this quilt done.  I got overwhelmed in the middle and put it aside for a few weeks.  Now that it is almost done, I am excited about it again.  It is really turning out beautiful.