Thanks for the kudos everyone!
Lou, I was on a short timetable to get mine done, but it's an easy project if you just do the amounts that Sue sets up for us to do each month.
Jan, these are great projects to work up for your Grands!
Cathy, Diane gave you good advice! A confident beginner can absolutely do this quilt, and when you get finished you will be a confident intermediate!
Find a method that works for you. Maybe Sue's paper piecing, or my starched method, or something else that you enjoy.
The most important thing to remember is that this quilt has a LOT of pieces, but if you measure, cut, stitch, and press PRECISELY it will all come together. ALWAYS CHECK THE MEASUREMENTS OF EACH FINISHED BLOCK! If it's not what Sue's directions say it should be, find out why it's wrong and correct your technique before you go on. You might want to take my seam allowance "test" before you get started! It definitely makes a difference!
Test your seam allowance here:
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/569415726bHNKHF
Barbara, after seeing Libby Lehman's video, I've started using a regular (narrow) zig-zag for machine applique. Like she says, the blind hem stitch (which I had used until then) has several stitches that don't do anything to hold the applique in place. The zig-zag just makes more sense! I often use a monofiliment (I've had good luck with YLI brand, and Superior's MonoPoly) or a very fine thread that matches the applique fabric.
Good luck, everyone! I can't wait to see what everyone does.