This was my fist try at Maria Elkins technique, which I just knew was going to be hard and beyond me, well so glad I was wrong on both counts. I learned about new threads and other stuff along the way and loved this technique. Thumbs up Maria and thanks so much for sharing your wonderful techniques. This is my little sister and I'm going to give this to her husband for Christmas. I can't wait to make another one of these. There are things I'll change next time around, but over all I was pleased with this 1st try.