I love 30's prints, and I love to use a solid against them. I think it makes them pop out more. I use white sheets often as a background fabric, or a solid colored sheet. (200 count all cotton) I machine quilt- I know that sheets are a no-no for hand quilting, because they are too dense. I find that they hold up really well in a quilt for a child- one that might be washed a hundred times in its life.