Hi Karla, I read all of the posts and my first thought is if there is a fabric you hate or you think just doesn't belong then your eye will always zero in on that fabric. This happened to me, that's how I know it to be true. I personally love all the fabrics as they are. There is a maple tree here in Alaska that has that brilliant redish and it reminded me of that tree. Also if you play with "falling leaves" appliqued all over the place that would be just incredible. Karla, any way you work it you will have a masterpiece! We have all seen how beautiful your quilts are and we are anxious for the completion pictures!!!
Have a warm and wonderful day and THANK YOU for being a teacher. I'll bet you love all your little ones. :-D