k3n - thanks so much for the links to the tute and to JoanneS's OBW. Her OBW was the one that let me know I could go ahead with a muted fabric and hopefully create something enjoyable. I'm not using squares in mine though and I have very little light value showing .... am getting anxious to get this done (I only have 3 rows sewn - life keeps getting in the way --- ;o))
Thanks to all the women who sent encouraging PMs - this is just the most fantastic board populated by the most fantastic people. I will post a picture of the quilt when it's done along with the picture of the original fabric. Someone asked in this thread where this fabric was from and I honestly don't know. It's been in my small stash for awhile and was my 5th. choice for an OBW since the first 4, when laid out, just didn't work for me.