I am just starting to add plaids to my quilts. I like the interest they add. I won't wear plaids, but I do like them in other things. I think it is the symmetry maybe?
Anyway, I made pine trees using the flying geese pattern, and some of them are a green and black plaid. I think it is whimsical.
You might try using the plaids for bear paw, or log cabin piecing. And making the border or binding from plaids always looks good to me!
As for stripes, they really point to other blocks because they are so directional, so I am careful when using them, and stand back from the design board to consider before actually sewing them in.
Good luck, welcome back and post pics of your final product!