Thanks to all of you! I had not heard of Mc Tavishing. I went to the web site for a closer look. Yes, that is closer to what I want to do. Some of my background space is very tight. She tends to have her "rows" pretty far apart. Would you go with a thread that is close in color to the background fabric (thereby putting the focus on the applique) or a contrasting color to show the quilting? Would a mid tone (like a beige) work for an all over, unifying the piece, or would that look like I was too lazy to change colors? This is the first quilt I have designed myself, top to bottom and I don't want to screw it up now!
Another million thanks for answering this one!!
bev. :]