Thanks for all the responses and ideas! Much to ponder. I did buy more of the solid red today so that's a possibility. I'll let you know what I decide but not sure when I can show a photo of the finished product since I now have about five quilt tops and have yet to send one to a LAQ (there are many here in town, I know; I just haven't contacted anyone yet). I handquilted the first quilt I ever made and am in the process of handquilting another but I'm very sloooooooowwww. I'm yet too chicken to try quilting a large quilt on the machine, though I've done wall hangings and tabletoppers and mugrugs. Also, if I use a solid back for this quilt I'd like a pretty pattern, not just straight quilting.
Currently the top is about 67x81. Making it larger with additional borders would be good, I think.
Thanks again, everyone!
Marilyn