I had a beautiful piece of falling leaves, orange, red, brown, etc that I made into a simple tablecloth with gold trim on the edges. I kept looking at it and just saw leaves and colors. We used it at a party with friends and in the photographs I finally saw the pattern. It was subtle, but definitely there. Now when I use it I only see the pattern and have to tell myself to appreciate the beauty. So just look from every angle before you start. Also at a sewing class years ago I cut up the most beautiful autumn fabric I ever had to use in quilt blocks. I have regretted that decision ever since. Some pieces are just too good to cut. I brought home several pieces of Hawaiian fabric from a trip there and made a large scale quilt using 12 inch square blocks to keep the patterns in tact.