I had a hard time finding background fabric too. I was thinking about either black or white or dark purple but not a solid. I wanted something with some design to it. I ended up with a kinda navy blue with a purplish cast to it. There is a little pink and green in it too. Keep looking it is out there somewhere.
I need to finish one more UFO then I am starting my New York Beauty. I have been making myself finish 2 UFO's before I start each new project. Maybe I will get to the bottom of the UFO pile sometime this year. I am making a wall hanging out of 4 Vermont blocks. I have 3 finished. I hope to finish it soon.
Pat