I think the light green leaves give it texture that seems lacking in the lighter fabric w/o the leaves. I also think the stars are quite visible with the beige/leafy fabric, although they jump off the page with the other. But they don't seem to have the depth without the leafy fabric. Interestingly, I have some of the cherry fabric, and I'm using it with a faded brick solid and a beige with small green leaves. Not part of a line, just looked right together. Maybe that's why I like the leafy fabric. Great job on the quilt. I have never done a kit, and rarely a ready-made pattern, but they are easier to figure out! Great luck on your project. It already looks great!