How about reversing the background and rings. A beautiful rich dark eggplant purple background and lighter rings that shade from light to dark.
May all be well for you through your ordeal.
You have a year, get going! This is another pattern that people are afraid of. I haven't made mine yet but I do like curved piecing. Not really that hard.
Does anyone know the site for the tutorial on making this without the curves. I thought I had it marked but no luck.
hat ever you choose, keep us updated.
peace