It's hard to imagine the florals and plaids together without pics. It might help you if you take some pics and upload them to the computer.
I made the Sweet Menagerie and it was one of my favorite quilts. I will make another one day. I also love log cabins. The one in my avatar I used Tonga Treats Meringue for the lights. They do vary slightly in color up close, but from a distance look monochromatic. I don't mind the look though.