The FIRST thing I'd do is add the white background color all around. The edges of your "H" and "E" leave no space. You want HOPE to float in the center. I suggest your red fabric somewhere in the border, and multiple borders might help, also. The quilt is just a bit washed out; so perhaps the slate blue (your O) for a thin inner border, and the red for the outer border. I think this will make a huge difference. Nice work on the quilt!