For me it depends on the pattern and the project. I just finished a block for a swap and pressed the seams to the side so that they would all nest at the intersection of the star. Looking back I think that if I had pressed the seams open it would have allowed the fabric to lay flatter. The pattern I'm doing now is one where I'm pressing the seams all to the darker fabric and it is working out very nicely. I guess what I'm saying is that it depends on the project and the pattern. Your top is beautiful and given the pattern I would have pressed the seams to the side. When I FMQ I've had no problem with either way on the seams. The colors you have in your quilt are terrific, it is going to be a real beauty after you've quilted it. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and your fantastic work.