Thanks all! The sashing will be thinner than in the picture and will be closely quilted with freehand doodles, probably with a variegated pastel that reads white from a distance. And I'll use cotton batting for the shrinky effect. So it probably will look less plain when it's done, and more like an antique. I'm also going to add another column of blocks, so even the layout of the blocks right now will change. I love the idea of using Seuss for a border, so I'll test that. If I can't get it working right away, I'll probably just use it as a backing.
I'm happiest with the less busy version, so I'm more likely to finish it! I only wish I'd made the 9 patches smaller. I debated. The reasons I went with the large size were (1) I wanted it to be a quick quilt because I doubt the level of appreciation for quilts; (2) Horton was too big and I couldn't get a full shot of him in a smaller block.
But I've also made two revelations from this project.
1. I will never again try and make a "quick" quilt with an idea I've never used before.
2. To cure busy-ness, move the blocks farther from each other.
I really need to make notes for future quilts.
Oh and the third revelation. The members of this board are really helpful, sweet and kind. So thanks for your further input.