I think you did a very good job putting your scraps together, getting a lot of color variation along the sides. I agree with others, if you find the red and white a little too much you can embroider or applique in the white areas, or quilt all over with a multi-colored thread - I think that will tie the colors all together. I personally think it's a nice quilt and I think your intended recipient will agree. As always, we are our own worst critics!