I have to tell you, that I struggle with my fabric placement all the time. I don't know why, but I found that if I make sure to use at least one light, one medium and 1 dark fabric, the quilt does not look like one hue. I also stick to simple patterns that with certain fabrics, a few come out stunning. This bargello was made entirely from scraps given to our church group of sewers. I keep adding and subtracting, moving the fabric until I think it looks great. That is why I have 5 design walls in my small apt.