I agree with the others about the 1" or even just a 3/4" sashing. That will merge everything together and make it work out. A second thought.....Your choice of background fabric is not one I would have chosen. I don't like it when squares don't match up, so it would drive me crazy trying to keep the integrity of the quilt pattern and the checkerboard fabric pattern. The sashing will help with that issue of it not matching up too. BTW...a very good effort there with your hearts. I like all the colors of the hearts and how you placed them. You have a good eye.