It makes a whole world of difference when you use a darker small border to frame it. It tends to stop the eye and then you can go to a print (of almost any color) to do the outer border. I think the problem was not so much the colors, but the blending of one print directly into another. I really like the dark green frame border. And, I understand the dilemma. I have had to take small pieces and be creative in putting them together to make that last little bit for the last block!!!!