Thanks, everyone for your help and suggestions.
I have been practicing with leftover blocks and I think the FMQ will be OK.
I bought some Decobob thread in Lilac and Charcoal, which is an 80 weight and it blends really well as long as I'm careful. Took some adjusting, as I double batted it, but I think I've got it right.
Now I just have to get up the nerve to start on the actual quilt!
Watson