Thank you everyone for the quick feedback. All of my scrappies have been controlled as well - my avatar is one that was only red, yellow, green, blue. That's been the extent of my experience here.
I really like the idea of making a light and dark stack and letting the colors fall as they may. I think I will try this. I also like that by hand appliqueing, it will be a great take-along project. I am realistic though in knowing that it will probably take a year or more, especially since I will hand quilt it when I finish the top.
Again, thanks so much! It's a bit intimidating for me to take on a project of this type and not know exactly what it will look like when it's done. I feel more confident after reading all of your responses.