I like plain too

I haven't tried one yet, but why couldn't you use cottons. It's you quilt and you can do what you want. I can't wait to see it.

I would use a tone on tone in a slightly off white if you are using 30's reproduction prints. White is too bright for it.

Hi,
Please post pictures so we can enjoy

You want to see the Sunbonnet Sue's not the background, tone on tone white or off white, but not muslin. I feel muslin has it's place but not on the front of a quilt that so much time and love has been put into. If you are using good quality fabric for the Sue's, also put good quality fabric in the background. You'll be happier with the end product.

I agree and the tone on tone prints take away the "plain" look. I think they add a lot of subtle detail to a block.