Thanks to all of you!! There are so many creative and clever ideas...wish I had the time and patience to try them all!!! I tried black, and a gray....ended up that I am using colors that match each one...lol...the sashing will be the plaid, or black with white or yellow lines stitched down the middle to mimic a road, another clever idea from here...Love this board, and again....big huge thanks to you all!! Will post pics when finished...
K

I like the way a blanket stitch looks, and in black it would look great. I don't think it adds as much bulk as a satin stitch.

I think black thread or dark navy blue...also the plaid fabric you used in some of the blocks would be cute for the sashing..I think the others are too busy and would take away from the block design...maybe you could use one of them for the backing...just MHO...cute blocks..some lucky little guy will love it!! crafty_linda_b

I saw a sewing show once where the instructor suggested using a dark brown/black for blanket stitch because it didn't seem as harsh.

So cute!!!!

I usually do the matching color thing too but in this case I would choose your sashing and then stitch the applique in a color that matches the background in that fabric. That will pull it all together, colorwise and it will be much faster than doing the color matching thing. I like the plaid fabric for the sashings, personally. What ever you choose, it will be a fun and delightful quilt.

I'm glad you did a sample. Sometimes what seems to look like the best choice looks terrible or not as good on my sample. It would have been sad to not be happy with your end result. Can't wait to see the finished product!

I would have to agree with white, the background color.

my vote for black blanket stitch.

I would applique with black, use black sashing plaid corner stones and the plaid cut on the bias for the binding.