If you don't like scrappy, you might not like to use your different whites all in one quilt. But if you are making the quilt just to use up fabric you have and you intend to give it away, it doesn't so much matter how much you will like it, but rather if the recipient likes it! :-)

I did a couple of block swaps here on the Board (I did the Disappearing 4Patch swap more than once because my son liked my quilt so much that he asked for one like it), where we used white for the background of the block. We did not specify a particular white, or brand of fabric, so the participants in the swap used different shades of white, also some used white/on white--of which, of course, there is a huge variety!

The pictures from a distance don't show the variances of white that much, but that's how it is in person too. You see that the background is white, it sort of blends all together to your eye, but on close inspection, you see the white/on white prints, etc. But isn't that how it is with all pieced quilts that use a variety of prints? Up close, you see what you see, and often, also, you remember what you remember. :-)

I use cotton sheets from Goodwill, and lots of times the white ones are faded, sun-washed, or have colored to a pale creamish color in the center from use that can't be bleached out. I might cut some of the center out if it's worn, but if it's good quality fabric and has lots of life left in it, then I use it for 'scrappy white.' I love to find an old, but new in package, high quality muslin that is sooo white it looks almost pale blue. :-) It gives a great look when mixed in with the others.

Thank you so much to everyone who have taken the time to comment. There is a lots of ideas, links and gorgeous quilts in this thread! This is very inspiring.

I found myself in the same position a year or two back and decided that I needed to expand my repertoire, stretch a little. I still have a hard time mixing whites and reds together, but I am glad I tried. I understand that it might not work for you, but What the hey! give it a shot.