I use white or natural to piece as well, but if all of my fabrics are similar in color and distinctly NOT white (like red) I go with that color.

I like the suggestion for gray. Now that I think of it, when I mark seam allowances for hand piecing in pencil the white thread ends up kind of gray anyway. I'm going to consider that the next time I'm machine piecing...

Divo is a beautiful Cat.

Thank you for the lovely comments on my kitty. Divo is just an (extra)ordinary kitty. We purchased him from the Humane Society where he had lived for his first 8 months of life. I have no idea of his pedigree, just that I fell for him instantly! I took one look at him and decided he was mine! He's just a love, my little sweetheart. Thank you again.

Ooooopppppsss... got so carried away with my kitty I forgot to say thank you so much for the information on thread colors! You can tell what turns my head! ;-)