I think the lovely stripes you have pieced are lost on the gray or off-white or whatever it is. I get the feeling that the stripes are a road to somewhere and I would like to see the side of the road in red or green or something vibrant to show off the road. I love the stripes and think you have a done a masterful job of piecing them, but unless you are building a road through a snow-scape, I fear they will be lost. froggyintexas

When you posted the picture on page 3 I think it was showing the red piping I think it looks fabulous on that gray background. It is subdued. The stripe background makes it appear brighter. Either would work but definitely do the red piping around your black and whites.

I think the red would be a better choice between these two options. I love the nice tubular work you have started here. Very fun. I personally would go for a turquoise background.

After reading through all of the posts just had to add my 2 cents. Using your red and cutting narrow biasis strips to applique around your other pieces will add interest to what you have done already, you might also vary it with the striped white and black; the gray background is just that the background that you are building on. I think your gut is already telling you what you want to do, go for it you are on the right track and the red background is just way too overwhelming.

I like it and your curves are way cool. I made a copy so I do not forget the curves.

Here is another 2 cents worth:) I like the little red strip and the gray back ground!! love your strips!!

This may be a little wild but how about red for the background. A reasonable red, not something so loud that it will take over the quilt. I love the design and the use of curves.

I agree with petpainter, let us know what you decide.

I know I suggested a red background earlier, but seeing it behind the road and what you're trying to do ( stay with back, grey, white for your show theme), i will say i like your thin red contour lines . I yhink a charcoal batik would be pretty background with a black/white/red thin border. Don't you just love all the mishmash of opinions??. Lol

Thanks everyone for the comments, still undecided but I didn't get to the LQS yesterday (sinus headache) so heading there shortly to test some background fabrics. I will be sure and let you all know what I choose to do. I did try a white background but it was just too stark for what I am looking for. Will take some more photos after the LQS visit and see what you think.