I like the "eggplant" suggestion. I know a lot of people don't like purple, but I do. Also, you can change the color of the applique if you want--make a different color bird or change the leaves to fall colors--anything goes. It's your project, after all.

Grays, blacks, charcoall, and charcoal browns and values thereof. It would feel even more wintry

I would think creams pale beige tans ecru....would look good and still have the center motif show up well.

greens, pinks, lavender & purples.

Really you could change it our to whatever shades are your favorites.

Use your favorite color if this project is for you.

What colors do you like? I think if you go with a light enough version of your favorit colors, this will become your favorite quilt ever. I love anything with birds on it. Can't wait to see what you do with it.

Bright pink or limr green. Maybe red.

Why not do it in yelllows or greens or oranges mauves browns I think you could do it with any color of choice even inreds the only thing is you may have to change the bird..

since this is suppose to be a winter sort of thing I would think shades of light gray through black would look great in the back ground with the freshness of the other colors on top to make them stand out really well.

Ditto.

i've seen some great quilts with orange or red backgrounds. they really pop!!

I'd either go with tans/creams or pale yellows/off whites/creams. All of the suggestions have been good. Think a subtle background would be best. Have fun:)

What about black for more an Amish theme, and grays in place of the whites just a thought as it would still show of the quilting.

I'm glad someone else doesn't like blue. I get remarks all the time when I say that. I have been making myself buy or use it in quilts lately. Still not in love.

I would say any color family you like; just adjust the applique tones.

Whatever colors you go with, that is going to be one beautiful quilt!

can't wait to see your quilt photos

warm quilt hugs, sue in CA

YEAH!!! I am not the only NON-Blue Person...what is wrong with deep greys, black, deep plum for background. The only blue is deep deep navy blue, that looks black. All your appliques can be stunning with beautiful peaches, greens, yellows in BATIK...in fact I will try these colors. Be impressive, the deep colors show up gorgeous, don't be blah blue, white is so white, anyone can use that, use your colors you like.....be different, and more important, have fun switching. Don't forget, the color wheel is great to see the opposites, or a paint chip card, those are free at the local hardware. Enjoy, lil-gma

Yellows.. I love a very soft, clear, buttery yellow for a background. Everything looks fresh and beautiful against the right light yellow!

How about a Burgandy or dark forest green. I love the pattern - I also like blue, but I don't think blue works well with this pattern. All of the suggestions make above are all great also. It really depends on what colors you like. Good luck with your choices and I am sure it will turn out to be beautiful no matter what color you choose.

Neutrals, tans browns, etc. But personally, I would use grays in different shades

Nix to the blue too. I think some nice taupe shade would let the applique stand out nicely.

My first thought was to use a black background, maybe black and grey shades then use what ever color for the applique. My second thought was shades of soft yellows.
I don't know why, but I like black backgrounds on some quilts it really makes things pop.
Decide what colors your applique is going to be and go to your stash and lay colors of the applique on different fabs and see what really hits you.

I would keep with the season and maybe do a "winter sky", snow's on it's way background, light grey, dove grey etc. From there I would choose the color of the stars, auditioning maybe soft yellows, whatever you like. The bird seems to be the focus so pick a color of flower petals that doesn't take away from him.

Oh, this is really nice! I would probably change the flowers to red - they look like poinsettias to me--then do the background in tans-neutrals. I may have just added another quilt to my wanna-do list...

I would try greens or grays. Where leaves touch the green make sure you have a contrasting green that shows up. Gray would make it a late winter sky look.

Another Michiganer I had the same thougt of gray.

I would say choose the color you do love, then adapt your applique if necessary to look nice with it. Since it's mostly white, little change should be necessary. You could do it in pinks, peaches, greens, browns, purples, reds; the rainbow is yours for the choosing. Pick your favorite color, then some shades of it as noted for the blue just substitute your color. Be brave, be bold, just go for it!!

[quote=mollymct]I agree![/quote

If you're thinking winter colors, how about greys (light to dark), grey to black or maybe purples.

I agree - I think yellows and oranges would be beautifull!

pinks or tans

I'm not sure what plant that's supposed to be. The leaves are holly leaves but those aren't holly berries.

Anyway, I'm thinking about going with a purply-gray. I need some of the darker purple in this picture and maybe one more dark but I have all the other fabrics.