I love it just the way you have it, can't wait to see the finished project.

Another thought on the blue fabric, there are some that range from light to darker within a color family. Batik Cascade comes to mind. If you added up all the blues, there are at least 16 colors. It might be something to get 1/4 yard of each and experiment. Here's a link.

http://www.avlyn.com/collections/batik-cascade_latest/

Sewcrafty, I understand now. That's a great idea! I've never done paper piecing, but this is a good place to try it.

Now I'm torn between solids and the batik idea.
Also at http://www.keepsakequilting.com/prod...OON-MEDLEY.htm
there are 7 blues shown; maybe I can use those in combination with some of the batiks. What do y'all think of that?

It is going to be very hard to find 12 gradations of blue unless you can find hand dyes, or better yet, dye your own. Blue is the hardest hue to blend seamlessly. Your design is lovely and I wish you the best of luck in finding fabrics to make it sing!

If you could find fabric to fit the design you have, it would be stunning. I would pick prints that would blend in with any solids you have and go from there. Good luck with your hunt. Once you decide, take your time finding the fabric and don't give up.

I love all your comments--they're so helpful and encouraging. Thanks so much!
And hi to all the other Carols!
Carol

I say use solids for the large space inside the star and batiks for the points.

I'm thinking this would be an awesome quilt in hand dyed fabrics

I don't know anything about hand dyed fabrics. Where do you find them? Are they as durable/washable as commercial fabrics?