i love the softness of the original. but my first thought when i saw the dark was to make the alternate rings dark.

I think it will be gorgeous as is! Tartan used the word soft and I think that fits it perfect, not washed out at all! Once it is quilted it will be beautiful!

I like the mid pink as i think it lifts it but looks like it still belongs where as the darker pink detracts and draws my eye to it too much. Good luck.

Not all quilts need to be bright and bold.
I too like the insipid washed out look as you called it ... I'd call it soft, subtle and subdued.
Nothing wrong with that!

I wouldn't make any changes without the other person knowing ... or she may be totally disappointed when you deliver it to her.

And maybe, just maybe ... the way it is now, is exactly what she wants!

I like the washed out one :)

I like the first one-would NOT add the pinks Let the quilting enhance the centers when done Good luck

I like them all :)

Why not use them all? I like all your fabric choices. I vote all the more color the better. Good luck! Can't wait to see it finished!

I like the subtlety of the first one, it' is soft and comforting! Don't change it, go with it!

The original colors would not be right for me; I would be bored to death before the top was finished. But --- those fabrics might be right for the recipient. I think you could probably use different fabrics in the same family (not darker, just different patterns) to add more interest. You may be trying to make it into a bolder quilt, but all that it really needs IMHO is more variety. But the first thing I would do is show it to the recipient and gets his/her opinion.