Krys, do you have a nice quilting embroidery design that would work. I noticed that several just have the feathered wreath in them, this will work. of course, I don't know the size of yoru blocks, but is an option. Always, stitch in the ditch is a great way to go with these as well. I also would stick with the black solid if you are using black. Seems to be the trend for the old fashioned quilts. If you did want to modern it up, the varigated thread you mentioned works just as nice. Just my thoughts as you requested.