If this is your 1st quilt, what will you try next? This is fabulous. With all those colors maybe a black for the border so it doesn't take away from them. On the batting, it depends on whether you want it fluffy and soft or sturdy I guess. I used to use W & N but have gone to Hobbs 80/20 as that's all I can get locally. It makes for a warm quilt here in Iowa so I'm happy. I still can't get over this being your 1st quilt, its amazing. WELL DONE!!!!