Variegated Thread

I finally got my jewel tone variegated thread!  There were so many choices at this sewing store in Madison--I didn't realize variegated "jewel tone" thread came in so many options!  Some thread had more blue in it, some had more reds, some more greens or yellows.  Some changed colors every 1 or 1.5 inch, others had longers stretches of color so it changed in 3 or 4 inches.  Of course then we have rayon, polyester, cotton, silk and embroidery thread to consider.  Ok, no silk, rayon, or embroidery for me.  I got two opposing opinions on polyester vs cotton thread.  One said if it's cotton fabric, ALWAYS use cotton thread.  Another said that's an old wives' tale, polyester thread is better--less "linty" and almost never breaks (unlike cotton thread). So I bought 2 spools of "jeweltone" variegated thread, one with more blue (cotton thread), and one with brighter colors (polyester).  I brought them home and made 2 samples and decided I like the brighter tones better.  (The blue-sy thread seemed too light.) Thus I am using POLYESTER thread for this portion of my quilting.  Here's how it looks!

Using polyester variegated thread to echo the butterfly.

Also you may notice that I decided against decorative stitching after all.  Keep it simple.  I want the butterflies with the echoing to get the focus. You can notice my half circles in the framing strips.  I am also doing a very simple X in the sashing strips for the same reason.  I love these fabrics and don't want to hide them under a lot of quilting stitches.