January Snowballs

I've joined a quilt-a-long for snowball and nine-patch blocks that I found here. The challenge is to make six of each block each month. My challenge for myself is to use as much of my stash as possible, although at some point I'm sure I will have to replenish!

I had a couple of thoughts about how I wanted to approach the colors for this project, but my stash really dictated the final outcome! I want the nine-patches to recede, so I tried to choose neutrals with similar values.

I really like the polka dots and the See Spot Run fabric on the snowballs, but I'm not convinced that they give me the effect I'm looking for. (Maybe the fact that I don't totally know what effect I'm actually looking for might be part of the problem!)

At any rate, as much as I love this fabric, this block is probably not going to make the cut. Not enough contrast.

But isn't that what a design wall (okay, a sheet on the patio) is all about?