I'm pretty new at this, and am hoping to get this done for my DD for Christmas. She likes red and gray (Buckeye fan!), and cats. It's about 48" square before borders; each block is 6". I plan to FMQ, which will be a first for me. I can't decide between alternating red and gray blocks (image #1), or doing groupings of 4 blocks each (image #2). I've been dithering for weeks, and now I have to decide! Also, ideas on borders, quilting (something fairly simple), color of thread? (told you I was new!)

I am new to this so dont know about borders and color of thread but I say go with the alternating gray and red I think it is prettier that way.

I took are fairly new;.and I agree, I think the alternating gray and red gives more "depth" to the quilt.

Positively go with the red and gray alternating! That would be my first choice.

Another vote for red and grey. Keep up the good work.

I like it!

No help on the quilting, borders and thread color, but I want to say that I really like your quilt. Both layouts look good but I prefer the alternating red/gray.

oooh, alternating :lol:

alternating

nice choices of fabrics

I think it looks too clumpy when you have it grouped in blocks of four of one color

yes, go with the alternating, it is a surprisingly pretty look, when you said red and grey I thought school uniform, but hey it is so pretty, i'd love to see it again when you have finished. PS be patient with the FMQ it is practice makes perfect!