Thanks everyone for the nice words of encouragement. The border won't have to be very big, since the blocks are 20" square. So my plan right now is to maybe but the flat side of each half block up against the inside edge of the quilt with the rounded and pointed ends of the "plates" facing the outside edge. So if I use say a 10" border and use half dresden plates, I would still have a flat edge which would be easier as far as putting the binding on. I don't have any computer program so I may have to do rough sketches to see how I like it. Or I could just applique the border and turn it either way to see how I will like it. Now I am going to have to find some repros. I have some, but don't think they are going to go well with the fabrics that are in the blocks. I am not in a big rush but do need to get moving if this is to be ready by Christmas.
I will be machine quilting it, cause I just got my John Flynn frame. I just have to get longer rails for a queen size quilt.