The more I look at them the more I like the first one - so unless there is a major objection - I am going with my first instincts. I will make the "gentler" one for himeslf. I had planned on making a practice border quilt anyway. My second effort is always better than my first - so now I have a square to put my practice border on. I had a thought. I am going to send a swatch of each fabric with my square. If we did that and each added on to the swatches more swatches of the fabric they used - then we wouldn't have to haul the whole thing to the lqs - unless of course we want to. Just a thought. Jackie