i think i'm going to try the tule...i will find a piece the size of the whole center area, and quilt over the top of it...i'm not sure how to deal with the edges quite yet...thinking maybe turn under and sew a piece of fabric around it (like a sashing/border) then sew that to the quilt...after the quilting. i will figure out that part after i get the tule...
new experimentation! i will let you all know how it goes!
thank you for all of your advice.