I am currently working on an Asian themed quilt that is a take off a quilt I saw at Bennington quiltfest last year. Here is a link to pictures, it is the 16th quilt picture.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-65580-1.htm
It was all different Asian print fabrics cut in a circle and appliqued onto varying shades of beige background. Very simple easy applique. Because I don't have a pattern of any sort I am winging it. I am appliqueing 5" circles on 6 1/2" unfinished squares but I am setting mine on point. It is handwork so going slow. I know you mentioned you didn't like applque so maybe you can modify so it is a square in a square or square with a shadow behind it like this quilt done in rectangles.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-119660-1.htm
Pocoellie, your quilt is just beautiful! If you have lots of fab left you should make yourself one too!