You don't mention if you are doing block to block or using setting blocks, etc. Not that it matters, but to me the strip might look great as just a narrow, like 1" finished, before you put on the floral border. That way it would really stand out, and would set off the quilt. It sounds like you really like the strip and personally I think it would make the quilt really sharp. Just a thought. I really like the combination of fabrics which ever way you do it. :thumbup: