Hi jlm,
Sometimes it is good to take a creativity trip to the quilt store. Often the ladies have finished quilts hanging up to give you ideas on how to do things that you normally wouldn't think to do. If they don't, ask one of them to suggest something to you. This is a very busy pattern and it would need to be quilted in such a way as to hold down the intersections for it to come out of the wash well.
The stitch in the ditch is a good idea for a beginner, and it would get you off to a good start in quilting. Curves look great on a quilt that has so many straight seams. But, you first have to realize that form follows function. Examine where there has to be anchored down seams, then plan your quilting to incorporate that area into the design. An orange peal would work with this design and would work as visually pleasing.
I am sorry that is the best information I can give you. Remember to look at some quilting books while you are at the quilt store. There are some really good ones that show how to do this.
Last edited by RedGarnet222; 02-22-2012 at 09:20 AM.