What about this. Take a 2 1/2" square of background fabric (black, brown, tan, whatever) and sew it to the bottom of each 2 1/2" x 5" strip. Sew these together until you get the length of the quilt you want (minus the borders). Then add a 1" to 2 1/2" strip of background fabric to the long side of the previous strip. Then add another strip of colored fabric + 2 1/2" squares, perhaps starting with a 2 1/2" square so the strip is offset somewhat. Then another background then another colored strip set until you get it wide enough. Stop with a strip of the colored fabric, then add a first border of background fabric, then a larger second border of complimentary print (no florals). Does this make sense?