I like the idea of taking off the yellow and using a dark frame and making the block 9 inches. Perhaps you might want to turn some of the blocks so its not a directional quilt. If you use the "other" fabric for the border, sew them so they go clock wise around the quilt. This may help make it not so directional. As for the back perhaps you can cut the fabric into larger blocks and sew them in different directions too. You probably can tell I am not fond of directional quilts.
ellifour