I just took a class from Leah Day on Craftsy and one of the things she taught me is that texture in the open spaces can add so much to a quilt. The embroidery, since it was chosen by your grandson should always be the focus, but each square can be a different pattern (ie: diamonds, circles etc.). It is not only fun for the quilter but for the recipiate. The items left unquilted (such as the sashing) will pop.