I usually go to Quilter's Cache and I love Samplers, so I go to the 12" blocks and pick out which blocks match the person and then if it is a coverlet, it is three across/five down and if it is a double it is five across and seven down. I try to use patterns and colors that match the person and the block (center block I may put in a Loon to represent Minnesota for a couple that like to camp in Northern Minn) or whatever I have that goes good together. I try to get a piece of every color, you know Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Violet Brown Black, and then I can choose my border from any of those colors and the backing from any color of the border. Very simple very easy and I am able to personalize each quilt that I make because I put a part of them (who I make the quilt for) into the quilt. Then, of course, I make the book to describe each block and why I used those colors and explain the name of the block and why I used that particular one. The blocks I like I print out andput in a binder and then I have them to go through for the next quilt. You never end up making the same quilt twice. I made a sampler with a square center and made an I Spy quilt for the little girl across the alley. She learned words from that quilt. And I did use harder centers for her to figure out and learn how to say. It's fun. Right? I usually use an ecru on ecru for the sashing or a very very light batik with a myriad of colors in it, so all the blocks will match the batik. Then I use a deeper multi-color for the border and generally a solid back.
Whatever rows your boat is perfect. That is what my mother taught me. Your quilt - your rules. Enjoy. Edie