i looked at the mccall's picture and i see why it would drive you insane - there's all that white between the images and the border! i like your addition idea...it won't seem odd or like a mistake once you do that.
but i am so sorry that you have to take out hand quilting. there's a rule in my house...never ever take out hand stitching (except when you have to and then you are allowed to cry cry cry.)
aileen