Oh boy...looks like most of you think I should do a meander. I have never "free motion" quilted on a large project. I have done a lot of runners and placemats for practice. I am a little scared to tackle this one with my "lack of" FM skills. It is for a gift. But a large meander wouldn't interfere with the flow.
That's why I thought of going with the flow and using the lines..
i am seriously thinking of getting a long arm so I can solve this problem once and for all! Guess I should just jump in and start the search for one.