I think this is the pattern: https://www.harvesthousequilting.com...n-x2833366.htm

I think stars would work well.... Maybe use orange as sashes... I made & gifted my 2 DGSs graduation quilts with lots of stars....

What an awesome quilt, Margaret.
Perfectly masculine but bright and cheery too!

I like this one, too.

My first thought is "autumn", since orange is a dominant color in fall fabrics. Orange, dull green, and brown; something with pieced leaves? Or if you choose another pattern you could use fabric with autumn leaves.