Before you take the blocks apart, why not try laying strips of the extra wide rick rack down between the rows of roses and see how that looks? It could look really nice, and if you disliked it, nothing is lost.All you would have to do then, is sew down the rick rack on both edges of the tape and add a border before you start quilting. I'm of the opinion that something like this will enhance the cross stitch.

I would try the colour of dusty rose first and I believe Moda makes the rick rack. It would be a good way to trial the colours first, even if you didn't go with the rick rack.

I think a very pale mint green would really be pretty, since there is green in every block. But like someone else posted go to the LQS and check out all colors one will eventually suit your fancy. Beautiful work. Glad you found something of your moms to give you lovely memories.

I think sashing it in a vintage repro (30's) would highlight the flowers. They are so soft and graceful that the sashing would frame them beautifully.

I agree with you on putting in sashing. Depends on how simple you want to go and how wide. I'm thinking two sides green, two sides of the color with possibly pinwheels in the corners with the color against the green and green against the color. If you need it even wider you could do three strips of sashing with 9-patch interstections. You could also leave them as is and topstitch the sashing depending on your skill.

That's my though also...
You might want to also consider corner stones ...maybe a different green or even a white. Just thinking.
Those are wonderfully done pieces.

You are going to so love and cherish this quilt your mother made and you finished.

That is so funny. I've completed 2 quilts for someone using this as well as a few other flowers. Must've been a newspaper pattern originally. I used a plain green and pink for sashing and cornerstones and a small old fashioned floral for border. I'll pm you a pix since I can't attach one here.

Beautiful work! great job too!

I wonder what some pastel batik or retro sashing would look like?

I like the idea of sashing also. I would use green since that's my favorite color, but any of those beautiful colors would work. We'll be watching for the result.