I could use some inspiration here. This is a customer quilt, I'd ask her what she wants, but the reality is that she just doesn't know much about the quilt making process (really, when I told her the top was ready for quilting, she didn't realize that "quilting" is when I will sew the top to batting to back), so she doesn't have any ideas...

I'm really new to FMQ (*really* new, I've done one FMQ quilt, just simple loop to loops so please don't suggest something beyond my skill level...)...I want to do some FMQ on this, because I'd really like to make those yellow strips in the border stand out...but I'm not really sure what to do! Usually when I get to this point, I've already got a plan for the quilting in mind...but this time, I have this quilt sandwiched and spray basted, taped to my floor and I just keep staring at it. I can't come up with a solid plan at all.

Here is what I THINK I know:

I want to make the yellow border strips stand out.
I'm using variegated rainbow thread.
I don't think I want any quilting at all on the thin white border.

Thoughts?

well do a meandering stitch in the borders, going around the yellows. that way they will stand out.
not sure of the middle.

That's kind of what I think I'm thinking...how's that for being unsure? LOL

I may do a med-size meander over the whole thing. There is a lot going on in this quilt...might be a good idea to keep the quilting simple.

I think you could stipple the outer border around the yellow like native texan said, then around the blue border a row of loops, in the center stipple the small squares and put larger meandering or loops in the snowball blocks.

Ok, maybe I'm running on not enough sleep, is that beachwear in the middle? I'd make a template of the shape to fit in the octagons and have them wander through the octagons, then maybe little starfish, sand pails and shovels in the squares if needed.

They're flip flops...close! :D

Flip flops, thongs, beachwear... wasn't sure how you would take a couple of those. Anyway, you got my idea, though it may be more work than desired. Have fun!

Your quilt is striking. I love your finishing plan.