You ladies are very talented, and I admire that you're able to sort things through like this.
You mentioned playing with excel, do you actually mean it's possible to get that drawing from an excel spreadsheet program?

yep, make your columns and rows the same size, then color the cells. I use 17 pixels for each then shrink the percentage view so that I can see the whole thing. The drawing toolbar helps with shapes. Once you get a square, you can copy, paste to duplicate.

Ok now I am wondering what would happen if you used some of the flag fabric in your border

just in the first two rows, and where the red checkerboard is next to the red in the quilt blocks..

you should need only 1/2 yard of the flags for binding..

Ill calc to make sure

I like this one... I have 2 yds each of plain red/white/blue that I was going to use for the backing, so I'll have other binding options. I also still have some flag 1/2 square triangles left over that I can use.

What 'cha think?

Yeah, its lookin pretty good..

Something still bothering me about the inner border,

I have to go, but Ill look again later today

I also calculated your binding and if you cut your strips 2 inches wide for a double fold binding you should be able to get it from 1/2 yard

LoriJ -

That quilt is absolutely fantastic!! My DS has been medically retired from the Army at the ripe old age of 23. My DSIL is in the USAF.

You did a wonderful job!!

And - just to vote - - I like Layout #4 the best, then #1.

Lynne

Lori, I love the notched effect top and bottom - Is it possible to move the triangle blocks on the sides so the blue meets up with the blue border?

Yeah, I like that idea too Lori, that might make the difference

Lori, I have about a yard and a half of the flag fabric (looks the same anyway) if it would help you out I would be happy to send it to you!

Is this what you meant? I am very grateful for all your input, I was at such a loss last night as to what to do. Now, it just keeps looking better and better. Thank you!