I did a panel quilt for my DH. He just wanted borders around the panels. I used colors that coordinated with the panels and it turned out great-very manly and a pretty quilt. That is my suggestion also. Of course mine started out square so I had to improvise but yours is perfect for it.

Attic windows?

It's a nice panel. Where did you get it? I might make one for my Dad. I think I'd pick up the lightest yellow in the straw as the first border or if you have unbleached muslin, that would work. Then progressively use darker gold, medium green, darker green, etc. until it's big enough. To me, the panel has a flavor all it's own and needs set off as if it were a picture in a frame. To me stars or checks or busy borders would detract from the panel. At least give it three rounds of rather plain fabric before using anything that's patchworked.

Panels always seem to present this issue of indecision for me. I have learned to starch and shape each panel block before cutting. Then I create filler blocks to separate the panel blocks and add interest to the quilt. In this case I think I would use light and medium value creams and tans maybe even different width strips sewn together WOF and sub-cut into rectangles or squares whatever fits. Really any arrangement that I find pleasing works. This is a very nice panel, have fun whatever you do :o)

I am doing something similar for my father for his birthday in November. But his is fish. I just cut up the blocks and started adding. I don't know what I will end up with. But it is fun.

How about seperating the blocks and then doing a log cabin with each one and then putting it together with the wide one in the center. Then you can add borders until you have the size you want. It is a great panel.

Like the panel. If I were working on this, I would cut out the pics and use the large one for the center focus. Then place the 4 pics around it as corners. Fill in around with 4 or 9-patch, using the colors from the panels.

Why not make it into a medallion quilt and just keep adding interesting borders until it becomes the right size?

I absolutely love your panel, and am looking forward to seeing it finished. I think the pics of all the ones sent to you will give you a great idea on whether you want to leave it intact or cut it apart.

sorry didn't read all - vicki already said what I was suggesting.

make blocks in patterns & fabrics that complement, possibly a sampler quilt to showcase your skills. He'll love it.