English Diamond Quilting Pattern revisited

I did another swatch of the English Diamond Quilting Pattern from Barbara Walkers Treasury of Knitting Patterns.  This time using a contrast colour on the yarn over rows.  This does give you a stripe across the background and more unfortunately I ended up with lots of loose ends.  I'm sure there is a way to get over this if I think a bit  more.  The other problem with this pattern is that it curls badly.  This can be eased by making the Yarn Overs really loose.  I also might try wrapping the yarn over twice, that would be even more effective.

I'm sure something could be done with this.  Not sure what.