barnbum, thanks so much for the kind words.
there is no pattern involved. i saw a picture in a magazine and thought it could be easily done by string piecing. i cut strips of pre washed muslin the width of my finished strip, pieced them to the length i wanted and started sewing on strips of my scraps. width doesn't matter. (the method is similar to the way we made our table runners in class.) after my muslin is completely covered i flip it over and trim off the excess scrap fabric. after i had enough strips i simply framed with black borders and sashed with the background.
i had intended for the narrowest 2 to go in the middle, but you all have encouraged me to let well enough alone so i will leave it be.
now if i can just get it quilted and bound. i think i will attempt to quilt it myself, either by hand or maybe just tacking. i usually am way too impatient but i want a hand project for the long winter. wish me luck.