I just studied this pattern recently and made one becuse I didn't have anything for the program for Quilt Guild in May-- so I did this for the program and I made one. When I researched this on the internet, someone wrote that if you want your quilt longer--you need to add more strips. You said you have 4 strips you are planning to take out of your jelly rolls. I definitely would replace those 4 strips that you are taking out so you have as much length as possible.