Loosen up! Make it any size you want! When I make log cabins I like to make them slightly wonky... Think about it (those of you who have never seen a real log cabin being made) trees are larger at the bottom and smaller at the top. I like to start with my strips the same and deliberately make it uneven. It gives a lot of movement to the quilt. Of course this is just my way. If you make the original strip wide enough you can cut the first piece as it needs to be and save the other half for a later "cabin" square. Have fun!!!!