A piano key border would offset the straight up and down of the strips. A four patch border would also offset the straight up and down of the strips. A six patch border would offset the straight up and down of the strips. They are
a lot of fun to do. A diagonal grid would also offset the straight up and down of the strips, perhaps in a nice blue or a variegated red, white and blue thread. My best wishes to your friend. The side effects of the chemo can be horrible, and something comforting to throw around and wrap up in from a good friend means a lot.