The reason I wrote to the designer is because this pattern has been out for sometime now and I thought that my questions might have been raised with them before, if not by email, at least in person when they make appearances at quilting events or doing workshops. Maybe I am naive, but I think they should respond to me to explain why they constructed it the way they did and what problems I might encounter by strip piecing. I do not expect them to rewrite the pattern for me. I have not heard from them yet. I have worked out a method to do it strip piecing. The hard part for me will be the Y seams for the small setting triangles around the edge. Y seams are not my favorite, but I have decided if need be, I can hand sew them. I am just stubborn enough to work it out. It is a beautiful pattern. I love the piecing and applique combination. I have been making large bed size quilts and think it is time for a lap quilt.