Splinter, You are ambitious, making two tops. :-) Your idea of 'area' gives me the idea that you are a math major. Math is not my strong suit. :-) It seems like Bonnie H. creates her patterns based on blocks quite a bit, so probably the end layout will work ok for a rectangle too. I'm hoping so, because I intend to make a twin size (rectangle).
Looking forward to getting on with this project. It looks like a lot of us could use a clue twice a week. :-p We've really cranked out the foursies quickly.