So,what about log cabin?

We need more info than you posted. Irish Chain always looks nice and there is the large area where special quilting can be done !!

You might want to look at www.jellyrollfabrics.org site. Liz Katsuro has quite a few ideas about strip quilts and free patterns.

Irish chain has some great possibilities.

I really think an Irish Chain looks very elegant - I made one for a wedding quilt and they love it. Either a red and white or blue white - whatever the couple likes - it would go together very quickly with strip piecing - if you don't know - google it and you will be surprised - you could have the quilt top together in a couple of days easy.

How about the disappearing 4 patch - with a twist go to http://round122.blogspot.ca/2012/dis...iht-twist.html I have a not on my pattern for a 12" block begin with a 7 5/8" square. Been over a year since I made this for our quilt club BOM pattern I shared. If I can do this I am certain you can and it is really a neat block.

the one you pulled together in EQ is also called Celtic Solstice, a recent mystery. If you google that or search for it here you will see lots of color options. I think the beauty of the quilt would be lost in just two colors, a simpler idea, of which there are many above, would serve you better I think.

Gift quilts do not have to be complicated, non-quilters see color, not intricacy :)

Go to MSQC with Jenny Doan...she has several tutorials using strips....I check there often for new patterns....

You might check out Darlene Zimmermans, TRI Tool and the Recs Tool
I got this info from Bonnie Hunter. Tried it the other day for the first time and it worked!
The 2 rulers that I have go from 1" to 6".
Hope this helps. Not sure of the name of your inverted diamond square.
http://softexpressions.com/software/...zQuilt.php#tri scroll down to tri recs tools

I love all these suggestions. So many choices!