The background square was 10 1/2" I think and the strips were not all the same size. the widest was 2 1/2. It depended what the scrap was, and I like the variety of them not be all the same width. Just make sure the ones that are on the ends aren't less than 2" or they get lost in the seams.
the disadvantage of the muslin is you have another layer to quilt through.The advantage is the stability of size. I did the muslin but want to try the paper to reduce the bulk as I am a hand quilter.
I'm curious what kind of paper do people use. I've used the paper designed for that, for other projects, and it works really well but it is pricey. I've heard of using newsprint but doesn't that get the material dirty. And using typing paper but doesn't that dull your needles?