23" x 17 1/2"
The closest I have ever come to making a traditional quilt block is the old log cabin pattern, so I started out with that. I designed it from the center out, and the further out I went, the more I deviated from the standard. Since the challenge did not say anything about using traditional methods of construction, after the central three green pieces, I used my more usual raw-edge appliqué for the additional pieces so I could cut the shapes as I wanted them. The butterflies were there, in my mind, from the beginning, though.
And yes, surprise, this is a straight, rectangular piece! (There are a few others I've done that way, it just happens at
times!)
Update: 7/11/2009
I wasn't really satisfied with this picture, and several months later, picked up a do-it-yourself frame, replaced the water with more of the fabric just above it, and let it "flow" out of the frame. It is now re-titled "Overflow of Trees and Butterflies", and is now, officially, finished!