Crazy Birds

I have been busy paper piecing my row for the Round Robin that Barb has organized. I have finally decided on my theme. It will be 'Seascapes'. I am still debating how wide to make the starting row. The length of this row will dictate every other row in the quilt. I don't want it to be too wide because I think I will make a wall hanging when all the rows are done. I was thinking that 40 inches would be a good width. But that makes it difficult for others who might want to do a 9 or 12 inch block. I am still thinking. Got any ideas?