I'm in the process of making my first one, too. I am using 1 1/2" strips and mine is totally scrappy. I bought nothing for it. But, also in separating out my lights and darks, some of them were not truly what I'd call "lights", they were just lighter than the darks on that square. I hope that makes sense.
I have attached a picture where hopefully you can see what I mean. Im not sure it's closeup enough. It's a WIP in that picture, but now all of the blocks have been done and sewed together in rows and now I'm in the process of quilting it. I hope this helps. I LOVE scrappies!