what you are describing, different blocks in same quilt, is called a "sampler". they can all be same size, or vary in size. they can be all the same two blocks as you suggest, or a number of different blocks. you can even do just one block and vary fabric/color placement. it would be like numerous different blocks. they are great for using up large scraps or a pile of fat quarters from sale binging. also, i am reading in some of the online threads that fat quarters are considered scraps and are all filed away together. makes sense to me, so i started putting fat quarters, and fat eights in with large scraps. what ever, what you describe is a classic style of quilt. so, when you search, try just doing an image search of "album quilts". and yes, i think star in a star w 9-patch blocks would be beautiful & classic.
don't forget to share your journey in pics posted here, plus the finished quilt or quilt top. and welcome to the wonderful world of quilting.