What a great idea. I would go for a small block that needed a light fabric and a dark fabric. And then make lots of them. Maybe this Boxing Day pattern or Bonnie Hunter's Carolina Chain.
http://www.favequilts.com/Throws-and...rom-Martingale
http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2014/...decisions.html
http://www.quiltmaker.com/articles/Carolina_Chain