That looks GREAT!!!
I think I would do strips instead of HST's. It'll cut down on seams, which cuts down on fabric amounts and makes hand quilting (if that's what you're doing) easier.
HST's would be easier piecing, tho. But I like to do things with the fewest seams, especially if it's bigger and I have to hand quilt.
Can't wait to see progress. Keep us posted. :D