Suggestion: Make the test block with different fabrics. If strip piecing works, you know how to do it. If it doesn't, you haven't wasted any of the kit fabric.

I think that is our plan, scraps to make test block...

I may be mistaken, but think is a Jinny Beyer pattern that they are selling (maybe resized?). I'd suggest you go on Jinny Beyer's website and see if you can find the pattern, possibly even in her free section, and see what she says about strip piecing. I did one of her patterns and it allowed it.
I'd suggest your SIL starch the fabric as there will be some bias edges in that pattern.

I'd add that the block sections can be strip pieced much like you would do a bargello--think that is what someone is saying with the stitch, rip and shuffle comment. It's just that these blocks will be like mini bargellos on the bias.