I'll add my WELCOME to the others here....and as has been already said - the answer is yes to the strips in between. I've got a scrap quilt in process that i'm doing exactly that with....with plans to do an applique flower vine in the solid strip.
The possibilities are only limited by your imagination......ok.....and maybe the laws of physics a little!!
I'll also add my kudos to your boyfriend for making such a sweet gesture to support you.