Let's think outside the box! I like fast charity quilts so I typically avoid 1.5" strips. However, I like to mix it up SO I have been using three 1.5" strips (light/dark/light or vice versa) as sashing with a nine patch as cornerstone from the same color combo to surround 6.5" or 8.5" fabric squares. It goes together fast with continuous piecing. You can cut part of the nine patch strips as you cut the sashing from the WOF chain pieced strips. Looks pretty classy too! Here's a web page with an example:
http://sistersandquilters.blogspot.c...ng-finish.html
Just imagine that this isn't done on point, uses the same two colors in the nine patches as in the sashing, and has big plain blocks as centers. Much quicker to work up and a great way to use those beautiful fabrics that you hate to cut into.