I'm currently knitting an afghan that's made up of 12 different squares, but only 3 "strips" so not as much sewing up as with knitting individual squares (the thought makes me sudder!). It's made from Manos Del Uruguay and the pattern isn't free online, but I've seen in it many LYS's (it's a Manos Del Uruguay pattern too). There are lots of patterns made this way though.
I just found the pattern to purchase online...It has some great pictures. Is this what you're looking for at all? My afghan is made of 4 different colours (blue, green, pink and veriegated black) but my Aunt made it out of different browns and cream, it looks gorgeous too.
http://www.rosiesyarncellar.com/prod...nosafghans.htm