My suggestion is to get a June Tailor Shape Cut ruler. It makes cutting strips and blocks sooooo much easier and more accurate. For blocks, just cut the fabric into strips, then cut the strips into squares. Hobby Lobby has it online for $24.99. With a 40% off coupon, that would bring it down to about $15.
http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/...ate-qo-880989/