Only 4500 pieces??? LOL --- careful --- this will turn into an addiction! The quilt in my avatar is made from postage stamp pieces, and there are 6,561 pieces in it, and its the smallest one I've made so far (81x81), and I've just finished one that is 10,000 pieces. Having to cut all the pieces for these projects, I highly recommend the June Tailor Shape Cut ruler; it has slots every half inch so you don't even have to think about it. Cut your strips, pick up the ruler, then cross cut them into squares. I will be watching your posts with interest...good luck!