I make my binding because I usually use a fabric I used in the quilt. I cut by binding on the straight of grain so it is probably cheaper than pre made binding.
I use a 45 mm rotary cutter, and my cutting mat is 18X24.
I'm not sure what everone calls 'blender' fabrics.
I'm guessing its the tone on tone, off white fabric used as a background fabric when piecing a block.