Hi, I would cut 4 1/2 strips the width of the fabric and then cut those into the squares. I strip piece as much as possible. I bought myself a ruler that is 6 x 23 inches so it will measure across the with of fabric as it comes from the store.
See if there is a shop in your area that does a block of the month. You pay a small fee and get instruction and the pattern and fabric. It's a fun way to make quilting friends, learn new tricks of the trade, and an inexpensive night out with the "girls'
Happy quilting - just a warning it is highly addictive!
Mary