Thanks, everyone!
I find the idea of a variety of shades, etc. of blue denim very attractive and, until I became concerned about the stiffness, I was excited about alternating the colored blocks with blue jean denim. I think I'll just have to experiment a bit. First, I do want to see about getting something that will soften the denim. They used to use a salt wash, but I'd rather not have salt in my washing machine and I don't even know how effective it was.
I won't mind cutting only one square at a time ... it's gotta be better than cutting the rag edges with ANY type of scissors.