Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I hope others benefit from them too!
Interesting the different thoughts re the effects of paper on rotary blades and scissors. I too was raised that we had sewing scissors ...... and scissors for paper etc. And NEVER did we dare to use scissors on wire, as someone suggested!
I have been going with a very short stitch ... 1.0 !!
I have an "add a 1/4" ruler, though I don't like it .... too small for my big fingers to hold in place and then slice with the rotary. YIKES! Therefore, I find I only use it when drawing on 1/4" markings! Instead I prefer a full size ruler or square, which also helps hold the whole section of the block in place when I trim.
To hold pieces in place, I will add a few basting stitches. Then they're easily removed.
I haven't tried the glues .... what brand of washable glues do you use?