This is one of the reasons I don't buy pre-cuts. I have read that many people here have had the same problem that you have. I bought a June Tailor Shape Cut ruler which has slots across the ruler to cut strips fast and easy. Also, when making your own strips, you decide which fabrics you want, rather than the fabric company choosing. If the fabric is wonky, it will make it so difficult to peice accurately. Let me ask, since this is your first quilt, do you have the basics to cut fabric? A rotary cutter, a cutting mat and a quilting ruler? If you do, I would suggest buying some fabric and cutting your own strips. That way they will not be off. Nothing is worse when you are trying something new, to have faulty equipment to work with. It just makes the whole process harder.