Since I bought my June Tailor Shape Cut Ruler, I don't mind cutting strips. I was calculating what I needed to make this quilt also. If I do 8 blocks x 10 blocks (52x65 not counting any borders I might add), this is what I need:
80 5" charms
80 5" x 2.5" pieces
80 7" x 2.5" pieces
Total 2.5" strips for the 5" & 7" pieces = 24. If I cut all of the 5" pieces first, I would cut 10 strips 2.5" x WOF (assuming 40" usable). Then I'd cut 80 7" pieces, using 14 strips cut 2.5 x WOF. Total background needed would be 60" of 40" usable width. I will plan on 2 yds, just in case when I do mine.