I think you are off to a great start.
I like to use a foundation (thin fabric) for LC blocks.
My favorite rulers are Creative Grids or Olfa frosted with very thin lines for precise cutting.
Starch.
Beware of the LR swing. We tend to sew a bit too wide at the beginning of a seam and then narrow it down when we finish off. When sewing miniatures this small error is magnified. Sewing leaders and enders helps keep one on the straight and narrow! Using a stiletto helps too.
Oh and are you a BB fan?--Go Cyclones!