I tried this too - did only 3 blocks as I used the same fabric for all three (left overs). Mentioned it on the Stashbusters board -- someone there suggested starting with 9 1/2" blocks, because when you cut into 9 pieces they will all be 3" square. Hadn't tried this yet, but might make the whole process quicker. Jenny started all her cuts from the middle out to the edges.
Will be using this as a runner on a small book case. It fits it perfectly.
Did starch my fabric prior to any cuts -- and used a dry iron when pressing my seams. This is a real winner of a pattern -- there are several choices of what you want the block to look like after cutting into the 9 pieces.
Really like your choice of dark and light -- gives an additional balanced dimension to the pattern.