I like Eleanor Burns method. She makes the last strips a little wider than all the rest so you can easily square up all the blocks to the same size. I don't know how to figure out the fabrics. If you have EQ software you could use that.
Otherwise it depends on the width and length of the strips and how many blocks you are making.
Will all blocks be exactly the same fabrics in every block or just the same colors? Controlled scrappy might be an easier option - using several fabrics in each color.