So many helpful replies, thank you, thank you! I looked up that June Tailor ruler and it is available at Joanne's. I think I might invest in one. The advice about not letting the extra fabric dangle while cuttings was in valuable. That is just what I was thinking I would do; so to just work on one strip at a time. Instead, I will fold it as you suggested.
Thanks ladies. Just what I was looking for: advice on what to do and not do with such a large length of fabric. I was so intimidated by it!