I'm using a 24 x 6 ruler for cutting the strips and also for the blocks, but so far I haven't been doing any smaller than 9". I have watched some more videos for how to handle the cutter, but don't really see them do anything different from what I do. I really think I have a bad ruler. I'll stop at Joann's later and get an Olfa or Fiskars. The Misty Fuse might also be something worth trying.
Thank you all! This is a great place to learn!