I kind of an "all or nothing" - "black or white" type person so I jump right in and do all my cutting at once. Except usually for the borders and binding which I save for last. I've never done a test block but haven't had any major problems. One day it will probably bite me and I'll learn then. My favorite part of quilting (besides picking out the fabric) is piecing so I feel like I can reward myself to do just that After all the cutting is done. I'd hate to have to stop piecing and go back and cut more fabric. I buy the clear square craft containers (probably meant for scrapbooking) when they are on sale at Joanne's or Michaels. I store each project in one of those. If I buy a jelly roll or something on sale, I put it in the square container with the pattern, thread, and whatever else I might need when I can actually get to that project. Oh, and probably the most important - measure twice, cut once!