I've been quilting for ten years. I've used 3 store bought patterns: Turning Twenty (had no fat quarters, used yardage), Trip Around the World (before I saw how easy it would be to make), and a quilt called Night Weave, using an X-Block ruler (had to have instructions to know what to do with the ruler.) Other than those 3, I have designed all my blocks/quilts on graph paper and/or EQ5. EQ5 has kept me from constructing a quilt with fabric choices in the wrong spot! I love having my own fabrics show up in the layout, so I see how they play against each other. I've never upgraded from EQ5, since it's expensive and 5 does all I need to do. Love it!! Once it's designed, I use a lined notebook and write down all my cuts and assembly order, plus notes to myself in case I ever want to repeat the design! I doubt I ever will, but now that I've started teaching at my LQS, those notes are valuable!!