We make the "Blocks" up ahead of time and I have organizers full of 'blocks" Then I sit down and play. I also design on my EQ5.
Then I set up several bookmarks on my table. I lay out the blocks into the desisgn I want to do. If I am using 1 1/2" it takes 12 blocks in rows of two. If I use 1 1/4" blocks it takes either 14 or 16 depending on the design. It really only takes about a half hour to put a bookmark together.
(that doesn't include the time to make the blocks)
I sew the blocks together then cut borders and sew and trim them then I back them and sew a finish seam on the edge of the front and it is done. It really isn't hard not only for me but even a beginner could do it.
As far as being small we make the "blocks" with my cut down method and you don't really handle anything smaller than 1 1/2" for a lot of them.
Yes some of them are a little differant like the Bear's Paw but that too has a secret trick to it.
I do everything on the sewing machine.