I have spent hours with graph paper and colored markers. I sometimes also take free block patterns, scan or photocopy them in black and white, cut the components apart and use the glue stick to play that way. I find however that to really get the final design I often go to the scrap bin and also stitch. The end result usually doesn't resemble what I started with but that's okay. I had a blast all the way! I really like working with traditional patterns and try to incorporate them to get a secondary design. I designed the fill in block to connect the fans in the round after the Ohio Star.