Grammy -
I did buy the book, but you don't have to use it if you have the trimplates. There are directions with the trimplates. I did use the troubleshooting guide in the book when I first started and it was handy. If I were doing it over I would start with the trimplates and try to do without the book. That being said, there are some great layout ideas and suggestions in the book. I guess I'm not much help am I? Let me know when you get started - I'd love to see your progress and your finished quilt.
Darren