Jacki, my design wall was a gift from my sweet cousin, who also quilts. It really is indispensable! She knew how badly I needed one, when I didn't! I was using a piece of tri-fold posterboard from a kid's project, with a sheet draped over it! I was making a Duke quilt out of leftovers from a rail fence Duke quilt, and building those blocks, and fitting them together . . . it was a mess! I had to pin everything up, and if anyone just brushed by that thing . . well. I hugged my cousin tightly, you can imagine!
Treat yourself to one, you won't be sorry!