I agree about having the book and software. I really think you'd need it for the harder blocks and triangles, but I haven't gotten to those yet! When I do a block I also Google the block (like "dear jane b3") to also see any tips others have used for making the block. I bought mine on-line, but maybe you could check Ebay and see if someone is trying to get rid of it for cheaper? I remember when I got mine I got "Dear Hannah" at the same time.