String blocks are a blast. I use doodle pads from the dollar store. The paper is pulpy and because you have made your stitching smaller it cracks right off. I've found removing phone books paper is not as easy. It's easiest to sew across your block corner to corner - there's your 45 degree angle. I am making a herringbone quilt now that I'm doing with 4" wide x 9" long papers - these you have to draw the 45 degree's on. I am using one constant fabric as I start and it is giving me a really cool chevron effect. I love these silly things!!!!