Welcome to the board! What you have started looks pretty darn good to me, way to go. I am constantly amazed at the number of different blocks that are available to us and that by just changing the color scheme it changes the whole look. That is one of the delights of quilting. I can't draw for diddly, but quilting lets me "draw" with fabric and thread.

Set in seams (aka Y seams) are not near as difficult as they appear. And it is a valuable skill to have in your quilting arsenal. Give it a try with the set in seams. I think you will be pleased with the result and just think of the sense of accomplishment you will have.

welcome to the board, if you understand charsuewilson answer is a great idea I use this method all the time, and don't forget when sewing y seam you need to stop 1/4 from the the end and back tack before you set your square piece in. The block look great have fun with it.

I would make a paper piece pattern out of it and paper piece it. Do you have EQ? You could put the pattern in and ask it for the foundation pattern and it would be easier.