Sketching Lattice Illusions

The past few days have been rough for those of us with Blogger blogs.  I could not access the blog for a while, and then posts started to disappear!  Anyway, it seems Fluffy Sheep Quilting is back on track.

What was I doing yesterday?  Well, sketching.  I have strayed from the original Lattice Illusions pattern and have started to create my own pattern that is a little larger than the original.  I decided to make as many blocks as I could and now have the odd number of 21.  Now I really have to figure out where the quilt is going.  Yesterday I started sketching the center panel and adding on borders (solids and hourglass blocks).  From here I can work out the math of how much fabric I need and then head out to the shop.  

How do you plan quilts?  Do you sketch on grid paper or use fancy software like EQ?  I am always up for a new idea, so let me know your thoughts!

I am heading out today to the Irish Patchwork Society meeting.  It is always a nice way to spend the morning. I will participate in the show-and-tell for the first time by showing my sampler quilt.  Eeek - I am a little nervous, but they're a friendly group so it will be fine :)