Flat pattern drafting

I have gotten interested in flat pattern drafting, being unable to find the pattern I'm looking for (off-the-shoulder dress with a V-neck and draped collar). I'm not sure it'll be any faster than simply altering a pattern--and I may go with a premade pattern for the sake of simplicity--but it's something I find interesting. I have a book on it already, and have been experimenting a bit with CAD programs in an effort to find something with which to draw patterns. (There are pattern drafting software packages available but I don't want to pay $200+ for them.) I'm thinking I may just wind up going with Adobe Illustrator, which is not a CAD program but which I happen to have sitting around on my computer. (Another fine alternative is Visio, which I have on my work laptop.) I may mess with it in my spare time, a little.

Short-term, however, I plan to alter an existing pattern so I can get to work on my crazy-quilt top. It shouldn't take a lot of doing--I just need to add two inches on the bottom and maybe alter the top collar. That way I can get started on the crazy-quilt bit today.

Plans for this weekend: write for 2-3 hours on the book, go to the farmer's market, do a 4-hour bike ride, and spend the rest of the time working on this top!