Catherine, I am SO on your side of the fence! Take a look at Quilting Arts Magazine sometime. I guarantee you'll like it and it will get you going in all sorts of new directions.
http://www.quiltingarts.com/qamag/qahome.html I've never made a quilt from a pattern, wouldn't dream of copying some other quilter's design, and, even when using traditional blocks, my work must be unique to me alone.
Never apologize for taking the road less travelled. Up here in the north woods, that's where you'll find the very best scenery!