hi ann,
i have only been "quilting" for a couple years. i make quilts, but don't consider myself a "quilter". in fact, i have yet to make a quilt from a pattern! i'm kinda scared of having to know what i'm doing before i start. i usually just decide what fabrics i'm working with, refer to books for ideas and shapes, determine a block size and it comes together as it goes. this works well for me b/c i usually buy my fabric from the clearance section (on sale) and there's often only a yard or so left. in any case, i enjoy getting lost in the creative process as opposed to the planning - and am not disappointed when i'm finished b/c i had no pre-conceived ideas before i started. i figure as i improve my skills, i'll be more motivated to attempt a pattern. ...but for now, i'm having a blast just playing!