Lisa is right, there's no 'wrong' - just because something 'has always been done' a certain way doesn't mean it can't be developed or improved! and new quilters are often the ones to push the boundaries because they're not yet 'set in their ways'! LOL
I love your fabrics - is it still OK to say 'funky' or does it show my age? LOL I agree with a purple transition in the centre from your blue to your reds. Don't forget to show us your progress! Your 'puppy' is pretty cute too! A friend of mine has a springer girl - she paid a fortune to take her to a pedigree stud to get her in pup but when the pups came they were half border collie - the neighbour's dog got to her first! My friend called them 'springbords' and found loving homes for all 9 of them! Never got her stud fee back though! LOL