I am all over the place on that one.....I've followed patterns to the letter changing only the color of fabric.....I've used patterns as inspiration....I've used a bunch of orphan blocks to make up a large lap quilt and backed it with a fleece blanket (my personal favorite!)....I don't think I've ever actually designed my own quilt, but I have borrowed ideas from several patterns and made some very pretty quilts. I love learning new techniques for quilting and try to challenge myself once in a while. All in all, I just love to make quilted things....from a king sized bargello, to charity quilts, to bow tucks.....best artsy thing I've ever done. LOL