I make quilts for the wounded soldiers and make 2 types, red,white and blue and cabin or camp type. That way I can rotate through fabric without having to buy a lot every time I quilt. I like to have a pictorial panel in the center and then sash around, with some piecing on the ends for length. I hate to plan too much as it takes the creative joy out of the equation and the fun also. If you are too rigid, it gets to be too much like work. Have fun and CREATE.