i also use patterns, the one wall quilt that i have been working on which incorporates photo transfer, a Ryan panel, the Seven Sisters across the top is coming along very slowly since i haven't figured out exactly how to tie them all together. It being the memorial quilt for my son who died from suicide at age 24, it is special and i want it to look like it all fits together. I think patterns free me up to really focus on my piecing, applique and color choices