I don't like to follow directions, so if I have a pattern to work from, I might adjust anything in that pattern, including but not limited to:
changing block and border sizes, creative cornerstones and sashing, changing color patterns from block to block, replacing alternate blocks with (or adding) complimentary blocks, making it scrappy, tying to finish instead of quilting, adding applique...
honestly, I just have trouble using someone else's plan from beginning to end! I feel so much better when I take that risky step, and more often than not I'm pleased with the results because I made it MINE! lol
Slap the cuffs on me now...