I very seldom buy a pattern or book. Mostly I look around and think "I can do that, but I would do it in different colors or different fabrics or lay out or make the squares a different size, or I would add such-n-such etc." I think all books and patterns are meant to be INSPERATION. Quilting is all about exercising your creativity and having fun. On the other hand if you use a pattern AND the EXACT same fabrics and thread and quilting design as the author's, then you are copying. Relax and happy quilting!