I picked up my first three Row by Row this afternoon.
I bought kits, but at one shop the free pattern was different than the kit. I do not think that followed the 'rules' but I got it as well as the kit.
I will not be entering a competition at a local shop, so am not worried about how it may look compared to the kit.
One show had their design done up as kitted and also done in batiks. The batiks gave a depth of colour that enhanced the design.