Welcome from Central Florida! I have always said, "Patterns are merely a suggestion". Having fun is the most important thing! No rules to quilting is what makes it so fun, so get a creative as you like! I've been sewing since 8 years old on my mother's treadle machine & quilting since 2010. I've come a long way in those few years though. I hope you love this forum as much as I do! Merry Christmas!