Congratulations Lenabeena! Your sewing life will never be the same again. I see no reason to not use a pattern so that you can assemble a garment in record time. I usually alter and put my own spin on the finished product to make it mine or to make it something that will come out of the wash like it went in. I like the classics and it is not a sin to start with a pattern. I do sometimes do draping but why when a tried and true is affordable and worth every penny.
I also use specialty rulers and patterns while quilting, same difference really. Right?
The home ec class I took in high school was to finish a garment by the end of the year. I made a simplicity front button up linen jumper with a floral long sleeve blouse. I never got to wear it for it came up missing. I always suspected the teacher.