Don't think I've ever made a traditional pieced quilt where I did follow the pattern. I always have to fix something, change the block size, change the alternating block to something else, change the colors, ad nauseum, to suit my taste. A self taught quilter for sure. Ha! Ha! I think knowing how to draft out a block, add seam allowances and figure yardage is time well spent. At least you have something to work with at the end. Unlike a crossword puzzle, which, after its done is trash can bait. But I do miss Eugene Maleska and his zingers.