I think many of us have to rely on a pattern as we are not gifted in design. But having said that, I prefer the older patterns used by our ancestors because they are the original designers. I see many that are just sewn together to get it done with little piecing and for those with little time but want to create, then that is for them. I am hoping if I live long enough I will be able to design my own. I did make a crazy quilt as my very first real quilt, no pattern just by the seat of my pants, so maybe that is the first step. By the way, it turned out just the way I wanted it to look and look forward to perhaps doing another one day.