Hiya ribblrs,
I was wondering if anyone else feels like me when it comes to just crocheting something after a picture vs. following patterns.
The latter is especially lovely for special stitches or measured things but when I modify a pattern for my liking or mess up one stitch I get the feeling my work is ruined or a bit “wrong”.
When I approach a pattern as a mere inspiration or just work without a pattern at all (esp. clothing and amigurumi), I still manage to get the result I want and don’t feel like it’s worth less because it’s not according to the exact instructions. I also find it quite easy to estimate what I need to do (inc, sec,…) so a lot of the time a pattern feels unnecessary as soon as I know which stitches are involved and if I need to sew.
I have ADHD/autism and generally a lot of perfectionism and the thinking of “according to the rules (instructions) or total anarchy, everything in between is wrong”…
It seems normal to be but most people I’ve met said that they couldn’t just freehand something after looking at a picture of it and need instructions to work so I’m a bit insecure about it.
Anyone else with this experience? Sorry for the whole rambling 
Enjoy this cute pichu I freehanded
I tend to do the same and will adjust patterns depending on how I want them to look or depending on the yarn I’m using. The only advice I can really give you, is to just do what you feel is right. Your project doesn’t have to look exactly like the original, it’s your project and if you like it then that’s really all that matters. Hope this helps a bit and the Pikachu looks so cute! (-:
That Pikachu is cute
I never knew how to read a pattern until about 10 years ago, so I did that all the time. Now that I know how I try to follow the pattern. Especially while testing them. Very important to follow it then. But I see inspiration in everything and try to recreate it. My shop is full of unfinished “pictures” I saw in my head. Someday I will make them into patterns.
Crochet is such a great hobby. I love that we can turn it into something we want. With a pattern or without. I hope you continue to do so, it is a rare thing to know how to. Do not be insecure. You are amazing. 
I have so many pinterest boards of crochet ideas and inspo for projects ^^
Thank you ε>
Audhd here too.
I love freehanding when it’s for myself, but I prefer to write a pattern if I ever need to replicate what I made. Cause if only one stitch is different I will notice.
A few of my freehand projects
They all look sooo cool! 
What yarn did you use for the pumpkin?
You have a talent there!! Love the pumpkin!
Thanks 
the pumpkin was just rows of dc in blo 