I think it's beautiful!
I've always used patterns. I learned to crochet on my own using patterns (at the time I didn't know anyone else who knew how to crochet). While I may have done some modifications, I've never ventured out to do something completely without a pattern.
I don't have as much time as I used to, so now I only crochet items as gifts. Plus, now that I'm getting older, it's not as easy for me. But I still enjoy it from time to time.
If you need help knowing how to write a pattern, purchase one so you can learn how they write out the pattern. It just has to be something with enough different stitches so you can learn from that.
RE: NEXT GOAL ON MY BUCKET LIST!