Creative Quandary

This morning, I found myself in a creative quandary.

I am currently working on a sampler scarf (as seen in my previous posting here) that involves four different stitch patterns on a rotation. In the pattern, the different stitch patterns are separated from the general pattern of the scarf. As a result, this morning I realized there was supposed to be 4 rows of garter stitch between each stitch pattern. So now...it doesn't look like the pattern!

I am about 10" into this project, and have finished the first complete rotation of all four patterns. I have made no technical errors (that I can see) and the stitches are turning out quite nicely. They include basket weave, mesh, seed, and sugar cubes.

My quandary is this: Do I rip back to the conclusion of the first stitch pattern so that I can add the rows of garter stitch between that section and the next (thus aligning with the pattern) or do I carry on as I am now and evolve the pattern to my own liking (albeit by accident)? What would you do?

I am choosing to carry on. I like how each stitch section fades into the next, and in the natural cotswold wool I'm using, it's looking nice. I've also realized I've made each section a bit larger than on the original as well. So, since it appears technically sound and my only crime is leaving out a few rows of garter stitch, I will carry on as rebel fiber artist and not succumb to my initial reaction of having to "make it exactly like the pattern tells me." Who says? Who makes that rule?

Now, don't get me wrong - if this were a sweater and proper fit was of utmost importance, I would certainly rethink this. However, this is a scarf, so my sense is that it will still fit comfortably around someone's neck. But it took the day, as well as an inspiring conversation with my partner, to get to a place of accepting that it is OK to veer from the pattern and make this design my own.

Have you been on a similar journey before? I'd love to hear about it!