Is the pattern ever inviolate?

I admit I have a problem.

I follow rules. Often to the letter. I find them hard to break, or even bend. I am sure my parents appreciated this fact a great deal, but occasionally* this habit just makes my life more difficult.

For instance, when I'm working along on a pattern and I realize that by repeating the motif 6 times instead of 8, the finished product turns out just as nice, and I will be done two weeks sooner. 'Great!' I think to myself, 'I'll do that, and give myself twice as much time to do all the fancy finishing work before the gift is due.'

But then the little Lawful demon shows up on my shoulder, 'But is that cheating?'

I think, in the end, this particular project is going to be modded. But how do I tell the little demon on my shoulder (the one who insists I follow every rule ever written) to shut UP? Does anyone else have this problem?

-Mel

*ok, more than occasionally, more like daily.