...a pattern by any other name....

The granny square and ripple are two of the most repeated patterns.
A change of color or a different stitch can change an old standard
into something new.

I was looking at my collection of Crochet World magazines and came across an afghan pattern called "Autumn Leaves."  And then, in a very short period of time, a came across "Contemporary Pinwheel Throw" and "Fence Rail Afghan."  The last two patterns are a variation.  It is bold, geometric pattern that may have the potential for variety much like the granny and ripple.

Autumn Leaves

Contemporary Pinwheel Throw

Winter's Eve Throw

I even found a similar sewing pattern for a purse.

Denim Beauty

The Autumn Leaves pattern is in an old Crochet World magazine but the other three are available at e-patternscentral.com