Node.js: Framework or no Framework?

I am new to Node.js. I am very keen about learning it from scratch. I have a project which is like a Social media advertising web app. It won't be like Facebook, it is more like Myspace. It will be small at first, but it may become big in the future.

I would like to know if it's better to:

• Use Node.js without a ready-made framework
• Using an existing framework like Express, Geddy

I have done some research on sites out there using Node.js, and there are good sites that use a ready-made framework, and there are sites that don't. Is it worth creating our own site from scratch, or is it better to use a framework? Will using a framework restrict my ability to design my app and get in the way of learning Node.js?

So I would like to know that should I choose a framework or not. I am fine with learning Node.js from scratch and I'm not in a hurry or something.

The followup question is that there are lots of coding tutorials out there, but I would like some resources on the non-coding parts, such as software design, structure, etc..

Thanks for answering in advance.