emcay

I have several groups of coordinated fabrics which I randomly purchased with no pattern in mind--I just like the fabric. Now what do I do? There may be 3 fabrics that go together or 6 and of varying yardages. I like them so much I don't want to "waste" them on a pattern that doesn't work. Where do you go for ideas? Should I stop buying a yard or two when I find fabric that appeals to me? (shudder at the thought!) Bad news, I am still on the lookout for additional fabrics that go with some of these groupings.

tessagin

I purchased a bunch of fabric with a particular pattern in mind for a DGD. I have since changed m y mind many times about the pattern but! other patterns came into mind. Sometimes I don't think it really matters. I see fabric I like and depending on the price or how much is there I buy it. With me it just depends on my mood and my wallet or bank account! I can get into a lot of trouble.

crafty pat

I usually buy fabric I like and go looking for a pattern. I have hundreds so I confuse myself a lot. If I don't find one I go to my quilting magazines but love to go on line to quilters cache for great ideas. I have been so happy with the ones I have found there.

toverly

The fabric comes first for me. I have several "sets" of fabrics right now that I am trying to decide on a pattern to use them with. When I decide on the pattern, then I look for coordinating solids, marbles or batiks to make the pattern. But then, I am a scrappy girl and rarely make a pattern exactly like the one shown in the example. So I am never looking for x yards blue, x yards yellow, ect.

Neesie

I usually have a pattern in mind, before buying fabric. After buying fabric, I usually change my mind about the pattern.

WTxRed

I much prefer to pick out my design then fabric to go with it. It 'feels' better to me. I have a stash but I never seem to be able to pick it and use much of it. I have some bolts that I cut off frequently, so I guess I do use some of my stash but still prefer to pick out the design first. I have started bagging the design and fabric together when I put them in my closet so when I get to them, i don't get tempted to try another fabric in it. I want to trust my first instinct lol.

justducky65

For me, fabric usually. Sometimes I'll buy fabric that coordinates with each other and then plan the project sometime down the road, but most often I buy the fabric because I fall in love with it or just have to have it. Because of the size of my stash (fortunately or unfortunately) I am usually able to shop from my stash when a project comes to mind. Good question.

gramajo

I can go either way, depending on what I see. Sometimes it's the fabric that is just perfect for someone; then I look for a pattern. When I do that, though, I'm always afraid I didn't buy enough fabric. I rarely buy more than a yard--just don't have the $s to speculate. Other times, a pattern tells me it would be great for so-and-so, then I hit my stash or go shopping for fabric (or both ).

GrannieAnnie

My puny little head is full of patterns I love. Sometimes I have a pattern in mind, sometimes I have fabric in mind. Sometimes both.

faykilgore

My life would be so much less frustrating if I would have a pattern in mind prior to buying fabric. Usually, I'm looking for something to complete a chosen pattern, and find something wonderful I just can't leave the store without. Then I spend hours, days, etc drawing, purusing books, looking here for ideas. What's really frustrating is when I finally have a plan for fabric I bought years ago, and realize I should have either bought more, or bought the coordinating fabric