Starting a quilt?
 

I was just wondering, being a newbie how each of you begin a new quilt. Do you first pick out material then pattern or pattern first than material ?

I pick out the pattern first and then shop for the material.

For me it depends, but I usually start with a fabric or fabrics I love, and find a pattern to use them in. Just a note though...I have accumulated quite a stash of fabrics this way!

I usually have fabrics in mind but purchase a pattern first, so I'll know how much fabric I need to buy, whether I need small, med. or large prints, tone on tones ect.

It depends. If I find fabric I really love, especially if it's perfect for someone in particular, I'll buy it and then look for a pattern. Other times if I fall in love with a pattern, I'll buy it and put it at the bottom of my to-do list. There are sooo many quilts I want to make. :D

Both ways - sometimes I see fabric I love and then search for a pattern that suits, and sometimes I see a color combination in a quilt on Google that I absolutely have to make. I'm really bad at color and usually end up with a muddy look if I don't stick with ideas from others.

most of the time, i start with the pattern and look for the fabric. but some fabrics are special and i find a pattern to go with it.

I pick out the fabric first...I change me mind all the time on what I will do with them....patterns...the fabric will speak to you...Have fun. never stress over it...

This is my approach too - and like Wendy - it leads to an enormous stash

I almost always start with the pattern. Otherwise, how would you know how much fabric you need. I've heard about people starting a quilt and running out of fabric with only a few blocks to go. I usually buy extra and now I have a pretty good stash.... for scrapy quilts and baby quilts they work fine.