Mostly by accident. I pick up fabric I love or on sale..pretty much only those 2 reasons now because I already have too much. I never buy fat quarters but at least half to 2 yds, just in case. Group it together by colors or styles and then later I manage to stumble on final quilt ideas without looking for them. I put those groups in clear plastic boxes and add w/pattern suggestions, always the main fabric on top. That way, when I shuffle them around, the fabric I love the best is on top so I don't forget it and as the box fills up, I know I have enough for a quilt top. Inspiration comes later and usually by accident. Occasionally, I buy fabric and know immediately what I will do...like the fairy series. Haven't figured out the exact algebra yet but will eventually sit down and do that. When I am ready! Always have lots of projects so I can cut one day, sew one day, etc. Hand quilting is easy to take on the road so I usually have some applique stuck in my purse in case of traffic jams or hospital waits.