Originally Posted by jljack
I start with one color and build the quilt palette from there. Lay bolts on a table or in a basket or on top of other bolts, and lay the others over, next to, etc to see how they work together. Try lots of different ones...colors, prints, etc. If you start with a print, take all the colors in the print and get fabrics with just those colors. You'll start enjoying it...it's like painting a picture.
That's how I do it. Don't let it overwhelm you. Just find the focus (focal) print you want and go from there. You don't need to pick it all at one time or in one store.
Also, ask the shop staff for a small strip of the fabric you are considering to take home and check out before you purchase something you are not sure about.