I usually get in idea (could be from anywhere..a pattern...the floor in the bathroom..the crop rows in the field..well, you get the picture)..then I start with 1 focus fabric. It could be something from my stash, or it could be something I see on line or my LQS. Then I build my other colors to go with from there. This way seems to work for me. I'm sure everyone is different. I rarely use a pattern "AS IS"..I always change it. :roll: