When I first started quilting, I bought the pattern and then the fabric. Then I started to buy fabric that I loved without benefit of pattern. Now I have a large stash, so I pick a pattern that I like and go through my stash to see what I think will look good in the pattern. I usually make a sample block (or work in EQ) to see if I like the way the fabrics look together. If I don't have everything I need, then I go shopping :).