i just started a dear jane recently and i am doing the blocks that catch my eye and that i think i will enjoy making that particular day. i think it helps to get a few blocks under your belt and see how pretty they shape up for you. i thought i would use alot of browns and reds and i thought i might use some christmas material in it. now that i have it underway, i find that i just play it block by block and decide what color to use. on some i use the same colors that is on the original and then others i pick another color just because a particular fabric seems to stand out for that block. it is like the quilt is speaking to me as to how it wants to be made. lol