I can go either way, depending on what I see. Sometimes it's the fabric that is just perfect for someone; then I look for a pattern. When I do that, though, I'm always afraid I didn't buy enough fabric. I rarely buy more than a yard--just don't have the $s to speculate. Other times, a pattern tells me it would be great for so-and-so, then I hit my stash or go shopping for fabric (or both
).