Ggal--always nice to see a review of things...I usually choose a pattern because I like it and buy the fabric for all the blocks right away. Sometimes I buy the sashing/border/binding fabric, but usually wait until I am ready to put together to decide on that. There have been quilts I've made specifically for people and others I would get finished and say "she would really like this" and then gift it. I rarely buy fabric "just because" with no pattern in mind...except the occasional FQ.