I usually find a pattern that clicks with a fabric I have in my stash. Then I start pulling out fabrics from my stash. I have them sorted by type (tonals, watercolor florals, calicos) and colors. Usually, a pattern has a focus fabric, then I add others that coordinate being in shades of light mediums and dark. Here is what I am working on. The pattern is called De Novo (free Benartex pattern on their website) but I am posting my EQ layout. I just slapped this together so these are NOT the fabrics I am using. Must hunt up a few more greens.
Sorry, don't know why the picture was so out of focus.....