For me it is a mixture of many things. Sometimes I have a specific person in mind that I would like to make a quilt for ( a birthday , anniversary, major surgery , etc ) and I choose a pattern that I like and suits that person ( modern or traditional ), and do it in colors I think they would like. Sometimes I just see a pattern or a fabric that I just LOVE and start making it, usually as I am working on it someone will be in my thoughts alot, and I take it as the quilt telling me who it wants to go to, and that is where it goes ! Other times I just make whatever makes ME happy, and when its finished either it goes on my bed, or it goes in the " Emergency Gift Box " for those occasions that pop up unexpectedly , or that I simply did not have time to make something specific for ( unexpected surgery, last minue birthday gifts ect ) The box has not just quilts but bags and pillows as I make them , and I grab something suitable from the box as the need arrives !