I think this is a common dillemma for many people...so glad you brought it up. I have a friend that is a fabulous quilter..but kind of color challenged and can't look at fabric and see what it will look like in a pattern...but if you hand her the most complicated pattern she can figure it out!
What I try to do when I want to start something...I will sort through my stash and start making my own kits as I go..oh these will all look good together and then I go looking for a pattern that will let me utilize them.....or I will just be cruising through my books and see something I like and try to shop in my stash..I feel if I only have to buy one or two yards of fabric to make it go together I am doing well!