Since I'm trying to downsize my stash and not add more quilts to my collection, most of my projects go to charity.
So my procedure is: 1) use fabric from my stash, including the back & binding; 2) from the fabric available, how large will the final project be; 3) how many blocks can be used efficiently from this fabric, 4) block size (6", 8, 10, 12 etc) and the block format (3x4, 4x5, 5x7 ect); find a block that will enable me to make the quilt in 1 day; 5) do anymore math necessary & make rough drawing; 6) decide on how it'll be quilted to decide how large the back need be; 7)figure out and strip and string piecing; 8) cut all parts starting the largest pieces first (back, binding, strips for strip piecing, block pieces); 9) make blocks, then top, attach label, sandwich/quilt, bind.