I usually find a fabric that I love, that I have wanted to use in something. I have many but the one that calls to me wins! From there I will start looking through patterns, magazines, books, etc. I will also look through my stash for fabrics to go with the "star" fabric. That's all it takes for me, and that can lead to an all-nighter if I'm not careful. I have a bulletin board with lots of ideas for quilts I hope to make someday. So spending some time looking at that will always lead to a new quilt to start.