I too have done it both ways - it all depends on which I see first - Sometimes I see a line of fabric that just call s my name or I see someone working on a pattern at a quilt retreat and just fall in love with the pattern.

If all else fails get yourself some cinnamon candy wrapped in red Cellophane it will work too!

I used to pick the pattern, then the fabric. But now I have the fabric and then wait for the right pattern to come along. No matter how whimsical the fabric, the right pattern eventually shows itself.

EITHER WAY....If I see fabric that I LOVE - I will buy 3 yards of it........if it is part of a collection, I will buy additional yardage of other coordinating fabrics..........at other times, I find a pattern that I just HAVE TO MAKE..........and then have such fun locating just the right fabrics for it.......

I am a fabric-a-holic. I go into a store and fall in love with a fabric and home it goes (of course with one or two great coordinating fabrics). I do occasionally see a pattern that I have to make. Sometimes I buy all the fabric for it at once. But, I tend to make first, the ones where the fabric was my driver because I can't wait to see it made into something. A lot of my patterns with fabric are still waiting to be made.

I remember as a newbie - I could see a quilt in everything. Someone's floor, a graphic somewhere, a rug, the coolest thing I think is that there is inspiration every where. You can't go wrong. As we say here, there is no Quilt Police. Have fun!

My first quilt was made during a beginner class. Our teacher started with fabric choices first and that's good b/c I had no clue. We made samplers. It was the best class I ever took.
Once you get going you will find what works for you. In my case the teacher made all the difference.

I Quilt to by Fabric. I don't by fabric to Quilt! :)

That's like which comes first the chicken or the egg..... I personally do both. And it is usually at the same time. If I find a pattern I love, I go get the fabric, but while buying the fabric for that quilt, I will find material I just have to have and will worry about a pattern later. I guess it all depends on who or what you are making the quilt for. How simple you want it, or how much work you want to put in it. There again I do both. Some times I just like to do something simple with pretty fabric, sometimes I want to do both hand and machine quilting, and need to take my time. So the answer has to be....do what ever turns you on!

I have done it both ways, picked a pattern then bought fabric, but I have also bought fabric then found a pattern. When I buy fabric without a pattern in mind, I usually get two to three yards of the fabric and coordinating fabrics so I know I will have enough. I don't make king size quilts though, so not sure if 3 yards of every fabric is enough for that sized.

There are days that I am "annointed" to shop, or in the zone. I pick out the focus fabric with several colors, usually at least 3 focus fabrics. I then start pulling lights, mediums and darks that will harmonize with all of the focus fabrics. I lay the focus fabrics crosswise on top of the cart so I can hold individual bolts up to each to see how I like them. If they audition well with all three, then they go into the bottom of the basket. There are times I need two baskets. I will study these fabrics together until I'm satisfied. Sometimes the more I look, the more sure I am, when I'm doubtful I don't keep them. I plan on several hours when I'm doing this. Have to be by myself. You should see some of the looks I get from both customers and staff. Thanks for letting me prattle on. These are some very happy hours for me.
Hugs to you all,
Joyce in MI