I very seldom buy material to start a project, I start with one piece from my stash and just add colors to it if the yardage is big enough, I am currently making shopping bags from scraps, all I need is the width size and sometimes add a strip here or there to make it large enough , BUT sometimes I agonize for a day to make sure I like the colors I put into it are right and sometimes it just works, Besides you can get carried a way at a quilt shop and spend money you can't afford on a beautiful piece, Sometimes it takes a year to gather pieces for a special quilt , I also ask quilting friends if they have scraps in a certain color if I am making a vest, right now I need colors that will go with a black vest, A friend told me on Sunday she was cleaning out her stash, so I will get help from her , The best part I have won several times first place at the local CO Fair, and recently peoples choice at our local quilt show, so use your imagination and just do it :thumbup:

I go by the values in the pattern first and then shop from my stash for the blocks. I usually need to buy border fabric if it isn't a pieced border. At $A20/25 average per metre I usually only have fat 1/4 or less in my stash. I shop for backing fabric as I need it unless I see it on sale.

OH my goodness. Thanks for suggesting a way to make use of some of the BIG supply of scrapbooking paper!

I go through what I have on hand and pick out what I like, then if there is another color I really want in it, I just go and buy it instead of using something I really don't like.

You are so lucky to have your choice of magazines!!!

This is a wonderful tip. It would be heartbreaking to finish all your blocks and then decide you didn't like it. ( Don't ask how I know)

As usual...start with the focus fab that YOU want and go from there. All previous suggestions were great!