I usually find a fabric that I really like, and have at least 3 different colors involved and then go from there and pick out fabric that will go together with that. Scrappy quilts is a whole different ballgame--then it's just pick at random even if it doesn't look like it will go together---it will.

I really have a hard time picking out fabrics for a project. I always like the fabric someone else selects better than what I have selected. Some people just have a better eye for color. I have only been quilting for a few years. Hopefully, eventually I'll get better at it.

Once I have the fabrics picked out, I lay them together and step back and take my glasses off. It's all out of focus then (squinting would probably do the same thing) When I look at them that way, if one of the colours is wrong -- it sticks out like a lightbulb. I go from there.
I learned long ago which stores I could trust the sales people and which stores to avoid. The ones that will admit they don't have the right one are the ones to go to.
The others will try to sell you what they have, whether it's right or not.

When I pick fabrics for a planned quilt. I start with a print that has lots of colors, then pick a light,medium and dark to start with from the colors in the print. Sometimes I will add a medium dark if the quilt seems to need it.
You can see how I did that with this quilt.

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/...45965719HBYRRi

You want good contrast between your fabrics/colors. I can't stand quilts that all blend together, it seems like such a waste
to do all that piecing and not be able to see what you've done.
If its a scrap quilt anything goes! I choose a fabric by how light or dark it is(value) color doesn't matter.

I searched and found this cool link for us

http://www.ehow.com/how_2168524_pick...cs-quilts.html

i just keep buying and hopefully something will match eventually! :lol: :lol:

if I like it I buy it then hopefully I have something in my stash to go with it, if not I keep an eye out for material that is discounted that will go well with it.
i have some beautifull butterfly pannels and i think I have enough to go with it to make a quilt. I just need the time to get to it.

I find the pattern I want to do first and then choose a color pal-latte that suits the pattern for me.

Like a couple of replies above, Pick a focal I like then some with similar colors that are in the original, walk away then come back, and sometimes do with several combos till it just hits right, (or seem to end up w/color overload and picks just end up not right) have put the whole stack back in place if nothing hits, and yes, I always try to put it back where it goes. :)

I usually find a fabric that I absolutely love and then try to pull from my stash.
I agree with the poster who said getting the fabric is so much fun!! :D