I, too, as a novice quilter have had this problem, just buying a little of something that I liked, with no particular plan for the fabric. What I have found is that when I find a pattern that I would like to stitch, I never have enough of the required fabric amounts of any of the fabrics. What I have learned to do, is if I really like it, I purchase 2 1/2 to 3 yards so that it can be used in a future quilt. (although all of those 1/4 and half yard pieces do work into a scrap quilt today...so all is not lost! I live and learn! Andy