if i see a fabric i absolutely love but is expensive i will buy 1 yard...if i have an idea what to do with it i will get 2 or 3 yards...3 if it would be good for a border. once in a while i will buy a charm pack...usually because i have fabrics to go with it but need a little more variety...or it is for applique. i very seldom buy fat quarters...only for gifts, or for applique if i would have no use for yardage in that print. mostly though my purchases are for 2-3 yard cuts unless i just want a piece of that, for no purpose other than liking it.