I never buy less than 2yards of any fabric if it is going in my stash. Most of the quilts I make I use at least 5 different fabrics, so at 2 yards apiece I feel I usually have enough. I very rarely use patterns, I might see a block or something else I like and go from there. I always change things around as I create, It never ends up like I had pictured it would be, it gets better. I am always suprised in the end. If I have small project for guild, I will only buy what fabric I need for said project. Went shopping yesterday, bought about 15 yards of fabric. End of bolt sales. I very rarely pay full price.