I have that same problem. What I've found is after looking at a bunch of quilt patterns, I'm kind of getting a feel for yardages. Go on line and download some patterns (they're all over the place) and look at the requirements for different patterns such as Irish Chain, Double Wedding Ring, Flying Geese, etc. Then when you see a fabric you can't live without you'll have some idea of how much you need and...then add a yard or so!!!