When I first started sewing/quilting I bought only by the yard. I also shopped at Walmart <gasp>. My logic was that since it wouldn't be my best work, why spend the dollars to get the best fabrics.
Regardless of where you choose to shop, pick your pattern first as the other members are advising. You can get FQs and 2.5" strips out of yardage, but you can't get yardage out of FQs and strips.
One of my favorite strip quilt pattens is called Strip Search by GE Designs. It takes one Balipop, Jellyroll, etc to make a throw size and there are no points or corners to have to match. It is a great quilt for a beginner.
I sometimes feel like I have a hard time picking out matching or coordinating colors so strip sets takes the headache out of picking fabrics. Lots of strip patterns are also quick quilts to assemble.
Welcome to my addiction, lol. Happy Quilting!