I go to St Vincents. They sell their fabric in clear bags. I stick my fingers in to feel. If there is enough peices I can use I buy it. It usually runs $2 or #3 per bag. I use what I want and I can return the rest back to the store later for someone else.
Last week I hit the jackpot. I got 2 boxes 12x 10x 2" full of cotton 2" squares. Plus a big piece heart fabric and more I will return later. All for $2.19