You are a lot like me in that I like to work on smaller projects that I can easily quilt by myself with the occasional larger item. I usually do those on the long-arm at the quilt shop. I have three small tubs of fat quarters and 2 3-drawer files of yardage. I, personally, think you need a mixture of the two. Pick what you love and you'll never go wrong. Get plenty of solids in your stash. There are so many wonderful online places to go. Check your LQS for sales on fat quarters. Ours regularly has baskets full for $1.00 each.