DeborahLees comment .... when I start a new pattern/project I .... made me think of this ................
When I start a new project, I set all the fabric aside for that project and do not use any of it for anything else, until I know the project is totally done. Not even a smidgeon of it. That way I have no regrets later should I shift gears and want to vary from the pattern a wee bit, extend a border .... or do a coordinating item. Sometimes it's annoying though, as right now I am tempted to dig into some fabric I have in my Basket WIP, but keep saying noooooo!