I buy fabric online for both. It can be hit and miss, but most shops have a return policy if you haven't washed it yet. And who among us can't find something else to do with it if it isn't quite right for a current project?
If it is too ugly, I can always send it to Patrice for her Ugly Quilt projects! LOL
I have been very satisfied buying from many shops. 5bucksayard.com, fabric.com, kayeengland.com are just a few.
I do wait for the really good deals to come around though! If you sign up for mailing lists or newsletters, you will know before the sales start!